Beth H I like the Faux Travertine! It is kind of the same colors that I have now only a more modern look. What kind of edging would you suggest for the counters? I think it would look nice with the tile floors too! Was wondering what kind of a back splash I could get? I like when the counter top runs to the back of the sink without that 4" back splash. Might have to get a custom cut Laminate. Like to get some kind of pretty tile. Maybe something with a lil color? Who makes the counter? Could I get an under mount sink? (crossing fingers). From the samples you posted it looks like my counters should be fairly simple with not a lot of movement?

Redsilver I like the idea of a Wilsonart counter with no seams and pattern all the way through? Will have to check that out!

I love your cabinets and floor tile. They look brand new. Yes, I would get rid of the little shelves too. Do you want a shiny tile look against the warm, rich looking cabinets? Do you want a contemporary, traditional, modern, or a rustic look? Do you want a pop of color on the tiles or on the backsplash, or would you want to keep them both subdued like your beautiful floor tile? I have always thought that blues and blue-greens look great with medium oak cabinets. I can't wait to see what you choose.

I found that glass and ceramic tiles were too shiny for my oak cabinets and my tastes. Plus, my counters are brushed/honed Sea Pearl quartzite which did not look good against glass tiles or subway tiles...at least the ones I have found. I am still looking for a tile for my backsplash that has no shine. The subway tiles look wonderful with painted cabinets though.

Thanks psyohe! My tile is new! My cabinets are old old old but in excellent condition. . I did change the hardware for a more updated rustic look. I used to have old antique brass with back plates. I kind of want to get away from a totally country look. I agree with you. I am leaning more towards a matte finished tile. I really have not started looking yet. I think the shiny would not go with my kitchen, I think with my warm cabinets I will probably be going more with a more rustic look. I do like modern and contemporary mixed in though.. ugggg... I found a beautiful Granite but thinking about it now I just think it will make my cabinets look bad. It was a VERY Wavy granite with lots of movement too!

Sometimes, it does get too much movement with all the patterns you see in the oak cabinets and countertop. I will try to post my oak cabinets with the Sea Pearl which is a much more subtle movement. However, my cabinet doors are not as pretty as your 20+ year old cabinet doors. I love your door style and color.

I think I am on a twelve step program with my backsplash.....meaning it will take me twelve years to choose a backsplash. The morning light, afternoon light, and evening light in my kitchen is driving me crazy. I will like a tile at one time of day, then hate it at a different time of day. Ewwww! That doesn't even match! My kitchen has been waiting for a backsplash since 2013.

psyche I can't wait to see your oak cabinets with the sea pearl stone. Please post for me!

The left Sea Pearl is polished and the right slab (mine) is brushed/honed. I am always running my fingers on the texture of the stone.

Do you have a picture of your granite?

I have not decided on my Granite yet but I like this snowfall granite. I have not seen a slab in person and I am hoping to get to a stone yard to view it. It has cream white and grey with a kiss of brown. Your granite is very pretty with your cabinets! I like your Oak cabinets and your hardware too! Your Island looks big! What size is it! I like the stove/oven set up too!

psyohe- Love your ovens, what is the make and model??

Shirley- I think a creamy-ish granite with just a touch of movement would be perfect and not date your cabinets.

And then something interesting but simple for backsplash:

Thanks Crystalpea That is an interesting tile/back splash! What is it called... What is the Granite slab called? I was looking at Daltile subway tile in a biscuit color. Very simple... I don't think I can go with a big pattern as I really will not have much back splash area. Will definitely go up around window and take the corner shelfs out and paneling. Once I get the counter in than will get a better idea of back splash but it will be very simple subway or solid color no pattern...

Shirley, have you priced our new IKEA cabinets? You’re investing a lot, and I don’t think you’re getting the best results for your investment if you do all of this with the old cabinets. You sound like a handy lady, and I think a little more work on your part could really pay off.

The countertop is Jura beige granite. The backsplash is linked below and comes in different colors. You're right though your space may be too small for a backsplash shape. This particular tile is 3x6 per piece.

http://www.walkerzanger.com/collections/products.php?view=mat&coll=Robert+A.M.+Stern+Collection%E2%84%A2

Here is a messy mock-up just because, left side shows high contrast color and right shows similar color to the granite.

The granite slab is very pretty. I think I like the lighter tile on the right the Best! Thanks! That was sweet of you to do!

French door hybrid double oven is American Range, but stay away from them. One doesn't work and the other's broiler never turns off so everything burns on top. American's best help involved sending me a part after 7 years of contacting them. 900 lb oven. So I have to pay for someone to come out to replace the part. Everyone who comes out says they can't work on it. (Meaning they don't want to lift it)

Oh no, that's awful! Thank you for the information.

My island is 4' x 8' and 39" tall. My countertops are 36" tall.