Jaunite we use the 22 system outlets in our kitchen renovatios in our backsplashes because they are less noticable

https://22system.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo20nE6o2XU9hiFulvceGFO8TKN-VWCZSXhSO_HPmDpj9iLdbXx

If those are not a possibility then choose an outlet color that is closest to your backsplash color. Example your current tile i would have specced black outlets as they would have been more subtle. Or better yet a soft olive green or gray.

There are several manufacturers wh make colored outlet and switchs

Lumens

https://22system.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo20nE6o2XU9hiFulvceGFO8TKN-VWCZSXhSO_HPmDpj9iLdbXx

and Legrand

https://www.legrand.us/wiring-devices/designer-switches-and-outlets?srsltid=AfmBOoqTh_U3p3Jjw3UXHNZLx3uCijqiqzYwTHHSzYXLJ62LR8WMDTh-

and Lutron

https://www.lutron.com/us/en/controls/dimmers-switches

all offer a variety of colors in their outlets and plates now

I've used Lutron and I and my clients have been very happy with them.

following

It seems to me that you could do everything but painting the cabinets, even one step at a time, to lighten the kitchen, then decide if that gives you the change you need. I had cherry cabinets and white oak floors in my last home, though not nearly as high end. I loved them. In the home before that, I had white cabinets, and that is what my new home has. I didn't hestiate, since I had liked them before. I wish so much I had the cherry cabinets again. FWIW.

I agree, keep the cabinets wood…and reconsider the backsplash and the countertops. I know some people on here love the granite, but it is very busy and dark. The suggestion about covering the counters with white posterboard to see how you like the look of something lighter is a great one. Buy some white Bristol board and some masking tape and go for it. Take photographs!

Your granite looks similar to the typhoon bordeaux i used in my last house. I had cherry cabs, a travertine backsplash and tile floor. i really liked it. You could start by removing the green backsplash and live with it for a while. travertine may be a backsplash option.

It's been a while, but I am still intent on a kitchen update. I found these two quartzites and would love your thoughts. I will have to search for more Taj Mahal (bottom photo)

because this is

the only slab at the stone store.

I was surprised by how light my Santa Rita soapstone turned out to be. And I am so besotted with the color... like a spruce or eucalyptus... frosted almost.

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I would look for the least veining, lightest slap I could find. If you are going to bother then be sure the trouble and expense make the biggest difference possible. What did you decide about the back splash? Use the same product/slab for all!!!

I like the idea of forgoing a lot of grout lines in a tile backsplash, but I'm not confident that using the counter material is the right answer. It feels like an idea that's not quite there yet. Not that I've got the answer, but I'm trying large-format rectified porcelain tile for entire walls. So far I like it. But I bet it could go wrong too.

Taj slabs can go creamy, taupe or gray. I don't thing the creamy light beige version is a good match for cherry.

Please do a search here on white quartzite staining. Many people here have been beyond disappointed when their gorgeous white quartzite develops stains from water or whatever is used as a glue. See if you can get a sample to test, and ask the fabricator about how they seal and how they prevent staining. We don’t want you heartbroken!

Those here who have Taj Mahal quartzite have found it to be extremely durable (as well as beautiful.)

@kl23 your counters are beautiful!

Since your cherry cabinets are still in good condition, painting some of them could be a great way to lighten the space without replacing everything. You could keep the cherry on the lower cabinets and paint the uppers in a warm white, soft cream, or light greige for a balanced look.

With new countertops, backsplash, and hardware, even a partial update can make a big difference. Just make sure the cabinets are properly prepared and primed so the paint adheres well and lasts.

Stupid question: Why do you feel the need to "lighten" your kitchen? I think it is very well lit. I love your cherry cabinets. The last thing I would want is to have to work on countertops that bounce a bunch of light back into my eyes. I like under-cabinet lighting on a honed medium to dark counter that highlights what I am working on rather than blinding me. Just something to think about.

Juanita, did you move forward with the remodel? Any updates?

I narrowed down my options from our discussion 4 months ago and would love your thoughts on my top choices. I am conflicted about mixing quartzite with quartz, but I am trying to keep costs down and the appearance clean.

I want to do the quartzite (one of the options above) on my island and the quartz on the perimeter counters. Looking forward to your opinions!

Nothing wrong with mixing the two but I would do a solid creamy white on the island.

Sorry. I meant solid on the perimeter

So you're suggesting the creamy white quartz on the island and the quartzite around the perimeter. Which quartzite do you like, the top one or the bottom one, with my cherry cabinets?

I like your idea of the quartz on the perimeter counters only solid. Then do the quartzite on the island. The second one is my favorite but they’re both pretty.

That is what I was planning: to do-,the creamy white quartz on the perimeter and quartzite on the island. The problem is finding the white quartz

If I were you, I wouldn’t touch the cabinets. I think a change in the counter tops and backsplash would make a world of difference.

When starting from scratch, these days painted cabinetry costs more than wood. They put a coating on the paint to help it stand up to all the wear and tear. They aren't worth as much however. Solid Cherry cabinetry is beautiful and not a cheap choice. To each their own and it is your kitchen after all but I think you will tire of the paint much sooner than wood.

I am not touching the cherry cabinets. It is the

counter surface that are my challenge. Thanks, everyone!

I think you are trying too hard with mixing countertops in your kitchen. Stay with just one countertop. And decide which one is best based on a paint tone that works for your overall kitchen/adjoining spaces. Bring that paint sample with you when evaluating slabs.

The existing granite is stunning. And I basically said this way up thread. The main issue in your kitchen, is the backsplash. THAT is what is creating the dark feeling - plus, it does not really go with the cabinets nor with the granite.

White counters are not the answer to everything.

Not to mention, quartz would be a huge downgrade from the existing granite. Your cabinets are high end. The existing granite is, as well.

However, if you want to go the plain white perimeter counter route - Corian would be a better choice than quartz. At least it is repairable. Plus, you will not have a problem finding a white that you like in Corian. Then, do the quartzite you like on the island.

Or- start with a new backsplash, new pendants, and new counter stools.

Okay, freedomplace, I hear you. What would you replace the backsplash with? I could not find anything that looked good with the rainforest granite. I have no idea what to do. I want a brighter, lighter kitchen. I want to keep the cabinets exactly as they are, but I need an update. I am willing to invest in new countertops, but I won't choose another surface with a lot of movement and dark tones. This is taking so much longer than I ever imagined. ugh.

I am open to keeping my countertops and maybe having a countertop person try to refinish them because, honestly, they are stained with water marks; you just can't see them. Because this granite hides everything! Good and bad. After going back and rereading the comments, I am nervous about buying quartzite because of the staining factor.

I would remove the backsplash and paint the repaired dry wall with washable (light colored) paint. Then change the hardware to a brushed brass or brushed nickel.
Live with that for a while. You can search for new backsplash tiles at your leisure until you find the exact right beige-ivory- off white that works with your granite countertops. (Tilebar.com is a great place to buy samples. 5 for $5.).
I lived without a backsplash for two years at my last house. We did so many renovations I was “out of decisions” by the time we finished the kitchen. It was a cherry kitchen with a granite countertop. Years later I changed the hardware, as I’m suggesting to you, and it really perked up the room. You can do one item at a time and removing the existing backsplash will make a huge visual difference. Your current granite is beautiful, and yes, harder to find a tile to match with.

If I were you and swirling with the options I would go to lowes and buy a package of the plastic paint boards (6 pack 24"x18") and buy a sample of a creamy white paint color that is close to the lightest creamy off whites in the counter.

Paint the samples and stick them to your current backsplash. Leave them up for a week. Live with just the backsplash being lightenened. If that works for you replace only the backsplash, if not, then you know that the right answer for you is to replace the backsplash and the countertop.

Your counters are unique and quite beautiful, but sometimes we get tired of the same thing and need a change.

I love your idea, Jennifer!

@Juanita Hagan - RedRyder has a good idea as well about the cabinet hardware.

While at Lowes or HD pick up a few brushed nickle(3.00 or less) pieces of cabinet hardware to help determine if this will help to lighten up your kitchen to your satisfaction.

@Juanita Hagan - You can live without a backsplash tile. ;)

The ideas that @Red Ryder gave you, in terms of just removing the existing tile and painting the wall in a light color in eggshell finish (which makes it cleanable/wipeable) is a good plan, and one that I often recommend. This is a simple, less fussy backsplash approach - and it is also trending. It works well in general - and also, it specifically works well when counters(s) have a lot of movement. You could use a stainless, or copper, or brass metal panel behind the range for more protection there, if you need to/want to. Just painting the backsplash area could really be a permanent “fix” - versus a temporary one. Although, it could be temporary, if you down the road find a tile that you really want to install. Backsplash tiles, etc. are mostly for decorative purposes. They can add visual interest. Your cabinets and counters have enough visual interest, by themselves. I understand your challenge of finding a tile to work with the existing granite. I don’t know if I would even try it, myself. I would probably just do painted wall or maybe back painted glass.

If you want to first test the idea of removing the backsplash and it’s effect - as @Jennifer Hogan suggested, you can get something to cover it. Once you cover it, I believe you will notice a significant difference.

ETA: You could alternatively use tempered glass just behind the range/cooktop.

These are various examples and options - from Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4595955374/ivory-glass-backsplash-solid-cream?

Your countertop does make my heart sing! I love tropical rainforest patterns in art and fabrics and love the colors.

I have a completely different design in mind for my kitchen and it fits my bold personality (purple cabinets, brass fixtures, white appliances and the cambria bently countertops) but damn - I may have to buy a second home so I can design a kitchen and house around your countertops.

The thing i would be most concerned with when combining a real stone (quartzite) with a faux (quartz) is the finish. Your sample you have a high polished quartzite and the quartz sample if dull in comparison. The difference in the two is what is going to draw your eye and make the quartz look even more unreal than it does. To get that high polish found in quartz i would consider Porcelain counters if a faux counter is what you want. Quartzite is beautiful and in no world is it a downgrade from granite. That said the cost difference for your permimiter should be somewhat nominal as you do not have a ton of counters there. I would try to do one counter throughout. At the beginning of this thread there was recommendation to keep the granite and just change the backsplash, lighting and hardware and furniture. I still think this can easily lighten and brighten the space.

here is your kitchen just changing to a warm creamy backsplash.

here is your kitchen with the second slab you showed and a solid quartz on perimeter

Again i would brighten up your hardware, lighting and barstools. This is your kitchen and all that was done was changed the metal finished on what you have, replaced the backsplash and change the finish on your counter stools

@Design Interior South - That’s the best image! Light backsplash, brass hardware. Looks great.

@Juanita Hagan - what do you think?

@Design Interior South I like it a lot! Thank you. Can you switch out the knobs and replace the lighter stools in the image with the quartzite/quartz counters? Do you think it's a mistake to use a light quartzite on my island and quartz on the perimeter? I also just bought the pendants which is a problem with switching the knobs to brass. This is so difficult.....

You do not have to change out the hardware to get a lighter look.

This is the rendering that I posted here on your thread at the end of May. I just took a screenshot of it.

Simple white subway tile on backsplash.

The pendants you have with the heavy black metal are not really doing much to lighten the look. You could still use the pendants that you have with a lighter backsplash, though - or, if you would prefer to replace all the counters to keep the dark metal pendants, that is your choice.

If you just want to get new counters because you want new counters - that is fine. I do not think that what you are looking at is an improvement over the existing granite - but, again, your choice.

imo, there is no issue with using two different materials - one on perimeter and one on island. If you are using the quartzite - it makes sense to just use it on the island only - because it has a lot of movement, and imo too much movement with your cabinets. I have already said that I would recommend a plain white Corian over a plain white quartz for the perimeter.

Juanita, here is your request. Leaving lighting as is. I did the base of the stools black here so the lighting would relate to something else in the space

here they are light

and here is the space with chaning thet lights

The metal finish i used for hardware here is actually not brass but Polished Nickel. As far as mixing counters , I never mix real stones with faux stones. For me its never a win because of the marked difference in what they are. Real + real or Faux + Faux. A quartz is never going to look real near a new stone. Nor is any other composite material counter.

A plain white counter is never going to look like real stone, whether it is next to real stone or not.

It’s going to look like what it is... a plain white counter.

And plain white counters are actually used all the time in mixes that involve real stone, wood/butcher block, etc.

I understand not using a faux marble next to a real marble. I understand not using a faux marble next to a real granite or quartzite, etc. However, plain white counters are another story. If someone wants plain white on perimeter, that does not mean that they have to have a matching plain white or a faux stone, etc. on their island. They could have real stone or butcher block on their island. It’s done all the time.

My vote is this one from DIS…and with all the money you save with not doing new counters you can really splurge on great quality lighting and hardware:

I have another thought; I'm wondering what you all think about using quartzite along the perimeter and a very clean stone for the island? For some reason, it just feels better and less complicated to me. I hear you, @Design Interior South, and I think that has been my issue, but I wonder if flipping the surfaces will make it look more cohesive...

You’re trying way too hard to save a buck when you can save many and get a timeless look. And not throw perfectly nice granite into a landfill. But you do you.

Look

Oh my goodness! @Design Interior South what a clear illustration that changing the backsplash and the stools does so much towards Juanita's goals. But I think replacing the counter was a step too far. Everything was balanced when the counter was the same and just the stools and backsplash were changed.

Agree… just get rid of backsplash, THEN rethink next options. Paint that new wall, no tile for now. Interesting that that solution is trending. Never been a fan of backsplashes.

I’d get rid of that granite in a heartbeat. I realize some of you like it but it’s not for me. New lighter backsplash and countertops would better serve your goal to lighten the space up.

Well, you’ve got more than enough suggestions already, but I’ll add mine: you can’t beat Taj Mahal, and there are still light and creamy slabs with subtle tan veining available. It would look great with your cabs and lighten everything considerably, while keeping things warm. We’ve had no etching or staining in our slabs in over 4 years, and we don’t regret spending the money. I would never mix a natural stone with quartz, however. We paired ours with Zellige tile in Weathered White on the walls, which gives a nice texture and is light w/o looking too white. Good luck.

When the bubble bursts on Taj Mahal, it is going to be staggering. It is already close to, if not already, a caricature.