This kitchen has a LOT going for it- cabinets and floor are gorgeous, appliances look new, layout is spacious, etc. I think that white quartz counter-tops would look amazing when paired with marble rectangular tiles, straight-set (not subway set) for the back-splash. Swap out the knobs for pulls, find a new modern fab light fixture, then add a rug near the sink, and some colorful accessories and you'll be good to go! Have fun.

Consider a little sparkle with a chandelier over the island.

That is a very pretty kitchen with a good layout. If you do change the backsplash remove the 4" granite splash. The backsplash over the 4" splash is not the best. Do be careful of doing a busy backsplash. Busy backsplash are the most quickly regretted and ripped out splashes.

Since you have lots of counter space, consider a stainless hood and putting a smaller microwave on the far counter. You may want to wait till the over the over the range microwave dies, or perhaps you can sell it and get a smaller one.

I'm so glad to hear you love the cabinets and don't immediately want to paint them white! I agree that the backsplash could be much nicer. As suggested, remove the 4" backsplash along with the white tiles and look for a great tile that will coordinate with your countertops. There are lots of very pretty knobs available that can dress up the cabinets. I agree that a runner would be very pretty in front of the sink and would help protect the wood floors as well. Be sure that the backing on it is safe for wood floors so you don't discolor the flooring. It's hard to tell from the angle but if the light fixture is centered over the island, you can easily add a 2 light fixture that comes down from one socket. Something like this would add an instant update and comes in 8 colors.

Adding some pretty accessories will bring your own personality into the space. Congratulations on your new home!

Some runner rugs to break up so much of the red wood. I like the sparkly chandelier idea too. Great space...you can dress this up beautifully!

If you search "one hole cabinet pulls" you might find some options. Cup pulls would be another option because they would cover the center hole.

I would just remove the tiled backsplash and paint above the 4" counter backsplash. As others have said, if you add a new backsplash, be sure to remove the 4" splash.

For lighting, find a new light for over the island. I like the double pendant katinparadise posted. It would be nice to have two lights there. Daylight bulbs or ones with a higher lumens rating in the recessed lighting will make it brighter.

Agree with comments so far.

I like the idea of removing micro, running tile backsplash to ceiling (with some element that has some pop), and putting SS chimney hood there. Depending on cabinet insides, I would consider to just change the doors on either side of the hood - just replace panel with some obscured glass (maybe seeded), and see if interior glass shelves and light could be done.

Have you considered using a stainless steel or aluminum metal mosaic tile for your backsplash to bring together your wood cabinets, countertops and stainless steel appliances? We invite you to check out these kitchens and our selection of metal tiles that may give you some ideas for your kitchen project.

We are a premium online supplier of metal mosaic tiles
for backsplash and other wall applications. If you are looking for ideas, feel
free to browse our customer installations for metal backsplash ideas:

http://www.houzz.com/projects/72838/eden-mosaic-tile-installations

You can also check out our Houzz store at:

https://www.houzz.com/pro/edenmosaictile/eden-mosaic-tile

We offer the possibility to receive samples.

Good luck with your kitchen design!

The only place you NEED a backsplash is behind the stove. What you need is a couple of long runners with good underpadding to add life and to make a more comfortable work area.

Center a linear fixture over the island so you get better lighting and I would consider a darker finish so it stands out in the room

Also you can change the knobs to handles if you select one with a backplate.