A white or light gray would definitely go. I would for sure go for a new backsplash too. Something lighter in color, but this should be decided after the countertop goes in.

To be honest, I would consider replacing the backsplash alone with a warm light gray tile. I think your countertop is fine.

you cabs are very similar to what you've pictured. if you want that look, then check out some of the quartz countertops (if you like the marble look), or look at some quartzite slabs. wait until you've decided on a countertop before picking a splash. when looking for a counter, remove one of your doors and take in a piece of your flooring if you have any leftovers, and take them with you while shopping.

I would also install a few more recessed lights in the middle of the kitchen. that will make a big difference. do some retro fit LED recessed cans in the bare spots, middle, directly across from the sink.

this is Princess White granite

and this one is princess white, leathered.

Silestone,,

White Macaubas

Remove every thing from the counter tops.

Take a large white piece of poster board and cover the back splash in the corner where the paper towels are.

Then take a piece of poster board and cover the back splash over the dishwasher and place a piece over the counter top where the dishwasher is.

See what you think. See if you like it.

The pictures you are showing are much redder than the cabinets in the pictures you like are using for inspiration.

Here are google images of cherry cabinets with white back splash and white counter tops. https://www.google.com/search?q=Cherry+cabinets+with+white+countertops+and+white+backsplash&sa=X&rlz=1C1CHZL_enUS746US746&biw=1600&bih=794&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwjo_Ir_15TYAhWG5oMKHT-EBPoQsAQIJg

The kitchen is small.....the floor is contrasting with the rich cabs ,counter, and backsplash. If you go light gray or white with your changes you will have more contrast and the kitchen will look even smaller. You want surfaces that create a streamlined appearance not adding contrast when it is this small. The yellowish floor is all I would consider changing unless you change to ,for example ,an all white kitchen or light modern maple with light counters etc. I like what you have currently as it is coordinated in tone and blends smoothly.....the floor might be the question.

(Original poster)

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement!

Could someone else address herbflavor’s (right above) comment that the contrast would make the kitchen look much smaller? How much impact would this have visually? If I went for a light grey backsplash, would that lessen the contrast?

I guess I can’t picture how much smaller it would look. If it’s minimal, I’d still want to go ahead since I would like to brighten up the space.

PS-the floor looks much yellower than it is. It’s just a standard light hardwood floor.

thanks!

I disagree about it making the room smaller -- what it will do is make it stop being a cave and bring a lot of light in. I'd want white counters and then pale backsplash, be that gray or bottle green or whatever. You won't regret it even a second. Here, let me do a quick mock-up...

Wow, thanks acm!

When the eye sees multiple planes of light/dark it does not expand or make it bigger as you are seeking as a goal. You want fewer contrasting planes to minimize the fact of a VERY small kitchen......the footprint isn't changing. The better of the last two shown w white counter and backsplash is confusing as it does not coordinate w floor that well and you added high contrast w cabs. I would save my money.

Change the backsplash, keep the countertops.

Nice, acm!

In your space I would buy a beautiful runner to buffer some of the yellow floor. Get a beautiful pattern that you love. Easier/cheaper than ripping things apart.

My 1st thought was just change the backsplash it will make a world of difference. Post after pictures please

sure looks bigger to me

My vote is white counter and white backsplash. That picture ACM mocked up with photoshop is great. It makes everything so much brighter and your cabinets look fantastic.

Original Poster Update

I've finally made a decision on cashmere carrara quartz countertop (MSI) and Masia Gris Claro tiles. I'm hesitant about the cashmere carrara because the photos I have seen vary so much and the sample is so small...

If anyone has some real-life photos of the cashmere carrara countertop, I'd really love to see them. They are coming to do the templates in two days so I'd still have time to change my mind.

Thanks!

The countertop looks nice. I would not commit to a backsplash until the countertop is in and you can see how it all looks together in your lighting at different times of the day.

your backsplash will have uneven grout lines because the way the tile is made just fyi

OP update:

Thanks for the helpful suggestions! We changed the countertop and tiles and the kitchen does look brighter. The photo makes everything look white and does not reflect the subtle colors. But we went with Pental Quartz Misterio for countertop which has a beautiful veining and light gray Masia tiles.

Here's the before and after:

Very nice and clean, good contrast

Nice job! Makes the kitchen feel much more open and comfortable to be in.

Looks great! Well done! Thanks for coming back to share :)

Thank you so much for sharing the after picture! It looks very nice! Much brighter.

Looked beautiful and rich before, looks beautiful and bright after. I love both the before and the after.