I would go to a cabinet supplier and order unfinished crown and have it stained to match the finish on your cabinets. Without the crown on the cabinets they look unfinished. I would also remove the 4" backsplash you currently have and tile the backsplash - you need something with interest in your kitchen and that will really help! A nice rug in front of the sink and some colorful hand tools will also help.Good luck!

I would do a white subway tile above the existing splash to fill the space and switch out the hardware to maybe a matte black - that's current right now, or to match light fixtures. As said above, I would also add a crown, but I think I would do a flat crown.

I have a similar open cabinet in which I used a kit to add a plate rail. Your new lighting looks somewhat vintage / rustic, so you might consider the plate rail. I agree about a subway tile backsplash. It is best to remove the 4" splash - the backsplash will look better and more professional that way. Removing the small splash is not usually hard, and I have seen tile added over the small splash - it just is not best.

Warm wood tones and cool gays are not the best match because neither brings out the best in the other. It works OK with maple, and if you love it, fine, but a cream or light sage green (with gray undertones is OK) would brighten the space.

My kitchen - I added the spice boxes too - stained to match, but I don't know if you have room or even want that look.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356

backsplash:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

Your kitchen seems to be coming along nicely and looks wonderful so far. We agree with the fact you should try taking the 4" backsplash out and adding in another one. Along with some more up-to-date hardware. Good luck on the rest of your kitchen update.

Contemporary Kitchen & Bath · More Info

Contemporary Kitchen & Bath · More Info

Thank you Randy! Also, just to add the paint in the kitchen is actually a light grey and the new light fixtures actually give off tons of light. We have a breakfast nook off the kitchen which has lots of windows as well for natural light during the day. We were trying not to paint the cabinets- but realized that the floor and cabinets are very close in color. I also have copper pots and pans, which look nice with the cabinets, but wasn't sure if that was too much. What color hardware do you think? We are likely going to take off the 4 inch backsplash, our house is very old so it "evened" out the look walls...