I have two questions I need help with regarding my kitchen remodel. First, some basics--we have selected white Merillat Classic cabinets in LaBelle style (pretty simple and traditional). Our backsplash is a Walker Zanger tile called Tuileries Arabesque in blue (the photo shows three colors but we're only using the blue).
We are having trouble figuring out what kind of counter top to use. Initially we thought granite but I'm really not seeing any granites I like that would work in the space. I'm pretty sure I would like a lighter color as well. I'm starting to look at some Cambria quartz options but I'm wondering if anyone else has thoughts?
Second question--we have a range and a wall mounted chimney hood and we couldn't really afford to have a "finish piece" of cabinetry to bridge the two wall cabinets on either side of the hood. Our initial thought was to bring the backsplash tile all the way up to the ceiling but our contractor has planted a seed of doubt in my mind because he thinks our tile is "too busy". Help?? Sorry for all the detail but hopefully it's helpful. Thanks!