I think a yellow backsplash would look nice with your cabinets.

If you are looking for something a bit different and stylized here are some options.

I definitely wouldn't suggest adding an all gray backsplash.

Normally I love a stainless basksplash but in your kitchen it would be matchy matchy.

I would pick a blue glass tile or even cooler a back painted glass backsplash. You can pick any color! Maybe pick one out of the painting in the dining room.

http://cadkitchenplans.com/hot-new-kitchen-trend-colored-glass-backsplash

A back painted glass backsplash with under cab lights would look amazing in your kitchen.

Totally with Elle. The stainless steel or grey would just continue to darken the room. It's too much grey in my opinion

I would suggest doing a backsplash that's warmer in color or texture. It could be good to do one that reflects light since the kitchen is a bit dark even with the lights on.

Under cabinet lighting would also help in your space...

Watery blue or green glass tiles

I agree blue/green glass tiles could be good. Mother-of-pearl, or a wave pattern could also work to complement the ocean picture.

How about something fun like the circles if you dare or else just blue,or green and clear glass with bits of stainless

I think a white that mixes materials -- either clear and opaque glass with marble, or maybe white and iridescent/crackled pieces -- would keep it light while adding some interest and texture to the room.

I think if you went with blue/green glass, it should definitely include some white so it doesn't blend into the gray of the cabinets.

Thank you all sooo much! I love your ideas and feel that it's some of my thoughts as well. I did try a light green with stainless steel mix and felt it looked too dark in the space, so I am now leaning toward some bright or white and then put pops of color around the kitchen, along the wall next to the fridge and bar stools. I will have under cabinet lighting that they will put in after the back splash is in. What about wood porcelain tile, white with some grey/dark grey lightly running through? I saw one picture like that, but can't find it now.

Tedbixby - I really liked the watery glass tile sample you mentioned. I bought a bunch of it and leaned it against the wall and thought it blended in too much and looked grey. Let me know what you think.

I agree that one may be a little too gray. You could check out the "Glass Mosaic Bamboo Gray" (product # 2211) at www.tile-stones.com. It has light gray, light green, and cream/beige and the tiles are narrower. I've seen it run vertically and look good.

I agree with tedbixby that even nice wood porcelain tile will likely compete with your floors.

Another idea if your backsplash tends to stay clean (i.e. no serious cooking) - mini natural pebble stone tile from Strata Stone

I just ordered tile today for my kitchen after many hours of searching and samples (i have white shaker cabinets with a grey island, my counter looks similar to yours and I have a hickory floor).

This is what I chose, I felt that a subway tile was adding more rectangles and my cabinets (and fridge and sink and window) have given me enough of them - so thought the hexagon shape would add interest without being too busy……..I looked at your photo (your kitchen is lovely) and thought it may work for you too…….

Go white or bright, just do not use another grey. Copper penny tiles could work.

I'd stick with "white" glass tile. It does give off a bluish tint - which is natural to glass plus the white paint on the back. It's very subtle, leaving you options for decorative bold colors through via an area rug and pottery. It will also blend nicely with your other room. Your kitchen should have one feature which in your case are your lovely cabinets. Everything else should compliment them, not fight for attention. Good luck.

If you like the look of white tiles and are okay with the backsplash blending more into the countertop, you could do them with gray grout.

Thanks again everyone. I'm looking for something in white now. I like the idea of texture or some other interesting element to it. Your ideas are always welcome.

What do you think of an decorative tile like

Yes, I like it. :-) This one will be too grey though.

I too am renovating my kitchen and putting in grey cabinets with quartz countertop (White with grey vein). I have also been trying to find the perfect backsplash. I am tired of subway tiles and think glass and mosaics are too 'yesterday". Trendy shapes and colours will become outdated or I will get tired of them. So what to do.

I came across this picture of 6 x 6 tiles in a grooved corduroy-style pattern. I am going to try to find them in a high gloss white. They don't look like typical tile in my opinion and give some interesting texture.

White penny-shaped natural seashell tile from All Modern...

White arched herringbone...

Simple white metro tile would look great.

I think a white backsplash with some interest could add some interest to the kitchen.

I like the Daltiel one. Thanks!

What do you think of these?

Those seem nice, but they might end up having no color when installed..

Some easy DIY backsplash ideas on www.backsplashideas.com!