I have a new house but with a craftsman feel. These are what I'm looking at:

1) http://www.sonomatilemakers.com/ConceptBoardDetail.aspx?prod-line-id=9&page-id=2&concept-board-id=227

2) http://www.sonomatilemakers.com/PhotoGallery.aspx?prod-line-id=9&IsPhotoGallery=True

3)

This line of Ceramics comes in 2 x5 tiles that makes a great subway pattern. We could also incorporate a glass or stone into the pattern to jazz it up. Here is the link to all the colors.

http://www.winchestertiles.com/range.php?c=35&r=41

How about pressed tin tiles? They're period, and would give some shine and edge without looking modern. If the real thing is out of budget reach, you can get 'fake' ones from Outwater that are fireproof and honestly look very good:

{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: outwater catalogue

Oh circuspeanut! I had forgotten about those. I was looking at them a while back, but cheap versions that looked like junk. Thanks for reminding me!

Outwater is a great company. I use them a lot, and often visit their retail space in NJ (they have a backroom w/clearance stuff!!)

I have a foursquare and right now, my plan is to use brick tile or panels for a backsplash and paint it white. I figure i can paint it any color I want to change it up down the road.

SuzyQ, I really like what you pulled up from Sonoma too. That dark color board is lovely, although too dark for my kitchen otherwise I'd seriously think about using it. I do like the metal tiles they have and it's in the right direction I want. Thanks!