I actually really like the random cream worked in, because of your cabinet colours. It still feels classic like regular subway, but is just that little bit of fresh and unique.

I can't really visualize the beadboard sections, but I don't care for the random cream. I think all white would be better. Your kitchen already has plenty of visual interest with two types of counter and cabinet finish.

I can't picture corbels and beadboard making those cabs look hutch-like when they're on a cabinet run and adjacent to appliances. I'd even forget the shelves and move the dish cabinet over a few inches because it crowds the door. Use a wide molding for the window.

I don't care for the golden yellow tone of the tile. I would just do the entire backsplash in the white tile. You've already got more finishes than typical. Pull back now.

I am sooooo confused. Where is the subway tile going? I actually don't think you have the proper proportions to do hutch-like cabinets.

The cabinet to the right of the window is too close to (or maybe over?) the edge of the counter to make it work. And hutches that I've seen don't have electrical switches in the middle of the back. The one in the corner will look funny if you have subway tile on the left and over the cooktop and then suddenly you're into beadboard and corbels.

I don't care for shiny subway so I'll stay out of that discussion.

thank you for taking the time to give insight -- it definitely shows me there is a gamut of opinions out there! I guess the good news is that I have till friday to make up my mind!

I guess my "faux hutch" idea isn't coming across. Or maybe I'm choosing the wrong words... Originally I had appliance garages planned for both locations, but they were nixed due to cost and I realized they weren't as convenient as I wanted. I needed even better access. The bead board/corbel area are planned to give me definition boundaries for my toaster oven etc. I drew it out on the wall this morning, and so far I'm still liking it.

You have so many things going on already that adding an additional "busy" element with the two color subway tile would be overkill. One of the first things an artist is taught (I'm an artist) is to have a "resting" area in every painting. If you do the busy backsplash you'll definitely not have any resting areas.

The window wall just got "grounded" today -- granite guys came back to finish up the job with a sill for the window and the backsplash immediately under it. It really pulled it all together. That being said, I can look at the tiles on the horizontal cardboard over and over and think I like it... but I was having a hard time visualizing it. I ended up drawing it out on paper tonight, shading in tiles. Y'all are right -- too busy for me. Thanks!

I think the idea of corbels with beadboard behind is interesting but it doesn't seem right for your kitchen. Your kitchen hits me as being very sleek and modern and I think those factors should be played up. It seems like corbels would be fighting the modern feel and would suit a more traditional or cottage/country kitchen better. If you're adding corbels to the cabinet to the right of the window, corbels will block the light from the window. I think if you look at the first photo you posted, you'll see what I mean.

I really like the white uppers with the wood soffit.

I think I'd just do the subway for the entire backsplash and I agree with Alexamorrie. Tile to the ceiling in the sink area and to the bottom of the hood at the cooktop.

If you're intent on moving forward with the corbel and beadboard, maybe they could be propped with the smallest of finishing nails before a permanent install so you can live with it for a few days to make sure you like it. And you could then post those photos here so we can give you feedback.

When you drew up your idea on the wall did you then put your toaster oven in front of it? If I was going to do beadboard and corbels it would be to draw attention to something nice like a plate in a plate rack or a vase. It wouldn't be to use it as defining boundaries for your toaster oven which would actually draw attention to the appliance.

Where are you putting the toaster oven? If you planned for the corner, it will be awkward to use since everything will have to go in and out at an angle. It's also your prep and plating zone between sink and stove, and I would want that kept clear. So I assume it's to the right of the sink, but isn't there a light switch there?

Yes, the toaster oven is to the right of the window, not the corner. & there is a light switch to the deck there -- that light is turned on maybe 3 times a year. The kitchen is a mix of traditional with a few twinges of modern. The contractor hasn't finished many of the trim details yet, so the traditional parts probably aren't coming across. But I do appreciate the opportunity to talk out the possibilities here, thank you. :-)