Paint the walls. It's cheap and easy and, since there isn't much wall-space in your kitchen, you could go for a really dramatic colour like a deep rust or moss green.

Work into the deal a new back splash, you haven't closed yet, time to negotiate.

there isnt that much backsplash to replace, and subway tile is pretty inexpensive. but really, i dont think changing the backsplash to cream is really going to make a lot more warmth.

you might have more luck changing the pendants, they are pretty sterile.

There isn't actually that much difference what you want and what you have. Off white cabinets really aren't that far a cry from white. Cambria Berwyn is a light counter, and you have a different light counter. It's not as if you wanted orange and brown and green earth tones and got white everything. You're on the target you were aiming for, and that is a very very livable situation.

I would just change all the light bulbs so everything looks off white instead of bright white. And maybe save up to swap the backsplash for a solid color because that actually would be pretty different from what you have now.

But otherwise, just fill the room and walls with stuff you do like a lot . The white neutrals here will fade into the background.

How would warm up this cold, sterile kitchen?

Get rid of the backsplash which is all cold colors.

Changing the countertop is no the answer. The backsplash is the biggest problem. Quartz counters are quite pricey. I would avoid doing that. Those who suggested better lighting and different pendants have great points as well- but the countertop- no way- totally not worth changing out.

I agree with all above--the backsplash is the problem. You could change the feel of that kitchen with switching that out.

Changing the backsplash would make a big difference. However, the easiest and cheapest fix is to change the pendants. The stainless (or chrome) there now just amps the icy factor. Look into some wood or wicker shades. Also, try to bring in more wood - a wooden salad bowl, a cutting board propped up against the backsplash.

Is there a kitchen window that you can add a wooden blind or shades to?

Wooden canisters, wood kitchen stools. Wood wood wood will warm it up - plus a great runner.

Move in and add your own touches. Quirky, handmade, and textured in natural materials is a way to balance out the sterility you feel.

--Check Ballarddesign.com for beautiful, cozier looking pendant lighting. See kitchen below.

Arteriors Home Osgood Antique Gold Leaf 14'' Wide Pendant Light · More Info

Square X Frame Wood and Metal Chandelier · More Info

--Add a rug in warm colors along with gray and black.

Kitchen Transformation · More Info

--Put a big handmade bowl or antique wooden trencher bowl the counter with rustic, antique wood items here and there to pick up the nice wood floors.

--Get a dramatic oversized food-related painting to look at across the way.

Sicilian Still-Life., Original By Alex · More Info

Contemporary Hand Painted Canvas Art, "Vase"- Original Art · More Info

If you put a table there, get a farmhouse one but with a mix of modern and old wooden chairs.

KINGSWOOD TABLE / HARWICHPORT · More Info

Once you have furniture, etc... it will not feel so sterile. I would change the pendants over the island. Add wood or leather counter stools and wood/yellow accessories (such as wood cutting boards) on the counter.

Winter Park Renovation · More Info

North Hinsdale Show Kitchen · More Info

Woodmere Drive · More Info

This is not a warm-up-kitchen fix but addresses the comments about counter and cabs not playing well together. In your picture the perimeter counters look “whiter” than the island so maybe try experimenting with lightbulb temperatures. Try 3000k+4000k led lightbulbs throughout the kitchen to see what happens to the counters. It is possible that the bulbs over the island are much warmer like 2700k. Conversely, maybe 2700k throughout will warm up the white cabs enough.

You all have given me some great ideas! I keep having a hard time moving past the cabinet color matching with the counter top. The counter by itself is beautiful and seems warm/rich to me. The cabinets seem almost "blue" and appear cold. I feel like they contrast. Here is a picture of the bathroom. It has the same combo from the kitchen.

Again, tie into the golden warm floor color in kitchen and the tile color in the bathroom. You're looking at the rooms empty. Warm lighting, rugs, towels, textiles, wood and rattan finishes, etc. help.

I'd have to change out the busy backsplash. Here are some matte black subway tiles. And some matte black island pendants.

Once you get furniture and curtains and kitchen crap in the space, it won't be quite so stark.

I'm usually not a big fan of an all white kitchen, but this is one beautiful kitchen. I really love your kitchen and specially the warmth of your wood floors. If I had to change anything here, I think I would only change the backsplash and maybe the pendant lights over the island . The backsplash seems a bit too busy and too much grout to clean. I would add a colorful runner and few accessories. I think it looks too sterile to you now because you have not given it your personal touch yet. Enjoy your new kitchen!

A grey green could look very nice. And, as I said earlier, paint should be the first thing you try since it is the most bang for the buck.

But honestly, if the colour of your kitchen is the only thing holding you back from an otherwise perfect house for you, you're in an enviable position. Get your house and then experiment with colour once you're in it and have lived with changing light patterns and how your stuff affects the ambience of the space.

Notice that, in your photos, they also painted the ceiling. I did that, and it makes a huge difference.

I didn't read much past Jen and Rita but I agree with their suggestions. I'd also change out the pendants and hardware. I wouldn't replace the counters. That backsplash, besides the colors, is really busy. If you're going to change something I'd chose that over the counters. Honestly, I don't know if anyone here will agree with me, but I'd paint right over the backsplash. Clean, prime, two coats of paint - all good quality, of course.

I think a lot could be achieved with adding a runner, wood cutting boards, etc. If you were keeping the splash you could try and find a rug that has the backsplash colors and some warmer colors. Do you like orientals? When I look at white kitchens I realized the ones I am drawn to all have warm oriental rugs/runners. Then get some window treatments and art up.

@armyaaronswife, the backsplash is the only real problem in this kitchen. It doesn't look like there's much of it and it could actually be a do-it-yourself project if you don't choose a difficult tile.

How big a deal is it to remove the existing tiles?

Or is there a chance that the backsplash hasn't been installed? If yes, ask them that you supply the tiles.

It's nice. Little boring, but nice. Put your own stuff in there. If you still don't like it, paint the walls. If that's not enough, change the backsplash. It's not super difficult/expensive, at least as compared to everything else.

I grew up with an all white kitchen including the floor and the ground of the wallpaper. But the backsplash was a pale green. It added enough color that the room did not seem cold, and it worked well with other colors.

Removing a backsplash is a pain. Best to ask them to do it, if you haven't closed. It took my husband and I many, many weekends to remove it, and our cabinets and old counter had quite a few casualties from flying pieces of tile.

If you decide to remove the backsplash yourself, don't even try to save the drywall behind it. Cover all the adjacent surfaces with heavy cardboard to keep them from being damaged, but go ahead and sacrifice the drywall because that will be easy (and cheap) to replace.

For sure I would BEG BEG BEG for a solid color back splash. It's a lie if they tell you all white would be more expensive. Don't fret the color of the cabinets. Chances are the wear patterns on them will be so striking soon enough you will be repainting every few years.

I didn't realize you mentioned your budget doesn't allow for a change in backsplash. Then, don't change it. Your kitchen is beautiful just the way it is. Add your personal touches and you're done! Enjoy it!