Some additional pics

More white is a non factor as far as that fireplace which is not near your back splash. You might want to get some color in your space. A gray tile might give your island some reference.

the room has a bit of grandness about it. Subway tiles w a bit of contrast to the grout is fine. I might consider picket fence shape [just a bit of a tweak using shape] this all seems to lean a bit contemporary just looking around the space. I would put on some good hardware along that theme. I would swap the flouncing window curtain panels for tailored panels .....in a blue white stripe ...nice and bold but not fussy at the window because of the adjacent brick....a nice complement. . How about a nice area rug in front of couch.....blues /reds in a pattern..... I see primary colors like that in the space. A few basic strong elements to give finishing touches is all you need. a couple textural cellular shades over at dinette and kitchen window for subtlety and function might be good [matching] . there are tons of various solar shades /blinds/ cellulars etc

Thank you so much! All great suggestions. Taking notes right now. I like the picket fence shape idea.

Hi Angelica-

My laptop can distort color sometimes. What color is the base of your island? Is it white like your cabinets or is it gray?

What color is your sofa, and will you be keeping that sofa? In one photo your sofa looks gray and in another it looks white.

I think there are lots of options for a backsplash.

Here are some designs for subway tiles, and the herringbone pattern would look very nice.

The herringbone is the second one down on the left.

You could use a plain white subway tile, or use the subway tile shape, but use a glass tile that is translucent, or even use a marble tile that is very pretty, however if you use marble, be sure to clean up your spatters right away and get the backsplash sealed. You would get the grout sealed anyway.

Here is another thought, although not one you brought up- have you thought about adding more color?

What about painting the base of your island, and then adding that color to your living in throw pillows and art over the fireplace?

For example, a nice deep blue on the island, brass hardware for your cabinets (yes, you can mix metals in your kitchen), a variety of throw pillows in blue-

Here is an example of some art in blue -

The above art is an Audobon that you can down load for free.

Yes, you are reading correctly, free, free, free as a bird!

https://mymodernmet.com/audubon-free-prints/

Download it, take it to any print shop and make it any size you like and you can adjust the proportions too.

Or you could do the island in a green color. Hunter green, forest green, sage green, all look great.

Whatever you choose, how about a square shape instead of rectangular.

^^ Great idea. I like a stacked square tile, it is timeless, very popular in Europe.