Bestyears, My cabinets were painted in the factory and called antique white, but I can tell you that it is a near perfect match to BM's Marble White OC34. Thanks for the photo, this is all so helpful. I am in the process of calling marble yards and getting pictures sent to me, and saw some in person. I really love the largest tile in my photos as I feel that the deep charcoal vein and warm tan veins, with the clear white background is most complementary to my kitchen. Finding that is proving to me most difficult. Makes me think that subway or marble mosaic is a much easier choice. But then again I have waited this long to find the right thing... I am so grateful for all the ideas and help you all have given me. I was on the building forum a ton about 5 years ago when we built our house and I could not have done it without all the wonderful support, ideas and knowledge! Kitty

It's what you like. That being said, you did ask for our opinion. If you want a beautiful beach kitchen, I think that I would pick counters that looked like sand and somewhere, on the walls or the tile a beautiful calm steely blue. I really like Socalthreems color on her walls. Maybe a little lighter on your walls. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg021905448463.html?38 Maybe if you found a simple ocean blue glass tile. Your cabinets are beautiful and very elegant. I think that to honor them, you can add color, but it must be understated. I like the colors in this picture. I think they would look great in your kitchen. Remember, you can keep the kitchen colors calm (like a calm ocean) and you can add other color with accessories. I would try to make your base colors more timeless. Again, only my opinion. I just pictured a perfect backsplash. I calm glazed steely blue tile with a raise white glaze border that mimics the foam on the waves or maybe.....gee I can't even make up my mind for me...and I'm doing it for you? LOL Here is a link that might be useful: tropical picture

I have a Carrera herringbone tile backsplash with a Silestone Lagoon counter. Love the marble! There are some seriously spectacular combos in this site, maybe do a search for kitchen reveal and the marble of choice. But one of my (many) all-time favorites is @ratrem's stunning Taj Mahal quartzite w/ honed marble subways. Here is a link that might be useful: Ratrem's beautupiful kitchen reveal

I do not see the advantage of opening that wall it looks odd to me and galley kitchens are honestly one of the easiest to work in. I also can’t see the herring bone in the space I would choose a simple gray porcelan 12 x 24tile and use the conter top for the backsplash all the way to the bottom of the cabinets. I am really not sure what that picture is with the white cabinets.