Nice work re:house, nice depth & reflexivity -
and it saves the trouble of installing an aquarium somewhere in the house!

I'd keep the back splash classic...none of the fad stuff you'll be ripping it off in 5 yrs...Nice remodel!

Here are some ideas other have used in their spaces........Two are tile ideas, one is a stencil the third is two different tiles and a double crown molding.....I hope this helps inspire you :-)

gorgeous backsplash - worth worrying about the "fad"aspect; LOVE the remodel

I like the "before"! Just painting the cabinets and adding a fabulous backsplah would make a huge diference!

I agree with Annalee... You have chosen a classic pallete, I would hold to it. There are lots of stone tiles that could be used. Maybe a honed and filled travertine in a 3x6 or, even better, a 2x8, if you can find it.

You did a great job so far!

Beautiful job!

I would change the island color! And do a glass tile backsplash! R u planing on changing wall color? I would paint it sage :)

Query: Why not take the cabinets to the ceiling?

That chevron marble brick pattern is gorgeous.

Great kitchen redesign! I tend to agree with some of the earlier comments and would change the wooden panelling on the island. Paint it to match the cupboards and you've got yourself a designer kitchen!

As for the splash back- although I can't see the original tiles too well (from before the redesign), I think you could repurpose them in this kitchen. They seem like the perfect match for your new colour palette. Plus you'd be saving a few dollars in the process. Just a thought :)

Gorgeous kitchen but the fridge is so far from the sink and stove . . .

Nicely done!! Stay with a creamy beige color on the backslash. NO green paint. You will tire of it easily. Agree with painting island the color of the appliances. I noticed on can light and just the two pendants. Does that give you enough light?

Beautiful kitchen. I appreciate the tasteful combination of painted white (looks like Medallion Divinity or White Icing) with the cherry island. Is that a pillowed miter cherry door?

jswopenyc, 39 " and 42" cabinets are much more expensive that 36" cabinets, they can add 25% - 50% (or more to the cost of cabinets; where as the double crown molding can be added for considerably less. Plus they give a custom look!

Beautiful kitchen......but I would fit top fillers en fitted decorative cornicing to the top.

Actually the layout and cabinet arrangement is much better, and it was a good kitchen to start with.

Seriously needs some color. Paint that island a color NOT in the tan/brown/beige family. I can't tell if there is already a back-splash, but if there is not, go with some color there instead, such as a glass blue tile. White is such a great background for color. Don't be afraid of color. Color is fun! Neutral is boring.

I love the layout! Much improved and updated. I would do a backsplash with texture and or color to break up the white. This is a great way to personalize the kitchen--and cheap to change--GO CRAZY

I love kitchen islands too, but I see myself having to maneuver around that darn island for every item or rinse I'd need as I cooked. In this case, I think I like the old layout better. New color scheme is pretty, though!

Backsplash idea: 3x6 subway tile, grey grout. Classic. Maybe some kind of decorative tile piece behind the stovetop?

@jswopenyc - We didn't go to the top of the ceiling with the cabinets because our exhaust fan under the hood has a carbon filter to recirculate. It recirculates out of the top of the cabinets. Also.. I have relatives that did cabinets to the ceiling and they had a lot of issues with humidity/ expansion & contracting of the wood (gaps in cabinets to ceiling).

@Debra Utt-Johnson - We also installed under cabinet lights & the eat-in kitchen next to it has a hanging chandelier. So, fortunately..its enough light! SOO glad we could get rid of the ceiling fan!

@Joy Schmelzer - Yes it is a pillowed miter cherry door! Also, medallion Divinity. You nailed it!

I'd go with a tumbled tile with accent, lots out there. This is what I did in mine

Looking at your before pic, I see you already had something similar!

Pick up the darker color in the counter tops...maybe a med-dark grey/black in granite or another stone hard finish. Consider using a matte finish to contrast & soften.

Nothing wrong with the original kitchen. Americans want too much.

I actually like the "before" better...lol

Dont like the new.It needs a lot more color kind of boring.

Love, love, love the new kitchen. Just beautiful! Keep it simple on the backsplash so as not to distract from the effect of the room as a whole.

I would use a large field tile, about 12 X 24, and put a line of stainless steel pencil tile above & below a 1 inch square (4 tiles high) in some colors you like! I used a shimmery 1 inch tile, in shades from whites to blacks, for that accent band. I loved it.

for my field tile, I used a very simple tile that looked like it had been "brushed." I'm sure there's a better term, but I don't know it. I wanted lots of light in my backsplash to contrast with my dark cabinets. I think I'd go with a grayer look for the field tile in your kitchen, IMHO. Also, I like the dark island... the kitchen has enough white to be able to take a contrast in the island.

I'd prefer the old design but with the new cabinets

The new floor is so dark; it draws the eye downward. I would put some hardy, bright-colored runners on the floor to brighten up the kitchen and give it a little pizzazz.

I'd like to see a practical back splash with no texture or grout. Something that is simple to wipe clean and looks good. I use my kitchen A LOT and would like an easy fast wipe down clean up. I need to clean my kitchen at least 3x a day.

You could make it with an arch like your range hood.

I just realized i forgot to post the painted backsplashes....lol

I think it looks great just as it is- hope you are enjoying your new kitchen!

beautiful transformation!!!:)

The new kitchen looks great! I would keep it neutral!

Hi---looks Beautiful! I suggest a glass backsplash or beveled ceramic- (2-3 shades darker than cabs), as dimension and depth are essential to balance the wood floor and dark island. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
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Love my stainless subway tiles!

I kinda like the old kitchen better. Painting the cabinets and changing knobs, wall paint and tilewould have done wonders!

Your kitchen is much like my new one...especially the colour of the countertops. And...I am agonizing over which backsplash material to use...I like the idea of staying classic to avoid the trendy issue...subway tiles are economical but I see them everywhere and am tired of them...back painted glass would be nice I that it is easy to clean but since I am doing a diy I am not sure how to go about it...guess I would need to Google that...The one I am leaning towards is a creamy matt travertine look with the smallish 1 X 2 subway tile on a mesh so ti is easy to install. I don't have a feature like you do but on yours I would use my tiles but do a square above your stove top. .. use the same tiles or similar in a herring bone pattern surrounded by listello. Classic but effective...Cheers on your reno :)

ours looks similar to Connie's
I woul go a teal/ lightblue /light green glass tile

http://tileshop.scene7.com/is/image/TileShop/ML_Bathroom_010?$Pin_Gallery_Large$
http://tileshop.scene7.com/is/image/TileShop/ML_Bathroom_011?$Pin_Gallery_Large$

To "Land of Pillows," Yes! they do have a very similar look! I went for gray accents on my backsplash, though, as my granite has very little brown in it, more blacks and grays in the veins. I have moved to a different home since i redid that kitchen, but I really miss it!

Nicely done with the before and after!