Thanks, ACM. I really appreciate the links.

I like the idea of sheet glass, if you can get it done without seams, which might be tricky I don't know. In a light neutral, it would bring light into the kitchen.

(it's hard to photoshop glass so this is far off from reality but I think it would look nice)

I don't know if this is still available… thoughts on the top one… installed horizontally though?

This is the pattern I used in my backsplash from Pratt & Larson. This is a beautiful pattern. In terms of tone, you might want just a touch more cream color, but it is hard to tell on the computer screen. I would get some samples of this in a few different colors so you can see them next to your cabinets and countertop.

Stone and glass perhaps. Also consider a feature behind sink and range.

Your whole kitchen is tones of brown so for the backsplash stay away from brown or tan. Don't go dark either!

You've all given a lot of great, helpful suggestions. Keep 'em coming! Also, I currently have some dark bamboo rugs by the sink and cooktop to protect the floors. The plan is to get some lighter colored, patterned ones (might have to custom size to get wide enough) once the tile is up. If you have any suggestion for those, and clean-lined counter stools, I'd love to know what you think. Many, many thanks!

Nngirt(?)and Jillian have the right idea ...your kitchen has a very high end custom look to it but it is clean and understated ...from the look of your home that shows ..and your input I think something organic and very special is called for..to be the jewel of this kitchen..something almost mural- like could work too...to me this is not a kitchen that calls for anything simple or plain..have you looked at backsplashes in photos?...use wording that describes what you like...maybe Asian backsplashes?

Lots of ideas under "unique backsplashes"

I like the idea of using glass for your backsplash as you have dark counter tops and stained cabinetry. It would give some reflectancy and lighten things some. You can use 2 different sizes, such as a 2 x 8 and a 2 x 4, and alternate them to make the backsplash more interesting. The glass mosaic tile that comes in a mesh can also work.

Even though you mentioned you would not like to go with dark, and opinions so far lean towards a lighter color, based on the photos provided and your description, we do suggest the following tile for your kitchen backsplash:

[https://www.houzz.com/products/12x12-eden-mosaic-stainless-steel-and-crackled-glass-mosaic-mix-single-sheet-prvw-vr~4742565[(https://www.houzz.com/products/12x12-eden-mosaic-stainless-steel-and-crackled-glass-mosaic-mix-single-sheet-prvw-vr~4742565)

The tile should tie in well the stainless appliances with the dark countertop - We even suggest you install a very subtle blue light underneath the cabinets so the stainless and glass pieces of the tile can throw off a blue tint that would highlight and match your Blue Volga granite well.

We offer the possibility of ordering samples, in case you think this tile might go well with your kitchen design.

We also offer other tiles. Please feel free to browse through our customer installations for backsplash ideas:

http://www.houzz.com/projects/72838/eden-mosaic-tile-installations

You can also check out our Houzz store at:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/Buy-on-Houzz/seller--edenmosaictile

Good luck with your backsplash design!

Ritasj, thanks for your lovely comments… I think you really understand where I am coming from! It is a very custom home & kitchen… Amish cabinets, custom island and ceiling, hand-forged light fixtures. We do love nature, too! I think this is why I've struggled so much. I like things clean lined but I don't want it to be "cookie cutter" either. It's not just a kitchen but central living/entertaining attached to great room, dining rm, screen porch, sun rm, too. So, putting something fancy on the backsplash makes me wonder if it will compete too much with them and the custom fireplace, aquarium and architecture. I have thought about some kind of art glass panels or maybe a custom mosaic. I've also thought about large scale tile (will post pics of my thoughts here.) If I do something simple, I imagine hanging art or stained glass art of sorts above the sink to add some interest. Houzzers, I realize this is a silly first world problem. However, family and friends are nagging me, wondering what my problem is… and I really want it done, too. Thanks to all of you for your time and thoughtful helpfulness!!

Art panels: need to figure out if this could be done with heat tolerant glass:

Custom mosaic: I would probably just do the "wave" pattern… not the leaves/vines... fitting considering our love of the ocean and scuba diving!

I can't find my example of the large scale format… maybe in my Pinterest boards. It's simple long tile "planks" with horizontal grout. I like it's simplicity and how easy it would be to clean. Could still hang art over it, but wouldn't have to. I'll post it if I can find it.

Thanks to you all!

Ann sacks has a wonderful glass subway tile in a hint of green

Ubergirl..considering the way you have described the rest of your home...an amazing backsplash is needed to live up to the other custom features in your home..would never be distracting..the simplicity and elegance of the kitchen will just be accentuated with a very special jewel at it's center...

What would you think of something like this Ann Sacks tile… smooth, textured center, smooth… creme? Or, is it too much "rock on rock/pattern on pattern"? http://www.annsacks.com/products/tile-stone-mosaic/piazza-field-tile#/piazza-square-field

The wave pattern without the leaves and vines was more in the "special" category that I visualized for your kitchen...something a little more free..less regimented..more "hand-crafted"in feel...it could be smoother in finish..Or a little more monochromatic ...if you are trying to get to a simpler more understated place.....sorry for slow response ...we are on the road for 5 days now..but I am very interested in your project and choices...

Just added doors to open shelving in our kitchen...had them painted by an artist...it is an example (maybe not your style) of a highlight that gives pleasure to the eye and spirit ...by just being there..like a friendly smile

ritasj, Thanks so much! Your response was worth the wait. I really like the idea of a smoother and/or monochromatic finish. Your cabinet doors are lovely! Happy Travels!

Do you like something like this? A lighter soft tile with green undertones with accents to pick up the color of your countertop. http://houzz.com/photos/25629

Thanks jjnman12. I believe I have this photo in one of my idea books. I do like it and thought of something similar with some tiles I've found. I always second guess it though since our counter is actually "black" and will probably have to repaint walls… which is probably a must, but lots of work. I'm so tempted to tear out the perimeter counters and put in something lighter, keeping the island granite as is. That is way too expensive though, especially considering everything is new.

Über girl just looked at your photos of backsplashes ...am not able to see all the pictures(bad wi-fi on the road)but did notice from your notes you loved certain ones but you felt some were too porous...am pretty sure there are sealers that would open up more choices for you...am getting the feeling from what I did see that you are drawn to more uniform applications...this makes it more nescessary for the tile finish to supply all the uniqueness..will try to see your ideabook..am looking forward to it...

ritasj… have been cleaning up my idea books and separating the backsplash stuff out. I feel as confused as ever and hubby is pressuring me to decide on something. Ugh! Not sure where to find a local mosaic artist to even see what could be done. I do find that I might be leaning toward simple field tile with some kind of accents. While I like the idea of some of the random mosaics, I can't help wondering if they will look too busy with the granite, and cherry.

As for porosity, we have friends that have sealed slate or other soft stone backplashes and they all regret it… grease stains, etc. So, am leaning towards glass/ceramic. Plus, I don't think I'd like the pattern on pattern with the granite and cherry grain to contend with. Hope that makes sense.

Totally get it.. Another close look at the granite,I can see why you were trying to get more neutral..the glass tile seems to have the most potential for the needed effect while still being sleek and smooth...the real dilemma is color ...maybe a pale (iridescent ?)Aqua? Ergo the water ...organic ...sparkle feel...may tie back to the aquarium feel while still being sleek and simple..sort of in the neighborhood of the green suggestions but a little more "unexpected"..maybe a slightly more interesting application ...herringbone stripe horizontally with flat lined up tiles above and below...have to put the thinking cap on for that ...fine line between under-doing and over-doing

Maybe something as simple as vertical application wit the right wow tile

Tee hee..that sounds sort of younger tied...a dingleberry moment

Tongue-tied

Finally got to see your ideabook..can see how you are sort of dazed..was sort if drawn to the tiny vertical pattern you thought may be busy..sort of reminded me of bamboo..then segued to the glass tile in that pale green with maybe a few random bamboo stalks..have you located a quality tile store that may be able to recommend a mosaic specialist..maybe even a tall skinny crane in the larger area...very sparse and simple surrounded with a simple field of glass tile

You can see I am a big fan of bamboo

Hi Ritasj, I will check with a couple of our local tile suppliers after the holidays. I know of handmade tile maker in a nearby town… they may know of some artists, too. I really appreciate your insights. I do like bamboo and cranes (we have cranes in our yard/nearby field and flying overhead occasionally!) Though, I am such a commitment-phobe… I don't like to be tied down to anything since I really like to change out my art. That's probably why I'm having such a hard time deciding on tile… don't want to be tied down to something that is A. Expensive, B. Difficult to change. Sigh…

Maybe the crane could be done as a separate piece that sits on top… Hmmm...

I do think I'm leaning toward either a cream/off-white or soft/sage green field tile with some kind of accents to bring up the colors of the granite and cabinets -OR- some kind of organically-shaped, monochromatic mosaic (maybe with a mix of materials: glass & ceramic, maybe some shell). I need to get out and do some more research and find artists. I might hire a designer to help me with paint color, too. The current color is probably adding to my confusion.

Ritasj, your help, and that of a few other Houzzers, has truly been instrumental in helping me narrow down to this point. This is huge for me! Many many thanks! Cheers & Best!

Why not a stainless steel backsplash? http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/SomerTile-11-7-8x11-7-8-in-Chromium-Subway-Stainless-1x2-in-Steel-Porcelain-Mosaic-Tile-Pack-of-10/4211247/product.html?searchidx=1

Sounds like some cogitation is in order..you have some solid good directions to consider...just need to wait for what floats to the top..try not to be rushed by the hubby..you never really want to have to change the backsplash ..maybe find a color you love for the walls while you are in hover mode and that can help you move forward...I know it will be amazing

Great idea, ritasj. Thank you. I really don't want to rush it! For paint colors, I'm leaning towards either something warm-taupe-ish or light tan, creamy/off-white, or even a sage green… Since we have SO many walls to repaint, that are all open to, and/or connected to the kitchen, and to each other (even up to the 2nd story), I really want to have the backsplash figured out before final decision is made on the wall color. We have warmer "tan" carpeting on the stairs, main level office and upstairs, but the dark hickory (very close in color to our cherry cabinets) throughout the rest of the main level. So, either something neutral or warm seems to be in order. We have cooler colors in our baths but with healthy dose of grey undertones that seem to go well with the hardwoods. While they would look great with the granite, I really don't want them in the main living areas.

Tile it in the color of that cool vase on the island

I saw this and I think it would be gorgeous in your kitchen!!!

Your kitchen is just beautiful. Do not rush the backsplash project since I think you need something like no other. Im thinking some high end glass in taupe or the blue from your counters. Have fun.

Thanks zzmom40, I do like that… worried it might be too modern. Would love to see it installed somewhere.

Thanks snied99, I've been looking at tile, etc. for over 3 years! So, really am not rushing… just getting tired of living without a backsplash, feeling like my house is not finished, and waiting on doing the adjacent "great room". The great room will be easier to decorate once the backsplash is decided. If I do it the other way around, I think it will never get done!

Hey ritasj, for some reason I missed your comments from last Monday… yes… I think we are on the same page. I've been thinking a lot about a "neutral" monochromatic custom mosaic with different finishes, including some glass, ceramic and stone… in that "wave pattern". It overwhelms me because it will be a lengthy process trying to get the right colors, design and install. Could be super pricey, too. But, could be just what is needed. As a plan B, I do like the idea of vertical install for the right tile… Did you have an opinion on the pratt & larson tile I posted above? Would it be too much for the granite? (I don't think so, compared to multi-colored mosaics.) Seems to have some interest & simplicity and some brightness, easy to clean, too.

If you are referring to the two styles posted together I think the bottom one could be interesting..looks sort of like wicker...however after your last post about also painting the walls in neutrals I began to go back to how beautiful a little color would be there..to keep it not too overdone and easy maintenance the sparkly but simple idea of a vertical stacked ..not staggered...glass tile that would catch and reflect the light..way less trouble than making all the tile an artist mosaic..still leaving the door open for integrating an elegant stork in the tall area as a focal point which ties in with Mother Natures effort outdoors..really thinking of a stylistic ....not realistic ...figure ...doesn't have to be a stork...sort of Asian and minimal

I used a large porcelain subway tile that had the look of solid tile but linen look closer that did not compete with my granite
Your granite is busy so you do not want to have your back splash compete
Glass or porcelain
Many companies to find right color
Pick tone matches lighter movement in granite

you could just use the same stone as your counter top and add it to the wall as backsplash. That is what I did for my kitchen, and it came out great!

Thanks New England Design. That was my original plan until my husband fell in love with the Blue Volga… sigh! With the dark cabinets AND dark floors, I am afraid that might be too dark… even with our great lighting.

Beautiful Kitchen! We know choosing a backsplash can be overwhelming! Here is
a great article: A
Backsplash Guide

ritasj, and other interested/helpful Houzzers, what do you think of this either in green tea or eucalyptus for my blue volga? http://www.sonomatilemakers.com/LineListDetail.aspx?prod-line-id=3&line-list-id=53&photo-id=1360&IsLineList=True

That, or am leaving towards a green crackle/textured glass... just need to find the right one.

Vertical or horizontal? Since they are kinda big areas, I'm thinking duo versus solo.

Thanks so much to you all. I really feel like I'm making progress!

Cheers!

fleetwood20, would you please tell me the maker & model of that porcelain tile? Many thanks!

Ubergirl...good to hear you are making progress...couldn't follow the link successfully can you post more info? Like the sound of your direction...

Will try again in the morning also.... may be my internet ...we are traveling...

Ubergirl, I am considering installing Pratt and Larson and so was searching houzz and wandered through your thread. I don't know if you've found something, but just saw this and thought of your kitchen. It's from Ann Sacks, Selvaggio stone tile, don't know if it's still in production. I know you said you didn't want porous stone. Comes in other color paths. ( The posters were speculating it was P&L. It isn't . If you like it, click on the other kitchen photos, then the one with the backplash tagged, then More Info. HTH.)

I love this taupe glass tile that has green undertones....it looks fabulous stacked instead of laid brick style.

your kitchen is beautiful....

Can't believe you still haven't picked out tile...was hopin you would have went with the gorgeous stainless steel and glass mosaic I posted...good luck this time around...