the counters and cabs/backsplash/wall color/floor all in differing tones/colors or textures will make things pop because the eye moves around at all the interruptions between the elements. This can be useful in a very large space or the desire for an eclectic look. This is in essence "making the kitchen look smaller". It is not so desirable if in reality the kitchen IS small to begin with...In a small space, where presumably the goal would be to "expand the visual look" or "not feel closed in" then choosing the elements with minimal breaks between the tones/textures/colors from floor to cabs to counters backsplash and wall colors [and appliances] is a fairly reliable approach. It isn't that you need an all white kitchen to make a small space expand, in fact, dark hardwood floor with medium to dark cabs and that darker granite will work....but then at the walls do glass doors or open shelves so that at eye level you have a little more expansive visual line by reducing the dark wood. You must start with cabinets really, because they are the biggest cost-what do you like?-in your smaller space you can work with your desired look by using care in choosing the layers of elements that have similarity as opposed to contrast.

I have 3 sets of Ballard covers. 2 twill and one a ticking fabric. All are great construction and fabric. Have been washing them for 6 years without any issue. Some spot cleaning prior to washing. The pillow covers won't need ironing, they fit tight. Full cover may need a quick iron, but if you put them on slightly damp it is easier and then stretch out. Also recently bought a steam machine for clothing. Not the type for carpets and upholstered furniture. Just point it at the fabric and it steam irons. Use it on my bedding also, takes wrinkles away quickly. I love tailored covers and change with the season. My covers were bought using the dimensions of Ballad furniture, the furniture I have is not Ballard. Yet, they fit as wanted. Just a note about the current chair in picks. Have one and the only issue is where people tend to set their elbows. Mine has sunk down in this area. May have to cut in and add some bulk.

Just now seeing this post. You likely have already moved forward, but I wanted to let you know that Sunbrella & Crypton have different pros/cons. They both are considered performance fabrics, meaning they take everyday use better than your average upholstery fabric, primarily from the stains/sun effects. Sunbrella is better for stains--you can even use bleach on it. Crypton has a better "rub factor" (more durable for everyday use so it won't wear as fast). They both have improved their manufacturing process so that the fabrics have a softer touch than in the past. Sunbrella can be used, as several above mentioned, outdoors. Crypton is intended primarily for interior use. Based on your comments, I would recommend looking at Crypton.

I have a Crypton sectional (recovered my old one about a year and a half ago) and it has been a dream to clean. I just posted on another thread that within the first month of having it recovered, I spilled almost a fill glass of red wine on it. I was sick about it and looked quickly online what the cleaning instruction of my particular fabric was.It was water cleanable and it said to use a small amt of dishwasher soap in plain water to clean, dab it on and off and then dab with clean water. I did and every drop came out with not any indication that there had been a spill or clean-up. About a week later, I noticed an area on the front of the couch that I had missed, so I did the same thing to clean and it came right out. I think different Crypton fabrics require different cleaning methods. Some are not water cleanable but require a solvent. Perhaps yours was one of those fabrics. I don't quite understand Crypton, because it seems to come from different manufacturers (a method of making it stainproof) where I think Sunbrella is a brand name of one manufacturer. I've never liked the hand feel of Sunbrella at all. My Crypton is from Greenhouse fabrics and feels wonderful, soft, not at all like Sunbrella. You'd never know it was a stain resistant fabric. This is what I have...manufactured in USA, too, altho some from Greenwood are also from China. If you click on any of their fabric "details" section it will give you a cleaning code. This is W (for water cleanable). https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/fabrics/category/crypton_fabrics/style/chevron