Subway tile of one type or another, porcelain or glass, has been around since the 1920's, almost 100 years of simple style. Glass reflects a bit more light, porcelain is less expensive. A simple backsplash is much better than a busy one with an active granite such as yours.

I like the color of your walls -- maybe it's worth looking for a grey glass subway tile in that approximate shade.

Maybe a stone looking rectangular tile?

Subway is the go to classic. I think it is wonderful. You can consider a dark, medium or white grout - I like it light. To mix it up you can do a herringbone if you have a nice open space over stove.

How about like this? I wanted classic as well and went with grey subway tile.

Backsplash is a relatively inexpensive venture unless you choose diamond designer tiles made by elves in the Tibetan Mountains during the summer solstice.

That being said choose something that you really like. Something that will make you smile when you see it. Don't worry about resale. Don't worry about trends. Don't worry about "getting it right". It can be changed in the future.

As a guide line color is important but also consider where the tile will go, the size of the room and the feel you want the kitchen to have. Remember tile can look utilatarian or artful.

Bring different styles and samples home. Most places will allow you to return them. See what works for you in your home, in your light mostly what makes you smile.

Lastly think about how you want the pattern and where you want it to fall. Actually plot it out or have the tiler show you how it will be plotted. There is nothing worse than a tile job that looks like it needs orthodontics or that someone forgot a plumb line.

Well said, Lucidos! Agree that you need to pick something that works well with your counters, cabinets, floors, and something that you love! Trends come and go, and backsplash is relatively easy to change.

lovely granite and wall color! If you don't mind me asking - what is the name of the granite

If you get samples, please post them for us to vote:)

This is what I've looked at....

Would not do those skinny mosaics. Too busy with the granite, plus they are quickly becoming "old." Simple subway is the way to go.

Without seeing your floor, I would try to pull out one of the medium tones in the granite, similar to what Ashley suggested.

So true about skinny tile, Houzz has had a bunch of people in a panic after installing them!

Those linear tiles make me think dated. I definitely like the plain subway you have there

Your countertop has a yellowish cream color so you should try to find a subway tile with that underlying color as the white is too stark. You could also pull one of the other colors out and go with a glass subway tile in that color such as the chocolate brown.

Agree that the white is probably too light. I'm afraid the brown might feel wrong too though, since the cabinets have a pewter glaze. I really think you need to stay away from anything busy. The granite is beautiful and you don't want to detract the eye from it. I say keep it simple and stay in the grey family.

Stainless steel subway tiles or hex tile

i dunno, i like light color on my back splashes, it makes a difference with working on your countertops, undercabinet lighting or not.

What you may want to consider is a partial back splash except for the stove area. This will give you the option of changing the color of the remaining wall area in the future.

White subway tile. Timeless, clean looking.

I struggled with this very similar problem recently and I am shocked at how difficult it is. It sounds so easy- subway tile. Not. That. Easy. In my situation, I had a busy granite, greige walls, shade of white cabinets and white looked stark and almost blue, natural stone looked peach and pink, gray ceramic gave off lavender, mosaics were out with busy granite. So I wound up having to go darker. I know- crazy. But nothing else was working for the color/design combination. I got glass 4x12 and they were quite expensive (it was more expensive than the actual slab of exotic granite), so I hope I'll never have to change it. And did a same color grout. I like it. It's very hard to keep clean, I have to have a microfiber cloth in hand. And keep in mind that if you decide on glass - find someone who really really knows what they're doing. It shatters and polishing is difficult. I feel your pain!

I got the nice simple subway tile, and I'm very happy! Very easy to clean and yes, it can be difficult to pick the exact shade! I fell in love after seeing the original subway tile in the bathroom of my sister's house, original from 1920.

If you go with a glass subway tile or a smaller mosaic you might want to ask about using glass grout. It's expensive but impervious to staining and if you cook a lot may be worth it for you.

Subway tile.