Familyreno, could you tell me the paint color you used? We finished our galley kitchen remodel, and I have that same granite. Our BS has tan/taupe 2-inch squares with 1x2-inch clear glass inserts that really look light green. I can't decide to paint a green or tan/neutral. DD threatens me almost if I paint it green, as the adjoining LR/DR are green and she thinks it would be too much green. (There is a doorway, so it's not open concept.) I never intended to end up with a brown/tan/cream kitchen. Like you, I have very little area to paint anyway. Oh, my, that was too much info as I was just asking about the paint color. Thanks for responding and giving me a color to start from.

Well, I know it has been a while, but I realized I forgot to post an update! We finished everything in Dec '11, and have really enjoyed it. The house went on the market this weekend, so we got a little over a year in our 'new' kitchen. We got a full price offer today, and our home is priced higher than anything in our neighborhood (the house 2 doors down in 500 sf larger, and priced $5k cheaper). I think it was worth it - total cost was right around $7K. Granite: NVG light Gel Stain: Java (General) - 3 coats Tile: Home Depot Backsplash: Home Depot Here is a link that might be useful: More Kitchen Remodel Pics This post was edited by leightx on Tue, Apr 23, 13 at 12:40

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Beth! Those mock up were actually really helpful. I really love the Smoke color from BM, my concern with that one is that our morning room is already a blue gray color. What would I paint the morning room then? These are the current colors in the home (previous owners choices). foyer/hall/upstairs hall/family room/kitchen nook/kitchen This is showing way too much yellow in the space morning room The only color in the house I like library adobe sand on the top of the chair rail and belgian sweet on the bottom In our old house I used colors from Benjamin Moore... Shenandoah Taupe, Edgecomb gray, Georgian Green, Van Courtland Blue, and Van Duesen Blue. I have no problems painting the house on my own, its just the foyer/ceilings that I won't do. I guess I could do all that I can on my own and then hire for the other parts. And I completely agree that the white door is an eyesore! I need to figure out a solution for that. I had painted the doors at our old house black and really did like the look. I know that's seen as trendy and a passing fad but it worked. We're also in Virginia and I do tend to like Williamsburg style which has painted trims and doors. I like the coffee bar idea a lot. I originally had a small table in front of the chalk board but moved it when we added the counter stools. The walkway isn't super wide between that wall and counter. I thought about maybe taking the pantry out and building in a coffee bar in that spot. I asked about it in another post and received mixed feedback.

Ok, few things. cabs are maple or birch. don't even consider Minwax for your floors. bottom of the barrel as far as quality goes. if you want the floors redone, call in pro refinisher. maybe think about doing a very light natural, using Bona system. I wouldn't go darker. Cabs themselves are fine. However, I'd want to change the countertops. You can try paint first, but if you want gray subway tile, consider changing out that black granite. these are a similar color. if you went darker on the walls like this, it would make the cabs really stand out. (lighter countertop though) Do a black pendant over the island. I even like the idea of painting just your island black. (but I'd redo the countertops. c-below) tried to give you a black island. for sure you'd need lighter countertops w/this look. if you must keep the black counters, you could try these pendants. There isn't one thing white in that kitchen. doing a white subway tile for the backsplash would look odd. And w/the more modern style, I think if you want white, do something other shape. but if you really want to change something start w/the countertop. I'd do something like this. lighter countertops. Maybe insert some glass in few of the uppers. similar cabs with marble (or a quartz marble) Here's your white subway, but notice the granite. The white tile compliments the granite. Putting white tile against your black countertop would look horrible. here's a light maple with medium gray quartz. It's meh. not much diff that what you have also like this for your pendant. (have you thought about changing your hardware?) if you don't like the dark charcoal paint color idea, here are some others. another option. lighter countertops and a back painted glass backsplash. you'll notice that most of these all have the same light floors like you have. spend your money on new countertops, lighting and backsplash if you want more of a drastic change. options for countertop