I'm no color expert, but I think if you are going with dark counters and dark backsplash tiles, you should consider a lighter toned floor and paint. Notice that the second picture above is more inviting because it's bright even though it has dark toned design elements.

It is more difficult to design a kitchen with stained cabinets than it is with white painted cabinets. A cohesive look is harder to pull off. If I were you, I would not pick a backsplash tile and paint color until your new floor, cabinets and counters are installed and you live with it for a few weeks. Of course, here I am a year after mine were installed and I'm still all but backsplash. But that's ok. After living in my new space, I know I want a light back splash and paint to keep it bright.

Good luck.

Thanks. That was my concern. BTW - I love the bump out and the use of the granite for the sill.

Hello..

I think the first option is looking really very nice. But it would be good to have an expert advice as one have to invest the big money for such work. I must say that the kitchen is looking great.

Here is a link that might be useful: home design ideas

I think contrasting elements look better.....personally,I don't like the dark counters and cabs in the first picture, but I also find the black and white of the third picture too stark. FWIW I once heard Candace Olsen say in reference to kitchen design that the colors/tones of the floor and counter should "match" for balance. I would start with the element that is most important to you...usually cabs or counter...and work out from there. For me, I knew from the beginning I wanted natural maple cabinets....so my other finishes were picked to coordinate with the cabs. Some find a slab of granite they fall in love with first and then pick coordinating cabs, etc.

nightowlrn, I have natural wood cabinets, dark countertops, dark tile, stainless appliances, tan walls and wood floors. The only thing I don't have is white trim. My kitchen is somewhat contemporary but if you can look past that, I thought posting some pictures might help you with your color decisions.
My cabinets are natural cherry. The countertops are verde peacock granite. The floors are natural ash. The wall color is BM Hillcrest Tan (a color that is difficult to capture accurately in a photo)
Here is an overall picture

This picture is a pretty good representation of the wall color.

The verde peacock granite is a dark green/black. This picture is a bit washed out but it does show the bits of blue-green and gold in the granite. The gold in the granite works well with different shades of wood

dilly_ny - Beautiful Kitchen. Do you mind if I ask what counter you have? Thanks so much!!