This forum is pretty anti-quartz. I am one of the few outliers. :) I would use something from Corian and run it up the walls for the backsplash. Look at lots of samples in your light, which should not look like an operating room,. 3000K would be a good upgrade if you aren't already there.

I like quartz, but I think that Patricia may be right if this is to be a rental. Granite wears better, and even the two-tier bar has advantages, like hiding your clutter from guests. Renovate it for yourselves if/when you ever move into it.

Smart choice making the bar one level. I agree that if you are renting it out that granite is much more forgiving. I would do a 4" splash of the counter as your backsplash. This is a tight kitchen and adding too much look in the splash area is only going to make it feel smaller.

I would make a serious decision about your cabinet color and finish now as it and the floors are both going to guide your counter selection. You need to consider these all together.

If the cabinets are in great condition, then decide to keep them the way they are and contemplate a new granite that will make the space look and feel more open and isn't as harsh of a contrast as the black.

If you intend to have the cabinets painted in place, don't count on them lasting long with renters. The paint will begin to chip and wear easily.

I would remove the current backsplash, lower the two-tiered area and buy a gorgeous granite. Two reasons: once you lower the tiered area, you will need a lot more stone to extend out into othe adjoining area. Putting stools there is a huge plus. Granite is less money and easier to take care of. Second choice is Corian. I would only use a 4” backsplash using the countertop material and paint the backsplash with easy-to-wipe quality paint.

I would deep clean the cabinets and leave them as is. Maybe change the hardware after you choose the countertop.

I refaced my kitchen and lowered my two-tiered countertop, too. This is the before.

This is the after.

Thank you, all! Lots of great opinions for us to think about.

for me the priority would be to maintain the cabs - they look nice and will wear well. To refresh a future rental, I would just update the backsplash (but I am frugal lol)