Just to clarify, you have presented 3 versions. I believe the consensus is the original version with the wood grain ( linen grain) cabinetry works the best and is most updated. The only thing that is out of place are the cabinets or "shelves" on both sides of the range hood. If this is what you need to find a solution too. I would suggest only experimenting with rendering options for these two cabinets( or shelves). This cabinet ties in all the other hard surfaces. The white is not working. It just adds another element. The black is a little dated.

Hi Ni, I just thought of something....did you say you planned to do the stencil motifs on the window wall? If so, I am thinking they will be mostly hidden by the curtains. I wonder if it might be better to stencil the long wall that is on the right side of the room when looking toward the window. I could see this being a pretty backdrop to the prayer box (I think that’s what you called it?) and your wood cuttings. Then maybe the opposite wall (the one with the kitchen doorway) could hold a large piece of art?

I think the marble naysayers have jumped on the bandwagon without really living with the stone. I have statuary in my bathrooms and love it. Most stains can be removed with a simple baking soda and water poultice. Acid etching is harder to deal with since it removes the polished surface, but its part of having a living stone in your home. If it becomes too bad, you can have it repolished. With a darker stone, you won't have as many issues as a white marble. In order to really know if you can live with it, I suggest you get a small sample of the stone and do some tests. Here is an example. http://www.dohiy.com/2013/04/21/marble-countertops-the-post-acid-test/ Please note that she used bleach and oxyclean to clean the stone after her test. Stay away from both since they can etch the stone just as much as an acidic food. Instead, clean with a ph neutral cleaner like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and for heavy stains, the baking soda poultice mentioned above. You have to remember that marble has been used for centuries as flooring, table tops, countertops, etc. throughout the world and most of these installations are still here and aren't stained and etched to the point that it has been ripped out and replaced. Just think about all of he luxury hotels in Europe and how many times they have been exposed to Hangover type guests without any damage.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. I have white flat front cabinets with white counter and marble backsplash and I think it would look equally as good with a grey counter. Actually the one good thing about using grey over white is that you don't have to worry that the whites will be off in tone (my counter is warmer than my cabinets - not so much that it bothers me, but I can tell).