HI -- That is a real nice kitchen ,it is just lacking color or accents . I don't like the cabinet hardware and it is placed wrong . This kitchen has some high end features . It will be wrong to have an island in place of the table and chairs . You do not have the room for it and it will not look right for the room. Not liking the pub height table idea either and again not right for the room. I see your mixer is red so maybe pickup on that for some other accents . Or add a couple of large white jars with lids . Put a big square painting on the right wall or some prints . The backsplash area isn't that big so that could be changed to something you like . Check some tile shops and their discount room and find some discount tile stores . Maybe tiles with some gloss or a bit of sparkle . The tiles there are dull and lifeless .

This kitchen came out beautifully and I think the tile would work well in your space.

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For tables, take a look at the Thomasville Color Cafe line. You can choose size, height, shape, leg style, finish, and edge. That way you get exactly what you want.

The current backsplash goes with what looks like a metal backsplash behind the stove. I still think you could get color from accents on the counter.

Here is some of what I found for light wood cabinets and black countertop. It is mostly not encouraging.

Also keep in mind, you are not required to have a backsplash at all. I think naked walls would look fine. You will still have the metal behind the stove and there is really little wall space above your sink anyway.

Please don't put an island in the dining area. That just won't look right.

Replace backsplash. The tiles look like they belong in a bathroom.

I think your kitchen has a little difficulty because it is attempting to blend the "popular" grays with the warm honey colored cabinets. It works - sort of, because of the modern stainless hood. It is really challenging to mix warm wood tones with gray - I see a lot of "just missed" attempts posted here as dilemmas. I would look for a warmer paint color and a warmer backsplash.

Also consider how much grain is in your cabinets. The grain gives "movement". The more grain, the more you want to use a simple backsplash. A busy backsplash combined with lots of wood grain becomes too busy when perceived as a whole.

Bassett Furniture also has a line called "Simply Yours"......similar to what Mark IV said above, you can pick design, top, edge legs, chairs etc. and in colors. A round table in that space would look good.

Your cabinets on my computer look very nice, and they have less grain then mine. Are you sure they are oak - they look maple to me - but looking at a picture on a computer is not always true to life. I actually do like wood - I like natural surfaces and have oak cabinets with much more grain than yours:) - pics in my idea book.

You will have a hard time getting the tile down without damaging the wall. Hopefully. it is not too large an area and repair will not cost too much. There is certainly no problem with leaving the wall untiled and painting it - even if you choose never to put a backsplash in. I do recommend leaving the current backsplash behind the stove or putting something up in that area. It is also recommended that the small 4 inch granite piece be removed before tiling a backsplash.

I do not have a backsplash and my house is 40 years old. I am planing on a very simple one, but will make that decision after the new counters go in.

You may be able to put in a narrow island, like in the last picture I posted if you need more counter space. You need 42inches between island and sink and island and stove. Preferably 42 inches free all the way around but can go as small as 36 inches for an area that doesn't need as much space. I cheated on mine and it is 42 inches between island and sink, but less on other sides. It is freestanding, so movable and not subject to the code requirements of a built in island.

I like your kitchen. I think you're just lacking decor. A colourful large painting on the wall in the dining area and one on the wall beside the door would be great. Then bring in some of the colours from the art into decorative items for the kitchen counters. Right now everything is just fading away. I also think your table and chairs will look fine once you add some colour to the room.

While your round table fits the space better, it doesn't blend well with the 2 ceiling fixtures above it. If you need more counterspace, perhaps a movable island on the wall to the right, but only as big as the kitchen floor space will allow. Be conscious that the flooring separates your rooms. That large wall also is crying out for a nice big pice of artwork. Find something that you love, pick up a color to incorporate on your table (your centerpiece is too large for your table as it is now). You might want to pick up a lovely bowl with bright fruit centered on your counter to the left of your stovetop. Just incorporating one bright color will blend the spaces without making it look cluttered.