I'd suggest making a couple of really large cardboard cutouts then trying a variety of different colors. Get sample paints and just try things out to see how they feel. Make a list of colors to try, divided into 'bold', 'neutral', etc., then eliminate whole categories when you know more. The first thought that popped into my head when I saw your kitchen was 'tangerine!' then 'turquoise' -- you have the bones for it. You might also try pink for a 'neo-retro' vibe. Some other thoughts that came to me were a high-gloss wood veneer - something dramatic like a wenge or tigerwood. That would be very unexpected with your other surfaces. I've also seen some very textured large-format ceramic tiles that could be fabulous. Is glass out altogether? Because if it's not, what about installing it with those plain metal clips like they use for mirrors, and leaving a way to change out what's behind the glass? Then use wrapping paper, artwork, wall paint, blue prints, sketches - whatever strikes your fancy and change it out every few months?

Well the only red KA item I have sitting out now is my teapot. The red kind of clashes with my new dark terra cotta colored walls. But I have the red knives and pots (in drawers), used to have the soap dispenser (have a built in one now) and the drainboard (don't use it anymore). I also have the little red handy chopper thing (in a cabinet)and two potholders (drawer) and a few other things I can't think of. Oddly, my KA stand mixer is orange (tangerine)! But here's part of my kitchen anyway... And Towel Pig with his new little buddy:

I wouldn't wrap the tile, even with the counter. Are you getting rid of the telephone jack? Great chance to get rid of something unsightly. i love your ceiling, keep us posted!

@Katherine, The fixture I posted pictures of is actually made using the same components that Apparatus uses, what they charge is their name; they're a well know team that's why some designers charge more than others. If you visit my link you'll find out that my prices are not that crazy high, if not; Etsy is full of lighting designers that can make a similar one to the one you're looking for (including me). Retro Steam Works / Custom Lighting Design Note that most of US based lighting designers such as Apparatus, myself included and others actually make the fixtures in the US by hand and are not mass produced in China like West Elm, Pottery Barn, etc. That's why sometimes our pricing seems higher than the prices you see in big lighting stores. To see more of my work, here's my Instagram Page All these fixtures (below) were made by me based on the clients' specifications.