The cabinets are a nice color and the molding on them is great too. I especially like the slide in range which has no back, this allows for a nice large area for a tile focus point. 1) remove the tile and wallboard it's on. 2) Re-drywall those areas 3) Try a few samples of subway or 4" square tile and at the range add a framed inset pattern as the focal point. 4) i'd rather see that strange cabinet box over the range cabinet removed and framed in drywall, paint it the wall color and then make the ceiling crown go around it. At the desk area, you could switch up the splash to bead board and paint it the cabinet or the window trim color.

PS: I assume that boxed out area is the hood duct work, we almost always box it in and paint it the wall color.

You could do much better - take them out and put in something smashing!

Yes, the box above the cabinet is to hide the stove vent.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with your backsplash tile, giving it a stylistic update would have the effect of freshening the design of the kitchen as a whole as everything else (cabinets, granite, etc.) looks like new. May I also suggest clearing off the top of the cabinets and using a simpler design and fabric for the window?

Add a mural above the stove bordered with a rope or chair rail frame. The mural can be glued over the top of the existing tile with epoxy glue and grouted. Check out Stone Impressions website.

The mural will give you a focal point and break the busy.

Adding a boxed out arched valance under the cabinet above the stove would add to the look.

You could also find a serving tray or plate to hang over the tile in the same stove area. In this kitchen, we found the tomato plate at Ross, glued ravioli looking tiles to the plate and then glued it over the tile with epoxy glue. By the way, the chef deco tiles are actually glass coasters I found at a kitchen gadget shop. Then found ceramic tile the same size.

And here's another mural example except contact Alicia : )

I added a Tuscan tile mural in your space

http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

I like the cabinets and the granite, however the back splash and the appliances need to be upgraded. I will also remove the box over the oven. you might consider moving the cabinet up higher and install a microwave over the oven if you don't have one in your kitchen install the cabinet on the top of it. That should fill all the way to the ceiling if not drywall the rest and paint it the wall color.

I feel the cabinets need a richer glaze on them.

Cabinets and countertops look great, new appliances and a new backsplash would be perfect! I agree with a comment above to simplify window treatment and clear out the space above the cabinets. You're right, the current tile is too busy.

There is something comforting about this kitchen just the way it is.