You know when slab doors are used, traditionally we see a very sleek smooth finish on them or an interesting grained wood such as zebra or walnut wood. What you have is not that, BUT a very organic looking kitchen. I rather like what I see in your kitchen photos.

OP, didn't you say there were handprints on the stain? Plus, it was a different color than what you signed off on? If the contractor expected such a variance from what you signed off on (presumably based on what he knows about the wood) he should have informed you, or if it turned out differently from what they (and you) expected, it should be remediated I think?

To me (to my eye), the stain could have been unevenly applied.But your pics have a hazy quality on my computer. Isn't maple a very light wood? I personally would have been wary of staining it that colour but it does look interesting. Maybe sanding down and refinishing will even things out a bit. It does look like the wood could do with a topcoat of wax or something.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/staining-wood/how-to-stain-wood-evenly-without-getting-blotches-and-dark-spots/view-all

It sounds like you're on your way to a solution and it's a good thing the contractor is backing you up. Post pics of the results so we can see them!

Taking into consideration one of your suggestions, I am considering finishing the wall cabinets to the ceiling with some sort of bulkhead.....Any suggestions on this?

Again, I am beyond grateful for each and every comment I have received about this project.

Modern bulkhead ideas...

Do NOT take possession of the house without it being finished our builder made promises and once it's in your name they don't return to do what they promise. And, ours was considered a very reputable builder.

You can take possession of the home but escrow an amount equal to the cost of new cabinets plus 25% untilnsuch time the issue is resolved to your satisfaction. Your attorney can negotiate this at closing.

Thank you Agsmom, decoratingtace and binakay!!! You guys are fabulous!!! LOVE the bulk head images, especially the top photo! And yes, we will hold back until it is completed to our satisfaction. Thank you all. xo

Just have to say I think the bulkhead will detract from the modern horizontal lines you have going now which I happen to love.

I vote for a large rectangle back painted glass subway tile (at least 3x6) - use a gray tone in between the counter color and the final cab color. Or, I actually might vote for white!

I'm also happy for you that the builder is being honorable.

Best.

Thank you V! I have ordered grey back painted glass back splash, but as a solid piece (well, 3 pieces, but appearing as one solid piece). Is that too boring?

I really like clean lines...I just wonder if it will be too boring.

I think a simple color -- plain white or a pale gray or green -- will be best here. You already have a lot of "interesting," between the counter materials and wood tones. I think you'll be glad to have something light and nonfussy.

This is the colour that we are back painted the glass backsplash. I hope it will work. Thank you for your input...You are right, simple is better.

I think I made the original comment about building cabs to the ceiling. It's my preference, but just a preference. It can overwhelm a room so it needs the right scale and I can't tell what it right for you -- although my gut says go to the ceiling. That said, unless you get lucky, you probably won't find a standard mini cab to fit the space and might have to go custom. Plus you will have possible stain matching issues. I'm not sure if you like glass fronts, but a few of those will help lighten the overall look if you do build up to the ceiling.

Paint is lovely and love the concept with the glass. Make sure it won't get too dark. The area under the cabs is dark most of the time and paint always goes on darker than you expect. One shade lighter might be a consideration.

You need a great fixture over the island. Rustic iron with Edison lights?

Hey agsmom! Yes, you did plant the seed for me...It will be a custom piece to finish to the ceiling (if we do proceed) I do like glass, but that would be very pricey to do custom glass cabinets...it will likely be more of a solid piece across...

I have never spent more time on ANYTHING than I did choosing lights...Didn't want to be too industrial, or trendy, so I chose these....

They will be hung when I go by tonight, so will post more photos.

Glad you like the idea of the paint...and thank you for the suggestion about lightening the paint colour.

I like the lights. Look forward to pic.

I like your kitchen

Your kitchen is beautiful! I am sure this is a really stressful time, but you will definitely enjoy it when it is all done

Tracey, the grey back painted backsplash will be great with your space. Good choice.

Making progress....The first lights installed were horrible. Waaaaay too small. I'm loving these. Hung today. Thank you everyone for such a rich discussion. I appreciate each and every response.

It's looking good!

Wow, love the new lamps!

Great choice on lamps! They are making your space more expressive! By the way, I think, this cabinets color adding expressive looking, too. Dark color is good for such big space

Thank you Valter! It's coming together...I LOVE the lights. Such an impact.

The lamps totally ROCK! Great pick Tacey!

Seems like only yesterday you posted: HELP I hate my new kitchen!

Nothing to hate here at all!!! LOL

Perseverance is essential when building a custom home...and I will NOT stop until it's up to snuff. Thank you for riding along this crazy kitchen journey with me!

Beautiful lights! Can't wait to see backsplash!

Thank you for being so gracious when getting conflicting opinions from HOUZZERs. It's a learning experience for everyone I think. ;)

Keep us posted!

Can't wait to see the backsplash and stools!

Hello! Do you still hate your new kitchen or is it coming together now ? Inquiring minds want to know :) and photos too would be wonderful. Anxious to see how it all played out ....

Hi Partners in Paradise! Well...the cabinet maker admitted to having his son stain the doors, and he failed in providing adequate quality control. He restained the majority of the doors and gables, and it looks beautiful. I am waiting for the backsplash to be installed on Monday (and for all the chaos of our move to be out of the way) and will then post photos. Sorry to leave everyone hanging...moving is so crazy! Have a beautiful day!

Oh wonderful. See what happens when you speak up? Proud of you for sticking to your guns! Anxious to see!! :)

So glad everything is working out! I love your lighting - where did you find it?

We purchased ours from Robinson Lighting in Kelowna, BC. They may have specific supplier info online.

Is there more to help u with?

Awe Happyleg....I think I`m good for now...but we are just starting to settle in.

Well....glass backsplash is in, not sure if I love the colour, as it is a blue grey, but overall, I am alas very happy. Thank you all for your support and advice throughout this process.

Wow. That is beautiful!!!

Great effect! so glad you're getting some happy results.

One thought: might change the white outlets/switches to nickel or other gray tone where they're on top of the backsplash...

Thank you! I was thinking that myself, but does the 'inside' of the plate, where the receptical is, does that remain white also? Wouldn't that look weird? I'm trying to zoom in on your image to see...Thank you!

omg Tacey - you have nailed it. Every time I see on HOUZZ Dilemmas : Help with Back splash

I will think of your kitchen and refer them to YOU!

So sick and tired of the usual issues.

Thank you and enjoy your awesome new kitchen/home. YOU have nailed it.

KUDOS>

Wow. Thank you SO much. Your words are so kind and so reassuring. Bless you!!!!

Well I will take your blessings but good design is good design! LOL

I am so happy to see someone break out of the usual busy granite with subway tile back splash - you have no idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bless you for leading the way!!!!!

PS - your instincts are so good, I am curious why you need reassurance?

Thank you. But I think because what I created is so different from what I"ve seen anywhere, I was worried I would regret it, or miss the mark, and ruin what could have been a perfectly beautiful 'safe' white kitchen. It was a risk, which is why I was uncertain. But I'm quite happy with the results...still allowing the backsplash to grow on me, but it is clean and minimalist, which I love.

check out legrand adorne range of outlets, really nice! http://www.legrand.us/adorne/products/outlets.aspx

Cool!

Maple can be a real paint to stain. There are two ways to do it successfully; one ist o use a stain block on the raw wood so that the stain goes on lightly and evenly. The second is to tint the lacquer instead of staining the wood. The lacquer then dries faster and the stain in it doesn't have time to soak into the different parts of the wood. If you are unhappy with this in the end- you can have the doors and the panels resprayed with a tinted lacquer to even things out. It will be fine!! It is a great open space!

Staining raw wood always needs to follow application of a "wood conditioner," so if your builder eliminated that step, he should definitely help you get to a happier place with your kitchen with a fix.

One option...He could replace the doors with professionally (in-the-shop) stained doors. Flat panel doors are the most economical to replace, the easiest to pre-select matching wood, and/or easy to order pre-finished doors from a cabinet company.

Second/Third option...If you decide the overall effect is just too dark in additional to being ill-stained, consider painting the upper cabinets (boxes and doors) a white OR replacing the upper doors with clear or frosted glass panel doors. That would give you some relief from the gray monotony with a lighter color at eye-level or even a different texture/look for variety. Here are a couple of examples:

Wow The progression of this discussion was AMAZING and your kitchen is so Beautiful Tracy. It might not be exactly how you pictured it but that's okay, no one else will have it and now you are blessed with a beauitful kitchen, a story to tell and memories to cherish.

All the best, Wyatt