Keeping in mind that my laptop does not show colors very accurately: I like your floors, they are a good combo with the cabinets and a little on the warm side with the swirls of neutral colors. So you want counters that harmonize with both the floor and the cabs. I agree that the paint is too cool for the cabs and floor. If you want to stay with blue, look for a warmer toned blue; but I also think that a soft creamy white, or tending toward a light beige, even maybe a warm greige, would be better. I would strongly favor a light, quiet (not a lot of swirls and speckles) counter. I have granite myself, which was a choice based on budget (it was cheaper!) and looks, but I don't have the idea that a lot of people have that granite is necessarily "higher end". The important thing is, does it look right with the rest of the kitchen (and house)? There are many advantages to quartz and in many kitchens quartz is the best look. I think that may be so for your kitchen also! I think a somewhat creamier white would be good, maybe one with quiet tan/gray veining to echo the floor colors. A compromise (and usually economical) choice might be honed steel gray granite-- if you really want to stay with a darker counter. Search the kitchen forum for pictures showing some kitchens that used it. It would be not that dark, would emphasize the gray in the floor, and would work with the backsplash and appliances. Don't worry about matching the appliances. I don't agree that they will be "sore thumbs" if you go with a light counter -- how many times have we seen beautiful black/white/wood combos in kitchens? A lot. In this case, it will the be appliances, backsplash and hardware that bring the black accents instead of the counter. Plus, you never know when the refrigerator will bite the dust, in which case you can switch to SS or white if you wish. (also, appliances can be reface in another color if needed!)

A new house is very exciting and I know first-hand how difficult it is to be patient! I've also learned from experience the value of patience and professional design help. But first, celebrate! Second, be patient. Live with your kitchen a while--just from the photos this house looks like a gem and your kitchen space has tons of potential. Learn how you use the space, how you want to use it. Other commenters are exactly right: avoid little changes--they're often a waste of money in the long-run; and evaluate kitchen remodeling in the context of the entire first floor. For me, it's a matter of natural light and a flow among rooms that complements--or at least doesn't frustrate--the way I live. (You don't have to remodel your entire first floor or break the bank.) Finally, I heartily recommend finding a kitchen design professional with whom you feel compatible, who can help you clarify and prioritize your objectives, and work within your budget. I've spared myself a lot of heartache and misspent money by relying on the help of pros. Congratulations!

IMO a lot to tackle with no real plan. I think taupe is a wall color that has had its day and I don’t see a reason for that color at all. Those skimpy shelves need to removed and If you don’t plan on using the FP it i amking furniture placement and the TV hard to arrange. The realtors pics are not IMO a real look at the space so yours are much better. I can’t read the meaurements on the plan so it would be good to make those clear on the plan. Drapes are IMO one of the last choices you make. That wall color can lean towrds pink so I would get a large poster board and a sampl can of the color paint the board with 2 coats and see how you like it in all the spaces where you plan to use it. I do agree this is a time to hire a designer to help with an overall plan. German shmear is hard to pull off well and IMO better off to just apint the FP if you want to keep it. The TV needs to be on the opposite wall then 2 sofas or a sofa and 2 chairs if they fit. Lighting is what you need before paint choice so IMO you make sure all bulbs are LEDs in 4000K to mimic daylight , that will help keep colors true. I like a soft grayed green for a neutral wall color and with that rug would be a great choice.

I know several appliance store owners & service reps I do business with. They told me it is true that microwaves have a shorter life span than ovens in general. So, I always suggest to my clients who want a mw/oven combo to get the appliances separated & stack them in an oven cabinet. As technology changes, if the microwave goes & you want a different appliance with same width, then it's usually easier to replace & more cost effective. I suggest keeping to standard appliance widths & cabinets with openings standard widths (30"wide opening will give you more choices now & future.) I also prefer slide in stoves, because they are easier to replace vs cooktops that the counter is cut around for. Ideally I like a slide in with an extra oven in a taller cabinet. I personally do not use microwaves anymore. When buying appliances, I highly suggest buying locally with an appliance store that services their products. Their knowledge & support is valuable when installing & if you ever need future help they can service it. Wishing you success with your future kitchen:)