@Jayme Hobbs .. thanks a mil Jayme I had been looking at a light grey colour but was afraid it might end up looking just whitewashed but I love the wall paint in the pic. @eagledzines.. I've attached the closeup of the counter, will look into changing the handles just to give the cabinets a lift. @Dannielle Lyn... I was actually looking at glossy black tiles this afternoon and thinking seriously about them so that helped thanks

Here's a modern design we built recently with glass backsplash. This was three different colors of Ann Sacks tiles.

Hello trifides, What about chrome? Good at reflecting light.. A dual fuel Smeg range for example... A Dualit chrome toaster.. Architect kettle also Dualit.. Shiny elements will really pick up the light.. With the cabinets and the flooring, consider textures and warm elements to boost the look.. I think chrome is a good addition.. as both red and orange might clash with the flooring and cabinets in the colour and finish you have.. Think of other textures and materials you can introduce ...Chopping boards are lovely stacked and marble is another lovely material to use.. Pestle and mortar and a cheese board (I use mine for toast etc.... (Anthropologie and Habitat.. Maybe you want a cream Smeg retro style fridge.... You could then have some cream tiles or a creamy coloured granite for a splash back.. Then maybe a cream Aga... If you were replacing the worktop.. I'd suggest having an upstand as I love this sleek finish.. You can add the same material behind the oven to compliment.. Keep the worktop as clear as possible and a potted rosemary or two could be lovely... Of course the other thing I could suggest is painting the cabinets should you want to consider that as an option for you.. : ))

Don't be swerved away from hand painted tiles! The best way to add colour and originality (I make hand painted tiles so I may be biased). I would take the tiles to just under the bottom shelf, and up to the hod. We have had tiles behind our cooker for 21 years, and we don't find the grout staying clean a problem. By the way - I think subway tiles will look dated in a few years, as anything bang on trend tends to do.