Here's a lesson I learned the hard way about 20 years ago. Never buy anything to match something you hate.

I once ordered a "mauve" countertop (big in the early 90's). When it arrived in large quantity at my home, it was actually PURPLE in natural light. I was so upset. As it was the only purple thing in the room, I decided to get matching purple custom window treatments. In a few years, I replaced both of them! I wasted money on the counter and then even more on the drapes.

I think that just about anything goes with a soft white cabinet. Take it from me, get what you KNOW you like. If you are the least bit unsure, keep looking.

When I first started my project (white kitchen), I thought all of the various shades of white were supposed to match. When I started working with a designer and learning a little on my own, I learned that various shades of white are desirable, as they provide depth and dimension.

That said, some whites can read as yellowish against other whites. My concern would be that your b-splash would "go yellow."

I'd paint a couple of pieces of wood shades of warm white, like Ben Moore's Acadia White and/or whatever others suggest, and live with them up against the b-splash for a week or so.

I think your idea would work, but you have to figure out by actually putting up painted sample boards which shade is going to do the trick.

Good luck!

Madeline :)

A warm white would work and update the over all look.

I think your kitchen is pretty and I do like your backsplash. That being said you are unhappy with it and I think you can lighten the color of your cabinets. I would avoid a stark white and go for a warm white. I do agree with the folks who said that it is fine to have various shades of white/off white together. The key is finding those that are harmonious. I would get some paint samples, paint some boards then leave in your kitchen to examine they look throughout the day and with your current backsplash.

Thank you all for the input. Berardmr - you are exactly right! I should have changed the major point of contention the first time - this is an expensive lesson for me! I think I was just having a hard time swallowing the idea that we spent so much money the first time around, that changing it would make me ungrateful or frivolous.

do a mockup as previously suggested - live with it and view in various light - i.e. times of day and weather

I actually love the color of your cabinets and that they are warm and just a little different from the norm. They look very much done on purpose to me.

That said I think a warm white would totally work with your backsplash if you really feel like you want to change them.

I like the cabinets themselves (they look more cappuccino than yellow on my monitor) but the backsplash and paint colors aren't doing them any favors.

I think white cabinets would look great and the backsplash would go with white. Good luck!