The reason so often subway tile is a choice is because it keeps the backsplash from competing with the counter I like glass subway tile but you could do a simple black, white and stainless mosaic.

You may want to check out the tile I'm currently installing. It's 4" x 16" H-series tile by Bellavita, in pumice. I have 1 of 2 walls done (w/out grout) in 1/4 stagger and its beautiful. Here's a photo without grout, but it doesn't do it justice.

It's a grey taupey color and although its porcelian it has a glass tile look. Here's a link: http://www.bellavitatile.com/products/productList.aspx?catID=778

FYI, I don't have the 2nd wall finished yet because the correct bullnose tile (pencil bullnose) wasn't ordered by my contractor (his distributor doesn't carry it). They told me it wasn't available in the US and would have to be special ordered from Italy and would take at least 12 weeks so they wanted to use schluter strip to finish the top and sides of the tile (a totally different look and not what I wanted).

I called Bellavita directly and they told me to call Arizona Tile in Anaheim, CA (714.978.6403). They had it in stock (apparently its commonly used on the west coast but not the east coast) and they could ship it to me.

@kit, that's really pretty, and exactly what I was thinking for this kitchen. It is not subway tile, and it will look great with the gray floor.