Do you plan to sell again within the next 5 years or so? If not, then I wouldn't worry about resale. You don't know what will be "in" or "out" then, so why try to predict it? Go with what you and your family like so you can enjoy it! Trying to please some unknown future buyer is an exercise in futility and why live with something you don't like just b/c some future buyer might? It makes no sense (at least not to me)! Concerning your proposed changes...if you plan to replace the counters with stone, be sure: (1) the cabinets are in good shape...not only strong enough to support the stone but also good enough so they'll last at least another 8 to 10 years (2) you have a good layout (functionally speaking) (3) you have no plans for a total remodel within the next 7 or 8 years or so Most stone countertops (granite, soapstone, marble, quartz, etc.) are on the expensive side, so you don't want to put one in now and then have to rip it out a few years later. Here is a link that might be useful:

I bought mine in Northern California at DaVinci Marble and Stone in San Carlos, 650-595-2500. It was $44.68/sq ft. My slabs were 107X63. Search my user name for pics of the granite. I used it for both the counters and island and the backsplashes. We absolutely love love love it. No stains, no etching, no pitting, no chips--it's a dream and I love the way it looks. Also, we had ours honed. The slabs were polished on one side and leathered on the other, but I really wanted the honed. With regard to searching the forum--sometims this granite is called other names so look for white kitchens in general. Some people categorize it under "quartzite" since I think technically it might be quartzite. Good Luck!

"Quartz and man made stones are now more expensive because of demand." Not always... Some exotic granite slabs can cost more than quartz. Granite prices vary because you have cheap china slabs to mid grade to exotic.. But popular/overused low to mid grade granite is typically cheaper than quartz. I agree that Quartz is popular right now and demand is driving prices up. When I was searching years back, I saw a blue granite slab with big swirls in it - 7k a slab...

After more thought, the 4x12 is going to look weird. It will only be 4 tiles high behind the main counter. And the long stretch under the bar is only 5.5 inches tall so it will have one tile and a sliver of a tile under the bar. I really wish I could find something that is 2.5x6, 3x8, 3x10 in a color similar to the MSI Dove Gray. The MSI Dove Gray has a silvery tone to it that goes best with the Colonial White granite counters. I found a 2x10 tile that is gray (SOCI Crafted Brick Gray which is apparently new). I like the size, the crackle finish, and the uneven handcrafted look to it but the gray is more of a putty color. It doesn't have the silvery color that the Dove Gray has. The SOCI Crafted Brick Gray is apparently new so I can't find any pictures or displays at showrooms of it up on a wall to see how it looks installed. But, the Colonial White granite has some silver shimmer scattered throughout it that I think goes better with the Dove Gray. So, does anyone know of a silvery gray tile in a 2x6-10 or 2.5x6-10 or 3x8-10?? Something other than the 3x6 size that is everywhere. A little bit shorter and wider than the standard 3x6. Thank you very much for any advice or suggestions! Dove Gray on left in 3x6. Soci Crafted Brick in 2x10 on right. Dove Gray 4x12 on left. Soci Crafted Brick Gray 2x10 on right.