I would connect the bs to the counter, offseting the pretty cream cabinets with some contrast. That's the more natural relationship. So if the white is good with the counter, that's my vote. You need more of the white for a sparkling white kitchen. The other looks mellow. Pretty together!

Thank you for the thoughts. I have searched and found some images, but most are more rustic or very grand, at least not in line with where I think my kitchen will end up. After posting yesterday, I searched high and low for inspiration. I love the Tabarka tile but the price is beyond our budget for a full back splash. I am not sure I can commit to a full Mediterranean back splash either and was thinking perhaps of accenting with a decorative tile- perhaps above the stove. I don't typically love accents but found an inspiration that I do like. Although this is way more grand than I will have, it's a mix of the tile style I like with a subway tile and a marble countertop. I do like these tiles from Somertile/Merola. I am ordering a sample of this and a few others to see if the quality is OK as they are easy on the budget. I found a kitchen that has similar features to what mine will have- white cabinetry, white countertops with walnut countertops mixed in and I did a little photoshop of this tile above the stove. I do like it but I'm not sure if having it in that one area is enough? My hood would be a different style, but my range will only be 30". I am having cabinetry built to look like a hutch off to the side of my kitchen where a desk currently is and I'm wondering if I should pull the tile over there or just leave it in one area? As far as doing away with the marble like countertops- I will think on that. I was thinking of a subtle quartz, just enough gray throughout for some variation.

If this were my space i'd spend to fix the microwave situation. the walls are the problem as they have a yellow undertone. I dont see the problem w cabs and counter at all. Paint the walls the aesthetic white shown above. or a neutral bone or ivory or a white w more green undertone. stay away from yellow anything due to the true tan/brown of counter/floor.....Then I'd probably swap the glass in the vertical cabs for a smokey/frosted glass. I dont find the clear glass in that situation a plus at all. I dont see any yellow issue w cabinets from these pics........lighting assessment and a neutral wall color will address what you think is a yellow cast to cabs.....but probably is not. Money saved. Fix the corner w microwave.

@Susanne Woolley its a long story, but we eneded up having to return the glacier white because it was an oddly printed slab. we have msi trevi because it was one of the only options availabe. i went with bm white dove. it has enough warmth and grey in it to look good in both east and west exposure. kitchens not completly finished but im happy with it so far! the trevi is a littke darker and warmer than cabinets