different knob

another backsplash

Funky color on island! Paint it maybe. Get some cool dishes. Accent in contemporary.

If you want to keep contemporary look, I would not add crown molding. Paint cabinets, add some floating shelves and take new tile back splash up higher, maybe to ceiling. get new stools that are more contemporary and clean line. Also, you need a color palette, bring some of that pretty blue over to the kitchen to tie your rooms together.

Congrats on the new home! I think adding the crown molding is a good idea just make sure that it is not to ornate. Along with the new back splash I would add a couple of pendant lights above your bar, and add more modern knobs. Accessorize. Accessorize, Accessorize!

Good Luck! Matt

For more design inspiration visit my blog: http://mummeinteriors.wordpress.com

Also, by looking at your photos it looks like you should have 4 counter stools. Keep in mind in the future you can always paint your cabinets to give them a more modern appeal.

Matt

I just feel like there is way too much wood going on in that room. When you say you want to contemporize the space I think of sleek clean lines, not of crown moulding. I do think crown moulding would be wonderful though! It would give the cabinetry more substance. Keeping in mind that you like contemporary design, I would add bead board to the back of the island and paint it a beautiful black. Trim the breadboard out and make it really look nice. Then I would add some tile in a long skinny brick laying pattern in shades of grey and black. Take it all the way up around the windows and stop at the new height where the crown moulding will end. Put knobs like the one feature above in the dark bronzed look. Then an industrial stool made of metal and wood like Restoration Hardware Vintage Teledo Dining stool. I think that way you could keep your cabinets wood and have a really cool kitchen. Can't wait to see what you do. Cheers!

Here are some pics from Houzz....

I have the exact style of cabinetry in my home. 7 years ago I wanted to make them more contemporary. I stained them black and and changed the hardware. I still love them today.

Thanks everyone. I guess I may not want it to be super contemporary but to blend with my decorating style. I like the idea of bringing the tile to the ceiling, adding breadboard to the island and getting new stools for the island. The crown molding is a must for me so I will be doing that also. I'm weary about putting grey tile since the granite is Venetian gold any thoughts?

I think the black/ grey tile would look fabulous with the granite. It has dark grey or black shades it, yes? If you paint your island a black, it would both unify and make the space more contempory.

I know grey is really in right now but have worked in two kitchens with grey counters and grey floors with oak. Unless you kitchen is sun drenched or you have low electric bills and can run lights all day - rethink grey. I think it lacks freshness because the yellowed oak doesn't door grey justice. I would lean more towards copper and black. Edgey knobs similar to ones shown. I like Keenan and Mac's ideas for you. If you have a warm color you like that works with your oak and your granite, think about working that into your decor here. Good stools are a must for people who like to keep the chef company. :=)

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You have a great kitchen space. I think the crown molding will help but you may need to do something with the cabinets for a contemporary feel. The suggestions from Jeanette Mac are good.

Consider glass tile for an updated backsplash that isn't super contemporary. I would use a rich warm color to add depth to your kitchen. It would break up the medium tones and tie together your dark wood furniture while highlighting the darker speckles in your counters. The first image combines the warm honey colors of the wood already in your kitchen with a richer chocolate brown. The second image is a deeper burgundy brown that is simple and fairly neutral but will add a lot of depth. The third is another option if you are feeling bold and more contemporary. It's still simple without a lot of movement, but the red would be a very nice accent color and would modernize your kitchen. When I chose these I looked at images of Venetian Gold and picked them specifically to complement that surface, so they will all look beautiful! We can also help you customize a design!

Congrats on the new house, lots of great ideas for you from houzzers !!
Love the idea of glass tiles, 2 other thoughts, paint the island black and the upper cabinets. You could also replace a couple of the doors with glass for a striking look, undercabinet lights and great dishes will set the room off. good luck.

The cabinets show way too much grain for me but I feel stupid replacing brand new cabinets. Hubby isn't going to let me paint them however I probably can update the island without too much fuss. Would it look crazy to have the island antique white in entirety with oil rubbed bronze knob throughout entire kitchen and a subtle grey backsplash?

One of the pictures I added has the White Island with wood cabinets else where. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how that will transform your kitchen fairly inexpensively. Having the bronzed hardware on both the cabinets and island will bring it all together. The grey backsplash will mimick the stainless steel appliances. I think it would be beautiful!

A friend of mine had her house featured on House and Home and she used stainless steel tiles for her back splash. It is so cool. Here are a few pics from Houzz of that tile. Enjoy!

Leave your cabinets if you like them and paint the wood on the island. I think you have a lovely Kitchen and with just some small changes, and looking at a lot of pictures of kitchens with island you will have what you want in no time.