My first instinct is SS tile or something else that is not too high-contrast with the range back. Or repeating the countertop material? Or how about vertical glass tile or thin stacked glass tile? I see modern, is what I am saying.

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What is your budget in $/sf? Do you want to emphasize the traditional look of your kitchen or are you hoping for something more graphic/modern? This is Fireclay tile from the Sakura collection, in River Rock.

Budget is generally not an issue. Ideally we want something that is transitional that fits with the overall style of the house and kitchen and will not look dated in 5 years. It would compliment what we have rather than being the center of attention.

here are a couple that we like the look of.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/bucktown-kitchen-and-bath-remodel-transitional-kitchen-chicago-phvw-vp~9151180

https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-kitchen-remodel-farmhouse-kitchen-richmond-phvw-vp~20064247

If you want a timeless look then you want ceramic tile. Play with the size, so smaller tiles, as in your second image, or larger format subway tiles.

I like that Bucktown one. really similar choices to your space. I like that it's not too distracting. Looks clean and sophisticated.

Like both the ones you posted on the links. They are nice and calm.

Would you consider larger format tiles?

Also, off topic, but why that username? Order isn't correct :)

For something that wont date, I would stick to subway tiles.

Sorry, but I completely disagree. I think of subway tiles as the 20 teens trend... Some of them actually look nice.

How do you intend to use your kitchen? I really like having a number of tools readily visible and available, it is not a popular look right now. I have had a complete tile backsplash (old-style installation over an expanded metal lathe, it is an incredible pain to drill through and it takes the entire wall when you remove it) for 25 years and I am so thrilled to be getting rid of it and putting in just a 4" edge (except behind the stove and over the sink where you really need/protection ), that way I could actually install some kitchen accessories that need to be screwed into the wall... I don't have to find a workman with the correct drillbit who is willing to drill through all that mess-these people have been few and far between.

So far you have been afraid to commit to any color in the kitchen. Are you going to put a shade over the window? If so I think you should try out the color on the window first and then commit to the backsplash because one is much easier to change then the other. Personally, I would put in a unique mosaic backsplash, probably of a tree branch in flower.... but you might be happier with beautiful white Zen ripple contour tiles rather than any color.

Like theirs in Dune

http://www.modulararts.com/tiles/designs.html