Was thinking this tile

You already have a backsplash and tile on top of that isn't a good look.

That 4" riser is technically your backsplash. Since you have that and the T&G wood plank wall finish I would not add tile. You would have needed to remove the wood prior to the new tops and honestly it is not needed from my perspective.

Yes, as noted, you already have a slab backsplash. Either keep it or remove it so you can replace with the noted tile.

Thank you! Would painting it look ok? We just have so much pine that I would really like to hide it on the kitchen walls. Thanks!

i would let the wood remain. the cabinets are a nice contrast..the pine has a durable top coat it appears so you can use a wood cleaner now and again and keep it clean quite easily. It looks charming....

Your kitchen is charming and complete as it stands!
Please do not muddle it up with a superfluous tile layer.
You may wish to add a metal square or rectangular decorative piece behind the range top to make it easier to swab any spatters.

Your cottage kitchen could benefit from touch of charm. Etsy has lots of fun cabinet pulls.

if it were mine, I would paint the ceiling white.

add a very small crown around the perimeter to finish the edges.

Even if it isn't a solid white finish, and the knots bleed through it will resemble a whitewash finish.

^^^Nice from DIS!

Hi. Unfortunately, I can’t paint ceiling because there is no stopping point. It carry’s into the living room. Again, this is a small cottage that’s basically one room of living area and kitchen then 3 doors with the bedrooms. We are replacing the refrigerator and stove. Most likely sticking with white for both. The cabinets are white with champagne gold knobs and handles. The cabinets all have doors in them. This picture was taken as they were installing.
Thank you for all those super cute recommendations! I don’t want to make the wrong choice on the backsplash…

Add a piece of 1 x 4 and section off just the kitchen area.

Here are two other angles

I don’t think there is any way to to add a piece of 1x4 to section off area. Here is another picture. Excuse the mess lol

I would simply add a pretty printed valance on the window and I was going to suggest the same as above-some sort of decorative splash behind the stove. Lots of artists on Etsy offer these glass backsplashes, which would add a touch of whimsy and color to the kitchen. This is $170 for a 14x30 including shipping.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1891535487/mosaic-flowers-leaf-glass-backsplash? A pretty striped fabric for a valance using the colors of the splash would be pretty.

Kate you could stop the paint at that outside corner quite easily should you want to paint the walls in the kitchen. You . have cabinets to use as your stopping point on the other side

I don't think painting your ceiling is possible unless you paint the entire cottage open area. That said it would definitely make it lighrer and brighter.

Have you ever considered having someone out to see if installing solar tubes or skylights or even installing canned lighting is a possibility to brightn up the interior?

I would also install some other cabinet lighting to bring additional light into the space.

I think you need to embrace the cottage feel of the space with your selections. It will be darling once you do.

I appreciate everyone who took time out to help me out. You’ve given me so many great ideas. Thank you from York Beach, Maine ☺️

No wonder I find this cottage so charming ! Its in Maine! One of my favorite places.

It is a charming cottage kitchen. I would add a Roman shade in a light linen fabric and mount it the height of the wall cabinets. Adding some greenery to bring out the contrast with all the wood. If possible I would centered the light fixture with the window although I know that would make a hole in ceiling that would need repair. But if possible I would try to move it or even consider a pendant that hangs in front of window.

it is a cottage. dont overthink it. leave the kitchen as is. it is charming looking

No to the paint and no to a backsplash. Decorate it like Design Interior South has shown in the first picture with the cafe curtain, a new overhead light, undercabinet lights, etc. I'm guessing that the overhead cabinets are closed cabinets rather than open shelves. The open shelves are more visually appealing but less practical, unfortunately.

I would put a pin in the backsplash - I don’t think you need it and it adds another material to an already smaller space - such a charming cabin!

What is the ceiling height in your kitchen. It seems low. Am wondering if painting the ceiling white (only the ceiling) and adding some kind of trim such as a small crown would visually raise the ceiling. I generally hate covering up good quality wood with paint but it's not like you don't have plenty of wood elsewhere.

Looking at your charming space again,I notice that the fridge doors open away from the counter near the sink...if you can reverse the doors so they open towards the sink area you will find it much easier to transfer items without manoevering around the open doors.

I feel decor is the key, as others have given you very nice examples of, and no to painting that beautiful ceiling white.

Throw down a light colored rug in the kitchen. Add light colored decor as has been suggested. Give up painting the ceiling. Increase your bulbs to lighter and brighter white and enjoy having a cottage in Maine.

What could be better?