Since you have stainless appliances, why not go with a stainless backsplash too? [houzz=]

This plus white cabinets and a darker countertop would be great.

The stove hood with chimney really is a wow factor; we did that! I would also get newer looking cabinet pulls. I like stained wooden cabinets b/c they dont require as much upkeep. Painted ones will eventually need painting and there is just so much upkeep with a house anyway!. Granite just makes a kitchen look soo amazing and so many choices. I would look around and get more than one estimate. Be sure to bring a sample home and look at it b/c everything looks different underr different lighting. The other thing if it is not a granite that you have seen commonly you want to make sure it is durable- I had a sample of one start crumbling in my hand when I brought it home (very unsual).
Sometimes it is best to choose backsplash after granite.

If you do paint the cabinets white and have drywall nearby, I would paint the walls chocolate or a medium blue. Darker paint really make white cabinets stand out!! I did that when we were selling a house with white and it looked amazing!

Consider a trash compactor if you have room. They last for yrs and are so much nicier than dealing with a can. You dont have to use trash compactor bags; we always use plastic garbage bags.

Have fun.