Nicely done! You have managed to make this old kitchen workable and much better organized.

I'm still not 100% with you on the stove and fridge practically butted together. Consider a downdraft stove directly across from where the stove is now (on the peninsula) in the future.

Butt it as close as you can.

You want the surface to look contiguous.

I am very impressed with you!! 10" will be a godsend during the refrigerator shuffle! Personally I'm liking the solid core acrylic counters for mid-range kitchens, granite is so overrated. The solid core is the closest one can get to perfect ..if scratches occur can be buffed out.

Lisa I like that option also - Oh and I have seen a smaller boarder with nosing . I am very surprised the solid core is running that much.

I can see flipping that edging onto the wall as a backsplash too. Maybe at 1/2 height then full over the sink and stove.

There are 2 free ones that I use, these are online and pretty robust in terms of interior design.
1. http://home.by.me/en/
2. http://www.homestyler.com/

The library's differ and features differ but the working application is about the same. The learning curve to use these programs is not too high and they have great help files.

If you are looking for something more capable there is Google Sketch-up also free but requires basic acad knowledge.

There is always subway tile available in every shade from black to white and The floor is terrazzo so a nod to the floor in the backsplash since the counter will be black and white tones may be in order. Color is another issue as it leaves you married to that color choice. .

I have selected a few choices that are not grey scale subway tiles and not mosaics which.

Looks like marble? Does it play well with the floor? If it is marble it will be very difficult to care for in the kitchen.

Hmm a slight cream or reddish huh to it would play better I think. http://www.lazygranite.com/mint-brown-granite/

Looks like your kitchen is coming along! I was told over and over again to keep the backsplash simple because I already had a busy floor and counter. Looks like you are in that same boat. I'm going for re-sale though. You might just want to do what you "like" verses what will satisfy the masses. I do agree with Lucidos about the granite tile though.

Lisa I'm hands down going to say I veto that backsplash. It will make the kitchen look busy. I'll mock it up for you give me a bit. Actually, take me a new pic if you would, one that includes the floor your counter and the backsplash and cabinet. Here is that backsplash in action.

Your image was a bit dark. But I enhanced it as best I could. Below are 3 samples for spatial context. I choose the pebble tile only because you are so good at the DiY this is something you can create yourself.

One thought would be to put a faux bread oven door there.

The last clear image I had of the space was this one.

There are 2 colors that are bandied about often here on Houzz Revere Pewter and Accessible Beige.

I can see a pale celery or a latte working too.

Such as Aloof Grey

I wouldn't stagger the counter tile...take a look at this http://www.msikes.com/8172poplargremodel.htm

The backsplash is the one above? I like the bit of plum in there it pulls the color from the drapery.

Mock up

Either black or http://www.everydayenchanting.com/diy-storage-range-hood/ ..you can do it :)

I'm glad you are putting the same tile as a backsplash. The more confusion you add to a design the more chopped it looks. When there is to much movement in the bones of the design you limit your other decor options drastically.

I am not a fan of grey and with the predominate white of the counter against the darker warm toned wood and black appliances the best choice is a warm color even if it is grey. Such as intellectual grey.

Wow that's a huge amount of cutting the sink must have had you cussing!! Looks good though!

So much nicer!! You put in a lot of effort and every inch of it has paid off. I have a suggestion for the stove top. See if there is a local powder coat company that will change the color. It's surprisingly inexpensive to have something powder coated. They can do it in stainless or black or whatever color or finish you want.

Oil down the cabinets with Old English Scratch Cover too.