I have been so back and forth with kitchen ideas. We had a plan originally to do alder cabinets in a darker shade with light countertops, but we have 2 toddlers and think alder is to soft and also decided that Alder isn't modern enough looking. I have seen some natural hickory and birch cabinets, shaker style that look more modern. We like the look of a "concrete" countertop without the maintenance issues....hence quartz. Also thinking of a slate and glass mixed backsplash. Would love to see pictures, hear suggestions.....kind of like a rustic/modern vibe. Thanks!