First off, Andy, I LOVE your kitchen! Secondly, I love your fleur de lis, as well, and think it works really well. If this were my kitchen, I would choose a simple background tile in a rectangular shape and lay it brick patterned over the whole surface of the inset. You ahve enough diagonal-layed tiles in your backsplash already. Maybe add in a few different textures of the same shape and size for interest, like adding a few that are glass or crackle or polished instead of tumbled. If they are natural stone or hand-made tiles, they will have natural shading variations and your 'contrast' tiles could pick up on those shades. Then I would mount the fleur on top of it, like you suggested. I think you have a lot of wows in your space already. I would be looking for simple elegance in your niche. Sandy

We worked closely with our builder because we accepted a contract to sell the previous house and would have to move. The date kept changing by 2-6 weeks, until we said we are writing this date into the contract, and now we are locked. We gave ourselves a 2 week window just in case; we only needed one week of it. We also were in the final stages of the build, and didn't forsee any major reasons we wouldn't have a certificate of occupancy.

Thank you guys for all the amazing ideas and suggestions! I cant really change the cabinets, but I can definitely add some color by changing the bar stools. I love the idea of having colorful pots around. Definitely adds the zing I am looking for. The chickens were meant to add some fun elements to the kitchen. I am a 25 year old home owner. I did not want the kitchen to look well beyond my age. I couldn't keep the chickens together because the white one was 8 inches. Need to find a rooster that fits the space,. That got returned to the store I also added a bowl of fruits on the island. My coffee bar is on a counter to the right of this picture. My toaster is here as well. All my other cooking appliances are stocked in the pantry. I also liked the idea of changing the pendants to give the kitchen a better look. Will work on that one. Thank you so much for all the wonderful ideas and suggestions. You folks are the best! :) Will post an updated picture in the future once I have the kitchen ready

Sounds like a plan. The bow window on the front there does look a bit out of place. You might want to consider a DH - Picture - DH combo there as well for a larger center picture window. I prefer the look of windows without grids myself.