Hollysprings, why does the wall need to be really flat? Currently there are several holes left in the wall where the backsplash will be and I am not sure the contractor was planning on covering them up. Surprisingly, he has not been around all week to ask. robbbcs3, parapan and zenolite look like cool products, but I am not sure an acrylic product would be good for a backsplash behind a cooktop. millworkman, actually the cost that is contracted for runs $35 a sq foot. If the contractor can pull this off, I think it is pretty reasonable. We are talking about two areas for a total of about 53 sq feet so if I were to pay in the $55 - $60 range, it would be much more expensive and not very affordable. I have looked into some other options with my kitchen designer. We can just do 4x8 inch glass squares or we can go with a more retro matte ceramic tile (the house was built in 1952). We are looking to do modern, clean lines so these options would make it a bit more busy. We can also order cut glass squares to size like in this photo that would eliminate a lot of the grout lines: [Modern Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2105) by University Place General Contractors REIER Construction I am waiting to hear back from the designer on the costs of these other options.

You are on the right track, I love what you have done so far! I have almost the identical sofa, it’s a contemporary classic! I think bar height is good in this space but do think people should face each other when dining. I would do a rectangular bar height glass table with funky chairs, not too big of cours, quite narrow, custom made, iron legs. TV should be across from the sofa, enclosed if you can, I don’t like to see tv’s, I like them behind doors, in cabinets. they tend to take over rooms, but not everyone agrees with this.. When we entertain these days, sit down dinners are either crazy big family dinners and we serve Buffett or friends where people eat on their laps or standing at the bar etc. So I agree there is no need for a traditional seating area if it doesn’t suit your lifestyle, and I don’t think it suits the space.

Some questions need to be answered first: 1. What is your style? 2. I’m seeing tile and something else in the kitchen. What flooring domyou have in each room? 3. It looks like some cabinets have already been painted. Are your starting over or are those to remain as is? 4. Are you keeping the wall paint?

I agree with @Beverly's comments. The wood of your kitchen cabinets appears fairly light from the photos. It's not the cabinets that are making your kitchen not the "light and airy" you want. First, and easiest, is to update the lighting. Second would be to change the bulky black counter stools for something much lighter - those are really sucking both space and light. Third would be to switch the black appliances for stainless steel which provides reflectivity, rather than having the black appliances swallow the light. If budget allows, I would change the backsplash, and if the budget allows, the counters. I would do any or all those things before painting the cabinets. You need to majorly de-clutter. You could paint everything, change everything in your kitchen, but with all the stuff and piles you have everywhere, it still won't look light and airy.