didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )

Hi Irish, I think that you may not be getting responses because your post is so broad and without any photos, no one really knows what to suggest. Try posting a few pictures and give an idea of what type of look you are after. You might want to go to the Zinsser website and look at some of their products that would let you paint over the wallpaper or remove it and then paint. I love wallpaper as there are some gorgeous patterns, but it can be quite expensive. Even inexpensive paper is usually more than paint. I just removed two bathrooms worth of paper that was directly on the sheetrock. It can be done! I repapered both rooms, but I had the surface so well prepped that I could have painted if I had wanted to.

I agree with herbflavor that you should take it step by step (but maybe I disagree with him or her a little on the order). Remove the wall paper. Figure out your lighting plan and get it done. Patch the ceiling and walls and prime them so you have a neutral starting point. Are the light bulbs in the can lights and island fixture LED, incandescent or fluorescent? If LED what temperature? 2700K warm or 3000K soft white? The lighting in the photos is not flattering and may be making it look much different than it actually is. You may need to buy some different bulbs and try them out to see what you like. I wouldn't do anything with colors until the above is done and you can see how it works with what you are going to keep: cabinets, floor, and counters. Then you can decide whether you want to go with a single metal for the light fixtures and knobs or mixed metals. The main reason I'd replace the backsplash is it will help make the room feel more contemporary. With the black appliances and sinks it probably would work but the 4" tiles make it look dated. At this point you may also want to consider bringing in a designer because I think the balance between existing and new colors will get complicated. Also I'd hold open the possibility of a paint color other than Revere Pewter with the cream cabinets and golden oak (something less green and more like barncatz's photos above). Something to consider if she likes that look. Paint a 2 foot by 2 foot piece of foam core with the Revere Pewter and move it about the room at different times of the day. Revere Pewter can look very different under changing lighting conditions. Personally I would not mix yellow/gold with green but it really will depend on the room (which looks like it never gets a lot of natural light?)

I realized I never updated you all on what we went with! We got a peel and stick fake tile and love it. It's still holding up so well after 2 years, and everyone who comes over has to touch it to believe it isn't glass. I know fake stuff like this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's a nice pop of color in our kitchen until we can afford to upgrade the whole thing. This was the one we got: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B077H4M3X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WUHiFbKCQ89B8