I don't like the 4" backsplash for the following reasons: - if you are doing a decorative tile for the rest of the backsplash, you are now decreasing and cutting off your design area by 4". - the 4" creates a little "shelf" that gets dusty, just one more thing to clean. - added expense to install the 4" piece of granite along your countertop. - people who say you "need it" to cover a gap between the countertop and the tiled wall just don't have good installers. My kitchen walls are extremely out-of-plumb, but my tile backsplash meets my granite countertop with no gaps cause I had experienced installers. - IMHO it looks dated, since the 4" idea was popular with formica in the '70's. I would only do a 4" backsplash if I were doing no other backsplash at all and just leaving drywall on the rest of the wall. And even in that case, I'd try to make it a little higher, like 5" or 6".

We finished our remodel 3 years ago and I picked oak cabinets (a little lighter than golden oak) and uba tuba. The combination looks very good together. Originally, I wanted maple cabinets and saw that there was more color variation in the staining than desired. Anyway: no regrets about this decision! The walls are painted a goldish tan (somewhat like wheat). Haven't done a backsplash yet. The more I live with the painted walls which I like the slower to get tile. I've been thinking a light green or cream color in a classic style would look good. My goal is a calm, serene look. Sometimes, I get second thoughts and think about a mission or craftsman type design over the stove.

I love Uba Tuba granite with wood cabinets. The deep dark greenish black of the stone with the warmth of the wood truly work well together. The stone is a rich color with enough movement to be exciting but won't overpower the kitchen. Here are some links to Finished Kitchen Blog site GW Aprilquilt's kitchen is beautiful with honey cabs and Ubatuba counters. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2682317790055697428XbnrPE KatScarpper's kitchen is lovely too. http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/2005/06/katscrappers-kitchen.html And a few pics of Uba Tuba or similar granites Verde Peacock is very similar to Uba Tuba Verde butterfly is very similar to Uba Tuba Here is a link that might be useful: This is Susan4664's beautiful kitchen

Not a fan of this granite but willing to live with it IF I can get lighter painted cabinets. Need to replace all doors as some are broken. Hardware too. Will hire a pro to paint. Will change wall color too, once cabinet color is sorted out. Kitchen faces east with lots of windows, so very bright/light. Lots of ceiling lights. Walnut trim throughout the house which is staying. Tile floor is beige/sand color. Doors have been routed in a u-shape to accept hinges. Can’t change the hardware and keep the doors without major woodwork repairs to each door. New doors will allow more options. What color to paint cabinets first, then walls. Buttercream? Off White? Again, the countertops are very dominant. Suggestions?