You definitely need a backsplash and some color. Fresh paint would be nice and some colorful accents.

I recommend the light be changed also. You need something more modern and sparkly

It's looking great so far! Splurge on the sink faucet and stove hood. That will be the pretty jewelry too. Nicely done.

You've got a wonderful centerpiece started in that island -- the granite is really wonderful. What I would recommend is drawing more attention to that centerpiece. Something like a more bold/large pendant light -- or you could paint the white part of the island some complementary but darker color.

But really, this looks wonderful. Keep it up!

Everything looks VERY nice!! Raise or remove the window shades. Natural light improves everything.

Backsplash & floor?????? The white chandelier is not helping. Should be a strong contrasting finish like black or dark grey. I hope that your outlets in the wall will not remain black.

The granite is beautiful. It matches with the cabinets perfectly. I don't think that it is boring at all!

Great start! Use Black hardware, find a new ceiling light to match hardware. If u really want pop...use metal silver stainless steel 3/4 penny round tiles. Bar stools with your fav fabric also a bowl of same kind of fruit and a vase full of beautiful flowers. You just need some color. Good luck.

Looks awesome so far! Don't be discouraged...you did very well. :) I agree with others. Btw, click this link and take a peek at this houzzer's redo. As soon as I saw your kitchen it reminded me of this one, which I think is beautiful......Take a look. Good luck! :)

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/before-and-after-of-our-1970s-kitchen-dsvw-vd~1148749[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/before-and-after-of-our-1970s-kitchen-dsvw-vd~1148749)

Here's the picture from that post.

Btw, it was from a while ago....but it left an impression because it was so nice....I had to search, but glad I found it. :)

Very nice. This is where backsplash and kitchen gadgets are used to offer "pop". A bowl of green apple, or purple grapes together with bright red or blue kitchen gadgets will offer the pop you are looking for. I agree that the lighting choice is not strong enough (too "airy"). A strong piece (think bigger...more structurally significant) with some black or charcoal colouring would do much better here.

You've created a blank canvas (a very high-end looking canvas to be sure) that gets its "excitement" from your day to day items. You will probably be adding stools. The shape and colour of those stools will add interest. Black or gray stools with "coloured" seats (again, you choose the colour of the seat to help add interest) will anchor this space.

Your Kitchen is looking great!! Often when we walk through one of our homes under construction we feel the same way as you. But once the backsplash is installed, the stainless appliances are in and any cabinet hardware is installed, the room always feel much more welcoming.

Wow! Sorry for the delay in response. This is awesome! I went to work and didn't check the iPad since the post until now and Bam-helpful advice was here. Thanks you all so very much. I stopped to a flooring store before I posted this and she suggested I put in a dark backsplash (some black metal to be exact). Is this a good idea? What backsplash color would look great? I like the picture one of you posted. It has a light colored backsplash and looks ok. The lady at the store also suggested painting the edges of the island table a dark color as one of you did. I have antique brass handles I could put on the cabinets, but a friend was over and told me it didn't look good and to use nickel instead. One of you mentioned using dark hardware. Is the antique brass dark enough or a no no!
The chandelier is antique brass too. It looks white in pic, but it's not. It really does look out of place to my unprofessional eye. I want the Long Island chandelier and was told by a friend to use a nickel color but I was unsure of this too. One of you mentioned using a dark chandelier. I am assuming you mean oil rubbed bronze.
I was planning to make the outlets blend in with whatever backslash was chosen. Actually I was going to match them with the hardware, but someone at the lighting store said most people didn't try to coordinate the outlets and just let them blend.
When I look at the kitchen, it appears that the floor is drawing my attention away from the counters (where I spent the most money). Does anyone else see this? Can this be fixed.
This sure is a complicated procedure. Thanks for all of the help. Especially thanks to all the pros out there. I don't think we have a pro in my area. Sure is nice to have a Houzz app that opens a world of professional knowledge.
PS the granite is colonial cream. The appliances are stainless. The floor is Sahara Beige (from Lowes).
Thank you for the positive comments too.

wow! this looks great so far! it can be difficult to get a real feel for the end result of a remodel until it's done....but....i would consider changing the light fixture to either something in a darker metal tone or even in a rustic wooden finish to add some dimension and texture....pick something with a bit more presence and impact, as this one seems to just blend in. and if you feel that isn't quite enough, i might also consider painting the island base only in a deep taupey greige color inspired directly by the stone itself and perhaps even antique the paint finish for more texture. i'd also go with a non-silvered finish cabinetry pull...perhaps an oil rubbed bronze finish would break up the whites and connect with the new lighting fixture. i really do really love the clean, sophisticated palette that you have going on....i'm looking forward to the after pics!!

rirouse. Look at zaz's image and picture a black backsplash. I would not go there but of course it is your final decision.

Btw, in case you're interested....I believe that backsplash in the photo I posted is available at Lowes. Good luck no matter what you decide. :)

Here's the link just in case you want to check it out....

http://www.lowes.com/pd_464014-66607-CER3X6P_1z0z33v+1z11wi6__?productId=4774675&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=allen%20+%20roth

Thanks again! This advice is very helpful.

it's looking really nice . You just don't have your " bling " yet. Once the stove vent, tap and handles/knobs go in, you will see a huge difference. I suggest being a little brave with the backsplash to add some interest. It could be a neutral colour but in a pattern like herringbone. Also, I'd love to see a bigger statement with your chandelier. The existing one is quite small for the new space. You could either have 2 pendant type lights, or one larger that extends along the table length more- depends on the rest of your decor. It need to make more of a statement. Beautiful job!