For quality for price, maybe start with Consumer Reports? They may not have the last word, but they do at least provide information and perspective.

Your backsplash pattern is really nice, but black might overpower it, make it look weak. Maybe a softer, dark gray counter, moving to off-black in the way the lighter field is off-white? Or, since you love the black, keep looking for a backsplash + black counter combo that your husband would really like.

I don't have personal experience with black granite, but plenty on here bemoan that it is hard to keep it looking nice because it shows streaks when wiped down....and I imagine every speck of dust and dirt as well.

I think black will be too harsh with this BS and white cabs.....I would keep the counter in the same color family as the floor and BS....I think you should go with a deeper version of tan/taupe/beige for the counter.

Blanco sinks are very high quality. I had in my previous house and again in current house. I purchased my most recent on Amazon.

Got a Grohe faucet at Costco.

Bird Lover, I love that backsplash sample. Can you tell me what it is?

I would like to pair something like it with piatra gray caesarstone. http://www.caesarstone.ca/en/The-Catalog/Pages/Piatra%20Gray.aspx I know you said granite, but I'm in love with that color and now am on a hunt for the perfect backsplash.