Hi farm4gal, we can definitely help you with some backsplashes to match whatever counter surface you choose! Do you have photo swatches of the surfaces you're considering? That would be a good starting point, then we could give you some examples of backsplashes that would complement. As for the paint, I would choose the counter surfaces and backsplash first, and then you can choose a paint color that's a highlight in the counter or use an accent color.

I will try posting them? Hope this works! One is a laminate from Wilsonart called oiled soapstone. The other is granite called angola black that has a bit of a white/grey in it.

I would definately go for the soapstone for your counter with the cabinets. A apron sink like this would look pretty as well.

Hi farm4gal!

Personally, I would go for contrast. Because your kitchen already has a fair amount of black from the appliances I would go for the soapstone as well to not overwhelm.

As for the backsplash I would use a lighter colored tile that picks up on the highlights within the laminate. Something like Glass Tiles with a Riffle Pattern from DM Decos by Design (link below) in a clear slightly gray color. The subtle nature of these tiles give interest without being too flashy.

http://www.dmdecos.com/gallery/glasstile/riffles/1-18-92/

Thanks Darzy and Liz for the comments. Laminate is defiantly cheaper than granite! If I don't like the look in 10 years or so you can change it. Where as the granite I'm stuck with it for a long long time! That's why I haven't made a commitment to anything yet.
I have looked at doing a glass/stone mosaic tile band and a 3x6 subway tile in a taupe or light grey for the backsplash.But I have not been able to find any yet I like.
I've never seen these tiles anywhere in canada, will have to keep searching.

Hi farm4gal, thanks for the photos! We go for subtle matches as to not overwhelm the countertops. As others have said, using a light grey will have good contrast with dark counters. You could use a range of greys that would all look good with your counters, and use as much or little variation as you like. I attached some examples, showing how you could mix light to medium tone greys, do a solid subway, or incorporate dark tiles as well. This ratio of dark to light could also be adjusted to suit your tastes. I would go more grey than taupe, the taupe might clash. But definitely match real life samples of counters and tile before choosing (don't choose based on colors you see online!), they will look different in person. If you do a subway tile like you've been looking at we can help you custom match a mosaic band to it. Or, you could go for a classic yet unique subway layout with something like this grey herringbone in different textures. We ship internationally and would be glad to send you some samples! And let us know if we can help you customize anything - that's our specialty!