First of all, I love your kitchen and I don't think it seems cold at all. I think that your hardware will held give it some depth and detail, which I think will warm it up. Also- It looks like you haven't moved back in yet so I think some colorful accessories would help too.

In regard to the backsplash- what about some sort of crackle tie to give some dimension? I think white subways might not give the oomph you are looking for, but I agree that you can rely on the accessories for changing the mood of your kitchen relatively effortlessly.

What color is the roman shade going to be?

Crackle is a good idea! I make the roman shades, so I thought I'd make 2 different sets, one for spring/summer (maybe pale blues, vibrant coral colors, etc) and one for fall/winter (deep red, browns, etc). Think that, along with the cabinet hardware and some accessories will help warm the place up?

The colors sound great for the shades. I also think a patterned fabric in those colors would work great. I also have a Le-Creuset tea kettle in lime green that I rely on in my kitchen :)

Nan, I think it looks nice and warm as is, but putting the hardware on, putting things back in the upper cabs, shelves, pots on the stove, and on the countertops -- cutting board on the island, and other things you have there -- will warm things up. Right now you have an empty, clean, new build kitchen. Wait until you have a big family meal underway or a child baking cookies, and it will look more than warm enough : ).

The roman shades sound lovely.

Becky

Buy some geraniums, put your cooksbooks into the shelf, make those romans, and live with the kitchen for a while. Then...go to the store and don't rush through--I assume you want a tile backsplash. Really stand in front of each display and mentally live in the room decorated with each choice. You will find something unexpected.

Also don't be afraid of paint. Even a colorphobe can repaint. You did choose something safe but safe may prove to not be as suitable as you might have thought. Paint is pretty cheap to change out. (Chicken? Consider painting a section of wall, a stripe, a furniture piece.)

How about white on white? Your post immediately made me think of handmade tile.

This mexican tile is white with a mix of smooth and glossy finishes
http://www.tilesandtiles.com/highrelieftiles/rvl_bcopuro.html

and this one is white with a relief pattern
http://www.tilesandtiles.com/highrelieftiles/atc18.html

any of these heath tile patterns in white would be pretty cool
http://www.heathceramics.com/go/heath/tile/collections/dimensional-collection/

I love your space, the first thought came to mind are these
tiles by Brittany and Coggs. They are a handmade tile that
gives off a soft warmth without color. A gentle elegance
that would look stunning next to your cabinets.
~boxerpups

boxerpups, awesome!