@magspag Thanx for the advice. We wanted to save some cost by not replacing the floor tiles, as well as save by retaining the upper cabinet in its current grey shade. Guess we will go for all-black for the cabinets: both below and above the counter; and put in a new counter-top that contrasts--maybe, a light coloured granite or slate. Examples for this color-scheme are in the ideabook

Sorry, but would you really take advice from someone that hasn't seen even off color photos of all the materials you've selected or knows the floor plan of your kitchen. If you post photos of the color and door style of the cabinets and cabinet moldings, a photo or the the name of the coutertop (there are many types and styles of black countertops), the finish and style of the appliances, the flooring you have selected, and the floor plan of your kitchen, maybe you could get sensible advice along of course with a lot of less valuable input. Asking blind strangers to direct you isn't sensible.

A soft, warm grey shade would look lovely, and can be as dark or light as you want. A warmer shade will work with the brown stained wood floor, and the grey will complement the black granite. You could have an undertone of green, blue or tan if you didn't want a pure grey. And it would look nice with any silver metal hardware, either polished or satin/brushed, so you could choose pewter, chrome or nickel. It would still work with white trim too.

Option 4. I would not have more than 2 different cabinet finishes. Darker, grounded look for the base and island, with lighter, airier look for the uppers would balance the room.