Subway tiles are very utilitarian. Sometimes they are chosen for their simplicity. Sometimes they are chosen because they are like picking a "neutral".

All that being said, when a client hires us to do a kitchen/ bathroom and asks for our design ideas, it rarely includes a subway tile. (Nothing wrong with subway tiles so no need for nasty posts) but I find their to be at least 10,000 other excellent options for almost every tile need.

Having been in business over 25 years, I find the the quantity and quality of unique materials available at this time to be almost infinite as it relates to having wonderful choices to choose from.

Master Bath Remodel · More Info

I like the idea of tan/taupe if it picks up the tan in the quatrz -or- if you want to add a little color, pick a colored tile and paint the island the same color to tie it in. Don't do tumbled travertine unless you want a pinky beige backsplash. It sounds like the counter is a true tan.

Arabesque tile in white with that taupy color from the counter for the grout might be very nice.