I'm really taken with the glass mosaic tiles I'm seeing lately, so this might be one possibility. It's from www.cooltiles.com.
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Because they're small tiles of varying colors, it would give you a bit of a sophisticated look while tying in the colors of your cabs and counter . . . but not overwhelming the kitchen with the design.From you one pic, it looks like you'll be using red as an accent color. These tiles would look good with that, I think.

Definitely something dark....the glass mosaics are a great idea. A rich dark wall color is another option. I'm certainly not qualified to give any more of an opinion than that!

I will check out the site you mentioned. I am not committed to a red accent. Everything except the granite and cabinets are open to change.

pretty granite! i'm not very good with this stuff but i *think* the issue is that the paint is too cool a color for the warm cabinets and granite. i agree just changing th epaint could be enough, though those mosaics sure are nice. :)

I like the paint you have. It's a very pretty stone and I think it's perfect with the paint and cabinets. If it seems too blah, I might go with a similar shade tile (love the glass tiles, but would go more with the greys and even blues if blue is really in your granite).

No more browns. You have a really nice balance of brown now, but any more would be poopy. Something fresh and bright in the family of your paint would be my choice.

For some reason I saw your granite and thought of theresab1's kitchen - she's got cool blue counters and beautiful sandstone brick backsplash....like a reverse of your kitchen. Not suggesting that her bricks are right for your backsplash (might be too matchy) BUT if you can envision a stone/ceramic in the color of her counters as a possibility for your backsplash, it could be pretty. Not sure if I'm making sense..?

Here is a link that might be useful: theresab1's kitchen

I finally figured out how to post a photo right into the message. My husband in interested in a brick or subway tile. What are your thoughts on these options? The first and second samples are called Copper Rust.
The third one is called Baoding Cream.

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I like the second choice- the darker- thinner tiles. Seems like it would tie in with your view better too?

Second choice gets my vote too!

Do you think it's too busy. Some of the tile salespeople try to get me to do a plain beige. I hate that thought. I want something more exciting. Especially since this is a lake home...more casual.

I vote for the third. The first and second look too busy with your granite, which has a lot of movement. There is enough variance in the Baoding Cream to keep it interesting.

hi, i like the second choice, and i think the long thinner tiles will pull together the wood wainscoiting around the table. also, adding the darker colors will work well for accent color and will highlight the tone in the cabinets vs. blending with them. the granite counter is a great choice.

if you are considering the small glass tiles, make sure you have an experienced glass tile installer. they are difficult to install. and make certain the grout is applied sparingly following the manufacturers recommendation since the glass has so much texture any grout residue is hard to remove. Also, you may be able to find the long horizontal glass tiles too;)!

good luck.

Hi,

I also like your painted backsplash. The colour is a nice contrast to the new granite (which looks very nice with your cabinets, BTW).

I personally think the samples you posted will compete too much with your lovely granite. The look is too busy, IMO.

If you really want a backsplash, I would go for a solid colour. Like Fori, I think cool blues or greens are a nice contrast to all the warm browns, and also work well with your rugs. A creamy colour to coordinate with the granite would also be lovely.

I like glass mosaics (used them in my last condo) but feel that look is too contemporary for the rest of your house (cabinets, wainscotting, etc). Again, just my opinion.

You can always live with the paint for a while until you make a decision and/or find a tile you love.

We made the drive to the lake yesterday with over a dozen backsplash samples and paint options. When we are here we just can't get comfortable with a painted backsplash. We did narrow down to this tumbled slate (Autumn) which we are drawn to. It is a 2x2 mosaic and it sort of looks like stones fitting with the lake setting. The granite looks like a water and sand mixture so the stone look seems to fit. Opinions?

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Do you have any samples that pull more of the gold color out of the granite? It may be my monitor (which is notoriously off), but something looks too dull.

Of course, it's what you guys want. But I have to echo what kitchendetective is saying. The slate seems to be very similar in tone and colour to the painted backsplash. If you like the size and shape of the 2" mosaic- could you get it in the rich tones of your original #2- the narrow tiles? Something about the colour mix of those still 'speaks' to me.

I would love to see #2 next to your cabinets and counter.

Ummm,
The paint color is BM Nantucket Gray.

Believe it or not, all of the samples I have been posting have been recommendation from the tile shops in my area. The designer there have steered me away from the gold family because of the intense goldness in the cabinets and all the wood in the kitchen such as flooring and wainscotting.

Here are two more options if anyone has the patience to look at them:)

This one is more solid gray green with gold tones. it has a metallic look which looks great with the stainless steel appliance.

Green Mica Slate

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This next one is the only one I have that has more gold tones.

Ardesia Indian Slate

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Any ideas on what to do with the ceiling flourescent lights on each side of the wood hood. We would prefer something nicer and are trying to avoid redoing the ceiling. Any suggestions?

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Which of the following three options so you like the best?

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I know this is totally NOT what you asked, but I think updating your cabinet hardware might get you the most bang for the buck. Honey oak cabinets will be back in style one of these days, but the oak & brass combination pulls keep them in the 1980's. (Sorry --)

For your backsplash, I'd stick with a simple cream glazed ceramic. The stone subways are nice -- but IMO, they're also dated -- just to the 2000's. I'm afraid that you'd end up looking like a 25 year old kitchen with new countertops and backsplash instead of a more up-to-date but timeless kitchen with new hardware and 'any decade' tile.

sweeby....I'm thinking just like you...

I would not do stone...it breaks the "flow" of the polished stone counters and cabinets....you ultimately want something to complement the space not compete with it...I'm not liking the subway tile because it will actually bring the cabinets down onto the counter..meaning visually your eye will pick up a squatty center and not one that brings your eye up and through the cabinets...I think a great ceramic tile the brings your eye up and has some hues in it that complement your granite would be best..if you break down your counter into 10 colors...I would stick to 2-3 of the colors in the lower half of those colors in terms of darkness..I'm thinking of something along the lines of a soft honey or cream...
I don't think these harlequins would be the best choice but maybe a flatter ceramic with a bit of a beveled edge...maybe 4 inch squares in a diamond pattern....but the colors are what I'm thinking of...

That's a lovely tile LMHall --
If you do use tile, that's very much the look I'd go for.

But after seeing your other thread on Decorating, I've changed my mind --
Don't do anything! Leave it totally alone.
(OK, change just the hardware.)