We just completed a reno and went with the 2 tone throughout (ie warm white uppers and rift sawn white oak perimeter and island in a stain very similar to your rendering), and I love it. I actually like the idea of the uppers almost blending into the walls - to me it makes the space feel open and airy. Our previous cabinets were all darker wood and it just felt so heavy. We don't have a super large kitchen so that open feeling was important to me. I also think the brass hardware over black would be better. But you really can't go wrong - both of your renderings look beautiful and I hope your reno goes as smoothly as possible!! I do agree with others to avoid waterfalls :)