I agree with SunnyAlberta (I'm in Alberta too, so "Hi, neighbor!" ) I think all things at some point will be dated. I have seen espresso cabinets in showhomes and furniture since at least as early as 2003. I wanted them so badly when we built in 2005 but the cabinet company our builder used did not have them, so in our last build I had to have espresso even though they might be dated at some point. They say most trends in decorating last 10 years but since the general population has only really putting them in the last 5 or so years I think we are safe for a while. Espresso with the trend of glass tile might say 2012 but if you don't combine too many 2012 trends it might not date your kitchen too much. My opinion is do what you like and enjoy if you plan on staying a while. :) I also did very dark almost black espresso in shaker style,we love them!!!

Semi-gloss is an excellent option for people looking for a bit more glow. It looks 'clean' to many people (a lot of people believe shiny = CLEAN). When the floors are missing this glow, people feel upset. They fell their floors are lifeless and dull. And this leads to 'over-cleaning' (people try to achieve the shiny-clean look as often as possible). All of this reduces the life of a floor. And yes, someone's enjoyment of their floor is part of the 'life span'. If you hate your floor you are more likely to refinish it SOONER than is technically necessary. So glad you love your floor. I've always said a medium-dark floor can offer the DRAMA of a dark floor without looking like a black hole. Your floor has visual impact without disturbing your cleaning schedule. That's a win-win to me!

I love subway because it's classic. I will say that because you have a waterfall counter you should be leaning modern on your backsplash, so if you use a rectangular tile (subway comes in a lot of different sizes these days), stack them instead of bricklaying them for a more modern effect. I like the different shapes as well. As a previous commenter said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so you will ultimately have to decide what appeals to you. The backsplash is the least expensive part of a kitchen to replace (next to cabinets and counter), so I don't think it is as high stakes a decision as the other more expensive elements. I know I tend to get more decision paralysis on expensive items, so maybe this will help you. :-) What you have so far looks great. I don't usually like dark cabinets, but they really work in your space.

I’m planning on painting the trim and walls the same white. I loved White Dove inside a business that I visited. I’d only seen in the mornings. This past week, I went in with a western sunset - which the two largest rooms in my house will receive - and it White Dove had a green tint. I have spent numerous hours reading that Chantilly Lace is a neutral white, but I do fear that it will be too stark for the timeless traditional build (not necessarily art & decor) that I want for the home. I picked up the quart of WD & CL and a peel and stick, but the hard wood floors have just been done (yes, before the paint, not my choice but my contractor availability). I’ll pick up Simply White to add to the collection. I’ve used SW Greek Villa & SW Alabaster for a past remodel, but their undertones were too creamy yellow. Thanks for taking time to reply.