There's several things I don't like about the glass mosaic.

It's got a lot of pink, mosaics never look good with patterned counters, the style is contemporary while your cabs are traditional, a laundry room is utilitarian while glass stick mosaics are more urban sophisticate (or were when they were a new thing), and to my eye that kind of mosaic looks off-the-shelf Home Depot. I see it more in refreshes than I do in new construction and remodels. For those reasons, I think I'm developing a prejudice against it. Hate is too strong a word. ; )

The designer recommendations are wrong too for many of the above reasons. I don't think their choices are keeping it simple at all. I would pick a solid ceramic with one of the colors from the counter.

I agree with mayflowers.

Yes, too busy. Then again, I tend to be more a simple, functional type person. :)

I also agree with mayflowers. I think for a laundry room, you want something practical that won't date quickly, but you can still find something interesting and pretty. I like this collection from Mission Tile- it's textured solids. If you click on the "More info" you can see the different shades and texture patterns-

Textured Subway Tile, Oyster Bay, 4"x5", Pin Point · More Info

Thank you all for your frank advice. Mayflowers, you hit the nail right on the head! I knew something just wasn't quite right--and it was the "too contemporary" AND the off the shelf Home Depot look that you articulated perfectly.

Sigh----back to square one. I think I will order the counter top, and just hold off on the backsplash decision until it's installed.

jlc--I do like the tile you posted--maybe I can be satisfied with a bit of texture in a solid color.

tvq1

I agree with the consensus. jlc, I like those textured tiles. But, tvq, I get what you are saying. Why not have a little fun?

Along with the idea of texture, you could also do a running bond in various sizes. Look into beveled tiles as well.

Thanks lukkiirish--I have looked at penny tiles--I like them a lot! That second picture is a sweet idea, but a little too cute for me--but very clever.

I agree you should have a little fun with it. Texture is a good way to make it fun.

Here's Pratt and Larson's penny tiles in satin glaze with a dark grout. That would look really sharp with a first row of 4 x 4" tiles and then three rows of pennies. By separating the accent tile with a row of solid tile, you can use a small amount of a busier tile and it won't compete with the counter. You could use any tile as an accent, even a glass mosaic.

Yeah, I just added that cute one at the bottom for show not for application.

Those are very pretty pennies Mayflower especially with the darker grout. The only problem with the color is it's the same as the counter. The great thing about the penny tile is it comes in so many colors; it's an easy way to add a pop of color.

I posted it to show how using a dark grout solves the problem of too much grout being visible with pennies. It's actually a great color for accent tile between cream field tile. It picks up the gray paint. The brown picks up the bronze light fixture and possible bronze faucet.

Yeah, I can totally see using it in the application you describe. That would be pretty indeed.

Yup. When I went back to confirm she has gray paint, I noticed the bronze fixture and realized it would actually be a good choice. Pratt and Larson tiles are expensive though. I wonder if there's a minimum number of sheets you'd have to buy. You wouldn't need much to do an accent in a laundry room.