How about some honeyde http://www.glasstileoasis.com/search.asp?search=green+glass&x=0&y=0w glass

I would use a Glass tile like the one i have posted below. Or Glass Tiles and stone

Thanks, I see it. I'm worried that the counter is a little too busy already, and the honeydew is also busy (but I like the green in it)

They have an all green glass that would not be busy

the other suggestion I would make after seeing Pix #2 is loose the fan and replace with Casablanca Fan. I would replace the TV with a Flat Panel Samsung and add a thin shelving cabinet unit that would make that wall flush

Subway or glass tiles. No more stone, in my opinion.

Yes! the fan is a left-over but you're right, needs to go. We do want a flatscreen but we are waiting for this one to die first and it is just hanging in there... I really do appreciate the comments on how to improve that fireplace wall too.

I do just love glass tiles, so thank you to you who have posted that going for glass tiles would be a good suggestion.

A glass tile would be nice especially a subway tile. Something in a 1 in x 6 in subway, don't use a 3x5, not a fan of that type of tile.

I was going to suggest glass subway tiles but I see I am too late, it seems to be the concenses. I wouldn't use one color, not the multicolor/shae tiles - too busy with your counter top!

I would love to see a collection of modern/contemporary kitchen back splashes made of tempered glass, either tinted or frosted. This is a very clean minimalist look and is also very easy to keep clean.

On the fireplace wall it needs a more modern interpretation. I like this fireplace wall. and no art above the fireplace.

oops forget the kitchen chairs, couldn't find the exact ones I was looking for I will do some more searching later but these are inline

Thanks. I'm not comfortable with the tv above the fireplace because of the need to crane your neck (looking up), and because it makes the TV even more central than it already is. What else can I do around the fireplace?

You don't need to mount the TV above the fireplace at all! You have the perfect spot to mount it where it is. And actually you don't even need to mount it at all. How did this become help,with backsplash to TV mount? Tee hee

I like the idea of glass subway tile in a light grey. I think solid is best with the busy countertop.

Solid Back splash is boring and adds nothing of interest visually for the eye, I agree no TV above the FP I Just like the Fireplace treatment and wall behind it. Your fireplace is overpowering the room and is dominating the attention, especially being on the small angled wall, as long as on a rant the coffee table is out of place and too smal in scale. And if you are to change the floor to oak then go with an espresso color, or Mocha. and do not make them Honey Oak!!!

here are some examples of a built in for the TV Wall and types of wall unit display shelving

Hi Found the chair for the kitchen Table
Saarinen plastic back side chair

Definitely a gray backsplash. The glass tile shown in the first few posts looked very nice. Agreed re wood floor, that you should not put the honey color.

Your current backsplash is a little too dark for the space, in my opinion. When you look at your kitchen, your eye goes straight to that--rather than to your gorgeous granite counter tops.

Since you like glass, I would go for a lighter glass backsplash with a little bit of color variation. Something like this:
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I agree! Perfect!

Thank you everyone for your comments. We do have some limitations which include budget (as we are simultaneously completing the inside of our cottage, posted about separately) and the long life of the existing tv. Also of course I've left out lots of details. E.g. we have a large and aging dog who lives in these 2 rooms and so because he needs space, we work around the smaller coffee table. We also have a rug (brown, with a large abstract design in gold and black) that we'll restore to this place after the dog is gone (as it is too hard to keep clean, otherwise). In similar style, the stove still works and I'm holding on to also, until it goes.

I'm taking away from this the following ideas: A flat screen TV mounted on the wall, generally where it is, with the flatter built-around-it shelving. As we will have challenges keeping it uncluttered, I might try some doors on the units on the bottom, to hide things. Rather than white, we might make it black, less obtrusive, and blends a bit better with the black fireplace beside it.

The fireplace is definitely staying as it is high efficiency and helps us heat our house. The artwork on top is difficult... It is a beautiful cross stitch I completed and I want to hang it somewhere prominently, where the work can be seen. I myself like to stand in front of the fire to warm up and look at something beautiful. If it goes, would you agree a large mirror might be nice?

The flooring: we think of hardwood but the effort to rip out the tiles makes it a daunting idea. We have honey oak everywhere else in the house. I've already thought, when we refinish the floor in the dining and living room, to go a shade or two darker, which might not go that badly with the oak banisters. Perhaps that is an idea: when we are ready to redo floors, we make it all hardwood and stain it all a darker colour, throughout the main floor, leaving the banisters lighter. For now, we have the white tile kitchen floor.

I do admire Serra design's ideas re white table and chairs, repainting the cupboards dark. Finally getting to the backsplash - the original dilemma!! - I see several backsplash ideas I like, and will not go entirely monochrome and boring. I'll work to find something that has a bit more interesting detail without being too busy.

I thank all of your for your insights!

Bravo Mary, you are on the right track! Flooring color, wall unit doors, hanging TV and letting the dog go with peace and dignity in his home.

Sorry I had to delete the kitchen chair pix, this kitchen is going to be published and cannot be on any site before the publication date.