A few ideas... Antiqued mirror ... As subtle or as blotchy as you like, for that Cafe Flore look Antique tiles ... Moroccan is so hot right now, there are some very cool encaustics, new and old. I had a link but can't find it on my iPad. For new stuff, try Tabarka Art - it could be a great space for a line up of small framed oils. I always see lovely little painting but wonder where to put them. Or specimen boxes. Or framed dishtowels or vintage textiles. Color - maybe a rich pop of color, like farrow and ball brinjal ... Enamel even.

@Beth H. - thank you for your comments. I don't think we want to have dark counter tops. The kitchen is open to our family room. The minimal wall space in the kitchen will be painted a light blue color, as will the walls in the family room. We were thinking about: a) white cabinets and island b) the Calacatta gold marble 3" x 6" tiles for the back splash c) light(ish) counter tops on the perimeter and island (perhaps with some grey coming through d) medium brown hardwood floors We thought about using walnut for the island surface, but decided against it due to maintenance issues. If we didn't want to have dark counter tops, are there any other options? Thanks!

We have a small problem with the hood vent. Our wall is not thick enough to hide the pipe so the contractor had to cut out a section of the drywall (see top right of first picture). Contractor will patchup that section but there will be an angle drywall from the ceiling to the right wall and we do not want to see any of the dry wall modifications that have been made. Right now there is 8 inches from top of the molding to the ceiling. Do you think we should install a 3-4 inch filler between cabinets and crown molding? Or will the filler look weird? Please provide your feedback and recommendations.

I think we are moving in the direction to do the island, perimeter counters and backs splash (all the way up the wall) in the same White Santorini Quartzite. Any feedback on this? Im sensitive to adding too many different materials into the mix. Is this too much of one thing?