Ceramic or porcelain subway tiles were used in kitchens for decades, replaced with those busy glass mosaics, then brought back again in glass. The very active pattern and the color of the long-lasting granite is more likely to date the kitchen in 10 years than the subway tile backsplash, so just go with what you love.

well, square tiles were used more than subways in the middle years. megan, you should pick what you like. if you are unsure what you like (and thats ok, i have strong opinions on some things and not on others) don't spend much money on it. if trends go south before you need to sell your house you can always update/redate one item if you need to sell in a big hurry.

i have some contrasty small rectangular glass and stone mosaics in my vacation home kitchen. now i'm thinking it was a bad idea, they look dated to me and i never even liked them to start. it happens, its just a backsplash.

I'm already bored with subway tiles and I don't even have them in my own home. The point is that you should put in what you like and of course what you can afford. I'm getting ready to put to. Tile in my kitchen because I really like that turn of the century feel.

Tin tile... Darn the iPhone.