Don't worry about trying to "match" everything to the floor.
Think of it as a neutral....once you update the rest it won't be that noticeable. And it's a pain to take up.

I agree that espresso cabinets are a much better choice than the current orangey finish. And espresso cabinets are not dated! I agree that the backsplash can be something simple-even a subway tile that is cost efficient and stands the test of time. Let the granite be the showstopper.

I love the countertop with the floor. I vote against the backsplash. The counters will be the star of the show.

Or something like this with the granite or a very light grey glass subway tile would be nice and reflective but not showy and not compete with the stone.

This tile is at Ho e Depot...Take a look if you can it is really beautiful and looks like it might work great with your granite and floor! And against the dark cabinets.

I agree that espresso cabinets are dated, and in areas of the country where they aren't yet, they will be soon. I would invest in changing out the floors and a white quartz countertop. It will change the whole feel of the kitchen.

After reviewing your selections, I would definitely reiterate to stick with doing new floors and cabinets. Remove pot rack and put in upgraded lighting/pendants. Trim around the window and backsplash with a neutral.

Your busy countertop and mosaic tiles will not age well.

Sorry, meant stick with redoing floors and counters. Leave cabinets. The other thing to consider is that the espresso stain will clash with the orange oak floors in the adjoining room.

No it won't.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. After thinking about it for awhile and reading the comments I agree the countertop and backsplash I picked are too busy together. Somebody wrote the comment " It's like wearing a flowered shirt with plaid pants....too much going on...." Hahaha I love that! Made me laugh and realized I crossed the line from trying to be bold, and unique to the tacky side. My goal is to have a bold/modern/unique kitchen. I don't want something that looks "classic", or "elegant". That equals boring or ordinary to me. I don't want something I would see at the new cookie cutter housing devolpement that appeals to most people. I'm thinking about going with a backsplash like this.

Thank you Mellisa Gallagher for the suggestion. A backsplash similar to this photo with the espresso cabinets and new hardware, the stone I selected, and reluctently staying with my current tile floor.

Somebody also had the idea of using the leftover granite for the backsplash and I called the install company and it was very expensive to have them cut it up and install it, but think I'll use the leftover granite for the master bath countertop. Thanks again for all the information.

I love subway tile.

You don't want boring or ordinary but you want subway tiles and espresso cabinets like every other 2014 tract builder put in? Jeesh. Give someone gold, and they want to spin it into straw just becaus everyone else has it and they too can be unique just like the other millions.

I see you are a real sweetheart Sophie Wheeler. The tile choice is because the countertop is already so busy. Perhaps you suggest a purple cabinet instead of espresso? As I said trying to avoid crossing over the tacky line as you suggest I should.

These?

Some have crazing or a crackled look finish which I personally love, some don't.
It's Fireclay tile. But not cheap. It's gorgeous...

Subway is classic and will never go out of style and Fireclay does such interesting finishes and colors. I can totally see your granite with darker cabinets (because YOU like them), updated cabinet hardware and one of these for a backsplash and you could even make the subway in a different size say 3x9 and not the typical 3x6 which would give it a bit more of an updated look. And I know you don't like the floor but I think once you change the rest you will not notice it as much. You may want to sand and stain the floor the eating area to make it less orange....also lose the pot rack and get a different light fixture for over the table....
You can get 5 Fireclay samples for $5, btw

And like another person said ...lose the chopped off corners on the island.

Melissa - I like the fireclay tile as well. I ordered a sample from a local company last week. I think it's 2nd from the top from your pictures.

I'm not sure why the corners are chopped off on the island. I also think it would look better if if it wasn't chopped off.

Melissa - The pot rack came down the day I moved into this place. Not because I didn't like it but because my pots are not nice enough to show off. Haha

Sounds good, Jason.
I think you are doing great and you are not a "dumb boy" at all ;-)

This is my kitchen right now...

Melissa - that looks like a big project. I wish you luck! It must be tough living in the house while all that construction is happening.

Oh, I'm not! I'm shacking up with my sig other.
The whole place is gutted....baths and all! It's been a slow process and frustrating but fun, too.

Thanks!!!

Melissa - You will have to show me the after pictures. How long will you be out of your house?

I've been out since June 1st.
Instead of a contractor or remodeling company I'm doing it myself with people I've hired. Demo, drywall, etc. I have IKEA installing my kitchen in October, I had to push it back b/c I had a problem with one of the guys doing work for me plus I had to go out of town for about 10 days recently. Plus I work full time.
I have a vision, it's just taking longer than I wanted. Thanks, Jason.
I want to see yours, too!

Have you considered a backsplash tile with a honed finish. Here's a photo from someone I follow on Instagram. Love her style!

I think a tile like this would add some interest, while not overpowering your countertop. Although it is the same subway tile shape it doesn't feel as contrived and overused as some of the other options out there.

Also, for your island, please don't clip those edges and forgo the 4" countertop backsplash. I'm assuming you will but it needs to be said, just in case.

Just some thoughts on your thought ;)

Are you an Interior Designer or is your full time job in this field?

Melissa- I would give you my email address so you can keep me updated on your project but not sure how to do that here without broadcasting it to everyone on the forum. Take care

Glo Eiropean Windows & Doors - thank you for your thoughts on my thoughts:)

You don't think I should clip the edges on the island? How come?

Yes the plan was to bring the backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets.

You don't think I should clip the edges on the island? How come?

Aesthetics. If you want, do rounded corners on all

4 sides instead.

Hi, Jason! I wouldn't clip the edges solely for aesthetics. Clipped edges feels dated to me. Plus 4 sides gives a more modern look. Also, good call on the backsplash.

Thanks for the tip on edges.

Do you think the shape of the island should be changed? People seem to not like how 3 of the corners are chopped off. I'm fine with it either way.

Yes..just make it a rectangle with rounded corners it will look very nice..

I have glass subway tile in Light gray.....in a herringbone pattern..just love it have had so many compliments on it! Thought you might like it.

Home Interiors With Ease - that looks nice and it adds a little character.

Hi, you on on the right track but if you use that counter top...it is a very busy pattern...you need to go with a more subtle back splash.
Add a little color also....maybe on stool seat covering...and decor.
Good luck!

Don't listen to Sophie, I can't imagine why she's a Pro! We, by that I mean Americans as a whole are a spoiled lot. We move in and start tearing and "updating".
We updated our kitchen in 2001....with cherry cabinets. The house was original 1951. And won't be updated for 20 years or till we die. Lol
Love your floors, believe me you don't want to take those up. Think jackhammer. Are you having the cabinets done professionally?
I would just do the counters, and pick out backsplash after install.

If it were me, I would tear out the tile floor and continue the hardwoods in the kitchen, as well. I'd also refinish the existing a new floors to a darker stain. I like the granite, but I'd go with a more neutral color for the backsplash, so it's not too busy. Good luck!

Jan - haha! I think Sophie likes to hear Sophie speak without adding any constructive feedback.

i have a guy coming out next week to give an estimate for the cabinet work.

Picking the backsplash after the countertop install is a good idea that I hadn't thought about.

It works best that way..you can bring home samples and actually see how they will look in your finished space!!

Jason, I have a bachelors degree in interior design but I ended up working in department store retailing instead for a few years until I went back to school and I have been a registered dietitian for about 27 years now and work in a hospital. This is way more fun!
Is there a way to connect here on Houzz?

Melissa- Nutrition is something I enjoy reading and learning about. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two.

i don't think there is a way to connect on Houzz unless someone is a retailer. Are you on Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook but I don't really do it anymore.

Hey, go to cb2 website today.
They have a really cool kitchen on the main page with darker wood cabinets, more of a dark walnut, and some really cool glazed subway tile...
Let me know what you think...is this more the look you're going for? Or is it too modern?

Melissa - you can reach me here. https://www.facebook.com/jason.schmidt.334

I checked out cb2 and that is a cool kitchen. I like the color of the cabinets and love the backsplash.

good luck jason with your remodel. i think i lost the thread of this discussion.

Jason, you could save a bunch of money by using a gel stain and doing the cabinets yourself. Using a java/espresso color for the dark wood you like or even a more walnut color like the cb2 kitchen. Since it's not paint it would be easier to work with and more "forgiving".
There are tutorials on the web showing what I mean.

Hopefully you can share your finished room with all of us! And thanks for the FB link!

I've been looking more at your cabinets...they are very nice. The style is plain enough that with a nice darker stain and modern hardware like in the cb2 one they will be really cool, I think!
One suggestion and I did this to my last place, I took off the moulding strip on the top of the cabinets. It made a difference so see if you can do that. My cabinets were wood and I wanted to paint them, but I started by just ripping off the trim and Putting on different hardware and a new backsplash and found I actually didn't need to paint them which would've been either a huge job for me or an $$$$ job to pay for.

Yes gel stains are great..just be sure your cabinets are prepped properly before your start...like Melissa mentioned lots of tutorials on this type project:)