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A Kitchen That Works LLC A rustic cherry or rustic alder would suit the setting. As for the color, something in the red tones to standout from the walnut. You could consider black painted cabs for the island or a deep mocha if complimentary to the flooring.

tkv64 Thanks... I'll have to try and find some pictures of the rustic cherry and alder. In your experience, that the rustic and distressed wouldn't be "too" much? We're going for mountain contemporary, but I like the idea of the reds popping against the dark... and the deep mocha on the island might be really pretty! Thanks for the advice--

A Kitchen That Works LLC Rustic typically means that the wood as knots. You can add distressing but it would look lovely without it.

tkv64 I just found two that I really liked and no, it isn't too much distressing. One was an Amish cherry custom cabinet... hadn't really thought about a cabinet that looked so different/unique--- The other was an Alder, which was more traditional (in it's own way) and I like them too. Thanks so much for your thoughts- I feel like I'm heading down the right path now!

tkv64 Here's the link for the Amish... not sure it's mountainy, but I like it... just a different look than I had envisioned:

A Kitchen That Works LLC These look very nice and stylistically appropriate. The fact that you like them is what is really important in this decision.

tkv64 My friend (in Bellingham) says they'll be too dark against the dark, distressed walnut floors. What are your thoughts? I'm assuming we can always go lighter, but would like to hear from a professional... Everything she's ever done in the two homes she;s built, and one complete remodel, I've loved. So, I assume she's probably right...

A Kitchen That Works LLC Your best strategy is to order a door sample (a small monetary investment for the assurance that you will like the end product) and a floor sample and if at all possible view the two together in the space where they will be installed (you want to get the affects of the light in the space on the decision) .
For long-term planning purposes, remember that what may be dark/light to one is not to another, rely on your own gut intuition rather than advice of others who may not have seen the space or the materials you are considering. If you feel like you would benefit from a second opinion, consider hiring a professional designer on an hourly basis.

Kitchen & Bath Design Service What about stained gray cabinets? Are there any gray tones in the walnut floors? I always pay attention to the tones in wood flooring, grey, yellow, red, sometimes even a purple cast. Whatever the tone of the wood, that is your contrast. If you're worried about things being to dark, just lighten the top and wall color. It will look great!

tkv64 That's a good idea ... lighter counter tops. We're actually building so can't see what it looks like in that space, in advance. I'm in the beginning stages of putting things together... we don't break ground until March, but I keep hearing that as much as I can decide upon early, will help. Thanks for your advice