It'd help if you draw on graph paper a scaled layout of the space this is in. Looks like an all one level peninsula could improve function. Quartz is 33% resin. No hot pans.

MSI shows White Montreal quartzite. Could be a slab backsplash.

I think the granite and countertops pair beautifully....but...it's just TOO MUCH granite with all that going up as a backsplash.

I would leave the granite countertops but remove the granite splash and replace that with a simple subway. Boom you're done.

Better lighting that isn't so yellow might also do wonders (on my monitor I see a yellow glow)

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We did change floors and lighting! Just don’t have current photos. Here’s the countertop layout.

No, no, no! Your granite is gorgeous! It’s also not dark. Replacing it with ubiquitous white quartz, would be a definite downgrade.

What your kitchen needs, is more lighting…modern, minimalist recessed ceiling lights along the perimeter, 3-4” from the cabinets to supplement the pendants. Also, add under cabinet lights, if you don’t already have them.

If, as you stated, you’ve been putting hot pots directly on the granite without issue, consider yourself lucky. Granite can most definitely suffer from thermal shock, just like quartzite, marble, and quartz. Placing very hot, or very cold items directly on those materials, can shock the surface, and cause cracking. And, in the case of quartz…which contains 34% plastic resins, heat will melt/scorch the surface. The only counter material that is temperature neutral, absorbing both hot and cold slowly, is soapstone…which is why it’s been used in chemistry labs for centuries.

I agree with keeping the countertops and replacing backsplash. Nice kitchen!

Your space layout would work with an all one height counter with seating. You can also go one level without seating. Pantry storage 11-12" deep behind doors is a good option instead of stools when you have a table and comfortable chairs right there.

If you want to try out how a white ( or lighter) splashback goes, try just taping up some white paper or even a coloured card around the perimeter. Might help with the visualisation… or maybe sample the stick on tiles without sticking them on?

Geez, get better lighting, new knobs/handles, and some accessories. Why replace backsplash, etc… before doing the obvious.

I'd fix the lighting and the floor before messing with the cabs and countertops.

ETA: I see you've already replaced the floors. Why didn't you upload current pics?

Agree I would experiment with the backsplash. I don’t know about subway tile as a choice however. I wouldn’t get rid of the countertops.

If you go for new counters you can switch to a single bowl sink and an induction cooktop.

I would not replace that beautiful backsplash. Instead, use white decor items, white cutting board, white orchids, pitchers, etc.

I love your cabinets and new floors! Please do share new photos when you have them.

I'm assuming you like your countertops, so I wouldn't choose to replace them. On my screen, the color looks good with everything else. Personally, I love subway tile. I would choose light but not white. Something warm. I have always preferred yellow undertones with my cherry wood. Your paint color looks very nice. What color is it? [Photo below is from home I sold in 2017. I had backsplash removed because it was too dark. Didn't replace it in case the buyer wanted to replace the concrete countertops, too. I liked my warm paint color, though it was meant to be lighter than the counters. Color near sink was true color and was used throughout. It was SW Macadamia.]

Also, I'd add undercabinet lighting and check the temperature of all lighting. Before choosing the backsplash color. I often read here on Houzz that 3500 K is usually a good choice. Only after the backsplash is installed would I consider different hardware.

Thanks everyone, I didn’t post current photos because I’m not currently living there and don’t have updated photos. When I return, I’ll try to cover the backsplash with paper to see what it looks like. I’d like to change hardware but how do you do that with drawer pulls? Color on walls is BM Soft Chamois 969, we love it.

Another vote for proper lighting, and under xabinet lighting. I love backsplash tile, honestly, and I wouldn’t replace your granite if it were mine. You have a 2 level counter and they are dated, but no kitchen is perfect.

@Kristin Daus, I believe ypu should change the countertops.

My kitchen cabinets & granite are similar to yours. We are making plans to lighten up the kitchen by replacing the countertops & backsplash.

We've already brightened the lighting

Thanks everyone, I did replace both countertops & backsplash. See before and after photos.

Pulling the cabinet color into the rest of the space a bit will tie the space together. Most of that backsplash will be covered by appliances once you move in.

@Kristin Daus I am so eager to see your before and after photos, but can't. Would you post them again?