Thanks very much Will! What type of navy blue would go with a dark counter top? True navy blue? Also, which one of these backsplash tiles would work best - thank you!

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/cambria-berwyn-phvw-vp~40207542[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/cambria-berwyn-phvw-vp~40207542)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/stylish-work-space-contemporary-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~3382615[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/stylish-work-space-contemporary-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~3382615)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/palm-beach-paradise-beach-style-kitchen-miami-phvw-vp~53536134[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/palm-beach-paradise-beach-style-kitchen-miami-phvw-vp~53536134)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-estate-home-contemporary-kitchen-dallas-phvw-vp~1811654[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-estate-home-contemporary-kitchen-dallas-phvw-vp~1811654)

Thanks again Will - love this stormy blue!

I would paint the cabinets white, do the island in a dark grey colour & for the backsplash I would do a bevelled edge white subway tile. Maybe change the cabinet pulls to black iron, and then get an iron light fixture for over your island to put your edison bulbs in.

Pretty kitchen, I would leave it for awhile if it's only a matter of different aesthetics. A Proper paint job will not be cheap or easy with the amount of cabinets you have. I would keep the backsplash simple (1 color), and stay away from trendy colors. If anything maybe a very dark grey for the island.

Thank you CW!!!

Thank you StephE! Any thoughts on the stainless steel subway tile backsplash? It caught my eye in [this photo[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-estate-home-contemporary-kitchen-dallas-phvw-vp~1811654). Please let me know what you think! Thanks!!!

I find stainless backsplashes can look a little too shiny & distracting but if you like it then go for it! My personal taste is more classic white especially for backsplashes.

Thank you Susan! The only issue with a backsplash is that it has a dizzy-ing effect on my hubby and me. Too busy somehow :) And I hear you on the cabinets - they do look nice as is, we have just had these same color cabinets in our old house too for the past 12 years, so we think we are due for a different look :). So appreciate your advice!

A couple of issues with stainless backsplashs, it's sort of modern and your kitchen is not and it will make your kitchen appear even darker, if it doesn't catch the light just right. From far away it will look dark grey. Maybe above the stove, which is where? IMO, they also look rather cheap DIY project unless it's a modern kitchen.

I would do something simple like a white subway and paint the island and see if that satisfies.

Great question! The stove is a cooktop just below the microwave - totally can't see it in this photo! :) Do you think white painted cabinets with new hardware would make it look more modern and stainless steel backsplash worthy? I do like the above the stove idea only with white subway tile for the rest.

And here was another thought if we decide to paint the cabinets white...do this tile for the backsplash and then pick up one of those lighter blue hues for the island. Any thoughts on this combo?

Sorry no. White cabinets would look smashing, but your kitchen will still not be considered "modern". IMO the stainless goes better with your current wood cabinets than white painted ones. Sounds like you have your heart set on them. If anything I would do one sheet of stainless behind the stove.

Just my opinion, but the blue mosaic you picked, looks just as busy as the current one you dislike. It also makes me think of old bathrooms and pool tile. Adding to the insult would be to paint the island the same light blue. Go dark Navy for the island maybe, but don't make it matchy with a busy backsplash.

I think you have a lot ideas and need to focus them to create a cohesive design. I would hire someone, at least for a couple of hours to help. You will save time and money this way in the long run. Trust.

This is the only example I could find that didn't look like a DIY project gone wrong, and that's probably because they didn't use small tiles but sheets. Fourth pic is an example of what I meant by modern cabinets. The style is what makes it modern, not necessarily the color.

Good Example

Bad example

Really Bad Example

Modern cabinets with stainless backsplash

Your picked backsplash and white cabs

Thank you thank you thank you. Yes, I should hire someone as I clearly need help!

I waved the white flag myself when I picked the wrong paint color for my living room, which is open to my kitchen. It was invaluable and she kept helping, even after her visit. I think I paid $250 for 2hrs. But in your case, maybe hire a Kitchen Designer because you might end up changing the layout a bit.

Your wood cabinets and wood floors really harmonize each other. Not the question you asked, but here are some alternatives that might give you a great new look for less money than repainting all the cabients:

--You could get a new open look by replacing some of the solid wood cabinet doors with glass doors. Add lighting inside the cabinets and beautiful glassware, dishes, pottery to some of the cabinets. This would add some real visual interest. Just search or Google "Before and After Wood cabinets with glass inserts" to see examples.

Daniels Design Kitchens · More Info

Craftsman Kitchen · More Info

Or just paint the island base an off-white.

Kitchen examples · More Info

Mill House Kitchen · More Info

Thank you very much housegal200!

I think you could order new modern type doors from a cabinet firm and then have your cabinets painted in the color used for the cabinet doors.....

First photo shows an option for the island color, the second cabinet color, and the last photo could be your backsplash. All the photos are of kitchens we have designs. You could potentially mix it up to and do the cabinets like the first or third photo.

Kitchen · More Info

An Open Concept Kitchen and Living Space · More Info

Condominium Kitchen · More Info

All of these look fabulous, thank you so much Moneca! I am thinking either one of the blues will work nicely with the dark granite countertops we have. Do you know what color blues those are? Thanks again!