Hi There - color is a really personal choice, so if these aren't to your taste, no worries. If I understand you correctly, you are trying to brighten things up, but you also want to balance the colors of your laminate so the room doesn't end up completely brassy. I would choose a very pale blue grey like Whisper from Ralph Lauren Paint. It balances the browns/golds very effectively but it's a light, bright color. If you don't like blues, you could opt for a light grey like BM Barely There. You want the color to be different enough from the cabinet and trim color to be noticed, but still not too saturated. In addition, I'd lose the window covering altogether, and install brighter (and possibly under cabinet) lighting. By the way, it's not very expensive to re-laminate your counter, and there are lots of DIY instructions on YouTube. You may be stuck with laminate, but you're not stuck with THAT laminate. If you do decide to alter the counter, I'd chuck the 4" backsplash and add some light reflecting tile. Good luck!

Don't freak out yet. I usually hate all my design choices in the beginning but as the space comes together it usually works out. I definitely see what you're saying with the floor and counters. But I don't think they look terrible together. If anything, I like the contrast the lighter floor color has from your cabinet choice. Same holds true for the counters. If replacing the floor isn't an option then I'd just hang tight until the space gets complete. You can always throw a rug down or use some decorate pieces to draw your attention away from the floor.

Gray flooring is very trendy - which means it will become the dreaded "dated". While light gray as a neutral will always be useful, the extreme over use of gray will turn on itself - just as over use of oak did. If this was a cheap laminate gray floor with a limited lifespan - no big deal (except the waste in the landfill) but you had better love this expensive floor 10 years from now when the HGTV crowd will say "yuck - look at all that gray" - just like they say "Yuck, look at all that oak" now. If you will love it, go ahead. I have my oak kitchen which I like just fine. However, a natural wood floor will add color and will go with just about any style thrown at it. It is best if one applies the trendy colors to easily changed surfaces - like paint for walls, decor, curtains, upholstery and even a backsplash if it is not a huge expense. Listen to SJ - she is a flooring expert. The gray, gray rooms just looked washed out - especially when all the new design pics I am seeing are showing color.

Renee you must be overwhelmed with all of these comments. Your countertops are GORGEOUS, so I do hope you keep them. Sophie's suggestion to stain the floors is well worth looking into. For what it is worth my suggestion for your backsplash is to go with a simple solid tile in a lighter color that coordinates with the countertop. I would suggest you not go too small with the tile- 3x6 to 4x12 would be a good size to stick with. You want to avoid too much movement in the backsplash as the counter (and the floor) have quite a bit of movement and you do not want them competing. Let the countertop be the star of the show. Good luck and let us know how it all ends up for you.