I love my two tone kitchen. We have a java island with white delicatus granite and cherry colored perimeter with Copper Brown granite (black looking). I could never do the white here in the country. Yours is beautiful though! Here is a link that might be useful: two toned kitchen link

I think you should make a plan for your kitchen, before you dig in. In how many years, realistically, might you change the countertops or do a full gut-remodel? If you honestly think either one of those could be in the next 5 years, that would change my answer. My gut feeling is, you just bought this house and you have a lot of things to furnish and complete. If so, then I'm guessing you're 7-10 years out before a full-scale kitchen remodel? And in that case, I'd gently suggest you do the following: 1. Assuming your cabinets don't have peeling veneer, or details we can't see, then I would leave them dark as mayflower advised. 2. Get cabinet hardware as andrea advised. 3. Tile the backsplash. You could add instant bling by buying the cute mini-tiles, already on webbing at Home Depot. Some have a bit of metallic or jewel tones. With labor you could be at a $1,000 for this item alone, but I really think it would perk things up. Also, aesthetically, your top cabinets seem to be floating in a sea of wall right now. The backsplash will connect the bottom cabs to the top ones. Also, please continue the backsplash down behind the current stove 6 inches.(see point 4). 4. Replacing appliances: Mayflowers is correct that this would also update your room. I would replace the stove. But, since you MIGHT want to open up that wall, you could be looking at a stove on an island someday. So leave your options open: Buy a slide-in range that could be used against a wall or on an island. A backsplash will be even more useful then, because your stove won't stick up above counter-height. See the sample photo of a slide-in range that I've attached. If you were to replace any other appliances, my second choice would be a white fridge. Fridges have gotten so much more efficient, you will actually save some money on their operation. Somehow the D/W is less bothersome to me. Also, most busy families wear out a dishwasher every several years so I'd milk it to the end before replacing. 5. I am not sure you need to repaint unless you have worn spots from the previous owners. You have a nice neutral color on your walls. See what you find for your other accessories before deciding. Here is a link that might be useful: Sample of a slide-in range

Visually I like option 2 the best as well. I think it adds and level of interest and is still in keeping with the overall style of your home. I feel that the pipe/reclaimed wood look is too makeshift feeling in appearance, and clashes with the very nice traditional moldings and other permanent features of your lovely home. From your first picture, the way it is framed visually by the door opening, anything you put here is going to feel prominent and special. So I think that something more moody and masculine is great, but I think the plumbing fittings and rough wood are not stylized enough to carry the space and will look like a place holder. If you DH wants something more industrial, then I would think about similar cabinets in your main area for lowers, but maybe painted or stained a different color. With a countertop that is different (stained polished concrete, matte soapstone, mosaic tiles, etc), and then for upper shaving if you both want a more open feel and different look than the kitchen proper. The last idea picture you posted, with more finished shelves (framed front edge for visual thickness and a more finished look) , for uppers only, could look quite nice. Or possibly pairs of John Boos stainless shelves, or even shallower than typical Upper cabins, with no doors, would give the a look you would like. I would also recommend being sure to add some good access for power outlets, probably a 4 outlet instead of typical dual plug outlet. Then the space can hold laptop, a TV, coffee pot and other appliances, be a charging station, work for crafting, and be all around useful.

@archie123... sorry for the confusion. Here's the link to the fruit basket: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-876607/?affsrcid=Aff0001&CAWELAID=120120820000003598&cagpspn=pla thanks bicylegirl! ;) @mtnrdredux-- Well, i will definitely consider not putting up the subway tile. It isn't done yet because we are in stall mode right now! The subway tile was always part of the plan because I love them so much. I thought perhaps I would use a grey grout to tie in the cabinets. We'll see-- I'm going to give it another couple of weeks to think about. Thanks for all the feedback!