Hi ca mom,

I'm not sure my situation will help you much, but I'm happy to post pics... I have natural red oak floors, American Cherry cabinets in the kitchen and painted Dove White cabinets in the pantry/bar, Carrara perimeters and American Cherry (Waterlox'd) island top and pantry/bar top.

I, too was worried about having too many different wood species. We'd originally debated a bunch of different species for the island top, but in the end decided to stick with the same species as the cabinets, since the oak floors were already right there and we were worried that adding another color and grain pattern into the mix would just be too much. In the end we really like it. The island top is different enough from the cabinets, in it's heft and slightly different sheen of finish, that it doesn't read as a huge monolithic block like weer were worried it might. People always comment on how much they love it when they walk in.

Here are some (old) pics. These are pre-trim and pre-backsplash and the pantry isn't grouted yet nor the desk drawers installed. I'm sorry I have been posting the same old pics for over a year now... We're waiting for a few cabinets to be fixed by the cabinetmaker, and I PROMISE that I'll take new pics after that's finally complete.

Huge help...Thanks!

You're right. The cabs and top are distinct. The Amer cherry is lovely. I really appreciate you posting. Your Carrara is beautiful...looks whiter than many I've seen.

Off to ponder more and make tea in the garage...