You should forget that tile and invest in new door faces for the kitchen. Tile will not rescue the cabinetry. Your money is going to the wrong place, and your cart is ahead of your horse and your piggy bank. I understand the yearning, but sometimes waiting and saving to get the kitchen you truly want is a better plan. One that includes a good layout and correctly sized appliances for the situation. That fridge is LOOMING, hon. And it isn't in a great spot either : ) Hard to say what else needs to happen without seeing the entire kitchen. Put the brakes on , perhaps. Apologies, as I realize it's not the answer you wanted.

I love your white cabinets and countertops. I think adding small round knobs on the cabinets would look good. It won’t be too distracting and it’ll keep the cabinets clean.

Nothing wrong with your cabinets at all. Not everyone has deep pockets to re-do everything to perfection. You work with what you got so kudos to you. I can't wait to see your backsplash put in.

Absolutely put hardware on the cabinets!!

Ignore the gap around the dishwasher. Once you get everything in you won't notice it. As far as the under counter gap; I think you won't notice that either after everything is said and done but if you DO notice it maybe some white caulk would work.

Make sure you post pics when everything is done.

Hardware suggested. If no hardware, it will get worn where oily/cooking hands grab cabinets.

I prefer light color hardware on white cabinets. All pulls.

Watch out for dark hardware on light cabinets. The hardware will become the focal point. I do not like all those black dots. Connect the dots.

Hardware color is best decided when you consider the whole house. Dark hardware can look perfect if the rest of the house is dark (and the same w cool metals).

Yes, put hardware on the cabinets. Hardware is like jewelry to the kitchen. It just completes it.

Put a bead of caulk in that gap under that edge and leave the dishwasher gap as-is.

Your cabinet photos are showing up more creamy white than the backsplash white which is making the two look like they aren't working together very well. Are we seeing a different color than what the cabinets actually look like in person?

Your white quartz is beautiful! I like the tile you picked. The cabinets look fine for your space and adding hardware might make it even nicer. What was the hardware before? I am just curious how they were mounted?

Do you have a photo of the rest of the kitchen? You mentioned having tile go to the ceiling? Is this on the wall to the left? If this is the case the tile could be a bit busy but seeing the rest of the space where the tile would go might help to determine this.

Replacing your light fixtures might be a good investment as it could bring some bright adjustable LED lights which can really make the kitchen bright white. And change out the ORB or black into something that will look great with your SS appliances and counters. Another inexpensive way to change the color of the light fixture is to take them down and repaint them a SS color. Paint for fixtures from Hobby Lobby or Michaels crafts might be a cheap way to change the color of those lights.

Here is a link about the .[gap around DW (another post on Houzz)[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/gap-between-dishwasher-and-counter-dsvw-vd~2846192?n=5)

Hardware ideas... Trying to combine a bit of traditional with a bit of transitional or contemporary.

Light fixture ideas that are affordable and yet pretty for your space.

$32.99

$91.20

$62.99

I thought the glass would help to bring in light.

Love your new counters, You made a beautiful choice! ~boxer

Ted, they are indeed a creamy ivory - we plan to give them a fresh coat of bright white!

Boxerpal, thank you! Sadly this IS the whole kitchen! The backsplash will run up to ceiling around the window and on the left section where the bar extends. Total of 40sq, super small! I felt like the busy tile and extended height would help bring the eye up, making the space appear larger. We do want a little style to the kitchen and chose to do that with a patterned backsplash!

I did not even know a narrow depth fridge existed! I hate that it sticks out as well, but really thought it was my only option!

We have not had any previous hardware on the cabinets - bought it just like this!

IMO, your cabinets do not look white white, which would work better in a B/W scheme. I agree with artistsharonva that you should adjust your light bulbs for brighter lighting before settling on a backsplash.
If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, I would urge you to investigate getting new doors: Shaker style doors go with everything from country, traditional to modern, depending upon the hardware. And hardware is needed in your kitchen. Your refrigerator may be large, but what you need for your family is what works for your family. I like to have a good big fridge in the kitchen and a second fridge in the service porch to hold excess needs. Not everyone has space for a second fridge.
Regarding tiling to the ceiling....the stronger the pattern and the stronger the black/white contrast, it can be visually more harsh than, perhaps, black, gray and white tile.

Hi Julie,

Oh gosh, I apologize if I came across assuming the kitchen were bigger. I was just curious about another image of the right side so I could see if the wall was open for any tile going up to the ceiling. I think you have a lovely size kitchen.

I think your cabinet doors are fine but here is a link where they sell just the cabinet doors. I have NOT used them. I think you could measure and order a sample Cabinet doors I only suggest this because the tile has lots of drama and going up the to the ceiling might call for the doors to be very simple.

Are you sold on tile going to the ceiling.. Maybe someone can do a mock up to give you some visuals to help you see if this is something you would like. Keep in mind some of these great tile walls are often with open shelves. But you may need storage space and getting rid of those uppers could be a challenge.

~boxer

I would run a piece of shoe moulding under the lip of the counter to cover that gap. Can you pop the bottom panel cover off your dishwasher and see if you have room to adjust the feet? If you could adjust the feet and raise the dishwasher up just 1/8" or so it would take away some of that gap. Yes to hardware on the cabinets.

Wait to finalize the backsplash decision until you paint the cabinets. Even whites differ from each other.

I do agree that most counter to ceiling tile backsplashes have open shelves, but this inso pic is so perfect and I’m dying for this look! Thanks y’all so much for the suggestions!

Keep in mind that it appears that you don't have as much room between the window and cabinets as your inspiration photo so you may want to revisit how much pattern will actually show around the window as it may not be as much of an impact as this photo.

Heck if it’s a small wall extending beyond the peninsula just go ahead and use the tile like wallpaper. Kind of like this shot

Then add open shelves on the open area above the peninsula. You’ll get the drama you’re after and it will look more finished / architectural when you see the wall area below the peninsula vs above it. Don’t use it beyond the one main wall if it’s very dynamic. If you end up w something more subtle then you could potentially extend to other walls.

If that is the entire kitchen , what is on the right side wall Anything?

I stand by what I said earlier. :) Tile will not rescue an inexpensive and dated cabinet . That's just the truth. Pick a simple tile if you must. But a better plan is to save $$$$ and do the kitchen once unless you are not staying in the house.

Go for brass hardware it’s back in style! Love the backsplash tile very different. Don’t worry about whites matching. Different whites add depth. You don’t want to be too matchy matchy . You don’t want your kitchen to look like everybody else’s. Do what you love and your personality will come through. I personally hate all those kitchens that look too “designed”

Photo of white cabinets with brass

Another photo

Some people on these posts are so rude! Your kitchen is coming around nicely. You live there and nobody else!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions! However, the backsplash is a done deal and I’m in love with it, so it’s not open for debate - or the size of my “LOOMING” fridge - or the placement of my fridge .....

Jan, here is a photo of the entire kitchen — We have an open concept floor plan and to the right is our dining room. I don’t need comments on my less than perfect living area or dining room or flooring! New cabinet doors aren’t out of the question in the future, but for now, we have opted to leave what we have and are simply deciding if we should add hardware or not. If you have an opinion on cabinet hardware I’d love to hear it!

Hi Julie
Are the light fixtures black wrought iron? If so I would pick up on that for cabinet pulls and or knobs.

Picture of the installed new backsplash?

Ii looks beautiful; mine should be so moderne! I think a matte stainless steel pull/ knob combination is nice and will pull the veining in the countertops and the marbled veining in the back splash into more prominence and they will relate to each other and look planned which is a good thing! I like pulls on drawers and knobs on doors.....I also liked the suggestion of matte brass knobs and pulls for an eclectic look but pretty personal when you start looking. Lovely room good job.

I generally buy a few I think I might like then go put them on the cabinets and think and study them. Also taking a picture can really clarify how they pulls/knobs really look in the whole room.....

jjbwuf matching the light fixtures to hardware is too matchy. Just my opinion.

Also it looks great the way it is . Don’t over do it. Remover the old saying about getting dressed( and applies to home design) not sure who said it maybe Coco Chanel. After you are completely dressed take one thing off. Or something to that effect.

I think with the right hardware and the funky tile that the cabinets will look darling and play together. Beautiful kitchen!

Hi Julie,

Great photo of your space! Okay you have the right instinct. Now that I see the floors and the open concept kitchen I can see why you are choosing such a beautiful tile. I understand much better how great your tile will look. And I went and found a few more photos with tile to the ceiling and cabinets and wow... You are on track! I know you are busy can you take a photo of the tile up close.? Just the tile?

And here is a wonderful before and after...

[old kitchen turned fresh modern on a slim budget[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/cramped-kitchen-with-a-fresh-modern-look-on-a-slim-budget-dsvw-vd~3921043?n=46)

I think a dark hardware to match your light fixtures might really work. I am excited to see your space unfold.

~boxer

Thank you for being so kind, boxer! I love the photos you shared! The tile is purchased but not yet installed - here’s an example of the honeycomb appearance it’ll have. It will have white grout. Darker pulls didn’t appeal to me at first, but I do see that it’ll pick up the black in the backsplash. At first I wanted contemporary lucite pulls but was worried it would be too modern for my space. We’ve lived here for 2 years without pulls and have managed just fine, so I’m wanting something more stylish than practical.

looks nice Julie. I happen to like your splash and boxer pal gave the same handle recommendations that I would. yes..absolutely do hardware.

as for that gap, perhaps a very thin piece of molding or quarter round, painted the same as cabs could be used to go over the gap. I'm surprised your countertop guys didn't remedy this.

saw these on amazon, but don't know if they'll work

perfect. yes. love the Luxe handles. and the hex knob would go w/the tile

oh,,can you remove the scallop/valance thing over the sink?

Beth, yes! On my to-do list!

Hi. We had to add a small trim to cover a gap for the same reason. We painted it the same color of the cabinets and it turned out great! Also, we had a similar gap over the dishwasher. Our carpenter cut a very slim piece of wood (almost like a cutting board) that slid in snug right on top of the dishwasher. It’s painted ( the front edge especially) to match the cabinets. It was so simple and made a huge visual difference. The gap totally disappeared. . Your kitchen looks great!!! I love your tile choice!

Julie how do you plan to handle where the tile ends? With the cabinets or at the end of the peninsula (or the whole wall - which after seeing your space I think would be really nice).....this shot shows an incomplete approach IMO

I was wondering the same thing thinkdesignlive. Looking at the picture of the previous backsplash it almost looks unfinished not going to the end of the counter.

If you decide to go with black, nickel bar pulls Amazon has some amazing pulls for a great cost. I used the brushed stainless in my kitchen and they are fantastic quality for the cost!

Julie,

Don't do the daker pulls.. What was I thinking??? Go with your instinct. Even BethH agrees with the Luxe handles, and she is a talented designer that helps us all here on Houzz. I love love love the tile up close. It is going to be great in your space.

~boxer

Hello Julie,

I would suggest adding hardware to your cabinets. Depending on the style and finish it can help the kitchen look bright, sleek, and tie the whole look together. I would suggest checking out what Century Hardware has to offer! Something in a Satin Nickel finish might help to achieve that bright look or maybe even a darker finish like an Oil Rubbed Bronze might add an eye catching contrast. I would recommend the Metro, Baroque, and Luna collections.

If you have the darker metal throughout your house you shouldn’t completely ignore it in the kitchen - there are beautiful options that combine ORB and chrome or ORB and acrylic - here is just one option:
https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/collections/harlow-2-cabinet-knob#crl8-gallery

those luxe handles also come in ORB. however, it's perfectly fine to mix a few metal finishes.