Thanks all. Going to be some time before this is finished, but will keep you posted.

I think that a Calacutta gold countertop and backsplash would be stunning and relevent for years to come. You can use a quartz if you don't want the maintenance of marble but the light counters and backsplash will freshen up the space, and bring out the warmth of the wooden cabinets.

I actually like the contrast that black countertops create against the cabinets. Are you happy with the dark countertops maintenance? If yes, I would keep them and make sure that all appliances are stainless steel. For the backsplash, I would consider white marble.

Still on the hunt. We are still trying to decide.

1. Both samples with maple cabinet and subway in Centura porcelain Artisan White
2. Calcutta gold
3. Denali Cloud
   
   

The stove vent will make the biggest improvement. It really is already a nice kitchen. How about removing the microwave from the slot/shelf and keeping some cookbooks or big serving plates in that spot? That would allow you a newer microwave. (Just a thought.) Another big improvement would be a window treatment in a nice colorful fabric to add an accent color. The new sink should be undermount, and I would do the backsplash up to the cabinets.

Your sample tiles don't seem to match the countertop. Would a fitted quartz backsplash be an option? Or a plain white matte tile?

That would look great but it’s not in the budget. I’ve not seen any perfectly matching tiles in our area. Thanks

We’re going to look for other options for the backsplash. We like the calacatta gold quartz, but putting it on as a backsplash isn’t in the budget. Is this too much grey?

I think you need something a bit warmer - What have you decided for you countertop?

If you're at the point of being ready for backsplash tile, check out Porcelanosa if you can. They get their white clay for tile manufacturing from Turkey, I am told, and the colors are beautiful. They run an annual sale, and this year's starts on November 27 running through December 7, 2019. It's 40% off and a great time to order if you like one of their selections. We're planning to get floor tile during the sale, You have to really watch out for a gray cast in coordinating tile, especially if you're settling on Calacatta Gold quartz for the countertops. Look for coordinating tile that is also a Calacatta pattern with clean whites and the brown or gold veining if you like that look or maybe think about a solid color since your countertop will have movement.

To HU...The Calacatta Gold quartz seems to be first choice. Other than samples to look at, it’s hard to envision what it will look like in our space.
Dormelles...We’ll look for Porcelanosa if we can find it here.
felizlady...will replace that hood for sure, lots of storage for cookbooks in island, but agree the microwave could be moved.

I'd try and set some more money aside and go for the quartz backsplash.

Either calacatta gold or a cheaper solid white that goes with it.

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Not to add to the confusion, but what about soapstone? If not the “real thing”then something in a soft, muted grey. I love the Jet Mist granite that Beth showed. The backsplash will be easy with that color combination.

lighten up the cabinets and modernize the look

Here’s my small kitchen with very similar cabinet color to yours with Silestone Calacatta Gold to give you an idea. I’m really happy with it. I I would recommend getting the countertops installed, then you can purchase tiles in a few different styles and colors, place them against the wall and see what you like. At first I thought I wanted something like marble or herringbone, but the Calacatta gold is really stunning in person. (I don’t think I can capture it photos that well and it looks a bit plain in these pictures). Anyway, everything I tried seemed to compete with it or look a bit busy next to it, so decided to go with a simple white subway tile and allow the countertops to be the star. I’m very happy with it.
If you can afford it, running the quartz up the wall would look great, but this would have doubled the cost for us on this already expensive material. I also had concerns about heat from the stove damaging the quartz behind it, since it’s not that heatproof, but don’t know if anyone has had an issue with that. The calacatta gold is mainly white with grey, but there is enough subtle gold veining in it to complement warm wood tones, but still giving that fresh modern look.

That looks terrific and thanks for your input. It’s really helpful to have first hand info. Love your range.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Daltile-Restore-Bright-White-3-in-x-6-in-Ceramic-Modular-Wall-Tile-12-5-sq-ft-case-RE1536MODHD1P4/302575146

Forgot to add. Picked up a bunch of white and off white subway tiles from various big box stores and tile shops and Home Depot’s plain old cheapest, stocked in store Daltile is a perfect match to the Calacatta Gold, without any weird colored undertones that clash with either the counter or the cabinets. They are well made and even and hubby and I installed ourselves in a day with a rented tile saw. We are not pros by any stretch of the imagination, but don’t think a professional would have done a better job.
However slight color variances can occur between tile lots and also your quartz slab, so still purchase some returnable samples to see what you like the best.

Hubby is working on a new base to replace the desk. Should the upper and lower cabinets line up as in the pic? Or should lowers be inset to allow the countertop and backsplash to line up with upper cabinet? We are trying to prepare it for the countertop people. Thanks.

Keep the cabinets even with each other and then run the backsplash all the way to the door frame or edge of countertop with a profile edging to cap it off, or if it is a slab backsplash, you could do a curved edge there at the open area of the backsplash. Cabinets are going to look weird if the base is inset from the alignment of the wall cabinet.

Thank you, you’re so helpful.

Hi. Granite does not have consistent names. Unlike manufactured products like corian, for example. In addition, each slab of granite is different. Example: the “Virginia” granite shown above I have seen named “black coffee”. As far as how the product is finished, that gets confusing also. Generally, leather is the least smooth with pock marks, suede is smoother but still a mat finish. Bottom line, with granite best to actually see the product.

Mock-up of doing all black granite, because it’s been so easy to maintain, still debating. Second one has Calacatta. Thanks to msi. Any thoughts.

I would keep the black granite but change the appliances and range hood to stainless steel. A backsplash in white would probably be too much contrast, but a backsplash will help the kitchen look more finished. Remove any short backsplash. I would add some color: window treatments, a couple of runner rugs for a more comfortable surface to stand on, a few canisters. Your lighting seems to accentuate the yellow undertones of your cabinet, so you may want to consider light bulbs which give whiter light.

Yes, agree, but the visualizer on that site worked better with everything removed from the counters.

You could keep the island's granite and change the other worktops to a white (I'd suggest Lyra or plain white), if you change some appliances to black and add some contrast to the window, for example.

I would eliminate the desk area and replace it with a wine rack and counter for drinks /ice bucket etc. and change the window treatment and lower the lamp ..then look again. It's a good looking kitchen ..just needs minor tweets in my opinion ..unless you have the money to get a wonderful new countertop ...then go white ...

Process in the works as the desk is being replaced with spot for wine fridge and narrow pullout. Drawer bank will fill that area in the island.
Yes, fixture is high, we actually raised the fixture to keep an open site line to the water view. Thanks

I like the mock up with black counters, so I would find a black granite to go with your existing black island. Or maybe that beauty Beth posted that was black with white veining (don't remember the name). If I were you I would travel the 1-2 hours to the granite yard to pick out a stone. You won't regret it if you find one you like.

The desk has been replaced with a beverage area and the microwave moved. All of the negative info on quartz is swaying the decision toward the black granite. The Taj Mahal looks beautiful, but I’m unsure if it’s granite or quartzite. Your input is really appreciated.

Negative info on quartz? Mine is 25 years old and looks quite well!

It has been awhile and my apologies if you mentioned it above......can you show us what other elements of the house look like? Is this the only area with black?

Yes, rinq, yellowing from sunlight is our main concern on the lighter quartz. Plastics on all of our white appliances and electrical plate covers have yellowed from the UV rays. I’ve seen photos and comments of yellowing. As this will be a fairly permanent reno, we’re trying to get it right.
CDR here’s our living space, which is open to entry adjacent to kitchen.

This can happen with granite also. Here is an interesting article. https://stoneandtilepros.com/articles/does-your-countertop-need-sun-screen.

We have quartz in our kitchen and knock on wood have not had any yellowing yet. But, our windows are double paned UV protected, so that may be the reason.

Thanks, Kathi, and interesting. It seems the granite or quartzite would be the safest. The suggestion of glass or cloth covering a countertop sounds quite impractical.

RE picking out a slab - if you can't actually go to the supplier, once you have decided on the counter material, ask the supplier to send you good photos of available slabs. That way you can avoid a surprise from a slab with an unattractive section, and also can perhaps specify how you want the slabs to go together to avoid an abrupt pattern change between pieces.

I like all versions of the counter change - all white, all dark, and mixed (island stays darks, perimeter light). I've seen many kitchen remodels here with any of the 3 versions, that looked great: although I admit to having a preference for all matching, light stone. It really comes down to what pleases you most.

Be aware that there are issues with a few of the "white" granites re staining and discoloring. I was warned off River White, which I loved, by the stoneyard for this reason - there was at least one other (Viscount white? can't really remember). I have always like Virginia Mist granite, especially if honed (ps I have a honed granite in a very dense stone that doesn't need sealing - and no problems with stains, fingerprints and so forth)

Your cabinets are great & I am glad you are keeping them as is.

Since this will be here for awhile, and seeing photos of the other portions of your home, I think the black feels out of place.

I recommend something lighter for your countertops like a cream or taupe. You can always change decor. For example, black hardware to pull in the black frame on your fireplace and a few other black elements added.

I would keep both counters the same.

I’m curious about what you will decide. I feel like upgrading the appliances and sink could greatly improve things.

That looks so much brighter. I really like your choices and appreciate you sharing your pics. What brand and colour of quartz did you use? Also, you changed out the granite, and I’m just wondering how the maintenance compares with your new quartz. Thank you.

Here are a couple of photos of the kitchen I recently completed. I had shown a rendering in the beginning of this thread and now have photos. I do think you will be much happier without the black countertops.

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Your results look amazing. I notice the range hood isn’t showing, how did you accomplish this? Also, wondering why you didn’t use the backsplash on the end cabinet. I like the window treatments, can they be lowered? Owners must be very pleased, two thumbs up!

Thanks, J.! It is a lift, downdraft fan (sits flat behind stovetop and rises when needed).

Haha. That corner cabinet was something the client and I actually disagreed on. I recommended using a squared off cabinet or not cabinet there. We went back and forth as well, on tiling that area and they decided against it.

In the end, I think the corner area looks great, as we extended the look of the coffee bar area and I think the birds really finish things off.

Also, think about your electrical plug placement. Can you move the plugs so they are up under the cabinets and not visible and do not interfere with your backsplash? LeGrand has a great system that we used, so I have no visible plugs.

Not sure about the plugs, would you share a picture. Thanks.

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We have no plugs in our backsplash. They are all up under the cabinets!! So we have a clean line backsplash. It is an idea.

Ok, I see the benefits, thank you.

My focus keeps going to a little thing. The stools look like a mini version of the island. I would recover in a fabric that adds pop and possible paint the legs black. I said possibly because to me every room needs a touch of black and this room has too much already. Maybe scale some of it back.

The cabinets are coming to the finished stage, but we have a small problem, the handles are Varde from Ikea. They are discontinued. We found one set on eBay, but are in need of one more handle. Does anyone have suggestions? Thank you

Have you mailed ikea's customer service too? Sometimes companies have a few tucked somewhere. Even be it from old showmodels.

Thanks. Problem solved thanks to eBay; they’re going to be highly valuable, though.

We are still trying to decide on countertop. This is Bethel white in a slab that is similar to a sample that we looked at. We’re leaning toward the granite and trying to find a white.