Paint the cabinets white and add a light blue & grey backsplash. Add a large centerpiece over the range and paint the space above your cabinets to match the backsplash. Grey granite countertops. Not knowing what your particular style is, that would be my best guess for creating a universally styled kitchen.

Thank you all for your comments! This kitchen has just been fitted, and although pics are not very clear, the cabinet finish is really nice (more creamy in colour than in the pic) so painting them is an absolute no-no sorry ! I also agree that there needs to be something on the backsplash..it is all too plain, feels like having been served a dish with no seasoning lol I love the French Country look but I have no need to strictly stick to it, and as long as everything matches well together I will be happy. My favourite choice would be marble or quartzite, although I am also considering quartz for practicality. When it comes to quartzite I really love the Taj Mahal, what do you think..? Dolve Vita quartzite is also gorgeous but it is not available in my area. As for marble, I still havent found the right one. Most of them have greyish veins,and Im not sure if a white and grey stone would be ideal with cream cabinetry and terracotta floor tiles. I was leaning more towards creams and light browns...I also looked at Compac Botticino quartz, will try to post some pics. I am ruling granite out since it would definitely look too busy (and dated) used on both counter and backsplash. Marble, quartz and quartzite are definitely more elegant imo. To answer Cabinets4U question, I was opting for neutrals because I think they do brighten up the room more (all the windows are positioned above the cabinetry and therefore room is not too bright) and they do not clash with the terracotta floor tiles, however I am open to suggestions!

Really love this look!

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-white-kitchen-design-transitional-kitchen-houston-phvw-vp~27003283[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-white-kitchen-design-transitional-kitchen-houston-phvw-vp~27003283)

and this:

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-miami-phvw-vp~2596279[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-miami-phvw-vp~2596279)

Gorgeous kitchen Michelle ! Thanks for your suggestion...but I really really didnt wish to use tiles. And local suppliers in my area have long stopped stocking new granite because it is no longer in demand here. So the slabs available are all really dated...

Thank you Mary V! I was actually really close to getting the Daino Reale, sample slab was really beautiful...however when I saw pictures of the slabs that the agent had just imported I was really disappointed, they were not nice at all as you can see :/

What do you guys think of Crema Marfil? I think it is really nice. Lots of people have discouraged me since it is highly porous. Would love to know if anyone knows how much the Caesarstone Dreamy Marfil compares to it in terms of looks....

I know how disappointing that is, Carol. We searched everywhere in our area for 3 slabs of cappuccino marble for our kitchen, finally found only 2 gorgeous slabs but they had huge fissures running through them. Ended up with granite, not the look I love.

Oh tell me about it! In fact the capuccino slabs I saw so far were really really dark (unlike the one in the pic which has a lovely colour) and sometimes the marble pattern is simply ugly. Argh!! This is definitely the most frustrating part of the project, I didnt think twice about anything else, but this countertop/backsplash dilemma is making me lose sleep lol

It sucks when you have a vision in your head of what you want but can't find it anywhere! We searched for 8 months but ran out of time when our builder wanted to move forward and complete our home. :(

Beautiful kitchen. If you are wanting a low profile without seam lines I would go with a quartz backsplash and countertops. It may translate a bit modern for your walls and floor though. Have you considered a glass backsplash or even an antiqued mirrored glass backsplash something different to consider.

My daughter found some white galaxy granite with cream and light brown tones for her new home. It is really pretty! So is her new kitty! ;D

This is where I would go with it. This is Copenhagen Granite.

I just wanted to know how you installed uppers on the wall and leave space between the counter....are planning putting countertops....I hope so....are you planning on painting your cabinets....

There's Corian Willow or

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Stonemark-Granite-3-in-Granite-Countertop-Sample-in-Juparana-Arandis-DT-G469/203270992

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Stonemark-Granite-3-in-Granite-Countertop-Sample-in-Bianco-Antico-DT-G446/203270990

Zodiac snowdrift

I would not go Marble for it can stain. A solid cortex in a brown with ma be a little texture (not to much). What I do then is paint the walls to see what you like it can be somewhat bold. Then when you find a color you like blue, quest, etc then if you like find a tile in that color DO HOT DO A BACKSPLASH they look cheap tile the entire call. Then behind the stove since everything is simple you can do a mosaic or interesting tile. If money is a issue just leave the walls painted in a good paint WITH OUT A BACKSPLASH is easy to wash

Oh how cute is that Mary! :) Thank you and thanks to all for the suggestions. Unfortunately though all these granites are not available in my area, like I said, no one does granite here anymore and local agents dont seem to get any nice new slabs any longer. It is considered dated, and honestly I do not like it either. It is too busy for my tastes. That is why I was looking for marble/quartz/quartzite suggestions. I am having problems understanding why people are asking me about painting the cabinets...who paints the cabinets of a brand new kitchen? Isnt that insane? I did not want plain white, or else I would have chosen plain white. This is the finish I like so no painting cabinets suggestions please LOL Painting the walls of this room would actually mean re-painting the whole ground floor, cause the kitchen living and dining are all connected, as shown in pics. Interior Analysis - I am not sure I am understanding your idea..where are you suggesting that I use tiles? I really didnt wish to use tiles anywhere except on floors....

Above pic shows adjacent living room ( works still in progress!)

Claire - to answer your question - yes here we install the cabinetry first, then the countertop nd backsplash are installed afterwards. The space between the upper and lower cabinets is usually standard I guess, unless there are particular requests, or particularly tall customers :) :)

Carol, your kitchen will have more color once you have things on the future countertop. I have had marble, granite, quartzite and quartz. Loving the quartz. If you don't want a tile backsplash, use a wonderful quartz like a Calacutta Neuvo and run it up the backsplash wall.

Carol, I'm curious why you do not want tile for a back splash.

I think that your whole space is very neutral and serene. I think a light coloured counter with a bit of pattern would work best. I think you should rethink the backsplash. You really need that.

I used cappuccino marble with antique white cabinets in my bathrooms. I had seen and liked deano royale, but when I saw the particular cappuccino slab, I liked it better. I just didn't care for the busy-ness of most granites. Just a personal taste issue.

For same reason (pattern in grain of wood and pattern in granite), I did not choose a backsplash tile for my kitchen. There was enough pattern without adding more. I wanted a quiet wall between the motion of granite and motion of wood grain, A 4" backsplash and scrubbable paint on kitchen wall have worked just fine for 7 years. I found a granite that has a saturated color and looks like marble for my kitchen, but it's a deep, dark forest green (verde jewel). The fabricators loved working with it. If I had gone with creamy white cabinets, I might have chosen costa Esmeralda, another beautiful, marble-looking granite, but a soft, blue-green.

I use a special stone cleaner that has a bit of sealer in it each time I clean counters. DuPont makes it. Stone fabricator recommended it.

Best of luck with your 3-D art project!

Take off the dated scallop and plate rail over the sink, and the to the counter fire hazards around the range. With as much elaborate molding that the rest of the kitchen has, it the missing light rail really stands out as absent. You ought to be able to find different pulls with the same hole pattern in a simpler less fussy style. After you fix all of that, then paint it all white. The pink tones in whitewashed oak are really difficult to coordinate with anything truly white for a counter. It just emphasizes how pink it really is. And no marble, unless you love the patina of etches and stains. It's cold gray whiteness will really make the pink stand out as well. Which is why they need to be painted. Or choose a pink based counter.

i am noticing that many have misunderstood me here...i AM doing a backsplash! I just dont want tiles because i dont like them, simple question of taste. Beseaside understood me thanks!! That s what i want, a material i can use for BOTH countertop and backsplash. I will check the calacatta nuevo you suggested! Big thanks to robinkropog too...love capuccino marble and will keep looking cos so far the slabs i ve seen were either too dark or not nicely patterened. Robinkropog yours is simple gorgeous.

Do you think caesarstone dreamy marfil would suit this kitchen?

sophie thanks for your feedback but this kitchen is new and not an old project to be remodelled, so there there will be no modification or painting of cabinets. I DO NOT WANT PLAIN WHITE CABINETS. Pics are lousy i know but i assure you there are no pink undertones...As for light fixtures im still looking around, and i will also have under cabinet light all around. Thanks for the pics, lots of people discourage marble that s why i am also considering quartz...

I was sugesting tile between the counter and the upper cabinet or no tile and just paint wth now back splash (5"hit tile band). and then behind the stove some interesting tile.

oh ok thanks, thought i misunderstood. Preferably i would love to go up the backsplash with the same stone as counter, that s why i m considering something lile quartz or marble and not granite. Just unsure which one and what colour

why not try just painting and doing an interesting tile behind the range.As I said do not use a back splash. you can always tile later if you likee

any particular countertop you suggest that would match?

Carol, folks are commenting on painting cabinets etc because your initial description wasn't clear that this is a new kitchen. The style of it does show as something popular some time ago vs current styles ( which is fine since this is your kitchen), so I think folks are assuming you are updating. Anyway, if you like the look of crema marfil go for it, but I would opt for a man made version and not the real thing because of etching and staining issues. My in-laws have a bathroom with a crema marfil countertop, and it definately looks abused ( err...patina) after 5 years or so.

I suggets updating with a modern quartz material; caesar stone or other. The space needs flavor from "today"

I would do it very simple either a medium to dark gray or brown Quartz.

Carol, I don't think Crema Marfil would a good option. You might want to go to the houzz kitchen page and search quartz backsplash. Zodiac Calacutta Natura is wonderful - I have used it in my kitchen. Great movement. It is also very similar to one of the two inspiration kitchens you posted! Because your kitchen is not huge, I would still rely on accessories, equipement or fresh fruits/veggies to bring in color.

http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/construction-materials/surface-design-materials/brands/zodiaq-quartz-surfaces/products/zodiaq-all-colors/sub-products/calacatta-natura.html

yes kivi you are absolutely right. My bad, i didnt specify. I love french country and fell in love with this kitchen instantly since it goes well with the old mediterranean look of this type of house ( very popular in malta where i live!) . so guys i am following your advice and checking the marble-looking quartz available in my area. Hopefully when all is installed (including hob and light fixture) i will be back with pics. Better pics;)

love the calacatta natura btw thanks!!

Being that you have those light tones on the cabinets, and I see that you have a good amount of natural light coming into tha kitchen, you can go a little darker on the counter ( using a light beige )

and don't be afraid to put a backsplash, a subway tile will look great and give your kitchen a great pop maybe using a 2.5x8 by itself or blended with a 2.5x16 glazed ceramic, this will give you a nice contrast, please see attached pictures

yes i definitely want a backsplash... it completes the look. Thanks for your pics :)

Well, whatever you do will be beautiful with such a gorgeous kitchen! I don't get people's repeated advice to paint the cabinets and install tile, neither of which is your plan.

I would go with a light colored counter and matching back rail (4" or so) and then paint the rest of the wall to match the rest of your house, or to match the floor. Keep it simple and let your cabinetry shine.

In France many people still use tiles on their counters, but I haven't seen that in the States, and tiles are annoying, in my view, as they are never flat. I've seen very nice cement counters with little stones embedded in them (don't know what that's called)...they have a little texture to them and are indestructible. But then those custom counters would require a skilled craftsman - hard to find everywhere.

I think that a gray quartz countertop and backsplash breaks up the monochromatic look while complementing it.

Some better pics.

Dear Carol,

Thank you for your very kind compliments about my cappuccino counter tops with antique white cabinets.

I am not a professional, just an amateur.

I don't know anything about ceasarstone (or other similar products), but if you find a color and pattern that you like in one of those man-made products, it would be very practical. It may be a wise choice. Frankly, I would be a little bit afraid of using marble on kitchen counter, but there are many lovely marble look-a-likes in the man made products. They would be practical and you would not need to worry about stains.

Your adjoining living room, with all the stone and arches, is amazing and beautiful! You will be living in a palace when the construction is complete! It will be elegant and lovely!

The commenter who mentioned the pink undertones in your wood made me think carefully. Finding a countertop material that blends with the undertones of your wood and the undertones in your stone would be pleasing to your senses.

I thought of crema marfil when the other commenter mentioned the pink undertones of your pickled wood. I remember bringing home a sample of crema marfil (which I LOVE), but that particular sample looked very peachy in my home (and I was going for a more cafe au lait/butterscotch/caramel look). There are wonderful simulated crema marfil looks available in the man-made products.

Perhaps you could bring samples of your floor, your cabinet, your paint color with you when you visit the countertop suppliers. Also, my stone suppliers gave me small samples of my stone to bring home to try in my house before buying. It was helpful!

Your 3-D art project is going to be a lovely reflection of your unique vision.

Best regards!

Ooh, I just looked up ceasarstone dreamy marfil on houzz and found pictures! Love it! And, no worries about stains, water rings, etc.

You are going to have a charming , elegant, old world looking Mediterranean villa!

Happy decorating!

Dear all,

I wish to thank you one by one for all your useful suggestions, photos, adivce and encouragement! I really appreciate it. Special thanks goes to robinkropog - your beautiful words have given me so much positive energy that I can t wait to continue and ultimately finish the kitchen and the rest of the house. I think I finally made a decision..I contacted our local Caesarstone supplier to see the Dreamy Marfil slab, Im glad you liked it too! This is going to be hard for such a marble lover like me but in the end I think quartz is a good compromise considering how low maintenance it is. And I have to say that some slabs are not as boring as I always thought :) I will post the final pics once the project is ready. And just in case any one of you decides for a Mediterranean holiday in Malta you're all invited to pop over for a drink ( and give your final judgement!). Thanks again!

I have mentioned this quartz before....you didn't like the pattern Carol

http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/construction-materials/surface-design-materials/brands/zodiaq-quartz-surfaces/products/zodiaq-all-colors/sub-products/snowdrift.html

Have you gone to a stone supplier? Not the fabricator, but the supplier they get their granite from. The supplier will have way more to look at. The reason I ask is when I did my remodel, I had no clue. I thought I wanted a light granite, but nothing I saw grabbed me. I think it was my 3 trip that this granite stopped me immediately and I fell in love. It was dark, and it reminded me of Van Gogh's Starry Night with all the swirls. I think most stones will go great in your kitchen. Go find one that grabs you and will make you smile every time you go into your kitchen.

Hi T.J! Thank you for your comment. Your granite is beautiful! I was however looking for a stone with a simpler pattern since mine will be going all the way up the backsplash, and granite is way too busy. I did look around (to suppliers) cause I wanted to keep all options open but finally I decided on quartz because of its low maintenance and also since it will add a modern touch to my kitchen...thanks again!

We have exactly the same type of floor you do. We went for no backsplash just one inox behind the stove and wooden countertops, to me, is the perfect way to add something to all that white... we add hints of colour, green here and there (appliances)...

My floors are actually a bit on the ""orange"" side (will try to post a pic). I agree with you that the kitchen appliances and ""accessories"" will help to bring a pop of colour to a neutral kitchen..like that cool kettle of yours for instance :) I opted for the ""veined"" quartz because I thought the plain one was a bit too boring. The pattern in the stone, although subtle, will hopefully add some movement! The inox looks good with your kitchen, but tbh I think it would clash with a french country style one like mine

True. inox might be too much in your kitchen. will you go for a backsplash or none at all ?

I think putting tile, or anything else, on the walls at a later stage is a safe bet. after a year in your new kitchen you can still decide on it and you have time to make up your mind.

@Claire - yes I remember that quartz. It s quite nice, it s the grey in it that doesnt go well with my kitchen (imo) that s why I didnt consider it..

@Empina - Im quite sure now lol gonna do the backsplash and countertop together so FINALLY I can say one room is 100% done! ;)

Updating the hardware will help alot