Am I getting anywhere close to putting this thing together?
-left pic (I like the wood)
-middle pic (our kitchen)
-right pic (tentative flooring, potential backsplash ideas)

One more pic. I’ve had this pic in my ideabook for quite some time and still love it. I’m just not fond of the glossy. But white subways? Seems they’re quite ‘the thing’. And I’d like to be a bit different.

I’m also not fond of the gloss, but then it’s a bit early to be worrying about the bs. When the time comes Fireclay Tile makes a glazed thin brick tile in a matte finish, White Mountains. It’s gorgeous.

Flooring looks consistent with the floors in your inspiration images. Should be lovely. Fantasy Brown, or an actual marble would be great on the island.

I hear you about the island slabs. So much variation.
What about the cabinetry? All stained or some painted? That’s my biggest hurdle right now. Another thing: I really prefer non-ornate cabinets; flat, more modern/mid-century. With a hint of coastal/farmhouse.

You know, that’s a tough one. Your images show these airy, bright spaces. If you have a large, airy space with tall/vaulted ceilings, stained lowers can help ground the space - and heaven knows stained lowers need much less maintenance than painted ones.

If your space is of average dimensions with 8’ ceilings, go all white and leave the wood tones for the floors.

Absolutely flat slab doors.

I like to mix it up. You could always colorblock. Meaning certain areas are stained stained and the rest is painted. Or your lowers are all stained and the uppers are painted. I say this without even seeing your space, but I think it would look great! And I love the flat slab doors.

Have you now got the layout done? IMO if you want that look from the inspiration pics then do white painted cabinets or a very light colored wood you need to wait until that decision is made before zeroing in on counter top. Backsplash comes after those 2 decsions are made and no to a differnt tile or layout behind the stove just in this small space keep it simple . I like large format subway tile in a color from the counter instead of white keep the grout the same color as the tile

I think that with your small space and wood floors, you would be better served with all white cabinets and a single material for all your counters.

Thank you all so very much. Below is the kitchen that coincides with my ‘inspiration’ living room. Not exactly what I would like, but close. As you can see, their kitchen is quite small too.