I think the sink looks great, it's always a bit of a shock when it isn't what you thought it would be (been there). In terms of appearance I like the look of backsplashes on enclosed cabinet runs where they end in the corners. There is nothing wrong with bringing it around but you now need more than standard tile or at least tile edging etc. which you hadn't planned on, I also think with such little wall surface having that wall just be paint is going to make it stand out. I don't know building\fire codes in your area but I'm surprised you need something fire rated on an external wall and I thought many kinds of ranges can be installed 0" from combustible wall surfaces (electric ones anyway). My Mom has very different materials than in your kitchen but one thing I am really happy with in my Mom's kitchen reno is deciding to use the BM Aura so we could use a flat sheen. You can also get tintable caulk (Red Devil) if you think paintable isn't going to work for you. You just tint it with your paint. For some stupid reason I'm thinking this might matter but I haven't found a store who carries it here yet. It really is looking great.

I would not use silicone caulk (the clear stuff) at the seam where the tile meets the granite. If you've used sanded grout on the tile, get a matching sanded caulk to use on the seam. Unsanded grout, use unsanded caulk. The caulk comes in colors to match the grout. There have been other recent threads on this that include some tips on how to apply it neatly without getting it all over the grout (blue tape works wonders!).

Here's my thread, for when I was searching. Hags00 provided the best link for caulk. Your kitchen is just amazing, I love seeing your pictures! Do you happen to have any backsplash shots handy, or are you saving for a reveal? Best of luck, oldbat2be Here is a link that might be useful: Thread: Caulking today, need color advice

I think you will get good feedback if you post some pictures of the style and colours you like. Spend some time browsing kitchens here on Houzz and pick some that make you happy. Now, for your kitchen, I find the centre placement of the handles very dated. I hope when you are painting that you will remove those pulls and have the holes filled. I assume you are happy with your current layout since you are keeping it. Have you considered refacing your cabinets with new doors? I'm worried the arched tops are going to continue to make the room look dated even once you spend money to update other items. There are several companies that do refacing. You might look at Semi Handmade for profile ideas. If you chose this option, the bodies of the cabinets would be painted onsite but the new doors could be factory painted. You'll want to remove the wallpaper and also the heavy valance over the window and the wood valance too above the window. The room looks a bit dark in the pictures....so removing the heavy curtain will help bring some light in. You may also need/want to consider some new lighting. If you are going to get new counters then also get new backsplash. I know some folks have had success painting tile but I think it may be temporary success. I think you should start with counters. Go shopping and see the slabs in person (not always possible these days). When you find something that you like, then bring it home and start choosing your cupboard paint colour based on the counter. The last thing to be chosen will be backsplash. Wall paint colour will need to work with the cupboard colour and the counters, so it all has to tie together, starting with the least changeable element - the new counters. Please take the time to gather some inspiration pictures. It will help you narrow down your choices (solid colour counters, lots of pattern, small veining, large dramatic veining - all of these are out there waiting for you).