Thanks for your help. I will check out Houzz's kitchen photos!

Hi mlknill --

The kitchen will be woody, maple coloured, with light corian counters. we are building a timber frame cottage. Suggestions welcome! the photos are a great resource :) Thank you

Backsplash should either compliment or contrast with the countertop. Do you have a material board showing all the elements that will be used in the kitchen ?

Yes, thank you for that suggestion. I have a very beautiful sample of Modamo Waterfall Emperador Dark Marble and Dark Glass Linear Blend Mosaic, which would definitely be a contrast to creamy corian countertops! the cupboards are maple stain, and wood floor similar. elsewhere, we are laying charcoal slate tiles, so the grey colour will be repeated. Have painted our harvest table and assorted wood chairs in Benjamin Moore Willow. I am not sure whether to go with a contrast to the corian, or look for creamy backsplash material. Appreciate your thoughts!