what kind of counter is it?

I would do a cream beadboard splash. If you want to do tile, you’ll need to remove the 2-inch piece (don’t tile above that...it’ll look cheap and silly), which you might not be able to do with a solid surface counter, if that’s what it is.

I think it is granite. I am clueless on all this! I do t even know which handles to upgrade with :)

I’d probably do oil-rubbed bronze cup pulls on the drawers (find ones that fit the same space between holes as the existing handles) and matching knobs. What style are you going for? And how much money do you want to spend? You could do the beadboard I showed, or a cream subway tile (remove the riser first!), and new cabinet hardware, and be done. The two-tone cabinets look cute. You could also paint the lowers blue...

if you do the beadboard, I would probably go wider bead since your cabinets are also beadboard. The cabinet style will always give off a country feel...go with that.

Thank you!

As per style contemporary if I can with this kitchen without investing tons. I want to make it livable first to later change floors and countertop.

Contemporary cottage- yes!. Look at deVol kitchens for inspiration- they do modern English cottage really well. Assuming you keep your cottage-y cabinets, which I would, because they’re super cute...

you could do all the all cream with beadboard splash and do brass pulls/knobs, etc....those are more contemporary (expanded view of photo above). Do aged brass to coordinate better with your faucet.

or head in this direction...black contemporary hardware (or oil-rubbed bronze), subway tile

hows your lighting in the kitchen?

moody paint on the cabinets would be nice too...I know you said you want cream but I thought I’d mention this as well.

I think you could do any of these cabinet colors with your granite

is any of this appealing to you?

Agree, you want to remove the 4” backsplash if you want tile, but you can also just leave it as is and be done with it. I wouldn’t want to match the granite - it will darken the space considerably.

A “beadboard backsplash” would have been fine if you didn’t already have beadboard cabinets. This might be too much of a good thing.

I think the better option might be to use a white tile that matches the white in your cabinets. In order to find the right white, order samples from companies that have several whites in their line. This is Fireclay Tile.

Or, you could just leave it as is. You can change it any time, but your walls and cabinets are protected from water damage with that 4” piece.

Hey, are you planning to buy light rails for your cabinets? I think it’s great you installed under-cabinet lighting, but light rails will improve the look. You might want one more over the sink.

Yes, I am definetly buying under-cabinet lighting too.

Katie, i May change the faucet that is not in good condition. If. I do so, silver pills and knobs will go ok?

the problem i have leaving as it is, is that o have a problem on the other side of the kitchen that I wanted to solve with the backsplash..which is break exposure

"What kind of counter is it?"

It's definitely engineered stone, a late 90s - mid 2000s Silestone I'm betting. Maybe Zodiaq.

Remove the short backsplash. Replace it with tile which EXACTLY MATCHES one of the main colors in the counter, but NOT white. With white cabinets you need the backsplash to contrast with the white.

Then tile will do it for you, but consider using a white that matches the white in your cabinets.

To answer your question- Chrome or stainless faucet and brushed nickel cabinet hardware

Having seen the brick, I would do Matching beadboard to your cabinets...size and color. I personally don’t think it’s too much of a good thing. Or a tile that “matches” your counter. Something that blends into what’s there. There will be too much going on if you introduce another material. Or just paint the brick the same wall color as the area behind the sink and call it a day.

The countertop is Avonite, it’s an acrylic surface. I would paint your brick creamy white and maybe add cream penny tiles or add a peel and stick surface for your backsplash