Without replacing the appliances, I think it is doubtful you will achieve the look you desire.

Only problem I see with the appliances is the stainless DW contrasting with the white reefer and range. Concerning the island, I'd spin it 90° clockwise and have the barstools toward the slider.

I think the island location is fine. It just has to be painted and updated also. You can also paint the fridge and range to match the stainless dishwasher and take your time to replace them.

I think you have a great dining set and wouldn't replace it. The dark wood would look great with the grey cabinets.

I agree, that is not a kitchen backsplash. I cant even imagine trying to clean that. I think it is also way too dark to go well with the counters you have selected and may also clash a bit with your flooring.

Do not plan on backsplash until you get everything else placed. The colors and lighting can play tricks on you. And that backsplash is too busy with your countertop.

You need to start a story board so you can see everything together.

Here are some article you should read before you start your project.....

Kitchen
websites that are helpful

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-dsvw-vd~4306041[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-dsvw-vd~4306041)

http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/kitchen.design.rules.htm#.Wq1aeWrwaM8

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/things-you-added-or-removed-that-you-love-regret-in-your-kitchen-renov-dsvw-vd~4273188[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/things-you-added-or-removed-that-you-love-regret-in-your-kitchen-renov-dsvw-vd~4273188)

So far I think my story board contains this:

Appliances: Stainless Steel
Counters: Giallo Ornamental Granite
Flooring: Melbourne Oak from Coretek
Cabinet Paint: Chelsea Gray
Backsplash: TBD
Island: TBD
Kitchen Light: Will be replaced with canned lighting
Dining Light: TBD
Accessories: TBD

Thoughts on selections so far? Suggestions for a backsplash?

Product Images:

I would close off the slider, put in a window, move you sink under it and give you more countertop/cab space. prob move the island as a peninsula coming off the L from the sink.

or you could narrow the island and lengthen it. I'd prob shoot for the peninsula since you could do an overhang and put 3-4 stools.

this way, you get more counter space, more storage, and a nice pantry

having two sliders so close like that, and a sink that faces a wall, is unnecessary and total waste of a productive kitchen.

@beth I have thought of that but I am afraid that is out of my budget for the remodel.

Kevin, is it because of the turning the door into a window? because the other, matching cabinets, wouldn't be that difficult. you can find used oak cabs on craigslist, or get raw cabs and paint them.

do you know anyone in the window business that can help you out? (if you're in so cal, I can).

Are you going to be in the house for awhile? it will pay off. it will also pay off when it's time to sell since you will have a more functional kitchen. Seems a shame to spend the money you're spending, and not get the full potential. Can you save up a bit longer ?

to answer your backsplash question. wait until everything else is done and installed. then you pick. and do not get the 4" granite piece up the back.

wait for wall paint until cabs are done, granite is picked and in and floors are in.

I’m not sure Chelsea Gray is the right gray with that countertop. It seems too cool toned. I love the floor. Will it be throughout the house?

Is there a problem with the wood floor that is there, because you could just have it sanded and restained to become darker, would save a lot of money?

@Beth - I think I agree about finding the cabinets but would be concerned around trying to move the sink and closing off the door. I live in Colorado where construction costs are going through the roof and would be worried about the cost to do what you suggest.

@Traci_from_seattle - The floor will be going in on the entire main level of my home which is about 700 sq ft. What shade cabinet would you recommend?

@annvw - its cheap laminate, starting to separate and peel and I am looking to install to the rest of the main level

I would pick a lighter cabinet color, like the one in the countertop photo you attached. Pick a color from the counter sample you have.

instead of the Chelsea Gray, what about an espresso color for the cabinets?

kevin, you're putting in a dark floor, I think you should go lighter on the cabs. Giallo has a warm tone to it, but I don't think a dark gray is the best choice. (you can go dark on the walls if you like, but w/light cabs)

do you have a sample of the slab w/you? you can always wait to paint after the countertop is installed. it's easier to match the slab that way when it's in your home. I think a white dove, or one of the lighter, warm grays would be nice, and then you could do a darker backsplash.

I do have a sample of the slab. I attached a photo of it with the floor I like. This really shows off the warm tone but in the other picture that I found online of the counter doesn't show it as much.I do like the bunny grey and ozark shadows (this one a bit more) in the color sheet you posted. The walls in my kitchen right now are a Rock Candy from Sherwin Williams which is fancy for an off white/grey tone, which I am willing to paint if suggested.

My biggest goal with the space is to not have a monotone space and I would like some contrast but I don't feel like I am on the right path and may need to look for other pictures of inspiration.

I agree--don't do gray cabinets with the giallo counters.

I have searched giallo counter tops and started looking through the results for ideas. Most seem to suggest white or cream cabinets which is what I was trying to avoid. I think I might need to consider a change in the counter top. If I wanted to go with grey cabinets, what would be good options to look for in counter tops? Or if I wanted to stay with the Giallo counters, I will need to look at the lighter grey colors that Beth recommended.

Kevin, I propose you go w/a diff countertop. Giallo is one of the OG granites and a little overused (IMO). there are so many other nicer choices out there.

can you go to a stone yard and look around ?

almost all of the darker gray cabs online are w/white counters. mostly quartz that look like marble.

this is calacatta marble

you might try looking at Fantasy Brown quartzite. if you get the one slab w/a lot of grays, it will be ok

this is Sea Pearl. it's quartzite but one of the hardier ones. you could do a medium gray

another option is SuperWhite. it's a dolomite, but stronger than marble. I have it in my bathroom. it has a lot of the grays that will go w/gray cabinets.

I have a major incentive to work with home depot so I am going back there tonight

kevin,,i'm going to warn you, always, always, go to look at your slab before they cut it. I can't tell you how many people come on here to say "I order xyz from a sample and what they installed looks nothing like my sample". All the time. slabs very greatly. so after you decide, demand you see the slab before they cut so you can sign off on it.

Home Depot is no bargain. People think they're less expensive but that's not the reality. And if there's a problem they use independent contractors so are they liable or is the contractor? I've been there, done that with HD carpet.

I have a gift card that will cover the cost of the counters which is why I am leaning toward using it for the counters. It was either the counters or the floors and I don’t like their flooring options.

@Beth - the superwhite option is nice. I think I just have to get over the "no white cabinets" mind set. If anything it would help brighten my kitchen plus go well with the flooring.

I appreciate the advice on seeing the slab. I think I had read that same advice from you on another forum and had asked HD about that and it sounds like I should be able to do that once I start talking to the granite company.

Beth, I really like this picture you posted. I am starting to warm up to the idea of white cabinets. Do you think that is a pure white? A friend of mine has champagne cabinets but when I look that color up online it is way to yellow compared to what his looks like.

If I wanted to replace my island, would something like this work?

Kevin, does your current island have electrical? By code I believe it is supposed to now (could be wrong about that). However, given the size of your kitchen and in case there is no electrical currently, have you thought about an cart on wheels? It can be bigger than a cart of course and there are lots of options from Ikea to John Boos or get clever and make your own. Do want seating?

http://www.florenceadams.com/john-boos-classic-country-work-table.aspx

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60323021/

I made my own for a lot cheaper using some stainless shelving and legs and then purchasing a walnut top. On (locking) wheels and it is ready to go. I was also considering using plumbing pipes but that was too industrial/steampunk for me.

HI Aurora,

My current island does not have electrical and is not a fixed structure. It does appear islands do have that code requirement but not furniture which is I think how these would get classified since they are not fixed structures. Certainly something I will need to look into. Thank you for the heads up

I would be open to something on wheels and some of the ones I have looked at have wheels. I would like to have seating

Are you still staying with the Giallo granite? That has so much yellow and there are so many other choices.

Kevin,,Simply White by BM is a good, neutral white.

White Dove is also a popular option

always get a few samples and bring them home to try so you can see how it looks w/your lighting.

Beth - thank you. I will take a look at those

Leelee - I am looking at other options now. I am starting to like this look a bit. I even some some photos where they did two tones on the cabinets. The upper cabinets were one color, lower cabinets were another

Big improvement!

Time for an update

Floors - Melbourne Oak
Counter I have decided to go with Bengal White from Home Depot.
Cabinets would be a light grey. Thoughts on the following colors from Benjamin Moore:

cascade Mountains
Stonewhite

I am also attaching a picture of what I am thinking of using for an island table to replace what I currently have. I think this will offer some good contrast in color.

Thoughts?

Kitchen Project · More Info

This is the island table

I really hope you change your mind on the granite. (It's also called ' Oriental White')

It's one of the basic, older and cheaper granites. it's very spotted and speckled. The kitchen picture you posted isn't the same granite

Just make sure you view your slab before they cut it. Otherwise, you will be disappointed.

I don't know what they're charging you, but you can buy an entire slab of that for 800 bucks at a stone yard.

the diff is the cheap granite comes straight from China and are the ones that have been around for 25 years. people don't want them anymore so the prices are low. There are so many other nicer looking stones on the market now. This is something you will have for a long time. spend the extra money to get something that will look perfect for your home. don't settle just because it's the cheapest. wait if you have to.

But,if you're on an extreme budget and must pick one of the budget granites, then pick what's best for you. Sorry, don't want to sound like a granite snob!

Have you walked around an actual stone yard? doing that will allow to see these in a large format. looking at HD samples is an injustice because you seldom get what those look like. walk around and look at their lower end granites or medium price points. ask them what their "cash price" is. they often have their own fabricators. check out their prices and compare them to HD. you might be surprised. HD contracts out for their work, so you're paying them to be the middle man. Do a little leg work, get something a bit better for the same price.

see if they have Princess White (poss a granite, but could be a quartzite)

River White granite is another low to mid price