Sorry to side with DH (especially since a woman carrying twins should simply get her way, period!!), but the sheen in the shell seems to complete with, rather than complement, the granite- at least that's what it looks like on my iPad. The white tile has texture to it that I like.

Maybe you should keep looking until you find something you both like - people on this forum are great with suggestions- and maybe someone will photoshop it for you....

I disgree with your DH. I think the shell (at least on my monitor) brings in a bit more warmth which seems to compliment the floor as well as the granite.

I like how the shell catches the light. Very pretty so far!

I like your idea of using both but using the shell to create a focal point over the range. Maybe do a white rope trim with the shell inside of it over the range. Perhaps put the shell on a diagonal so you don't have the squares competing with the rectangles of the white. Instead you will have diamonds.

Thanks for your responses so far, here's another pic of the shell tile under our under cab lighting.

Also, adjacent to the kitchen is our dining room table with a shell chandelier, some pics below:

Much prefer the shell. But, a more important point is; in my mind; you are carrying the twins so you get to pick!!

From my count, you get 3 votes! Good luck with the little ones. I like the shell tiles. They add sparkle and some dimension to the back splash. Your kitchen is beautiful! Enjoy.

I love the iridescents of the shell tile and I think it looks great with your kitchen. It also ties in really well with your dining room chandelier.

Shells!

I love a good iridescent tile. Those shells will be lovely yet soft at the same time. Love!

I would do plain white tile or shade of white from your granite. If you do a textured backsplash and especially that size it would be too busy and it would direct attention and would compete with the granite.

You have to decide which one you want to emphasize more the granite or the backsplash?

Shell. Totally. It's beautiful without hogging the spotlight. The white tile is boring.

Love the shells! All shells might be a lot, but maybe interspersed or an accent row, and then I like the diagonal accent area above the range idea!

They should definitely be in there somewhere though, they work well with the granite and would tie in with you light.

Will they stay this shiny after grouting? Onyx tiles look different and one poster was at firts disappointed, but then got used to the look.
Just being cautious.

I love your shell chandelier! Awesome choice!

I like the shell one better too! One more vote- love how they catch the light!

I like the pearl as it compliments the shell fixture. Off topic, but is that a GE Cafe range? if so, did you experience any issues installing it? I've read there is a piece in the back that leaves a lot of space between the back of the unit and the wall, and people were having difficulties making it appear properly finished. Yours looks fine from the photos.

I am curious, as I've already purchased it, (dual fuel) and it is in a storage area waiting for the cabinets to be completed. I am trying to kick things off my worry list when I can.

thnx!

Personally I like the shells much better. That said, I also think a soft gray might look nice because a white tile against the granite does make the granite look more gray. If that is fine with you, then go with the one you love.

Also, I see you have the GE Cafe with the double oven. I hope you'll report back on whether you like the range. I want to switch over to gas when I remodel and I have been eyeing that range. It looks like it has everything I could possibly want in a 30" range.

By the way, your kitchen is looking really beautiful. And you are a brave woman to tackle this while carrying twins. Best of luck to you!

I like the shape of the white tile, but think it's too white. I like the warmth of the shell tile.

How about something like this onyx tile. Not quite so blingy as the shell, but still has some irridesence and slightly warmer tones.

Here is a link that might be useful: White onyx brick mosaic

Check out pipdogs onyx backsplash.

We are in the same process you are and in fact just came back from a stone and marble store. We have organic soapstone and always thought gray was the complimenting color. But - found Myra Cream and Myra Kragos marble that works perfectly. It looks like you have a little brown in your granite, and that it might work for you too. See attached. The photo is very dark, but it might give you an idea of how a taupe would look. The stone is actually much brighter and lighter. Good luck!

Tough one to figure out. In any case, welcome to the ABB club!

Your white cabs plus the warmer countertop does make for quite the pickle (hope you aren't consuming too many currently)

I agree with Williamsen - all shells might be too much - but as an accent - nice!

PS my DH nuked the shells I brought home and glad he did - I am using some in my accent but not a lot.... I didn't get 3 votes....

Just another thought - Jeffrey Court Fire and Ice - the lighter version - don't have it in front of me, but I remember seeing it when I was looking.

Thanks for your opinions and suggestions. We had some visitors and everyone liked the white tile better. But I am def going to use the shell behind the range and I really like the diagonal idea! I hope it comes out nice!