All that lighting needs to have LED bulbs in 4000K the center piece needs to be removed and replace with just pot lights no framing . As for cabinet color you choose that then the counter and the backsplash which BTW is the last item just before wall color.Since you seem to have the slabs already decided then you need to choose a white from the granite for the cabinets and IMO wall color can be changed to work with those 2 decisions You have really gone backwards with this plan so you will need to be a bit flexible with wall color. I would choose a taupe glass tile for the backspalsh but wait until all the other elements are in before deciding wall color and backsplash.

I agree with Patricia Coldwell re: lighting.

One option to ground your kitchen could be to have dark base cabinets and light uppers. If you like the Blue/gray of your island you could choose the same color if it works with the granite you have chosen, caution with grays they can look like the underlying primary color if you're not careful.

If you were to consider removing the soffits and replacing with canned lights, you would gain a sense of spaciousness and you would have the option of extending the existing upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling, without the need to redo all the uppers BTW, just add the relevant boxes and doors.

Before you go shopping, look through some images, figure out a style/color/decorative item/texture you like and go for it! Do you have a favorite painting, rug, clothing item? Use them for design inspiration.

When you feel ready to choose a backsplash, take a sample of the granite to your local Tile and Flooring shop, (this doesn't have to be after the granite is installed), I've always found very knowledgeable and helpful people there. I suggest you consider adding an element of contrasting/complementary texture, and don't be afraid of adding some color in a decorative/accent tile.

What you have chosen so far, I consider to still be a blank canvas; if what you're going for is muted, serene, monochromatic and neutral, you're headed in the right direction. Good luck and enjoy your new kitchen. Post a pic when you're done!

Good advice above. I would also consider whether or not you really use the desk area. If not, you might wish to get the extra storage - large pullout drawers could be useful- and a flat countertop rather than the lowered surface.

I'm overwhelmed with everyone's kindness to help. Thank you to all for your advice.

1. Door: Yes, I need to tell the door maker (flat, square edge instead of arc) a paint color. (My trim is currently Benjamin Moore Vanilla Milkshake.) Because it runs against the backsplash, I thought it'd be best to do that at the same time. I thought it'd be harder to find a backsplash after the cabinet color is chosen that would marry counter and cabinet...Island will be a different tone. Light gray? Dark?

Master bathroom · More Info

2. Backsplash: The sample I'm carrying around isn't even the exact sample from the slab. They didn't have any...and the picture below doesn't really do the sample justice...it does have very similar colors to my slab...

Kitchen Counters · More Info

Kitchen Counters · More Info

(I was almost hesitant to put this pic up, bc it's similar to my granite but not exact...something one of the employees at the granite shop suggested...) But, I'm afraid to go with a color behind the backsplash, because I want me/new owners to have the flexibility to change the wall paint to diff tones should interests change from greige...

Kitchen Counters · More Info

3. Bulkhead and Desk: I am removing the desk. I am getting estimates on removing the bulk head, but my budget can't afford removing the surround. (I wish!)

I think I'd prefer a soft white cabinet with soft white tile...

Do you have additional advice for the backsplash and cabinet color recommendations?

Thank you everyone,

Classic Comfort

I'd prefer a soft white tile with soft white cabinet, but whites are so difficult. So, it seems safer to go with a hint of color...

forget the backsplash until everything else is done.

White for cabinets is easy. Oxford White for a nice neutral white, Chantilly lace, for a cooler white, or Simply White for a neutral white, that leans this side of warm .

this is a great all around nice white cabinet color. has just a touch of gray.

river white and nice white cabs. soft gray/white tile splash

Cloe Tile would be perfect w/this granite

these cabs are a very soft, warm gray

Beth, thank you! My trim is Vanilla milkshake, and it runs right against cabinets in a couple spots. Does this sway you to Simply White or White Dove? Looks like the battle is between both of these! Thank u so much!

Lighting from phone camera is throwing this off a bit, so tried again...

Simply white. all day. I've painted my walls with White Dove, and had to completely repaint w/Simply White. white Dove was too dull looking.

THANK YOU, BETH!!!!