Thank you crl I will look them up

I just ordered a sample of foggy morning, this may be "the one"

Ferrazoli has several gray. This particular one is a 2.5 x10, a little longer than the 2x6 in the photo above. Still has that handmade look in the glaze. http://www.galleriastone.com/Products/tile/senio/newport/

Also look at Encore Silver.

Thank you both. I looked at the senio months ago but not their crackle, and I like to longer tile too, good idea.For the encore silver, I started to order it but didn't follow through, something about their ordering process turned me off but I should pursue it again. Thank you both.

Picture #3 looks very much like my Encore Silver. The Silver has color variation with an overall light grey look, but the tile range does include some rosey taupe tiles. I love the mix. There are various tile companies that make beautiful hand glazed crackle tiles - Sonoma, Heath, Fireclay, Pratt & Lambert, Quemere. There's an old thread I'll try to find with several more companies & pricing.

If you're looking with something with less color variation, lcskaisgir & autumn4 both have light grey tile backsplashes. I don't think Autumn's backsplash is done but her backsplash post might interest you.

Pics above are Encore Silver.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2570333/cost-of-glazed-ceramic-tile-heath-pratt-and-larsonetc

If you price out Encore, Silver is available in Encore'e Bravo line of tile. It's less expensive (mid $20 range) & about a 2 week ship time versus 5-6 weeks and mid $30.

lcskaisgir's reveal

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2497900/white-and-gray-kitchen-reveal-lots-of-pics

Autumn4's backsplash discussion:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2892335/backsplash-rules-design-principals-for-cohesion

Have you gotten any physical samples of any of the ones you mentioned? I have 3 of pipe smoke and I don't think they are dark but it's all relative. I believe early on I did get a sample of the Jeffery Court tile you mentioned as well. I can't remember now why I moved on from it but I do remember liking the shading. I am with you I love the slight variation in tiles.

As romy said, mine is not yet done but the tile is ordered (mini victory for me to pull the trigger finally).

Thank you all so much I am really honored to have your input. Romy I love your bs I will get samples. And autum, my countertop is pretty light and the pipe Smoke just didn't look good with it . But i love the way it looks in picture.s I can't wait to see yours. I am at work so forgive my typos. I feel hopeful now with all of your support. Thanks all

Skhockey I agree with you not my kd its not your mother's crackle tile. I love the stacked tile bs. Now I wish I didn't listen to her with other decisions, agh!

Have you looked at Ann Sacks Capriccio?

I am doing the Favo shape in a matte antique white. The grey is lovely and there is some glaze variation.

I like that it is still a subway tile look but a little different twist on the shape worn the knocked down corners and offset. We are laying it horizontally. Can be installed vertical too.

http://www.annsacks.com/products/tile-stone-mosaic/capriccio-field-tile#/capriccio-favo

Makes sense - my perimeter is dark like your first photo shows. It's hard picking a color isn't it? I have enough samples to start my own store. Too gray, too brown, too green, too cool, too warm, oh boy - just NO it's too ugly, lol. Can't wait to see yours - you might beat us anyhow since we are doing it ourselves and the tile is a ways out. I love the look you are going for.

When I think 'old world' I see rough edges and a textured or not smooth surface sort of tuscan, not refined crackle. Interesting.

sj that grout is a perfect match!

autumn, it's crazy, but the color of the grout makes such a difference. For anyone who needs to know, the color is "cashmere", although I don't remember the brand!

sj, I just looked at your kitchen, I love it so much. Pretty, modern and smart.

mama - yes, I love Ann Sacks. I will look at the capriccio too, thank you.

Autumn, you sound so much like me, why is this the hardest decision I ever made? I honestly just cant wait until its over.

pelletis-I am a procrastinating tile chooser at best but an even worse grout selector! I stand in awe at sjhockey's match.

sjhockey- thanks for sharing the color! I know it does and it scares the pants off of me. I did okay with choosing the floor grout but the backsplash in our bathroom not so much.