the cabs look white in the one picture, are they not? maybe a creamier white? (have you priced out getting those painted? for your kitchen I'm guessing it would be in the 6K range)

I just had my wood stained cabs sprayed w/a white lacquer (I also had similar granite to yours, but had it replaced) .

I agree about a new backsplash.

I'd also change that range hood. you can remove the scroll and replace that middle section w/a piece of wood. I just had mine done in a similar fashion. I have much lower ceilings than you do, so my hood had to be smaller. But yours can be modified easily enough

You can see a portion of my hood and the new white color.

Or you could do something like these

what do you think about painting that island? that warm cinnamon color just doesn't work w/the flooring or your grays. I had mine done in Wrought Iron from BM.

a dark charcoal would work w/your granite too.

Thanks for the range hood idea! My cabinets are currently a creamy, yellowish white and I want them to be white white like the trim so that it matches the grey paint. Definitely going to paint the island white as well. I wanted new countertops but the current tops are high quality and really nice (just wish I could take out those browns and golds).

Yes, that came out beautiful!

i posted two more pics of hoods.

mine was right on par w/yours. but more gold. I had it for 15 yrs and just couldn't deal w/it anymore.

Is there any under cabinet lighting?

And what bulbs are you currently using?

Do you use the desk area?

Yes there is under and over cabinet lighting for all of the cabinets. I actually do use the desk area (I know most ppl dnt).

i had a similar desk area that I modified just a bit (had doors added to the open shelves) we do use it for stuff. (bills and banking things, other misc office stuff) If you have an actual office and don't need it, you could make it into a coffee bar, or stick in a beverage bar below, or add in some extra large drawers

The lighter countertops made a huge difference in your kitchen. It looks so much more modern

There was someone a while back who used chalk paint on her backsplash (from Lowes) and loved it, she said it was inexpensive and simple.

Maybe worth a try?