Are you willing to remove the 4” backsplash you already have? Because putting a tile backsplash on top of a 4” backsplash, is a big no-no.

Also, didn’t you say in your previous post, that you were going to reface your cabinets? Suggesting a backsplash without knowing what the cabs will look like, would be putting the cart before the horse.

It needs to work both with granite and flooring, if these stay, so I'd go for the plain color, the lightest found in other stones. Very light tan, or maybe cream? A bit hard to see from the picture. Nothing too stark. Would go for ceramics..one can do shapes too.Just account for more cuts if going with shapes. If deciding to add it-you'll have to remove the existing backsplash, the granite one(seems to be 4 inch). You also need to decide where you're going to end the new backsplash.

If it was my kitchen I'd leave the 4 inch granite one-it works, and it's easier.

Unless you really love some pretty tile that will work with the rest.

Thinking about it-some blues might work, deeper blues..but I think would be harder to pull it off. Not impossible, just harder.

Me and darbuka wrote at the same time.

Yes, please, if planning for other changes-let us know, gives us possibility to advise better.

I am exploring possibility to refinish cabinets to less reddish color but asking for backsplash just in case I will keep cabinets as they are. Not sure if I should start with repainting house walls first and then go to kitchen updates. Yes, would like to remove current 4-5 inch backsplash

Here are similar 4 inch backsplash with additional backsplash added. Seems ok but I am not sure if it will work for me. Any thoughts?

No to both. The first is a travertine and has been out of favor fir many year now, and for good reason.

The second is too dark and too busy.

I would do a simple cream that will not fight with your flooring. You can do it in an interesting shape.

Thanks. Are you talking about cream. Looted stone or tile backsplash?

first pic: I wouldn't redo it if I inherited this kitchen (which says more about me and my energy than the kitchen), but it doesn't mean I'd design it myself. No reason for that second backspash to be there. If they wanted to protect stove area more-well, you either go with stone or metal behind the stove, or do a backsplash without granite strip.

second pic: they have three(!) backsplashes, two countertops, very bold flooring, huge kitchen, details on the ceiling, large hood..small detail like third backsplash disappears more, among the rest, which doesn't mean it has to be there, or serves any use, or makes the kitchen better in any way. Again, wouldn't design it like that.

Neither is horrible but neither is worthy repeating.

If you search the internet, you can find photos to justify any decor. That first pic has arched cabinets. Guaranteed that kitchen wasn’t put together in the past 6 years. Both arched cabs and backsplash on top of backsplash, are just not current.

What about repainting kitchen cabinets to something like this ? ( see picture) . I am just exploring all options

No, no, no! Those cabinets are glazed...not an updated look.

BTW, other than the fact that your cabinets are staggered, there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re very pretty, and look to be in great shape. The staggering, is what dates the kitchen. Refacing, or painting the cabs, will not change that.

Update the cabinet hardware, remove the 4” splash...replace it with a full tiled one. What will truly update the kitchen (and give it a “higher end” look, remove the microwave above the range, and replace it with a proper vent hood.

Thanks. So in your opinion, reddish color that annoys me OK and better to do other updates instead? My friend recommended it too

Yup. Learn to love your cherry cabs. Do the other updates. Your friend is a wise lady...😉

FWIW, i think your kitchen would have a more positive vibe, with a lighter granite.

Changing granite crossed my mind too but probably will raise cost much more ( well, nothing free). Do you have any specific suggestion of countertop color?

I guess similar countertop will look better. Agree?

Yes! You’re on the right track! 👍

That would make a huge difference in the appearance and feel of your kitchen.

I agree with the other commenters here.

It sounds to me like you want to make some updates without doing a complete renovation (understandable). It also sounds like you may want someone to make suggestions for materials, color, etc.? This community can do that, but unless you hire a designer, you will still need to do a lot of research. In other words, I see two options: (1) Hire a designer = spending a bit of money for expert advice and saving you time and possible agony over decisions AND getting it done right; (2) Doing the research yourself = saves a bit of money and requires lots of time and decision making.

FWIW, I also think it would help to nail down your preferred design style (if you don't already know) and how much work you are willing to put into maintaining materials. That will help you narrow your options quite a bit right off the bat - you'll figure out what to rule out right away. There are doubtless tons of articles right here on Houzz to help you with that.

If you go the DIY route, I recommend going to a local home design showroom. Start by strolling around to look for inspiration ideas. You can also work with someone there to get ideas for materials and pricing. I don't mean a big box store, but more like a Studio 41 if you have those in your area? Provides a "one stop shopping" experience to look at options for updates you can do without redoing the entire kitchen.

I agree a different countertop would have a big impact - everything is very dark right now. And yes, a vent hood over the range vs the microwave will also really help.

You might also consider updating your lighting. I can't tell what you have currently - looks like a ceiling fixture and some minimal cans but not sure about under cabinet lighting, etc. Lighting can really help to modernize and brighten a space. It can be a little $$ to hire an electrician (assuming you can't do it) but worthwhile for aesthetics and functionality. (Now that I have proper lighting on dimmers, you'd have to pry it from my cold dead hands.)

Thank you

To add to whatever kellie wrote...

reddish tone by itself wouldn't bug me as much (even though not my preffered stain) if it wasn't next to much yellower floor tiles.

Maybe it's the reason it bugs you too, or is it you really dislike the stain?

Would it prompt me to redo either floors or cabinets? In my case, doubtful. The kitchen seems to be a separate enough space, the paint right now repeats the yellow in floors (repetition always helps in such cases)...I'd rather use accessories and maybe a rug to take my mind off combination that slightly bugs me.

Granite works as is-but agreed that if going with lighter granite/quartzite that would also reapeat flooring tones somewhat, will give a lighter look.

Would I personally do that? Doubtful, again.

What's without doubt -I'd need to spend some time in the house (I don't know how new it is to you), know the whole big picture I'm going for, direction I'm taking, decide where to put my energy, my money, what do I prioritize, all my "whys" for changing things.

Then if I'm changing anything-it's but a part of an overall picture that I've already shaped in my mind, and everything is considered.

Right lights can provide for immense difference, so I'll prioritize that-but would take me time to figure them out too. But it's okay. Taking time usually yields better results.

It's a nice kitchen..you can change a lot there, or a little, or nothing at all, just put there things that bring you joy on the daily basis-and will still work.

Start with your overall concept for the house, don't be in a hurry, and soon you'll see what you'd rather do, and where do you begin. And you'd be much more sure in whatever decision you make.