Thanks so much. I think it will work. I am suffering from "kitchen overload (the evil twin of TKO) and I am beginning to forget what I've seen where and over-thinking/doubting some of my decisions. mom2reese and lululemom -- Thank you for your enthusiasm! The last thing I want to happen is to get the countertop installed and think - yikes - I don't like how this looks! nomorebluekitchen- I had thought I had seen a kitchen with darker cabinets and soapstone countertops, I just couldn't remember which kitchen it was -- I really liked the combination. I am so glad to hear that you love your kitchen - it is beautiful! I am looking forward to having all these decisions behind me. Now I just have to worry about a back splash and cabinet hardware - how hard can that be ;).

Hi Duba, I don't know when I've seen such consistent feedback on this forum. You're getting some very wise advice and I hope you are listening. I will echo some of the main points, which are spot-on. First get rid of the red paint. Now I love red, but those walls are fighting with your gorgeous granite. Yes, gorgeous. Once the red is gone, take some time to get comfortable with the granite before you zero in on the backsplash. I love the look of stacked stone and was tempted to use it for my backsplash. But I knew it would be a cleaning nightmare, especially around the sink and cooktop. Cooking oil and tomato sauce splatters in all those nooks and crannies would not be good. And in your case, it brings a lot of texture that competes with the granite. I think a cream colored porcelain or ceramic tile would be great for your backsplash. Maybe you can find one that echoes your new paint color. If you go with subways, keeping the grout color consistent with the tile color will help avoid the "brick wall" look you don't like. Accent tiles, either scattered or in a border, could pick up a little pale green or grey or beige from the granite. If you decide to pursue glass tile remember that it tends to bring a modern sensibility, where your kitchen has a very traditional style. So tread lightly. You have the makings of a really lovely kitchen there. Step back and take a few deep breaths and you'll see it. :-) Ruby

We used Kashmir Gold with our dark-ish cabinets and medium floors (which are more medium than they look here: A better look at the surface, but before the kitchen had a new floor - and a few other things :) Backsplash: this is really personal. We used a travertine, but that is definately an "out" choice around here. Various kinds of subways are ever popular choices, also squares set on point, and some still like various sorts of glass, or even the same granite as your counter or a piece of stainless steel. Some go with just paint, which also works. There are many threads on that subject, but this one is fairly recent and makes many good points to consider. Mostly I'd recommend deciding on a counter first, and then worry about the backsplash. Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash-a somewhat contentious discussion

Hi Merimom, We are just finishing up our natural cherry kitchen with Montauk Black slate floor tile. We installed Piracema White granite on the coutertops. As you will see in the photos, there is a lot of dark gray veining and waves in the granite. I am technologically challenged and can only attach one photo to my messages so you will see several posts. Best of luck! MJ