I have fell in love with white spring, but I only like the one with leather finish, my contractor told me they cannot make it into L shape since it's too fragile (is that true)? They keep trying to sell me into getting quartz, but I'm not a big fan of the man-made look.

Why are you getting rid of the granite that’s there?

leave the counters ...put in a backsplash...change the hardware. skip elaborate things like"waterfall"

Since you're obviously trying to keep the costs of this renovation on the lower side (I mean, why else would you keep the cabinets?), I can’t recommend ANY new countertop, nor the “fridge box” (and what I assume are spice pullouts next to it) and here’s why: At the end of the day, after you’ve spent $30K, you’ll still have the same kitchen.

I'm taking off the countertop because it feels so dark in the kitchen. I have really high ceilings, but the dark countertop just tracks your eyes lower. Another reason is that I am upgrading to a 36-inch fridge, which would require me to move the 15'' top and base cabinet to the other end and replace 6'' spice rack/wine cubby between the range and the fridge -- so I would need some new countertop for that side anyway, wondering if it is time to change them all together.

I'm thinking something white but has a yellow undertone. Less veins but small patterns here and there is gonna be nice too.

What about a white Corian? It would look crisp and modern in your kitchen. No 4 inch backsplash (since that's out of favor).

Maybe even no backsplash at all. The only place you "need" one is at the sink, where you already have a window,.

not fully finished yet as you can see the trim and glass door not installed. But this is what the kitchen looks like now!

What a beautiful, bright kitchen! I love the combination of black, white, wood and green (plants). Well done!

So pretty! You did a great job!