Are you open to painting the cabinets? If so , you can do a lot!

Maybe a gray subway tile (that reflects the gray in the counter) would work with the green and off white.

If the walls are to stay dark green, I would not add another color in the backsplash. Perhaps a subway tile, as you originally planned, in the off white of the countertop.. I would use a grout color to match the tile. You already have enough pattern with the quartz veining and the variegated hickory. Keep it simple.

I agree hickory is a busy wood and IMO not modern at all and I need to see the whole kitchen since right now that layout with the fridge and stove is very bad

I would rather not paint the cabinets. I guess I shouldn't say modern because people go to the extreme. I guess timeless or a current look. Unfortunately, you see most of the kitchen because that's it's size minus a coffee bar at one side that will not have a splash.

Interesting that the Pro offered no advice except that the layout is poor. Although I would love to rip walls out and completely reconfigure it's just not in the budget, as I would assume most of the people asking for advice on a free website would have a light budget.

I like the cabinets, but would change to simple black hardware for a more modern look. Will all of the walls be tiled, or will some be painted?

Both of the pictured areas will be tiled from corner to corner leaving the walls on each end painted. There is a coffee bar (picture below) that won't have splash on the other end of the kitchen. Black isn't really my jam, but do you think a dark bronze would look nice? Never thought of changing hardware. That is a good possibility.

Stick to a solid colored simple backsplash so that you aren't competing with the cabinets. An off-white tile (you'll have to get samples and bring them home) or a light grey would work well.

Would a different pattern be suitable? Like vertical or stacked. I like the ideas of off white and light grey.

Vertical or stacked would be too modern IMO. Right now the kitchen reads very "modern farmhouse". You already have two patterns with the countertop and cabinets. keep it SIMPLE on the backsplash.

I do think a dark bronze/ORB would look great! Can you show more pictures of the space? How is the natural light?

I agree with the off-white subway tile recommendations. Clean and simple! Let your cabinets, paint, and countertops be in the spotlight. Bring home a variety of samples and find one that is a close match to your countertop.

Re: hardware....Instead of introducing another color, consider keeping the stainless look in a
“ beefier” style. Matches the hood.

I like your current hardware. Clean , simple, doesn’t compete with the strong pattern of the hickory.

BTW, quite common here. Q. What color should I paint my front door? A. You need a new roof.

Funky mixture of styles that calls for something more exceptional than subway. Maybe a cream or gray that matches counter veining with some design edge- mid century feel perhaps, interesting shapes or mosaic.

Since you already have ORB (or is it black?) on your window hardware and light in front of the window, I would get darker hardware on your cabinets as well. I would get a solid tile in a color from your counters (either off white or gray -- make sure you bring samples home to make sure it matches nicely). Perhaps a glass tile would give you the added interest you seem to want for this space. Good luck -- this is a cute kitchen! (And don't worry about the white mismatch with the appliances -- it isn't that bad, and you'll eventually need to replace the appliances anyway).

What about this very pale green grey subway tile to pick up the veins of color in the counter?

The dark green walls are very “heavy”, not cozy or friendly.
If you want to stay in the green family, bring home five or six color cards from the paint store...I am thinking a grayed green to relate somewhat to the counters. Look at the paint samples next to the cabinets and next to the counters. You may decide that green is not the right color for your kitchen. Your particular hickory cabinets have less variation than some I have seen. The color is beautiful and in the “warm” range. Take your time picking a new wall color.

Following

Color Zen- any example pics? I’m interested.

How about a plexiglass backsplash that is clear?

Or beadboard the same color as the wall, since you’re fond of the color and also looking for texture.

Nice choice!

That is very pretty. And the hickory cabinets are lovely.

Wow, nicely done! Everything looks so beautiful together!

Great job!

Wonderful!! You couldn’t have made a better choice