2 Tone Look - Cherry&Walnut or 2 stains?

[Bob Jones]

I want to start a beddroom funniture project that I saw in Woodsmith magazine. The furniture is a 2 tone look that I want, but they used all cherry (solid & ply) and just stained with 2 different types of stain.

Would it be better to just use walnut for the darker pieces and cherry for the lighter ones? Walnut costs a little more, but there are fewer dark pieces.

If yes, then what is an "easy" finish that I can apply to both? I enjoy building, not staining and finishing. If I could get my wife to do that part I would be set!

Also, I should mention that I want the cherry to be slightly more brown than red. My wife preferres darker pieces.
Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

I happen to love the combinations of walnut and cherry as well as walnut and maple...and would chose them over any kind of "staining" for contrast. Cherry and maple is also a great combination!

I do not use any coloration on cherry...the real deal will turn darker in a reasonable period of time.