a light backsplash

I agree. What is becoming popular lately....are the glittery, brightly colored - mosaic tiles. Something perhaps in a stainless or silvery tone? Change the wall color behind the cabinets. Something I'm considering is back painted glass.....or back textured glass - I think a cool tone next to the warm wood (aqua?) Have fun!

Some art in the wall to the right and the proper lighting to accompany it. The current one is way to bright.

I have considered using a penny round stainless steel or cooper. What do you think of those choices ?

Eduardo that wall is in the family room area and is rather wide and I haven't found just the right wall decor as of yet. Light in that area is on dimmers. I have attached picture below

Sorry here's a more recent picture

I agree with rbcola. It's a dark area so I would do a light colored glass tile backsplash. Would also like more contrast between cabinets and wall color around them - maybe a pretty green, then tie that color in the rest of the room. Sectional is also dark, so once again, I would say add some bold pops of color in that area.

Under cabinet lighting and perhaps a different wall color. It seems like you have nice cabinets that get lost because they blend in with the wall. Maybe pull a light color from your counter tops and paint the wall that color.

I agree with the idea of the coloured mosaic kind of tiles however, I think it would still need a little more after that. You'll need to really lighten the room because the kitchen area is rather dark with the dark work tops and also cabinets. I would try adding flowers or smaller not so permanent kitchen accessories in colours so that if you don't like it you can easily change it.

A super hot chef, paint the back kitchen wall a different color, add a nice backsplash.

Add a colorful rug a bit larger! Put colorful items i.e. pitchers, vases, cookie jar, and some greenery over the cabinets. Raise the blind over the window or get rid of it. A valance and a small vase with flowers on the sill. Just keep trying things until YOU like it! Nice kitchen!

This looks a lot like my kitchen and honestly, wubbie, I think all you need to do is accessorize it with some touches of color to brighten up the neutral. . Have fun---go shopping---and try some colored accessories in your favorite accent color---mostly on the empty countertops. Put a colored teapot or stock pot on the range, change out the stainless canisters for colored ceramic ones, display your favorite ceramic plate or tray, and yes, some wall art on the family room wall and a pretty valance on the window. Display some nice baskets, pitchers, and trays above the cabinets. I "stage" our island eating bar---by "setting the table"---permanently---complete with placemats, cloth napkins, dinnerware, cutlery and a centerpiece of some sort. Good luck!

Wubbie, Have you thought about going with a metal laminate on the backsplash? I like Nu Metal, Moz Design Metals and Chem Metals. Most are sold in full sheets only that come 4 ft. x 8 ft. These laminates are made from actual metal, offered to look like stainless steel, aluminum, copper ........many textures and designs!

PLEASE NOTE:
1). Since some installations will be around water from the sink area, some installation require an electrician to ground the metal. Easy to do, so not to worry. As always, you will need to check the manufacturers specifications and requirements.
2). Some of the metal laminate manufacturers recommend to maintain a minimum distance of four and a half inches between tiled surfaces and burner elements. Again, you will need to check the manufacturers specifications and requirements.

Many applications, depending on design, can be approximately the same "INSTALLED" price as tile.

Here are some examples.

this galley kitchen similar to yours appears to have white subway tiles in answer to question for choice of back splash

If you are looking for metal tile ideas, here are some ideas.

Photo #1 is from Crossville.
Photo #2 & 3 is from Emser Tile.

The stainless metal look is simple, will reflect light back into the room and repeats the stainless steel look in the light fixtures.

Get some elongated stainless steel knobs for the cabinets and two nice square placemats on the bar go to Pier One or whatever you prefer. A nice flower arrangement in the middle of the placemats but when you have company just remove it.

Some wall decorations on the wall beside the bar would be nice.

A nice backsplash. I'd recommend the cobble stone metal or the industrial graphite http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/metal-tiles/metal-blends/industrial-3d-graphite-peak.html

Like many who have already responded, a beautiful light tile backsplash would do wonders. Right now, it's so dark that it's oppressive. A contrast to the dark stain is greatly needed via a backsplash, and a lighter granite would be preferrable. Colorful accents can be added through accessorizing, which will really make the room pop!

In addition to the backsplash, maybe new lighting that doesn't blend in with the applicants. They have lots of fun glass covers now that would probably fit your existing lighting.

Applicants = appliances (autocorrect)

No matter what direction you decide to go with a backsplash......what you have now, IMO, is just way to dark.

Thanks for all your comments and ideas. I can only get to this on the weekends so forgive my tardiness in response. Lkristine I do like your idea of lighting walls but kitchen is open to this brick wall and fireplace which my husband loves as is. What do you think will work with this?

Nice start. It is a little dark. Maybe adding hot lights, lighting under the cabinets, using a reflective backsplash and even replacing your knobs with shiny pulls. Please an update. Good luck!

I think under counter lighting would give you the greatest change. Since you have a backsplash made out of your countertop I would paint in a lighter color for a quick change. Accessories would also give you a big lift, right now you have no personality shining through.

Sorry, I just looked at the second picture again. It's dark....try adding more hot lights before you do anything else. That and under-cabinet lights. If you still don't like the look, then paint or add backsplash and all that. But try lighting first. ;-)

Wall color to dark try 2 shades lighter than you have. Then add a roman shade in a stripe using wall color and other colors in room. Some stainless accessories on counter. Add a try with olive oil, pepper grinder, tall container fill with fake lemons and limes. Just need some color.

The kitchen is great, all you need to do is rip off that white window shade. Do you need it? Is there an eye sore outside, or do you need privacy? If not, let the glass sparkle and sunlight in. A valance with pattern would add texture.

Also I have similar taste to you. My old house had a brick fireplace LR with a brown leather couch and leather ottoman like yours, and you know what looked awesome? Benjamin Moore "camouflage" for a wall color. It has green undertones but looks beige /neutral and against the brick, it makes the bricks look even richer (playing off red tones ). Also we did a backsplash using a Tuscany style brick which has all the color tones of your counters...it is light beige / cream with hints of that color you have in your rug, on your walls, and in the granite. I noticed you carried that color .... Nice job!

We did under cabinet lights too... It was amazing...but 99.9 percent of the time we had the lights off, so, it was just for photos or people coming over.