I think it gets lost with the white cabinets I would do something with more black and maybe even some stainless for a bit of bling I always think of the backsplash like jewlery

Such a great countertop, let that be the star. I think the backsplash is nice, but too busy and I think you will tire of it down the road. A friend did something similar and now regrets it. A crisp white subway tile would be my choice, adding pops of color through accessories. What color are you painting the walls?

...or maybe a light pearly-grey subway?

The walls are a light blue/green color.

We were initially looking at a black, sparkly quartz and I had tons of ideas for the backsplash. I fell in love with this counter and now we are so lost. Everything I look at seems to be busy to me, but I cannot convince the husband to do a more plain subway look to let the counter stand out.

I agree with you Beth, the white subway tile would be my choice as well. The countertop is exceptional, like a painting, and should be surrounded by things that don't detract from it.

I would probably do something fake to give you some ideas. Take plain cardboard (or poster board) in white, cut to fit under one part of the cabinets, above the counter. Then draw lines on it in pencil, then grey or black to give you an idea of the color of mortar you would like. Pencil lines might mimic white grout.

If the subway tiles appear to be too big, then perhaps simple white tiles like the ones you are holding up, versus the sparkly ones. I like white tile, but sometimes they can be too large in the space allotted.

Good luck!

What is it about the backsplash your husband dislikes? Here is something similar in stone and glass, but plainer, simpler. It looks bluish in the photo, but it is not. The stone with its ever so slight veining works well with your countertop.

The color that looks is the color of our walls :) He doesn't like the small tiles. He wants something bigger. I love the backsplash but I can see his point that it may look too busy once it is all over the place.

The backsplash you've chosen will be way too busy with the granite. Your husband is right! It's a little dated, too.

Can you show a picture of the walls and paint color, please?

Beadboard would look great with shaker cabinets and the counters.

Backsplash that's simple but not exactly the look of subway tile.

A white herringbone mosaic would be beautiful. Ungrouted it will look positively scary (as all herringbones do), but grouted it becomes a small bit of subtle pattern in the white that will feature your countertops.

A plain white ceramic subway tile with white grout would be ideal in this kitchen. Well, at least for me;) Clean, classic, and you will never have a problem with accessories or changing decor. I would not go with any busy blingy backsplash as you could tire of it before it has been grouted.

What about doing a larger, white long subway tile like this? I do think white tile is the best choice with your granite since the granite has so much movement. Compromise and find a larger white tile you both like and then just lay it in a subway pattern.

I actually love the longer subway tile

Yes, the longer larger subway tiles will give it a more modern look too.

Thank you all. This thread convinced him to go simple. He said this is what people are going to say when we try to sell the house and he doesn't want them talking about changes they are going to make! I am off to return that stuff and bring home some white and grey subway style tiles.

Ah, I love it when a dilemma has a happy ending!!

These are the two we are considering now.

The longer ones on the left are the way to go.

The glass seems a little cold. I like the marble. But can you take more pics from a distance?

I like the picture leelee posted.

Beth, since your countertop is dark your backsplash should be a lot lighter. I like the bottom better then the top one you posted

I'll try to grab a better picture. They are all turning out blurry

I like the subway. Your slab has a lot going on with it so stay simple on the backsplash.

Beth, you are headed in the right direction. Keep it simple. No pattern in the backsplash. Just go white.

The glass tiles (top of the two you posted) have a nice translucent quality. I think they'd look fabulous with the counters adding interest & brightness without any movement. You could even have them installed in a herringbone pattern.

It would be nice to see a bigger array of those glass tiles.

What did you end up doing?

We ended up going with the glass.