Sounds good to me...You really have only 1 material per element, except the backsplash.

I have

-4 colors of cabinets (Fir + 3 painted colors)
-3 counter materials (stainless by stove, laminate on rest of perimeter, wood topped island)
-2 patterns/color combos of mosaic backsplash
-Stone pieces behind the rangetop
-white cast iron sinks
-2 types of metal on about 7 styles of knobs and pulls
-Marmoleum floor in gray with cream random tiles thrown in

So your combo sounds pretty simple to me! :-) And actually, I think they all sound like the suit the same warm, rustic or bistro feel. The right combo of tin and stone will be crucial, and what will make the whole room fabulous and unique. I think you have a good sense for your vision. Best wishes and I can't wait to see it.

Every time I've seen or even followed through on an idea that seems to be outside of the box, it turned out wonderfully. Most people get "stuck" when trying to figure these things out, in contrast, your imagination is alive and kicking, take advantage of it! I'd go for it and not look back.

I have a mixed up kitchen so I don't think it's too many materials, but I don't like what I am picturing on the range wall. You had me through the tin, but I don't think I'd want brick or stone on the wall where I am working. More the mess factor than another material issue.

It depends on the look you are going for: rhome410s multiple surfaces look great because it was all carefully planned to have a more unfitted look. Many finishes can look great if it looks "accumulated", one too many finishes can stand out and look random if it doesn't contribute somehow to the whole look.

If you are going to do stone the one thing that is important in my opinion is that it starts and stops the way stone would if it were part of the construction that was exposed, not just a random "stripe".

If you do a copper sink have you considered the pressed backsplash in a copper finish?

Another word about stone behind the stove...I have slate which is uneven and fairly porous. (It's strange that I chose it, usually having 'easy clean' at the top of my list.) I sealed it twice and it doesn't seem to be a problem to wipe off. However, I think there is one thing that really helps: We brought the cabinets on that wall out 3", so we have a deeper-than-standard counter. We put a 3" stainless-wrapped filler behind the rangetop to bump it out the same amount as the rest of the run. I think this 3" space makes quite a difference in reducing the amount of splashes that make it to the stone. It doesn't seem like it would, but I just don't ever get much on the backsplash there, as I always have in previous kitchens. It's certainly not that I cook less or more neatly!

I don't get a sense of unfitted type of style in your case, with only the backsplash being a mix of materials. If you could use 3D software or draw out a plan, it might help you and others visualize what you have in mind. Not necessarily for this thread, but before you get committed by buying the materials so you can be more sure it'll look as you imagine.

Thanks everyone for the fantastic suggestions. And, I now have more info to prove to my hubby that it willall work out well. We're good planners, so everything will be planned together.
The mess factor is certainly a big concern with the stone. BUT, I'm sure with a good sealant it should be fine. We're going to the granite/stone place next week so we will consult with the pros.

rhome410 - great suggestions about moving the cabinets out 3". Do you have pictures? Please, please, pretty please.

I don't have 3D software (anyone know if I can get it free somewhere?) and my plan drawings are horrific. I'm limited by my imagination.

Hmmm...I'm going to keep working on this plan. ANy more feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Here are a couple photos so you can see the section we added behind the rangetop (first one is before we grouted the slate), and then one just so you can get an idea of how the whole counter looks:

We have brick on an entire wall incl behind the range. I'm embarrassed to say I haven't cleaned it yet (we've been done since January). I just think it hides everything. I didn't seal it, mainly because I don't know that much about sealer and didn't want to bother with maintenance or perhaps giving it a fake or shiny look. BUT I want it to look old and exposed but then again I'm a beginner cook so maybe I just haven't had a lot of heavy duty mess happening. But I love my brick. I agree that I would only do it in an area where you might have actually exposed it - rather than a strip between uppers and lowers

I can't copy and paste now (I'm on an iPhone) but I believe my link is in the gallery section if you want to see pictures

Melinda,

I don't think it is too many elements at all. All your choices sound so warm and homey to me. I can't wait to see it all done :)!

P.S. Zamco came by yesterday and will be giving us a quote on bumping out our kitchen about 2 feet.

I don't think it's too busy, but like others have said you have to be careful for the concept to workout visually.

I have four cabinet materials (stained and three painted), three countertops (granite and two woods), stone flooring, cedar coffered ceiling, copper hood, ORB faucet, fireclay sink, copper faucet and three different pulls. Oh, forgot tile behind range w/large iron medallion, copper back on hutch and T&G back on another hutch.

Here is a link that might be useful: My kitchen

My kitchen has a lot of different materials as well, and sounds similar to what you're considering. I have a copper backsplash behind the rangetop, but tumbled marble for the rest of the backsplash. The hood is also copper.

Appliances are stainless. Cabinet pulls are like a dark nickle color, and I have two different color granites for perimeter and island. I also have stacked stone on my pantry wall. It all looks great together, at least to me.

I think everything sounds great. If you are going for an authentically dated feel then things should not be matching or too coordinated. Purchase each of your things as an object in itself - get high quality items that you love in and of themselves. Rely on your own taste level and you'll find that you end up with a congruent, balanced assembly of pieces.

I would not worry about getting the odd grease spot or stain on the stones. It's a kitchen and it needs to look lived in - not dirty but well-used. There will be a wearing in period when it will not look so great but after a bit, when it has had a chance to acquire enough character, it is going to be wonderful.

Chiefneil - do you have pictures? What is your sink - SS or copper? If it's copper, does it hold up well?