This looks like it might be your desk? If your computer (white iMac?) is here and maybe a kitchenAid stand mixer (chrome?) or cannisters on the other counters it will soften the contrast between the cupboards and the backsplash. Is there a chair for the desk? is there any fabric in chair upholstery and window coverings?

If you painted the walls a similar blue grey, it would help the backsplash merge in, and highlight your cabinetry. I think the dark walls could look great, especially since your cabinets have the darker glaze on them :) Paint is a cheap option to try before replacing the entire backsplash. I did a rough photoshop mockup...good luck!

If you don't like the back splash and want to cover it up, then why have it at all? If the budget allows, I'd take it down, replace it with something more neutral that doesn't stand out, a simple offwhite tile to match the walls, will neutralize the issue and make your countertops stand out!

How about hanging pieces of artwork with light colors or wide antiqued white frames on the backsplash? You can use velcro.

Thank you everyone for the great responses; it is the desk area and, unfortunately, the entire kitchen has this tile. The kitchen aid I have is bright red, it will add yet another dimension (not in a good way I don't think). I do agree that perhaps replacing it with a neutral tile is the best option. But because it is a brand new house, it may have to wait for a bit. The appliances are stainless steel. Perhaps it would soften the contrast?

Another idea was to replace the white electric outlets with black or stainless steel?

As for the chair fabric and window treatments, I have not picked them yet, but will go with neutral colors for sure!

Maybe canisters, plates on stands, and other decorative items will take away the blues :-)

Embrace the blue by continuing the blue on your walls as Lauren suggested. Then with the blue as more of a backdrop play up another color you want to try such as red, taxi yellow or kelly green.

I, too, think you should "embrace" the blue-even to painting the cabinets a darker gray. I would paint the wall a blue as close to the tile as I could find, because that photoshop image did seem to show that it helped to obscure it. This may sound strange, but I think that stainless steel accessories on the counter top, like a toaster or toaster oven, a towel rack, or a wire basket to hold fruit or other items-as well as appliances-will also help the entire thing. Actually, it doesn't have to be stainless, just some silver toned metal. I think that will help blur how disparate the back splash and the counter patterns are. Without going on overload, the more pattern you can place in front of the back splash will help the eye move away from it. I would also replace those electrical outlets with either the metal or darker ones. I believe I would do my best to make "lemonade out of the lemon" before I threw in the towel and spent more money to replace it. I hope that you can find a suitable solution.

A nice espresso machine =)

A nice espresso machine =)

https://poshhaus.americommerce.com/store/m/15-Saeco.html

I Like Posh's idea to make it A coffee corner .

I'm with lauren, paint the walls in the matching blue, and replace the light switches/outlets to black, with either black or decorative brushed silver outlet/switch plates. They will blend in more with the wall tile and coordinate with you cabinet hardware.

I really think once you have items on the counters, and walls, in the same color it will fall into place.

I hated my backsplash (too dark) so I bought a heavily textured paintable wallpaper, installed it and painted it white to match my cabinets. Yes, it's a temporary fix, but it worked!

I am in agreement with everyone and like Lauren's idea of painting the walls also - because the color of tile is slate blue, a light greyish blue tone may be best. Interesting that the tile man chose a grey grout instead of white. All these things make a difference - particularly since the granite turned out cream/taupe rather than grey/white.

Espesso Machine (which I have) may be the answer for the segment I am showing. Keep in mind that the floors are not shown (distressed maple in mollasses color - really beautiful). I will go with Bobbi's temporary fix concept for couple of years until I really figure out the backsplash that may work best!

Your cabinets are beautiful! I agree with the comment about painting the walls blue or at least some of the walls, depends on the size of your kitchen. Darker switch plates would be good. I would like to see the rest of the kitchen.

Just found this tone on tone. Switch plates with 2 colors...
http://houzz.com/photos/38431

If you are going to change the tile think about using a light gray glass subway tile or white beveled ceramic subway tile. If you leave the current backsplash, paint the switch plates to match the tile. Spray them with a plastic primer. Then using paint in the perfect shade to match the backsplash in a satin finish, roll paint onto plates using a small foam roller. After first coat dries, roll on the second coat. After completely dry, remount with screws and using a tiny brush paint the screws. This technique works beautifully and you can wipe any fingerprints with a damp cloth. The white plates are distracting.