I'm helping my sister build a new house, and our consultant suggested white subway tiles, randomly alternating matte and shiny finish tiles. Neutral look, but with a little bit of different texture look to it.

Would suggest looking at lots of pictures to decide on the elements and bring home a ton of samples. My choice (as my sister has these and I really like the look) is a white matte finish with a rougher edge that have a bit of a crackle, as they feel less stark, but are classic.

I like the subway tile also but would suggest keeping the size and finish consistent. Consider the grout color when you make your decision bc the lower portion that meets the counter will discolor over time. A tonal gray tile with matching grout will look nice with your selections.

Lots of great advice here so I'll just add my two cents. The thing you want to make sure of is that the colors work together if the backsplash tile picks up colors from the granite so they don't clash. What I prefer to do is to lay one on top of the other so I can analyze the colors to make sure they have the same undertone. For example, if you go with a white tile, make sure that if the white in your granite has a yellowish undertone, that the backsplash does too. You should be able to tell as the tiles will look right together.

Here is my original pick for color, I am feeling it may be a bit
bland and there isn't a pop to it.

Love the quartz you've chosen and the light pewter for the subway tile. It's a classic, very timeless look you are creating. Sophisticated as well. You can always go with white for a crisper contrast. Add your pop of color in accents or fabrics in window valances, chairs, etc. This is a look you will not tire of. Find 2-3 choices and lay them out as you've done in the photo above and look at them a few days, then you should be able to decide. It's easier and more cost effective to change out accent colors than it is to replace a tile backsplash. Best of luck!

Michele, what is your opinion on Matte or glossy finish for the tiles? Thank you.

Take a color from the granite. Subway is nice. Not glossy. If a more contemporary look could go stainless subway. Keep it simple. Bring samples home and post pic. Then do a poll. Remember though we cannot see true colors on computers.

Do long subway or even a mosaic in all the colors from granite. The one you posted today is boring. Get more samples.

I prefer the matte finish with your quartz and cherry wood. I did matte finish white subway tile in my own kitchen about 9 years ago and I still love it.

Don't feel like your choice is bland, most of our clients start with those colors too. If you want to draw the eye to your backsplash, choose a patterned mosaic or a something to that effect. If you want your backsplash to "go away," and be just a blank backdrop, choose the subway in a neutral/white. This is a personality based decision, go with your gut. Try not to get too many opinions, it's just going to confuse you further. Do take 2-3 samples home, tape them to the backsplash, stand back and see what you think. That is what we do with our clients who have a hard time making a choice. :)

Grey glass tiles in the subway elongated style would have the classic shape and effect but be updated because of the shine and color.

Hello! I have selected these same cherry spice cabinets, with MSI peppercorn quartz. I am curious what you chose for a backsplash color. I am thinking a very light silver color will look the best, either in a glass (opaque) subway tile or a handmade look ceramic. If you see this comment, please post a photo of your finished kitchen. Thanks!

I recently installed a glossy long linear white tile from Nemo Tile. They have it in stock and it is well oriced and looks great:

The countertop you have chosen is the STAR of the kitchen. Your backsplash should complement that and not add another element of movement. If you choose white with white grout, in 10 years when you don't like grey anymore, all you have to do is change accessories and not want to rip out your backsplash.

Here is an interesting article....

http://www.mariakillam.com/loveyourinstallation/

And this one....

http://www.mariakillam.com/boringequalstimeless/