I didn’t choose a backsplash so anything I want to install after closing.

There wasn’t very many countertops choices all were very brown or reddish.

I would Swap the dark granite in the island for a very light top . Put in a light subway tile backsplash . Take a few of the upper doors off and replace w light frosted glass doors ......You order the frames In The dark color so ask for the maker and stain color... source the glass Locally. These activities won’t affect the builders progress. Let The work go on w perhaps the exception of holding back on island top .... but my hunch is they have to put it on. Choices are made under various circumstances but you have a new home so this is just one part. Any natural light ? Maybe the granite will have a little dimension and help the situation somewhat.

Is the backsplash choices limited also? if they are then choose countertops with that in mind. Can you get Countertops somewhere else and use the credit elsewhere in the house

The countertops are a done deal and have to be installed - we are less than 3 weeks from settlement. I originally asked about credits and it’s not something this builder offered. Backsplash options are unlimited as I would be purchasing and installing after closing. The kitchen is flooded with natural light, many windows and a deck off the eat in kitchen.

Could look good with a glass subway tile or stainless steel mosaic tile, something reflective

I don’t think it looks dated, but potentially dark. What flooring have you chosen? Can you keep the flooring light? Be sure to add under cabinet lighting and a light colored backsplash.

we were able to "upgrade" our countertop by paying the difference for a different color. Is it possible for you to ask for other options and pay a small upgrade fee?

Or even ask if they will instAll a backsplash if you pay for it. I’m sorry your negotiation was so tight.

I don't think it is a disastrous choice. I would look at white marbles for a backsplash.

Thanks everyone for suggestions - when at the design center even the upgraded options were not lighter, or less brown hence the impulse to go with steel grey. Our floor is hardwood throughout the main level and called saddle. I tend to prefer cool toned greys, blues, and greens. Our light fixtures over the island and eat in kitchen are brushed nickel, when didn’t pick hardware with the builder either so that is another choice I can make on my own. So I like the suggestion by herbflavor to change the island countertop to a lighter option after closing. As far as a back splash I was concerned that a spark white tile would look out of place, and that a creamier white wouldn’t like right with the rest of the cool tones in the house. I found this pic and thought that maybe a light greige backsplash would work - thoughts?

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I would try for the modern classy look of the photos offered in the example and stay away from Edison bulb lights which will carry a yellow glow. One of the lighting experts can suggest a bulb you'll need to get that look. Notice the dark pendants in the photo too. That kitchen is sharp and sophisticated looking.

Thanks - I’m not a fan of the Edison bulbs I’ll talk to our sales person over at Ferguson for suggestions!

The previous post said Stay Away from Edison bulbs. A lighting expert will be able to help you with the correct fixtures and bulbs. Do not go gray with backsplash, white is the way to go. There are many cool black and white kitchen accessories that will make your space feel more like you want it to feel. Throw in a pop of your favorite color in textiles to warm up the space.

My neighbor with a very contemporary house did dark brown cabinets with black counters. Doesn’t look dated at all. Wait till it’s finished

Your builder should have been able to offer a wider range of cabinet colors and countertops. However, as you said you are locked in now. Like other posters I don't know that your kitchen looks particularly dated. Your cabinetry and countertops are dark for sure. I'm assuming your flooring has been chosen. Hopefully, it is a light color. Also, hopefully, you have good lighting and plenty of it. That will help. My suggestion is to finish your kitchen, live with it for a while to see if you are truly unhappy with it and go from there. Good luck!

As Norwood Architects said, wait till all is done (since you can't change it) before stressing out. You will be able to pick your hardware and backsplash to make your kitchen sing. If you look at your picture with the white walls it gives you an idea of what a white backsplash would look like. Do you like it? After counters are in, I'm sure others here can give you ideas.
I agree with your husband, I don't think I would paint this uppers.

I don't think your selections look dated at all... just dark. But that's easy to fix with a lighter backsplash. Keep accessories light as well. I would not paint your cabinets. If you are so inclined to swap out your counters, try selling your current granite to offset the cost. Trust me, people will purchase it!

This kitchen that @Irene Morresey posted is a good one to emulate—glass doors and all like @herbflavor suggested.

Not a Pro.

It will be a beautiful kitchen! I love the above inspiration!

If you choose to go another way.....

To lighten it up a bit. Consider not changing the granite on the island but possibly painting the island cabinet to match the back splash you choose.

You’re going to need to triple your lighting in the room. All those inspirations are professionally lit for photography.

I do t think it is dated at all! So refreshing to see a not white kitchen!!! I will have a lot more personality

Perhaps a white marble mosaic backsplash? Marble is always in style.

And maybe get The island painted a warm white.

Would be nice to have a few door fronts with glass. Either clear, Or frosted. Or mirror?

I think that Steel Gray granite might read a bit lighter than you expect - look for some kitchen pics with it

I agree that a few doors in glass would make it feel less heavy, for contrast even paint the interiors of the glass cupboards as similar as possible to the backsplash with beautiful white crockery and lighting. I would also pick the lightest possible grey from the granite to use for the backsplash - even if not matching, but in the same tones... greys can be tricky, some are blue, green, yellow or even pink! So just get it in the same “steel” tone.

Do you have an area for a Coffee machine? Maybe. Above it can be glass doors.

If you are going to install a tile back splash, make sure they don't add the standard 4" granite back splash. It looks to me like the doors have a 1/4" panel, so you could just pop out the panels to install the frosted glass in its place.

The cabinet over the fridge looks as same depth as the rest of the upper cabinets.

i would bring those cabinets over the fridge forward, soo much more convenient to reach.

can have eg.baking sheets standing up

That is what I did in the home we had built. It gave the fridge a built-in look.

Glass doors on the uppers, and light the interior of the cabinets.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, it was helpful at the very least to stop the crying and realize it’s not as disastrous as it was in my head! We see the completed house next week Friday - I’ll update pictures then - I also ordered some tile samples all white, and bright for a backsplash.

Rosen: Even though it’s dark, it can look modern and classy. Try breathing and waiting for it to be done. As said above, make sure they DO NOT install a 4” piece of granite as a backsplash. If you are going to choose your own backsplash tiles, some builders HAVE to put that 4” on to get a CO. Ask them not to glue it or seal it tightly as you will have to remove it. Lighting will be critical for you to like your new kitchen. Post photos when it’s done.

I requested that as part of our design center choices - so no granite backsplash should be installed. Thanks!

I completely agree with Me AGirl - it would be great to add some glass to some of the doors. Nothing opens up and enlivens cabinets more IMHO.

I was beyond pleasantly surprised I love it! I selected a backsplash and, nickle hardware that we are going to all install ourselves, and then live with for awhile before making any other changes.

Very nice! See, all that worry was for nothing. It will look great when it is all said and done.

Looking forward to your new kitchen photos!

Hi Rose -

Any chance you could post some pics of your kitchen with the backsplash and hardware installed? I LOVE the backsplash tile you chose. We are gut renovating our kitchen right now and I actually have that tile sample sitting on the top of a sample pile (mountain) in my den. Also, congrats on going with the darker look. IMHO, it has such a high end purposefully designed feel...as opposed to all the white kitchens with the requisite marble/faux marble quartz counters that we see so often.

My kitchen is going to have BLUE (gasp!) painted custom cabinets with a black honed Dekton countertop. And it’s not the “approved” navy blue, its SW “Cay” and I can’t wait! I’m hoping to see how yours turned out with the backsplash...

Again, GREAT JOB on your kitchen design; it’s lovely.

Would love to see how the kitchen looks currently

👍 100%

@rosem23 it looks WONDERFUL! The backsplash is such a great look with your cabinets and counters. Thank you for posting the pics. It’s so nice to see everything put together. I’m using the same pulls as well - on my drawers. Truly, you did an amazing job; your kitchen is lovely.

Very nice Kitchen! Love the look!

You pulled it together very well! Your backsplash is just right. I'm considering that one as well, maybe more matte finish. Are you liking your counters better?

It looks elegant! I’m so glad you’re happy. Many of us start panicking in the middle of a kitchen job, but it turned out so well!

Yes I love the dark countertops - that quality of the cabinets is so-so definitely builder grade Merillat which is disappointing. Thanks for all the suggestion, and support everyone!!

Is this a drees build? Your kitchen looks very similar to ours. We also chose espresso cabinetry