How will you prevent damage to the backsplash when removing the current tops? What till you infill where the current 4" backsplash is? How will you replace the blue inset tile without damaging the surrounding tile? How about sider shots of the kitchen so people can a better idea of the surrounding colors, natural light, artificial light, etc..

I like the more expensive one with those cabinets. :)

The backsplash might require more planning than you think. Betcha it's cheaper and easier to take it all down and start over.

The countertop company says they have removed old counter backsplashes and haven’t yet damaged existing tile. The new would also have a 4-inch backsplash. Here is a picture of my kitchen now.

Here is a picture from Google of the counter I’m considering. To me, this looks gray.

That looks really gray and not a great look with your cabinets. You need something creamier in color

I would spend my money on new appliances & lighting before I would spend money on counters or cabinets that are dated. The minute those new counters go in, EVERYTHING in that room is going to look OLD.

If you want darker counters then for a stop gap select new plastic laminate counters like you have but in a new color. They don't cost much. You can select a new sink and new faucet & get the same look.

Solid surface remains an excellent countertop choice. Don't expect a written guarantee against backsplash damage please; I'd never give one.

Your dark counter sample is pretty with cabinets but concerned it makes your backsplash look yellow. Would be less busy if BS is updated too.

@BeverlyFLADeziner, My refrigerator and dishwasher are new, so the white appliances stay.

The darker is half the price. take that and get a brand new backsplash. easy. black or hammered metal hardware .

Counters aren't chosen in isolation and your flooring doesn't appear in your photos of your kitchen so it's a bit of a guess. I like the lighter of your two solid surface examples over the darker which does appear very gray against your warm wood cabinets.

I would not replace the 4" backsplash (typically, it's either have just the 4" backsplash and no tile above or no 4" splash and an all tile backsplash) and would opt for a new backsplash in one of the lighter tones in the speckles of the counter material in a very plain subway tile, but in an elongated size like 4x10, not 3x6.

Could select white Corian counters and white backsplash to complement your appliances.

Or white Corian with gray tile backsplash

Agree with Beverly's rendition, the white countertops and backsplash do more to update the kitchen and white appliances.

Take a look at Hi Macs Nebula. It reads white but has some particles that are warm and could work with the cabinets

I like your appliances. I prefer the white over the stainless everyone seems to like.
White are so much easier to keep clean

Thank you, Kay. Yes, I don’t want to deal with the fingerprints that I hear about with stainless steel appliances.

Palimpsest, I’m going to go back to the countertop store on Friday. I was thinking of looking at white with some warm speckles in it. I am still leaning toward a darker color because I want the impact. There’s enough white there already. My surrounding decor is warm with dark brown leather, teal, and terra-cottas. I’m not really into the mostly white farmhouse style look. I prefer the vibrancy of color.

To give you all an idea of my style, here is my adjacent living room. This is why I am considering darker countertops. I want the warmth that I have in this room in my kitchen as well.

The selection of white IMO complements all the white trim and shelves in your Family Room. You have plenty of dark elements in the house.

the dark will be fine...mostly get the piece you like.the dark counter with a white subway backsplash will work with the white appliances which everyone keeps talking about,,,in truth appliances get replaced...probably more than counters....altho I realize you state you bought some of those not long ago...if lighter counters....go nearly white....the pinkish one of your two choices isnt a good pick. dark counters can actually be quite versatile. get what you like but if light.... you have to go to a cleaner whiter look.

Herbflavor, i’m definitely seeing what you mean about the pinkish colors being wrong for the room. I’ll either go dark or with white that has some rust colored speckles or marbling.

I think these colors look beautiful, too.