You might repost this with pics of the actual house and colors on the home decor thread...lots more active and lots of color advice there.

Cabinets: White shaker style, BM Chantilly Lace Counter tops: Frosty Carrina Would you please share your photos for wall colors and back splash? I've looked around at several tile places and haven't found anything I like yet. I saw Sonoma tiles in Bossy Grey, but I'm in Canada. I haven't decided on paint because I'd like to get the back splash done first. I'd appreciate looking at your kitchens for inspiration. Pinterest doesn't allow me to interact as well as Houzz does! Thanks!!

"is there an option to remove the 4" countertop backsplash?" It looks like granite from the photo, so there should be a seam at the angle where the backsplash meets the top of the counter. In which case it can be removed without taking off the whole thing. Using a bold color would help liven up the space. Something that accents the colors in the countertop. Then find a backsplash that works with them both. Or maybe something neutral in a texture tile to give it interest without add too many colors. Change out the hardware to match the color of new appliances, and consider changing the pendant lights to a modern fixture that matches as well. Best of luck!

Your current laminate countertops are what is known as post form with an integral 4" backsplash. The backsplash is integrated and cannot be removed. So, Beth gave you best options if you're keeping your existing countertop - remove the tile that's there, patch/drywall and paint or beadboard wall paper and cement resurface our countertop. But, if you're handy, for probably under $300 or so, you can replace what you have with pre-built laminate countertops from Home Depot with or without an integral backsplash. Your existing countertop has a 45 degree seam in the corner. You can buy these prefab counters pre-mitered for the corner. It's really a simple, straighforward project - cut out for sink and cooktop. That's exactly what your existing countertops are.