I wouldn't worry about it being too busy since it is just a continuation of your counter. It really is just a matter of personal preference. A full height granite BS is certainly going to be easy to maintain and much easier than tile. My granite is very busy and one of the first things I thought after the counters went in was how gorgeous it would look if I used it at the BS too. Ended up using tile but, again, personal preference.

I found several photos on houzz that might help you decide. I think the first one has Venetian Gold.

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Minneapolis Kitchen And Bath CliqStudios

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[Contemporary Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by San Francisco Architect Mark English Architects, AIA

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Chicago Kitchen And Bath The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

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[Asian Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/asian-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2102) by Other Metros Design-build Grayling Construction

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Los Angeles Design-build HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Philadelphia Interior Designer Deborah Leamann

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Minneapolis General Contractor John Kraemer & Sons

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[Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Other Metros Interior Designer In Detail Interiors

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[Mediterranean Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2109) by Vancouver Interior Designer House of Dane Haunnah

Thanks for the pictures - they were really helpful - the first pic has all the same colors of my cabinets, granite and appliances with the exception of the wood floor so I am thinking that my lighter floor will lighten things up and coordinate with the granite nicely. Still like some of the other granite types as backsplashes better, but the venetian gold coordinates very well with my flooring and has the cherry colored drops in it to match the cabinets. The fabricator is willing to ogee all the exposed edges and soften the ends with a flowing curve rather than a heavy straight 90 degree edge.

we did a full granite backsplash and love it.
my preference is doing a more flowing granite than speckly one. i think its easier on the eyes.
but as poohpup said, its a personal choice.

if you email me, i can send u a pic. i have trouble uploading photos on here.