You know if you really don't like the cabinets then take the doors off and paint em. Then decide on a backsplash!

Do you have a favorite color other than the shaker beige?
Can you post some images of your kitchen?
There are many on GW who would be happy to give some ideas
of how to warm the space up and still create a peaceful
space without too much movement that creates that dizzy
feeling.

Here are a few ideas of backsplashes. I have plenty more but
I am not sure what your space looks like. You might
want to visit the FKB to see what others did to compliment
their black galaxy granite. Have you take the sweeby test?
Is there a specific style that you like? Clean lines,
Contemporary? Transitional? Scandinavian? Urban? Country?

hth
~boxer

Walker Zanger Marble mix with blk granite

Marble, Travertine and Blk granite Walker Zanger

Subway

Trikeenan tile

Basktweave

White tile

Glass mosiac tiles ( I know this can be busy but small and simple can be soothing)

French Country Sunflower backsplash

wow! tough without pictures, but IMHO the more reflective the surface, the colder it looks. The pictures that Boxerpups posted I think support that theory - the honed stone and matte finish tiles seem warmer. But that's just me. I remember when I was looking for backsplashes, there were these white pillowy, matte finish subway tiles that just screamed "touch me", and everyone that walked past HAD to touch them. Maybe something like that?

We are in the home stretch with our total DIY kitchen reno...not ready to post photos yet as I want to take them during the day.......

I wanted white subway,,,hubby was dead set against them, and really it's his house too and he went along with all of my other choices, so we compromised kept looking and I ended up loving our tiles........

Here is a sneak peek

{{!gwi}}

Crafterbeth, What are your backsplash tiles?

Crafterbeth,
You made a lovely concession with that tile.
IMHO I think it looks far prettier than any glossy
subway tiles. You won't regret the beauty.
Give your DH a big hug.
~boxer

Thanks Boxer....he was right....I love some of the kitchen's I see with the bright white subway but it just didn't suit our house.

I really love the way it warms up our kitchen and really ties together the cabinets, counter and Wilmington Tan paint. And I was very happy to find this color with no pink undertones.

I will be taking photos on the weekend and posting the finished kitchen! so excited!

Momtofour..........i'm embarrased to admit that I don't know exactly.......we looked for 2 months for something we both liked, found it in another city (she said they were new samples, don't know if that means new to thier supplier or new on the market)

All I know is Capri Giallo.......

Looove your backsplash, Crafterbeth!