It does seem like the first 3 tiles have way too much movement and pattern on their own for a granite kitchen. The mockup really draws the eye to the floor. but you would never really try to "match" your counters and floors except in color families (warm, golds, cool grays etc)--otherwiseyour cabs will look like the filling in a cookie sandwich! And it doesn't look particularly cottage-y. I would hope to try to wait until counters are in....That will help you really see what the granite does and how or why you will want to set it off. It might suggest a whole new approach. And you'll get a better feel for how the kitchen plays off the adjacent wood floors. The granite and counters look like they will be beautiful--no regrets there--so cut yourself some slack and let the other pieces fall into place. Or at least, I would never be able to pick from these photos, so maybe that's why I am thinking, slow down!

I'll stay out of the 'sand vs replace' arguments above. On to the original question. You will want to MATCH the TREADS to the main floor. The risers can be painted (see photo above) or matched as in your photo. Either way, the TREADS need to match the main floor. What happens on the UPPER level is considered 'private'. I'm guessing those areas contain bedrooms. That means those areas are only for private members of the house hold. The main flooring/stair case are PUBLIC areas. That means guests will see those areas. You want the public areas to be harmonious. Having a different hardwood on the second story isn't a crime. It happens all the time. Totally acceptable....with the caveat that the stairs get dealt with properly. So....match the treads to the new floor (do NOT do a gel stain!!!!!). Have them capped or sanded and stained to match the new floor. If you want you are welcome to paint the risers white. It would work very well because of your white spindles. And stain the banister the same colour as the floor. And if the original hardwoods are SOLID hardwood, then think twice about ripping them up. They are worth a considerable amount of money. You would be ending their life as a "teenager" instead of an octogenarian. Solid hardwood floors have the same lifespan as humans = 80-100 years.

I feel like a glass tile might be nice with your flooring choice. I found this one on Tilebar. It is a bit dark maybe. Mangata groove cafe glass tile But there is also this, which is Crema. I think that is likely what you've got on your floor. This one is a good size 2X8 - so longer than your regular subway. Crema marfil 2 X 8 I'm sure if you look, you can find a ceramic tile to mimic Crema. I agree that white tile isn't the right choice. There is quite a range of colours in glass tiles and I'm wondering if that look nice in your bath. You mention you don't want bland and I think that more of the same as the floor might end up being just that, bland. Here is a glass sample, I don't know if it would be the right colour, but if you could find something similar colour to your grout choice, that might look nice. Loft smoky taupe

The 14’ is kitchen only. The counter that is there with the curtain is temporary. It will be removed and I have a pantry that matches the cabinets that will go there. The pantry goes all the way to the ceiling The fridge is a moved from the wall to hang sheet rock. My husband plans to put a cabinet around it and I have another cabinet/coffee bar that will go to the left of the fridge. I guess I should have waited to post the pictures when that was all in place. The door to the right of the fridge lead to a walk-in pantry. We are changing that door to a sliding barn door. My husband is an experienced DIY’er and can make the tops to the cabinets as you all are describing.