http://www.ballarddesigns.com/eldridge-rectangular-chandelier/lighting/chandeliers/209471?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=3 Link to pendants

Farmhouse = warm tones, aged bronze lighting, fixtures & handles & mixed tiles that are creams & tans to tie both countertops together. Instead of sage green go more of an olive tone--this color is also more on trend right now so buying any items would be easier.

What is the difference between olive color and sage? Can you give an example of tiles? Thank you!

olive has more of a gray/black/yellow tone & sage more blue....in the search here on Houzz put in tumbled tile & you will get tons of matches that will show the varied look I was talking about. It's nice because it tends to be of the same tones, so it has movement without an in-your-face look. It is also a timeless that won't scream dated in a few years.

This is the best example I could find....sage would be the middle color & olives to the right & a couple of samples of tile...

Choose a warm sage and rustic white subway tile to get a farmhouse feel. adding a herringbone pattern insert above the stove would add interest! I love your lighting choice, it pulls the black from the appliances and tile, you could choose rustic upholstered bar stool that also use the black trim. Updating the window fabric to a white/creamy linen and replacing the gold hardware knobs to a maybe a dark bronze color will help you achieve the farmhouse feel as well.

I see a lot of you suggested white tile or muted colors for a backsplash. What if I bring sage colors to it? Am I limited to a white tiles to go next to the white counter? No wonder i couldn't find any pictures when I googled cherry kitchen, white counters...

Should I spend my money replacing a brownish countertop ( I really hate it) and paint the brown strip white on the backsplash? would this modernize this kitchen?

Keep it very plain. Maybe white subway white tiles. No stripes nothing just plain. It will look much more sophisticated .

ritafamilant--to me all the pure white doesn't really read cozy farmhouse look...it's too stark, so yea if it is in your budget to change countertop with backsplash go for it!! Another thought would be to paint your center island black--let wood show thru around edges for an old world antique look (pretty easy do it yourself project). You can also have this distressed look on the bottom portion of your kitchen table Try getting some mat board in colors you are thinking of, cut them in half & put over your backsplash to see what tones you like & how they blend with your current counter. As in painting a thick black stripe--do the same--tape black construction paper around & live with it a few days--see if you like it before you commit. You may find painting those 2 things does the job blending the nice things you already have.

You mean replacing the island counter?
Personally I like the white counter and with a white backsplash I think you can still get a farmhouse look. Just as mentioned above do a tile with texture - when you look at subway tiles you can see which have that handmade or crackled look to them.

I think you could do a green backsplash if that's what you prefer as well.
http://houzz.com/photos/217849

All of you are so generous with your time. Thank you. I have no idea what style I am going for. I don't even know what farmhouse style is. I am just trying to update this 20 years old kitchen and make it our own. I don't have much time to think about it all. We have 5 weeks to renovate the house before we move in, so if you are up for a challenge, look at my other posts later on as I have lots of projects to tackle:) Anyway, I am off shopping today. Hopefully, I will come back with some good tile samples. I will also post a pictures of my existing furniture. Talk to you soon.

I am back :) I went shopping for tiles and came back with a few samples. Out of all, only the tile on the board "spoke" to me. I am thinking of using rectangular ones in both colors and making a pattern insert out of the diamond shape ones. I think this color picks up the color from center island countertop, but subtle enough to go well with a white countertop. I also tried to match Benjamin More colors for the wall. Do you think I am on the right track with all of this?

More pictures

pictures of my existing furniture

possible paint colors??? and close up of the countertop

I would stick with a subway tile backsplash. There are so many tile & grout colors you could choose from which would compliment your flooring. The other backsplash you chose may look a bit busy with the flooring you currently have and not sure you'll achieve the farmhouse look you wanted.

I love white subway tile, I just feel that since I already have white tiles, it doesn't justify the expense. I am totally wrong? I am so confused!

After reading about color undertones, I am confused even more. The center countertop has a pinky undertone. Does it go with the olive color?

Subway tile is a dying trend; I wouldn't recommend it. You have the opportunity to refresh your kitchen by adding the new backsplash (I think this is a good decision, as the old one is pretty boring). I actually do like the diamond-patterned one you show in the photo; it has some character.

I must be the only person who wouldn't do white back splash...I like your lighting choice...agree with removing the window treatment and changing out the hardware...I like the fabric bar stools shown in above comments ...your wall choice is pretty...

Subway tile is like honey oak cabinets---WAY OVER USED...so when everyone & their brother designs with something it becomes dated. I love the sample board you have of tile---looks great....and you're right, use what speaks to you. Easiest way to design a room is to take an item & build from their. Looks to me like you have your inspiration now!! Keep posting pics!!

Hello everybody, I want to share how our kitchen looks now days. Thanks for all you advice back in September. Today's dilemmas: Kitchen table. Round? Square? Chairs or Bench? Window treatment? Wall art? Any ideas?