The kitchen itself is tiny (10x6), but in an open floor plan connected to a nook and family room. I find it functional and chose not to change the cabs because they are in good shape, just orangey maple. Here is what it looks like with the new river white granite (love!), silgranite metallic grey sink (double love) and new oven and cooktop. The horrible OTR micro and cabinet above is being replaced by a SS chimney style vent hood (in transit). Floors will be medium cherry wood (not reddish in tone). Here is a pic looking into kitchen from the nook. My apologies for the poor photo quality and state of dissaray:

A close up of the river white:

I would like to have a grey kitchen, and am considering painting the uppers lighter than the lower bank. I am not terribly concerned about darkening the kitchen as it gets a lot of light from upper rectory windows and the adjoining rooms, but I do want to avoid a cave effect. I painted 3 large swatches of board with BM whites, but the effect was stark next to the wall color in the space (BM HC-23). So, I'm thinking about this combo:BM revere pewter or sea pearl uppers, and Chelsea grey lowers. I like this true white, plain subway tile, but could be persuaded otherwise:)

Am I going too contrasty/dark? Are there other greys that might look nicer and still coordinate with the current room color? I realize that I will need to see the colors in my space, but would like to at least narrow the choices down before spending $$$ on paint.

Thanks in advance for any input or ideas you might have!

Yorkshire Tan HC23

Revere Pewter

Chelsea Gray

Your choice of white subway tile is classic and simple. As an alternative I'd choose glass subway or mosaic tile that evokes the color of South Sea Pearl, something like this glass mosaic below.

Here's how it all looks together with your granite. I hope you enjoy your new space!

I've now turned my cabinet project over to a cabinet maker, who will be sending me samples of custom stain mixes.

I love your kitchen and the display area above them. On my monitor your cabinets are a beautiful shade.

I am in the middle of painting my kitchen in similar colors, but I chose to make only one section of cabinets that stand alone SW Gauntlet Gray. The rest of the cabinets and the walls are SW Dover White, and the counters are absolute black granite. The gray/white combination works really well with hardwood floors.

Here is an "in progress" picture---I am doing all the work myself, so it does take a long time to complete.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/paulaandgene/kitchen repaint ed cream and gray/2012-09-08004640x480.jpg

I'm wondering if your lower cabinets painted in a rich bordeaux color (burgundy with hint of chocolate undertones), with lighter Revere Pewter for the uppers might be elegant together with the pearl glass BS. Regrettably, I can't do color boards but perhaps Eam44 or other could put one up.

Wonderful kitchen-love the Silgranite metallic gray sink and SS appliances.

EAM, I love the color boards you do for people. Really helps me visualize the final look. Funny you should suggest glass tile for the bs--that was my initial idea, but I haven't found one that doesn't pull green in my kitchen. Even the Yorkshire tan wall paint looks greener than it does here.

I like your idea of incorporating the burgundy, SparklingWater. I was thinking of putting a burgundy pendant or two above the peninsula. Hadn't even thought of using it on the cabs! Hmmmm, more to think about.

Looking forward to seeing your cabs when you are finished pinkpaula. I am DIY'ing too!

Thanks again for taking the time to hold my hand through this:) I'll be sure to post progress (and hopefully soon, finished) pics.