Photo of the kitchen- where the stove will be….. to the left will be the countertop with the sink, to the right a small countertop, then that "box" will kinda nest the fridge, then next to it will be a small open counter.

Here it is in the day at its brightest.

Here are the two tiles I am thinking of for stove area backsplash - I don't really think either color is quite right, though? I just cannot imagine them.

And tile patterns I am trying to picture are:
subway tile or something more like the link I am putting here….
(Ogee or Ogee drop straight set or even hexagon….)

Here is a link that might be useful: Tile patterns

This post was edited by LSSF on Sat, Dec 27, 14 at 23:15

If you have samples of your cabinet finish, I think it might be helpful to see pictures of that with a sample of your countertop and floor tile. It sounds to me like you have a fairly dark room with somewhat dark finish choices at this point. So my inclination is to suggest a light colored tile backsplash. Maybe a cream? And to add interest in the shape of the tile.

In general, I think a backsplash is most practical above the range/cooktop and above the sink. Those are the areas that are most prone to splash and spatter. From a looks perspective, I think it often looks more luxurious/more finished to have a fairly continuous backsplash. Other choices can look great too and if I were considering only tiling one wall, I'd look on houzz for some inspiration pictures.

@crl_
Thanks for that. I think the cabinet color is going to look like this…. (ish) - though I hear it is going to get a little darker because cherry (veneer) cabinets do?

It may be too early to be thinking about this, especially if you're not 100% sure about your cabinet finish. Have you chosen the quartz, or is it one of your options? If it's a done deal, wait until it's in, then look at it all together in your light and see if you like it with red tile. My guess is that you're going to go another direction.

You must be very excited to be nearing completion.

@EAM44
The contractor is telling me I should select the backsplash now - before installation. Are you saying it is ok to wait? That would really relieve me!

You have a strongly autumn palette planned. I think the counter needs to be a little lighter and in a warm neutral to give those colors something to play off of. I have natural cherry and I wouldn't use a brown countertop. Not only does cherry get darker, it can get redder. The counter will blend, and I'm afraid your tiny kitchen will turn into the "inside of a wooden cigar box" (quoted from some wise GW member).

@May_flowers:
Do you happen to have a photo of your natural cherry? I cannot seem to get a straight answer from folks about the color that the natural cherry will become! Inside of cigar box = hilarious and frightening! Thank you!!

Some people wait months to do their backsplash after completing the rest of their kitchen. The only reason to do it now is for your contractor's convenience. I wouldn't do it. In fact, I'd hold off on choosing your countertop if you aren't already obligated to the brown. I think it's going to be too dark.

Here's what I would suggest. Get your cabinets installed and then put down some temporary plywood and use it as a countertop for awhile. You can brace your undermount sink to temporarily work this way. Then live without your final counter/backsplash for awhile. Observe how light plays in your kitchen with your cherry cabinets. Bring home different samples and test them during different times of day with different light.

If you still think you want the brown counters, find a paint in that color and paint the plywood. See how the light plays with it. Of course, paint won't reflect the light the same way as the stone will so this won't give you a 100% accurate idea of what the final look will be, but it should be close enough.

Anyway, that's what I'd do. I hate to be rushed to make decisions on such expensive purchases. I think mistakes are more likely when you do so.