We won't be able to change our kitchen cabinet/backsplash colors for a long time, likely years (I have visions of a gray-and-white kitchen someday), and we just got a new kitchen island that we plan on keeping forever.

The bar stools will live under it to save space, and I don't want them to add to the rest of the wood, metal, black, and gray. Is plain white the way to go? Or a combo of materials or colors? (I also have serveware on display to the left of the image that's a lighter blue, kind of earthy, and white pieces, too.)

We'd prefer cushioned swivel or saddle seats (lots of industrial style already going on elsewhere in the kitchen/dining area), but I'm also interested in padded seats with backs that can still fit underneath. Seat height can't be higher than 25", and back height no more than 32". Thanks for any thoughts you have!