Your backsplash can't be a strong feature in this room since there's hardly any space for it and you have lots of stuff on the counter. I'd recommend a simple tile that would be easy to wipe off. Maybe something slightly lighter than your countertops. See if you can bring home a few different ones to audition in your kitchen. Step back and see if they blend in, rather than jump out.

Thank you!

Since your cabinets and floor are fairly light in color I would use a taupe glass tile. It would make the cabinets pop and you can bring in either some color in the paint or use the greyish/taupe color on the walls to compliment...just a thought

Thank you both for your feedback What do you think of this backsplash?

I know this might seem risky, but paint your cabinets! Paint them a beautiful white like Snow White by Benjamin Moore. The link is right here: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/snowwhite. It could be really pretty! As you see in the first picture below, it looks incredible! And then you could basically paint the walls any color! (But I would prefer painting the walls the same color as the cabinets.) As for the back-splash, Why not white subway tile? It looks very sleek and professional!

Debbie, it sounds as if you are looking for some quick fixes as you are not enthralled with the current kitchen. A new backsplash tile would help but not the one you posted. It will be too dark and muddy in your kitchen. I would go with something a little lighter like a white, black grey, metallic mosaic. Leave the cabinets alone unless you feel ambitious enough to paint them and they should be sprayed for a professional look. The biggest improvement you could make is better lighting.

I like white cabinets but am afraid of tackling that job ourselves. Thank you all for the feedback it's very helpful. We are going to get some paint samples and check out some tiles tomorrow :) I think you are right the dark tile may be too dark Urbanata

I'd make sure your cabinets can be painted as well. I can't tell if they are wood or veneer. It's very difficult to get primer and paint to still to veneer.

Debbie, I love your cabinets, and the photo of the backsplash that you posted. I'd paint the walls light gray. It would go well with the stainless appliances and your countertop. I love gray walls with the wam tones of the wood in your cabinets. Good luck making it something YOU love!

Thank you kpappal :) I'm a big fan of gray so I will definitely be getting some gray paint samples today :)

The gap between the crown molding and the ceiling is awkward. I would have that filled in with more crown molding in layers so that it meets the ceiling. It can look like a brand new kitchen by adding more crown molding. It does not need to be the same color as your cabinets, you can add a darker shade in molding to give it a new look.

Look at this crown molding, you can do the same in colors that would compliment your kitchen.

I love that njmomma!

Any thoughts on this?

I would pick out the lightest colors in the granite and match that, this will be very dark.

Debbie H. I like the mosaic you are thinking about. Adds a pop to the room.

Thanks!

I would also get rid of the gap between ceiling and cabinet tops. White or cream ( match with your floor ) crown moulding will do the trick. A lick of pale grey paint on walls and ceiling and voila ! Replace a couple of the top cupboard doors with glass ones to lighten everything up. Personally I would pick a metallic mosaic for the backsplash.

If you have a low budget and like gray, I will go with a muted bluish gray. if you have more budget go with a mosaic or thin rectangular glass tile in shades of bluish gray/light beige. See my attachment for the type of tile I am referring to.

Something like that maybe ? Or in a skinny pencil tile version ? It would go so well with your ss and black appliances ! Plus a little sparkle is always so lively ! Easy to clean too !

I like Lisa's choice of tiles too but white grout in a kitchen is a mortal sin ! Even if it's sealed !

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I really like that evalutz!

You could always replace the fronts with metal inlays on a few of the cabinet doors to freshen it up. Go to www.mcnichols.com and search our Perforated Metal or Wire Mesh inventories for options. Good luck!

Hi Debbie, I agree with many of the comments of going with a grey colour for your paint. A warm taupe or Greige would work well too. Jane Lockhart (designer) who is also on Houzz works with a lot of great shades of taupe - you could check out her work. I believe she may even reference some of the colours she uses. You will see from her work that the right shade of taupe is quite neutral and NOT pink as someone mentioned above.

As for your backsplash, a glass subway tile would look nice. I would be inclined to choose a lighter colour as in your tile floor or the colour of the light fleck in your granite.

Good luck Debbie, and post some "after" photos.

Thanks for all of the great tips zenhome

Lots of grey colours can have a pink undertone too. Check greys and taupes against a white paper for a better feel for the undertone. Not sure if the wood you have is yellows or pinky undertone or ???? You should take that into consideration too as wrong tones can make you hate your whole redo. I would talk to a colour professional or a designer for colours. Not sure how much that costs but I do know some paint stores provide this for a fee.
Also all those little tiles and glass tiles will get outdated and then one is stuck with something that screams 2010's. just think of tiles from 1980's and 1990's one would have to wait for about 40 years to have them become vintage tiles. So if you plan to stay for a few years I'd go with the simpler the better to not become dated so quickly. Or if you are there 40 years you can be a senior hipster.

Grey can be warm or cool,. Undertones of green, blue or reddish purple - but not pink!

Subway tiles play with the color available