Agreed ^ fwiw I would paint the pantry door the wall color so it recedes a bit

wall color is not appealing..Id return to white walls and leave the pantry door as is. the browns of cabs and floor are great......the counter is fine its not a statement counter so considering windowless space ...and just a straight run of splash [ but on view if seated] Id pick a pop of color. I think it would improve things a lot. sometimes you need a pop somewhere, esp if you want a modern vibe.

3"x6" Baker Glass Subway Tiles, Set of 8, Fire Orange · More Info

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I cannot imagine orange in that very elegant space but a simple large format glass tile could work in a light color from the counter and matching grout or if you want to splurge do back painted glass no grout . I like pantry doors to be the same as all the cabinets it is just a large cabinet and in this case for sure I happen to like the wall color and as long as you have great lighting it adds a touch of moody that works .Remove the clock and the stuff on the side of the fridge this is to me a very elegant space don't add stuff at all. keep it clean and simple .

The granite is busy. You need to tone it down, make a more modern look, and lighten the space. These three can be achieved easily:

1. Find a subway tile that is the closest match to the lightest background color in your granite.

2. Get a size and select an install pattern in whatever way feels most contemporary to you.

3. Color match paint for the walls, ceiling, and pantry door to the subway tile.

The counters are busy, the cabinets are an intense contrast to the counters, walls, and any light colored splash. By color matching backsplash and wall paint, you increase the calm. Your wood cabinets will become more of the focus in here.

maybe define modern for your purposes ..here is modern with the infusion of the color that makes it so.....blues wont work in yours but the warmth of your counter lends itself to a POP at the backsplash if modern is what you really mean. maybe your own inspiration search would help you the most. I'd fear staying too bland/ boring in your kitchen and I dont think the counters are that busy.

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I would choose the light cream from the granite. There are several nice tiles to choose from to form different patterns.

I agree a creamy color for the backsplash, and I would repaint the walls a creamy color too. The color they are now, just doesnt look all that great. Once you get things done, pick a bright color or two, for art work (if you have a place for some), and for some kitchen accessories, so that it has some personality.

Work wiith the granite color wise.

Choose a variety of shapes/sizes and let the design/texture create the interest vs a color that doesn’t relate, for a more seamless and expansive look. Test samples against counter and when you have narrowed down to a couple, buy a box of each (that can be returned) and tape to wall/consider the layout pattern you prefer as well.

You may then want to make other updates, depending on interest and budget. If possible (given the open concept) paint a light color that works with counter and backsplash and hopefully the entire space. The stools feel heavy and if changing, update lighting to complement. I’d add some black to tie in with the faucet and a lighter color to off set the dark cabinets and flooring. I think you’ll have a new kitchen!

The glass pendant light looks beautiful. I agree with a plain cream tile for the backsplash. Match the granite background, as advised above.

Paint wall and pantry door the same creamy light beige color as the tiles recommended by Beverly above.

If there is $$ remove counters and backsplash and go with white quartzite or similar, something very plain . Maybe same counter,and backsplash. For color, try artwork, fresh fruits, etc. useful things that make you smile and invite ooohs and ahhs. Maybe even a small colorful metal sculpture thats kitcheny somewhere close by. or a long runner rug. Stuff that pops but quietly.

If you must. I would leave it all alone - this kitchen is a period piece, after all, and will always look like early 2000s - and instead get accessories to break up the counter and backsplash. Colorful cannisters. Cookbooks. A funky ceramic vase or pitcher to hold wooden spoons and such. The white fruit bowl belongs there too - not on the island; that's where you want a large and interesting (and colorful) tray that can collect potholders or other loose ends or hold drink glasses when you entertain. Lose the Kleenex box on top of the fridge. A few well placed and colorful items above the cabinets - yes, they will get nasty, but so will that area anyway so oh well. Statement oversized door and drawer pulls for some jewelry. If you have room for an overhead pot rack and have some good looking pots and pans (copper?) put it up. Funky stools for the island where your guests are going to want to hang while you make great food. Make this area look like a working kitchen with a cook who knows what's what.

I would lighten the gray walls probably three tones up - not an off white but a light gray with a neutral or slightly blue undertone - not yellow; beige will look too washed out IMHO and the gray creates a nice subtle contrast with your cabinets. I would want to see what other doors are in proximity and the rest of the room before making a switch on the white door, and what I do there I would do elsewhere. Or - I gather the door is to a pantry - ditch the door and turn the pantry into a feature, with perhaps some swinging doors for interest. Paint the interior of the pantry the same color as the wall, except the pantry wall that is open to the kitchen could either be an accent color (picking up your accessories) or, better yet, some peel-and-stick wallpaper. The pantry itself can be a work of art, with more canisters and baskets and so forth if you get inspired from some photos here on Houzz.

Definitely a runner in between the counter and the island. There are all kinds of washable rugs now - or at least get an indoor/outdoor one you can hose off. Remember, you are going to be cooking up a storm!

I'd go nuts in here with accessories. Have fun!

Leave the counters, but change the backsplash to something in a solid color. It is just much too busy right now. Maybe a copper or stainless steel to pick up the light, or just a creamy color to match the counter. Use that as your guide.

I would hire someone to remove the popcorn in your ceiling

THANK YOU to all for responding. This was my first time asking for advice on Houzz. I just purchased this home and have yet to move in (these are pics from the viewing). I decided to replace the counters with a white quartz with veining - something simple, clean but i will be selective in the amount and style of veining. The same quartz will become my backsplash too. The kitchen is far too busy for me and all I see with that countertop is yellow hues - anything i put as backsplash will look ‘dirty’ to me and add another pattern of ‘slightly off’ looking backsplash. I just couldn’t work around this countertop style and color. I will eventually change up the stools to something lighter. I’m playing with the idea of refinishing them into a new look. Will live with them until I’m inspired. If it’s an epic fail, I just buy new /different ones 😊. And yes, most definitely will be replacing that paint color as I’m repainting the whole house before moving in. Again, many thanks for your wonderful suggestions. You all have given me some more ideas!!

Paint the cabinets white and remove the laminate (plastic) flooring and install real wood floors. Any plain white tile for the back splash works, but that is not the greatest need for the kitchen. The cabinets need to be painted white or doors replaced with white wood doors. Remove the popcorn ceiling and move the microwave somewhere safer. Microwaves up high like that can be dangerous when you drag a hot container out and there is not a cabinet in front of it. Much work is needed in that kitchen to make it look normal. Have fun.