I have seen a backsplash material that looks like beadboard but is not wood — maybe porcelain? Anyway, it looked great as a backsplash and would be easier to maintain than wood headboard. You might consider something like that if you like the headboard look. I think you’re going in a good direction with a light backsplash.

My fear is the busyness.. These counters came with the home and I am not willing to change out perfectly fine countertops. I don’t want to busy the space. I do not understand why they had to add this “backsplash” to the countertops. So now I’m unsure if even adding a cream beadboard is too much. I will look into that today. Thank you Baileysr

I don’t know if it’s possible to remove the little ledge backsplash that’s currently installed, but if so that would be best. You have a pretty kitchen.

I can’t remove it Baileysr, it is apart of the countertops. :(

That small backsplash is typical a separate piece unless your countertops are laminate. Removing it would help.

I would then use a light subway tile. Undercounter lighting would also be a huge help.

I used a vinyl beadboard cut to size in my 1937 cape's kitchen 'facelift'. My sister used wooden beadboard in her bathroom and so wishes she had used this type. It's painted to match my trim. Lowes or Home Depot should have it.

More lighting and a lot less clutter on the counters will do as much as a new backsplash. BTW the small piece is usually easily removed and no beadboard for backplash and certainly not with that granite. The one mentioned above does not work with that granite either. BTW tables left set look like store displays just a nice center piece is a much nicer choice.

Hello all- The piece is not removable as stated above. It is apart of our countertops, removing it would remove the entire countertop and we have installed undercabinet lighting since taking this photo. :)

No beadboard. It doesn't really fit the style of the kitchen and the grooves can be difficult to clean. With so many dark elements you need a glossy tile to help bounce some light around.

Putting a backsplash above the existing counter backsplash often doesn't look good. I would suggest a different paint color. Something to add some lightness to the room.

It's already pretty busy with visual clutter. If you would like to keep the decorating pieces on the countertops, then I would agree with others to paint it, or perhaps a textured wallpaper.

LOL!

Your kitchen is HUGE! When you said small, I was expecting something completely different.

Can you please post more pics?,lights on?

Are you willing to ditch your blinds and all the tchotchkes?

Your espresso cabinets are stunning! Would you be open to the idea of having a glass door on one of the uppers with in cabinet lighting?

Can you please show/tell us more about your floor? The color and grout color? It would make choosing a backsplash easier.

You truly have a lovely kitchen!

The space above the backsplash is builders flat white paint. I have painted the rest of the space BM-Manchester tan. Maybe I will paint it there as well or incorporate a tile like others mentioned.

A few observations: you have two window treatments, your kitchen set is very dark, you have a lot of (mostly) dark decorative items.

Remove the valance and get a shade that blocks the least light. Remove that dark sign above the sink. Paint your kitchen furniture a light color. You keep adding dark things, so it is no wonder your kitchen is dark.

Why is your kitchen staged? Are you trying to sell? Is your home a starter home? In many areas, the molded laminate countertop would make selling your home more difficult; people expect stone in a newer kitchen.

One other thought - have your walls and ceiling been painted in a high LRV paint? After improving the lighting, that might help brighten the space.

i understand... its an old photo, unless you are in australia most folks don't have autumn decor out in july.

but its hard to give you advice, working from an old photo. why not snap a new one for us. turn on your new undercabinet lights, put everything that you dont mean to be in the photo out of the camera range, and we can go from there.

Agree with ninigret - fresh, new pix needed. When I first read your dilemma headline, I thought you were trying to "avoid a kitchen fall," so in that vein the scatter rugs would need to be removed for sure!!! And I stand by that, even though it wasn't what you asked.

Hello all-

Yes, this is our starter home. The countertops you see were the only option available from the builder. They are not my favorite however they are less than 3 years old and I do not see a need to replace them. I like the idea of changing the window valance and I also like the idea of a glass cabinet with windows.

I will post up to date photos shortly.