P.S. I live in Hawaii, so I don't want to go too dark.. I think? Maybe some sort of backsplash?

you might consider changing the knobs on your cabinets just for an update..the countertop and backsplash were the most difficult to choose for me. if you can get samples to bring home and look at them at different times of the day? that might help. if you want to lighten up your space? we have Jersualem tile and it's very peaceful and beautiful. also, you could install undercabinet lighting. i don't know how i lived without it :)

I did change the knobs from the brushed nickel to the brushed bronze to match the kitchen faucet. Definitely going to look into under cabinet lighting though! Thanks

A great, inexpensive go to for me is subway tile. At my Lowes they are 62 cents per tile. Look for them in Biscuit, then choose a lighter, solid surface, like quartz or silestone. I'm not a big fan of granite only because it looks so spec- home built. I went to the Caesarstone website & think that Spring Blossom, Sierra, Oyster or Champagne Limestone would look great with your cabinets & a biscuit color tile.

Do you have undercounter lighting? I'd definitely add the hockey puck kind, not the fluorescent strip kind, if you can swing it. And while we are dissing fluorescent lights :-), you could switch out the big ceiling light with 4-6 can lights & then add 3-5 pendant lights over your bar area. Lighting can make or break a room- it sets the tone. There are some great looking, affordable pendant lights online or at your local Lighting store. Lowes/Home Depot has them, too. Maybe an elongated bell, tortoise shell glass shade or you punch it up with a color! Good luck with your first house- your kitchen is gonna be great!