Hi, nice job on the cabinets. Your floor is a warm wood and it is a large part of what is experienced in your kitchen. I would look for a countertop that would pull the warm and cool colors from floors and cabinets. A light or white background with specs of warmer and cooler like colors would be nice. There are many solid surface materials available with various color mixes and Ice Stone makes concrete counters with recycled glass and even mother of pearl that would work. Choose the counter first then choose the backsplash as there may not be as many choices in a solid surface countertop for your budget. You can do without solid surface for the backsplash and have more options there. Also, there are really nice laminate counters available now that can give a great wow factor for less money. You'll get a solid surface look without the price tag.

There are some fabulous quartzites out there now, that you can buy with a honed finish that are real stone, but look near carerra . . in the era. A unique area, such as an isolated piece, could be done in a butcherblock and stained to match the floor . . great for islands in heritages spaces, or walls of casework with stained wood brackets or decorative corbels under the uppers to echo a old fashioned breakfront . . (see prowood market online for resources) if you want variety but all is wall based. . . this can bring your costs down. There are some fabulous products now in the quartz slab that do have some random pattern and perform at the top of class.

HI -- Those pros don't know what they are talking about . Marble has been used in kitchens for decades and still and even more beautiful then ever . But Quartz is the no care way to go these days . I think your layout needs to be fixed . The fridge should move to the back right corner with a full depth top cabinet and a side gable . The dishwasher may have to be put on the other side of the sink or just move them a few inches over . Then the area where the fridge is now , then that can be all 12 or 18 inch deep pantry cabinet . Closing the doorway where the dog rug is may change the layout even more .

Sure, go for it! It sounds as though you adore the color and the great thing about paint is it can always be changed. Be bold!