i like the lighter one.

I like the latter option best for a counter top.

It's the same photo twice or have I lost it?

I lost it! Lol! I like the light!

i really like the lighter one-- makes the tile stand out- its a beautiful tile good choice!

I like the look of the darker border. It might be the easier one to clean also.

Lighter top as it ties in the countertop color

I like the lighter one.

HI -- I like either . The light one sort of sticks out and maybe too light/white but does seem to go with the counter top. The darker one I think is a little more elegant and easy on the eye and blends with most of the tiles in the mosaics. Another way to look at is , the light one seems more modern and the dark a little on the traditional side . But either way your not wrong .

Lighter one

HI -- For the lighter one ... can you get the same with a little more grey/brown color in it ?

I like the darker one. I think mixing metals is fine. I think that the darker one will help tie in the dark cabinets as well. It also feels less distracting than the light one and gives a nice contrast. I also like that the darker one is smooth over the texture of the lighter one. I think with the lighter tiles being in the backsplash, that helps tie in the countertop.

Darker border, definitely.

I would definitely go with the dark! Very nice contrast and rich look.

Look how the light one makes the 'frosty' sheer glass tiles pop yet the bronzy one darkens them (or maybe its just the lighting lol). That being said the darker one may tie in the dark cabinets as pointed out by niktay. I just don't like the metallic sheen on the dark one- again that could just be the photo- You may end up tiling the entire backsplash and not use the trim .

The dark one. More elegant.

Definitely the dark one. Very elegant.

Thank you all for the advice! We decided to use the lighter pencil tile mostly because I was concerned with the contrast of the metals once the nickel faucets are installed. Things are progressing but these design details are stressful! I'm thankful for everyone on this site for inspirational photos and advice! Thank you :)

Dark! Love that slight contrast. It seems subtle even darker. Nice choices. And definitely will help balance the dark cabinets.

I like the darker one

Definitely the dark one as it makes your decorative tiles look even richer. I would not worry about mixing metals as that tile border reads more of a color then of a fabrication (metal).

I like the dark one. It appears to coordinate better with the mosaics & pops with the wall color.

I think it looks really great the way you did it!

I like the darker one. So much richer and easy on the eye and will look fine with your brushed nickel. The lighter one looks cheap and it will stick out.