---
title: "James L Holley, Professional Designer — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-l-holley-professional-designer-pfvwus-pf~1476458519
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1476458519.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "James L Holley, Professional Designer"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0d237cde0f96b825_6142-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "3875 W 80 N, Kokomo, Westfield, Carmel and most India, Indiana 46901, United States"
latitude: 40.4988
longitude: -86.1453
phone: "(765) 513-8568"
website: https://www.facebook.com/jamesholleydesign/
rating: 4.8
review_count: 8
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 115
last_updated: 2026-08-16
---

# James L Holley, Professional Designer

Original Houzz profile: [James L Holley, Professional Designer](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-l-holley-professional-designer-pfvwus-pf~1476458519)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Kokomo, Westfield, Carmel and most India, IN
- **Serves:** Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Lawrence, Westfield, Zionsville, McCordsville, Sheridan, Meridian Hills, Rocky Ripple, Williams Creek, Spring Hills, Crows Nest, North Crows Nest, Castleton, Indiana, Indy metro, Kentucky, Maryland, Mc Cordsville, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee
- **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (8 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2020), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Weekend consultations
- 40 years in business

We provide Professional Residential Architectural Design-Engineering and consulting. With over 40 years of hands on, and residential, commercial, design/build and engineering services. Historic period design and preservation, our plans are designed with our customers needs, as well as budget in mind, offering the most value for the dollar. Value engineered, aesthetically pleasing, the design is in the details.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Home Restoration
- Historic Building Conservation
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Structural Engineering
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Basement Design
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Modular Home Additions
- Home Gym Design & Construction
- Dock Design & Construction
- 3D Home Design
- Custom Home
- Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Indianapolis
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Noblesville
- Lawrence
- Westfield
- Zionsville
- McCordsville
- Sheridan
- Meridian Hills
- Rocky Ripple
- Williams Creek
- Spring Hills
- Crows Nest
- North Crows Nest
- Castleton
- Indiana
- Indy metro
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Mc Cordsville
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Tennessee

### Typical Job Cost

$500 - 25,000

$500 - 25,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | James L Holley, Professional Designer |
| Address | 3875 W 80 N, Kokomo, Westfield, Carmel and most India, Indiana 46901, United States |
| Phone | (765) 513-8568 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/jamesholleydesign/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 115 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/jamesholleydesign
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesholleydesign

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [James L Holley, Professional Designer](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-l-holley-professional-designer-pfvwus-pf~1476458519)
- **Website:** https://www.facebook.com/jamesholleydesign/
- **Phone:** (765) 513-8568

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Building to the new Code Standard
- Engineered wood products engineering and design

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2020), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 8 reviews**

### All 8 reviews

**★★★★★ — Gallery Wholesale Flooring, May 2020**

> I always enjoy working with Jim on our projects! He goes above and beyond for us and is an excellent partner for the Gallery Company!

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you Chris, always a pleasure working with you guys!

**★★★★★ — Gavin Fox, Dec. 2019**

> Working with Jim has been a pleasure from the beginning of our new home build.  Jim is a great communicator, is professional, and obviously has a passion for client service and consistently provided valuable suggestions/thoughts/options for our consideration.  In our work with Jim, he listened to our needs and wants and helped make the entire design process smooth and enjoyable.  I have recommended Jim to several individuals who are looking to build and have absolutely no doubt Jim will serve them well!

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you Gavin, was a great pleasure working with your family

**★★★★★ — Andrea Carroll, Dec. 2019**

> I absolutely loved working with Jim on our new home design!  He is very personable and took the time to really listen to me on everything that I was hoping for in our home so that he could get it right for us.  I made changes along the way, and he was always ready and willing to make those for me which was so appreciated!   He also is very knowledgeable and was able to offer suggestions that helped me in the process.  I highly recommend him and would love to work with him again!  Thanks, Jim!!

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you Andrea, the project was a lot of fun and turned out nicely

**★★★★★ — cjreid0905, Oct. 2015**

> Jim does an excellent job...his plans are very detailed and precise. He also makes good suggestions to show options for moving things around to see if you like them better and is reasonably priced.  Client satisfaction with finished product is important to him. I would recommend his services to any clients or friends looking to design a beautiful home.

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you and I had a lot of fun working with you and the family

**★★★★ — zaun, June 2015**

> Jim created the drawings for our home and has been used by many builders in the area for his great attention to detail and precise plans.

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thanks much for the review, and as well, it was a pleasure working on the project with you, and having a client who's highly detailed and knows exactly what they want.

**★★★★★ — jimarbuckle, July 2014**

> James Holley did a wonderful job in designing a kitchen for us when we remodeled our home.  He took the time to meet with us, find out what our wishes were, walk us through the pros and cons of various ideas, and help us decide what the best approach would be.  From the very first day, we had the kitchen and family room we wanted.  He also designed a deck for us that has proven to be perfect for entertaining and lounging by the pool.

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you Jim, I'm glad we met the challenges of all the projects

**★★★★ — neshman, May 2014**

> Mr. Holley was the chief architect responsible for the design and drafting of my in-laws custom home project.  Mr. Holley was very professional in his interaction with the customer and provided a thorough understanding of the customers needs.  This was then reflected in his architectural design and planning for the project.  He was supportive and understanding of the specific needs of a very picky customer and did his best to provide the most appropriate solution to these desires.

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you! It was a great pleasure working with your family to design the home

**★★★★★ — schnelker, May 2014**

> Jim trained me in the art of selling kitchen and bath remodeling.  That's when I discovered how incredibly well he knows this segment of the business, which entails everything from knowing how to design a space for both utility and pleasing appearance to choosing the best materials and products for the remodel given the budget available.
>
> Jim is expert (accurate and fast) at determining time-to-completion and at cost estimates.  He is attentive to understand the client's preferences and becomes strongly focused on meeting and exceeding the customers expectations.
>
> Jim is an honest, truly competent, new home and home remodel professional and a person who is always strongly loyal to those who employ or contract him.
>
> Stephen Schnelker, Pres.
> Sierra Business Vision, Inc.

**Comment from James L Holley, Professional Designer:**

> Thank you Steve, I appreciate your sharing of my ability well beyond just choices, but ability to know why things work from the field experience gained over the years.

## Selected projects

- [Spring of 2020](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-of-2020-pj-vj~6004675)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Connell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/connell-pj-vj~5729183)
  - Location: Anderson, IN
  - Photos: 5
- [New Style Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-style-country-pj-vj~5705150)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [From Deck to Done](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-deck-to-done-pj-vj~552611)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: From an ordinary treated material, trimming and finishing to transform an outdoor area to additional outdoor living space, with a "custom feel". The "dry under-deck system" was custom designed and installed using materials from any local hardware store.
- [Kitchen renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~3017684)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16
- [Oslo County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oslo-county-pj-vj~2195657)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Concept to CAD to finals](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/concept-to-cad-to-finals-pj-vj~551759)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: A variety of conceptual, CAD file samples and a final product photo. The sketches represent a project in Carmel, IN that was built in Cherry Tree. The drawing files are samples of the final product photo, of 1 of many projects done in the Bethesda, MD area.
- [Various Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-exteriors-pj-vj~552156)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 25
- [Lake home needs more space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-home-needs-more-space-pj-vj~552139)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [From the "Village"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-the-village-pj-vj~563425)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Various photos, exterior and interior, finished and in progress The "Village of WestClay"
- [Sunroom Addition to an existing home design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunroom-addition-to-an-existing-home-design-pj-vj~563290)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: 14 x 14 Sun Room, added to a design that was built several years earlier. The finish space was done, decorated and felt as warm as it looks.
- [From laundry closet to laundry room....](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-laundry-closet-to-laundry-room-pj-vj~560383)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: The space you will see here was transformed from a musty and unsightly laundry closet in the homes basement, to a laundry room. Additional space found behind a useless framed wall gave way to making this a actual room feel, rather than a "closet finish". This project was done in accordance with another at the same location which is shown in the "revamped sun room" job. Both projects were done in middle winter months, with exterior temps dipping below zero on many days. An interesting note. Over…
- [Past project for repeat client](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/past-project-for-repeat-client-pj-vj~563274)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
- [Master bath makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-makeover-pj-vj~559905)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
  - Description: This space started as 2 bedroom with 2 baths adjoining back to back. With a re-design of existing space, a few walls moved and added, the space became a private master suite. Fabulous master bath area, an added walk-in closet, making four total closets. One standard closet was redesigned and is now a combination of stack washer/dryer unit and storage shelves and cabinet. The initial existing front bedroom became the master sitting/TV room and is separated from the sleeping area by walk-in and ba…
- [Colonial styling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colonial-styling-pj-vj~554549)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Building retro 1800's wall panels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/building-retro-1800-s-wall-panels-pj-vj~551275)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Having done much cutting and layout measuring, I took many photos between my work and the guys (Tim and Mike) doing their thing.
- [Two different total exterior make over/addition projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-different-total-exterior-make-over-addition-projects-pj-vj~551419)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Simply Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simply-mediterranean-pj-vj~554286)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This simple yet elegant home with a beautiful wooded rear lot, overlooking the water
- [Pub style entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pub-style-entertaining-pj-vj~553604)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Kitchen Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-makeover-pj-vj~551329)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
  - Description: From initial meeting, while hearing ideas, looking at photos. The initial sketch was done. Slight design variation in CAD then from demo through project completion. One of my most favorite jobs to date.

[See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-l-holley-professional-designer-pfvwus-pf~1476458519)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?**
Normally this would be up to the builder chosen on the project. Certainly with today's many Energy Code options, each builder has their own preferred methods, and while I have my opinions, it is ultimately up to them, or you both if, as a client, you have a certain desire.
I DO however, stay involved with my projects, including the review process. Often I find the review might be returned with a note, incorrectly labeled or item missing, when in fact, it's there and they just missed it.

*FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.*

## Ideabooks

- [Builder Clients](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122752301/list/builder-clients) — 1 idea
- [great exteriors/styles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44040339/list/great-exteriors-styles) — 6 ideas
- [beam looks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6444121/list/beam-looks) — 24 ideas
- [Kitchen/pantry stuff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7737782/list/kitchen-pantry-stuff) — 42 ideas
- [Bath Details, Wood n tile work](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15958916/list/bath-details-wood-n-tile-work) — 7 ideas
- [Blake residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47501014/list/blake-residence) — 1 idea
- [Zaun residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34901956/list/zaun-residence) — 4 ideas
- [Basement bar and Pub](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44605163/list/basement-bar-and-pub) — 1 idea
- [Outdoor Living-kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44039561/list/outdoor-living-kitchens) — 3 ideas
- [Laundry and Drying ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14652139/list/laundry-and-drying-ideas) — 4 ideas
- [Peck %0 the Preserve](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35903012/list/peck-0-the-preserve) — 5 ideas
- [Stair/steps, trim, newels](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8343405/list/stair-steps-trim-newels) — 4 ideas
- [Outdoor Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29529903/list/outdoor-spaces) — 3 ideas
- [Various design ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2851696/list/various-design-ideas) — 13 ideas
- [bunks-ladders and lofts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13507727/list/bunks-ladders-and-lofts) — 2 ideas
- [FIREPLACE BUILT-IN IDEAS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13507656/list/fireplace-built-in-ideas) — 8 ideas
- [Pantry-command center](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7737762/list/pantry-command-center) — 1 idea

[See all 17 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jimholley1)

## Community Q&A

**Q: IKEA kitchen help... we can't commit!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hi Houzz! My gf and I are remodeling the kitchen and adjoining built-in bar area in our condo and we're down to the wire on making decisions. We started off by contracting IKEA's full-service kitchen planning with Traemand - the planner came out to measure and provided us with a plan. We got close to committing to a plan and then found out that Traemand laid off all of their ICs, including our planner. We had some doubts about their service already, so then decided to have IKD take a stab at our kitchen design. We've had to point out several big items that both services overlooked, so we're still hesitant to commit to the specifics of either design. Additionally, we're not 100% certain about which cabinet fronts we want - for several weeks, we've been set on using the Veddinge fronts in the kitchen and the Tingsryd fronts in the built-in bar area. But, my 2AM research on Houzz last night cast some serious doubts on the durability of the Veddinge fronts so now I'm wondering if we should go with the Ringhult. Overall, our vibe for this place is modern socal high-rise chic bachelor pad (if that's a thing) and we're trying to keep most of the focus on our ocean views.

Link to IKEA/Traemand-designed kitchen plan.

Link to IKD kitchen plan.

Kitchen inspiration: here, here, here, and here. 










Things to keep in mind/potential issues:
\- we don't have anywhere great for trash, other than under the sink... trying to figure out how to fit trash along with a garbage disposal under the sink?
\- our gas line comes out of the wall directly to the right of where the slide-in range goes. this eliminates the ability to have a bottom drawer (or potentially drawers at all) in the cabinet directly to the right of the slide-in
\- we're considering hacking a pull-out drawer to the right of the slide-in; otherwise this will stay wasted space behind a fixed filler panel
\- our pony wall is listed as 102 in the IKEA draft.. However, it's true length (currently) is 111 in. We're debating any length between 102 and 111 depend on what serves the cabinets the best. either way, we're cutting down the pony wall to a standard cabinet height.
\- the wall that runs the length of the hallway on the fridge side has been cut back to the same depth as the counter depth fridge/cabinets on that section.
\- in lieu of a code-required outlet near the waterfall edge of the counter, we're going to install the outlet in the back of the top drawer of the left-most/first cabinet (still not to code) and plan to move to permanently fixed place outside the drawer if we ever need to sell/bring up to code. this eliminates the ability to streamline this cabinet by using the maximera drawer inside.
\- and speaking of insides, is there anything obvious we're missing in terms of guts/add-ins for our cabinets?
\- our heating/cooling is located behind two french doors (since removed during demo) in the back of the kitchen. how could we best use this space? pub table with two chairs and pendant light overhead? shelves on the wall across from the window? paint that back wall and doors black so that doors blend in and wall has some contrast?
\- we've replaced all can lights in the condo and think that centering two or three pendant lights over the peninsula would distract from our view (can provide photos if needed of view out of kitchen)... will it look weird to not have pendant lights there? we currently have two can lights centered in that spot.
\- I have no idea what backsplash we should go with. Back-up would typical carrera marble backsplash in a small pattern... I like glass tile but we haven't found any that we love.

A: Hey Mike,
I have several ideas and possible solutions to a few of your issues regarding gas line and plumbing locations. Depending on certain criteria, they may be easily moved if you so wish.

I do a certain amount of Pro Bono work each year and would happily speak with you about an offer.
I'm 40 years in the business, I do Architectural Design and Engineering and have years of field experience.

Unlike many drafting type folks and even some Architects, I do actual kitchen design layouts in all my plans which are for homes at an average of $750 - 800K (in Indiana)They would be more or less depending on state and locations, and I've done work in 15 states.
I'll share a couple pics here, one is a 75 year old home we are updating, and is currently under construction (I'm helping to GC the job) The other is a vintage Historical 1895 Folk Victorian, this one is a bit more involved as we are moving the kitchen to a new location and adding on over 1900sf of space to boot, but keeping the entire originality of the design in most cases.
If what you see interests you, I would love to communicate further the demoRendering of newWalls cut out and new headers installed.Opening frame completeRender of that side  
Cabinet install started. This home feels so opened now, you would never know it used to be a galley kitchen from a 75 year old home.
This is a slideshow made from the original home and the renderings of what the finished project will be, right down to colors

**Q: Total Home makeover!** *(in Polls)*

Just bought a house. I am changing from the 80's Oak trim, cabinets EVERYTHING, wierd colored (I call it ketchup and mustard colors) walls and pale fake wood flooring to soft gray walls with bright white trim and doors, and deep, dark wood floors. My question is this: I have a custom wood built-in dresser type thing in my bedroom near my closet. It goes from floor to ceiling, and is about 4 feet wide, with 12 drawers and 2 cabinet doors. It isn't the same cheap builders grade materials and wood, but it is colored similar to the rest of the trim I am covering up with white.
I can't decide how to deal with it in the design. I am getting lost in all of the options!

A: I'm in a older 70's ranch farm home. The cabinets are all site built and quite well I'll add. A little hardware upgrade and they work great, however, they've been painted over a couple times, the last being very poorly. All the wood is poplar, the original trim, doors, everything was about the same color as your dresser. I know this because even though,at some point an earlier owner thought to take the laundry cabinet doors off was somehow a good idea. So, I have a great buddy who makes almost all our custom entry doors, and as well makes cabinet doors. His doors are sold to many contractors who do a site built in, but don't make their own doors. The guy can literally make almost anything, so part of my point is, he is making the laundry doors to match original, wood, grain color and all. With the paint colors I am using, it's a light ten/brown trim color, then a large portion of the walls are mushroom, then a portion of kitchen and dining is similar to your red, maybe a shade slightly darker. Also, keep in mind, the original oak strip flooring has been redone after carpet removed, but they left it rather dark, the kitchen, laundry are is getting a wood strip slightly lighter than the old oak, but darker than the cabinet wood. with the variety of colors, I am prepping the cabinet bases to be painted one shade lighter than the mushroom walls, which is almost 3 shades darker then the trim, then I'll be refinishing the doors all back to their natural shade of wood. Doors only, in kitchen and laundry. It helps keep a bit of the wood variation going, without the entire home being wood as it was originally. Te wood color is hard to describe, but it's a kinda med to light cedar color almost.
I think the drawers and doors on yours could stay wood, then choose a color from another area of your home, maybe one in an adjacent room, and paint the base parts. I'd likely use no more gloss than satin, and if you can't spray them, use a "floetrol" product mixed in your paint, with a good brush and cabinet roller, the cloth kind. They will smooth out as drying and look at least almost as if sprayed professionally.
https://www.google.com/search?q=flotrol&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8\#q=floetrol+paint+additive

That's my 2 cents, maybe it will be worth a nickel when I'm gone.

**Q: Help with Curb Appeal NEEDED!!!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hi, I am in the process of wrapping up a major overall of my house where I removed my enclosed front porch and added a new wrap around porch.  While that is being completed, I noticed that my garage that faces the road needs a little love.  Does anyone have any curb appeal suggestions for my garage?  As you can see my porch project is almost finished.  I would also welcome any suggestions to help improve the curb appeal for my house in addition to my garage!

A: A little metal shed roof, supported by brackets over the top of the garage door will add a huge amount of attention without to much focus on the garage.

**Q: brick, roof, gutter color??** *(in Design Dilemma)*

looking to paint the brick, soffit, and get new gutters. the idea is to paint new gutters to match soffit color. I want to keep the trim color as is (dark brown). will be installing new tin roof. not sure on what colors to go with on gutters/soffit, and brick. suggestions?? do I want to paint the soffit and gutters same as new roof color?

A: Yeah Beth, that was my thought as well.
There could be better moderation of posts, maybe add a "completed" button.

**Q: I need to hide the air ducts on the roof.** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I am already going to add a porch move the drive way paint and update however I can not think of a way to cover up the air handler and vents? any suggestions... a new roof is not an option for a long time.

A: The comment on the screen is open to taste, however, Ive done framing and used louvered vent walls to hide such items.
I like the house screen and they do tie together, just not much hiding of mechanical.

**Q: Need help for my kitchen** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Want to paint cabinets, walls, and do backsplash.   Have an island table I included a picture of that has black base and wood top.  Granite countertops and stainless appliances.  Don't know if I should do light color on cabinets or dark.  Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

A: The granite "back splash" should have been sit on top of the granite top, as long as it was fit nicely, against the wall, and the wall was fairly true (straight and flat), removing the granite splash and doing the new back splash down to the counter should be no issue. (the Builder I work with imports, fabricates and installs their own granite, as well as cabinets)
If you like the look of the Island, go with a off white, creamy cabinet color maybe. Accent is the key, but much depends on your taste, and ultimately the "final style" you wish to have.
Painting the cabinets can be a huge amount of work, however, the time saver would be a distress "rub off look" goes well as accent to the creamy white. With this, less "total finish stripping" is required prior to paint. A good painter can do this with little effort.
Surely there are thousands of photos on here to give you the color combo ideas you may like.
Here is a virtual tour, cabinet color here is a thought; 
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=797445

We do hundreds of homes each year, and all are varied, color, finish, some match, some stain, some paint and many with multi colored cabinets. Find a couple pics you like, and describe your ideas well to a good contractor, or, if you plan to do it yourself, print good pics and hang them to work towards.......

Good luck

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*