Hi Debbie. Forgive me, I'm about to do something I never do - offer an opinion on something you didn't ask about. Your counters and backsplash don't go well together. Might you consider re-laminating the counters? It might be less expensive than changing the tile. It will give you the opportunity to re-laminate the higher counters as well.

I would recommend solid white or grey for the counters. Since you have a predilection for movement in your materials, you might prefer something like Formica Weathered Barnwood below. You can then choose white or grey for the cabinets (or leave them as is), along with your ORB pulls and laminate floors. It should be very pretty.

If changing the tile is more budget friendly than changing the counters, by all means, do that. I hope my observations are helpful. Good luck!

if you want to create a project get glass doored wall cabinet fronts . Gel stain the cabinets.... eliminate the arch with the new wall doors in favor of a plain frame, with a nod to the frame style on lowers. Good project for a local carpenter, and source the glass locally. have carpenter give an end panel for cabinet left of fridge. Then coordinate for a top to replace the laminate on pony wall....nice oak with stain coordinating or same as gel stain for cabinets. Paint the pony wall itself. Fault can be found with backsplash/counter coordination but I think it's fine with rich gel staining of your wood...finish the pony wall and change the upper arch.

There's now also a gray gel stain at General Finishes. I've also heard a lot of good things about General Finishes milk paint. I'd probably pick one of the grays from the backsplash or counters. It probably should be dark enough to create a slight contrast with the white appliances.

gray cabinets with white appliances

I can't see the colors properly, but you it may be easiest to take apiece from your appliances (handle or even knob) and have the white color matched.

I don't see why the white color of the cabinets needs to match the white on appliances. I'd just pick a white that you like and coordinates with everything else without looking yellow

I agree with smm. No need to color match. Slightly creamy white, but not off white.

Hm, probably my personal preference, but with so relatively few cabinets, I wouldn't go with yet another white.

I love white kitchens, but in your case, this being a rental, how about gel staying the cabinets a dark brown?

I was going to suggest a dark brown - one with a hint of gray. I still like that idea, but also like the picture that nosoccermom posted. With white appliances, and near white walls, I wouldn't add more white.

eld6161, how much prep would a gel stain require? From your comment, I assume it's more durable.

I would not paint the cabs, but if you do I'd suggest closely matching one of the BS tile colors.

General Finishes gel stain is super easy. I've slapped it straight on oak cabinets that had been finished (even on that fake plastic side). Some very slight sanding beforehand. Make sure to search on gardenweb. There are lots of picture and directions.

Also, very easy to touch up if necessary.

The only potential issue are the white appliances that may stick out with darker cabinets.

Here's GF gray gel stain.

Not sure if it's really that bluish.

http://designs.generalfinishes.com/color-category/kitchen-bath-upcycled

I think we've lost our original poster.... Gel stain is relatively easy but kitchen cabinets are inherently difficult. They've had varying amounts of ware and exposure to water and oils.

Thanks everyone. I'll look for more info here on GW.