Are you continuing your tiled backsplash all the way up to the underside of the upper cabinets? Maybe you took the photo "in progress"?

I think if you keep the walls neutral, toning into the tile and granite as per the photo of the paint deck, you'd be doing the right thing. To add a definite colour to the wall, you'd be drawing attention to the walls too much. Your eye would go to the area that is supposed to be softly surrounding what's really important--the rest of the kitchen!

Definitely consider adding colours with accessories, and you'll enjoy the versatility of this colour palette for years to come. Beautiful kitchen! I think beautiful custom roman blinds would be a nice way to add character here. Mount them starting at the ceiling so even when they're up, there will be some of the fabric/pattern to see... I'll add a photo or two to show you examples.

Cynthia, thanks so much for your insight on the color on the walls... I was really thinking I needed to do something different here, but your point about it distracting from the rest of the kitchen is a good one.

There will be a small hood where the tile backsplash does not continue up the wall.

Great idea on the roman shades, had not thought about that.

What color accents would you suggest either for the shades or other accessories. Thanks.

You've very welcome! I'd look at adding pale blue and fiery orange, if those would be ok with the rest of your house. If you could find a print with those colours in it, along with a bit of black and/or silver grey, that would make a gorgeous roman fabric too.

Unfortunately I can't direct you where to find such a fabric. I am fortunate I have access to a Trade Only showroom here in Burlington, Ontario which is the largest of its kind in North America, I understand, with the largest selection of fabric sample books and hanging samples in Canada. When I'm selecting fabric for a client, I have literally hundreds of thousands of sample at my fingertips. I also attend weekly seminars where the fabric company reps present their newest designs so I always have lots of wonderful fabrics spinning around in my mind!

If you wanted me to make a selection of possible swatches for you, I could charge you a consultation fee plus postage and put some great options into your hands. If you are interested, email me privately at ctaylorluce@cogeco.ca.