You kitchen may be in a smaller foot print but the room is a decent size. You absolutely can do a darker island or even do all 1/4 sawn bases and white uppers - the wood bases are more durable than paint. I would however keep the countertops the same color.
Once you start working with a designer they can put it in the 3d renderings for you to see....
Good luck!
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Quartzite shelf
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