Well I have you beat, I'm still trying to decide what I want in the way of kitchen counters - and it's going on 11 years now. We were going to have granite installed but there was so much commercial building going on at the time that none of the granite installers had time or interest to do kitchens; everyone told us to come back in a year. Well it's 11 years now and I still have the laminate countertops; I needed to have something. I still don't know what I want to do so I'm still waiting till it bops me in the head. I keep looking at granite, quartz, slate and corian: none of them are telling me that they are "it". It's not the money because I can afford it and every once and a while I lurk over at the kitchen forum looking for inspiration - and of course I checked out Oceanna's gallery posting. Nope, none so I go on waiting. I can't put in a backsplash until the counter tops are determined. OTOH, I am mildly happy with the laminate counters - not thrilled or enthralled or excited, but I'm okay with them. There are so many other elements in my kitchen that I love so I don't focus on the counters that are just okay.

I don't know what to suggest. Your kitchen doesn't sound incomplete; it sounds like it's missing another wow factor and you haven't found it. I think between the granite counters and the backsplash you do have WOW. You can do like I have done and just live with it and enjoy what you have or get something to make do. I suspect the making do is what I have with the laminate counters - it acts as a block to move on and make a decision. I don't know, it's so hard to be so close to the end and not be able to reach it. I feel your pain. LOL

Sky

I have the opposite problem but the results are the same. I see a LOT that I like, and can't decide. Sometimes you just have to go with something. If you walk through a fabric store does nothing turn you on? A good fabric is a super inspiration point. But maybe you have a plate, or a pillow, or a painting, or something else around the house you love and could go from there?

Sky, I have laminate counter tops and they're fine with me. As long as I don't set a hot pot on them they're sooo easy keep - just sponge them off and don't worry about a thing. I don't think I'd want something I had to baby. I replaced my laminate in my last house because the kids set something hot on it and burned a big ol' black hole in it. I used ceramic floor tiles and edged it in oak since there were no bullnose matching. It looked good but then I had to babysit all that grout and the oak. I'm fairly happy to be back to laminate, even though that makes me "not up with the times."

piper1: I'd have to see your kitchen to make a more concrete suggestion, but it sounds like you've had enough of suggestions and nothing is really grabbing you. I would think if your cabinets, counters and backsplash are done you've already come up with a color scheme of sorts and you really should paint. I'd stay away from any stencils on the walls--after all the eye needs a place to rest! A WT unless it's needed for privacy or light control can wait. Perhaps you have lost your steam from too much remodeling and now that you are taking a break, lack the enthusiasm to finish it?

WTs, particularly in a kitchen, are one of the easiest things to change so don't worry so much about getting the exact look. Put something that excites you in the morning and makes you smile--then if you get bored change it out in a few years.

The kitchen forum has put together something called the "sweeby test" written by one of the forum members for when you are in a design rut. I've not taken it, but several there swear by it.

Seriously, Honestly?

I go to the Gallery and spend hours and hours going over all the latest pictures that Oceanna posted.

Today, a little over 3 hours at the Gallery (Gee, thanks Oceanna! *wink*).
Got nothing, zippo, nada done.

Way too many ideas doing Funny Car crashes in my grey matter for me to make a firm decision on my projects so might as well go look-see everyone elses projects.

Actually, truth be told there is no name for my 'style'.
Believe me, I've searched.
No way to describe it online so that I can get a decent search going.
Because there is no name for my style, I come to a point where I get stuck ----- (the fact that my ideas have to be done on a miniscule budget makes it all that more difficult.)

Kitchen not finished --- going on 15 months.

Backyard/Garden Decor not done --- going on 7 months.

Family Room not done --- going on 20 months.

Sunroom not done --- going on 28 months.

Master Bedroom not done -- going on 9 months.
(Won't count the Master bath because in all fairness, we just started it. But I'm sure I'll come to a grinding halt there, too.)

Why?
Because I'm stuck, can't make a decision and stick to it because I can't find ideas for what I see in my mind's eye.

I know there's got to be inspiration out there for what I'm trying to create but so far, haven't found it.

I get ideas, tips and opinions from all the talented folks here and put them into play and all starts looking good but to head to the finish line? Nope. Isn't happening.

So, I go to all the neato new photos on the Gallery side, thanks to Oceanna, kill a ton of time and not get a thing accomplished.
Then I feel guilty for not accomplishing anything and I start the whole process over again.

Amity,
who is heading over to the gallery, again. lol

If it were me, I don't think I would go with the cutesy bird/bumble bee thing because I think it would tire quickly.

If you are really stuck, I would post some really good pics and see if anyone here who loves to shop (isn't that about all of us?) can come up with some options for you to consider. Perhaps a GWer can dig up something you haven't seen yet or suggest a direction for you.

I get stuck too -- not just about decorating ideas either! Last Dec. I almost drove myself (and husband) crazy as I surveyed, researched and studied every single Flat-panel TV within the 40-46 in range. In the end I just picked one...and it's gorgeous. Same thing with the down-alternative comforter I wanted...I just ordered it, after a year of shopping.

When we built this house 27 years ago I picked out wallpaper, carpet, flooring without batting an eye, now things have changed. There are too many choices!

I would just paint and let things ride, at least that way it will look finished. And I bet you will like it too. There's something to be said for just DOING IT. That way you get a feeling of closure and you can get inspired to start something else! : )
Susan