Can you tell us what you've tried and rejected, and what problems you ran into? The obvious choices here would be a plain white or gray subway tile, in ceramic or glass. Another possibility would be an all-white mosaic that blends glass and white stone, for a little more variety without being too busy. You don't want anything to compete with your nice counters...

Why not a mosaic in the marble? Classic and timeless.

Thank you. Here are some that I have tried. Thoughts?

Love the marble in herringbone. would definitely give the blank space some interest

Your kitchen looks fine without a backsplash. White subway is the default backsplash, it is a "safe" color. The fact that you rejected it makes me think that you would be just as pleased to not have one.

Classic subway tile never goes out of style!

This is going to be a GORGEOUS!!!! kitchen. I would not compete with the beautiful counter tops in any way and I wouldn't do glass anything, I think your new space cries for a timeless selection. I'd look at Walker Zanger stone mosaic which comes in two whites and a gray, and order samples of all three. I would also consider a stainless splash behind the cook only...whatever that is going to be? and from opening size, it appears a professional stainless range spot of 48 inches. In combination with a stone mosaic that could be fabulous. Very nice too, with a classic white 2x8 subway ( no bevel please) with no contrast grout. Walker Zanger below. In any case, let the tops be the star of the kitchen. They already are: )

http://www.walkerzanger.com/collections/products.php?view=mat&mat=Stone%20Mosaic&coll=Tribeca™

Thanks to everyone for all of your ideas!!! Jan, I actually found a tile dealer in Toronto who carries Walker Zanger. With the mosaic are you suggesting just one solid color??? I like that, and I really like the idea of 2x8 subway (not beveled). I think what was throwing me off was the size. Jan, if you notice in the pic, the second area which is a server, will also house a faucet and wine fridge. Would you suggest that I use the same back splash? or could I just continue about 4 inches up with the same that is on the counter? many thanks so all.

Thanks, because I will be washing dishes ect. I feel like I do need some type of back splash. But, yes I think simple is best.

A white arabesque tile would be gorgeous!

Marble herringbone is a great choice with your counters.

this is the exact countertop my wife loves! Is there a name for it? Where did you get it? Thanks

Hi it is called white fantasy and it is a quartzite! I am from Toronto but I am sure you can find! I love it! Thanks

Hi I looked at the walker Zanger Tuileries and it is lovely! Will definitely get a sample! I notice that it has a bit of a gloss to it which I think is very nice. Would you recommend the "shine" or more matte? So kind to help me!

Franca

Yes I'd keep it solid, and yes definitely tile the splash at the server as well in same material given the sink at the area. The Tuilleries is nice too..... but I'm wondering if you need the gloss on the splash.....given the gleam of your counter tops. One of the reasons I liked the stone mosaic was the change in sheen to a lower luster ( nice quiet luxury ).... and the scale of the mosaic with a loose and open marble pattern beneath it. Best in any scenario is to get a few sample boards and stand them up!! in their new home. Back splashes end up being as "permanent" as the rest of the kitchen.......yours is timeless. Keep the splash as simple and elegant as the rest. Just as when you get dressed you often yank off that very last bangle on your arm.....: )

Franca

Ps on the server area.......can you post another photo of that area straight on? I realize the sink is center on the window, but hard to tell if the window is center on the server area. Am wondering......if you have room for some VERY shallow cabinet/ tall and narrow narrow and glass doored...... to "bookend" the bar/server visually. I think that would feel more finished than just the counter ending..., would mean the move of a switch. I am thinking depth enough to house no more than two wine glasses deep. Nine inches or so,,,,,, and take the cabinet right down to the countertop surface. Looks like you have around 15 inches of wall left of the little sink. And then a patio door or something???

It's a beautiful big kitchen & I would use gray subway tiles with dark grout . Many happy meals !

Thank you Jan! I see what you mean. Unfortunately I'm having a difficult time finding a pic of the walker Zanger white stone mosaic. Hopefully I can see as smoke at the tile store. If I am not able to get the uppers do you think I should tile the entire wall? Many thanks for taking the time to help me!

Thanks Liz!

What will your range hood be? Same as cabinet? Stainless? That could help choosing the back splash.....

It will be stainless steel.

Ffranca

it would likely be custom cabs of course. But going all the way down to counter top would "enclose" any backsplash, and also make the sever area appear as bar ...and a bit more finished as well. That ending would mean you'd tile as the height on the rest of backsplash in the kitchen. But I would not in any case tile up and all around the window.

I'm betting the store will have most of the Walker Zanger samples and if not will undoubtedly be able to get any they are missing. In any case, believe it or not there is NO rush. Tell the contractor to skim/ smooth all the splash, slap some paint on there to clean it up and and relax. When the apps are all in, and the paper is off the floors, take your time!! It is NO BIG THING!! to tile after. People always feel it needs to be finished with the kitchen. It doesn't. And nothing bad will happen either lol.

Thanks do much Jan!!! Truly appreciate your advice! You are so right! No need to rush! Happy holidays!

franca

You too! Merry, happy, and all that whatever we are allowed to call our mutual festive entry to the five month "freezin' season" here in the Northeast: )

Here's what you might want to consider for the wall with the small sink and wine fridge. This gives you a place to stop that also looks interesting and unique.

Thanks for the idea!

Beautiful kitchen. I love the Carrara marble tiles you tried.

For a different idea, you can check Carrara Marble minibrick mosaic tiles.

Okay I've attached a marble mosaic as well some others. Many thanks! Happy New Year to all!

If you're willing to consider something different, antiqued mirror tile would look amazing! The antiquing means you get the reflection, but not the complete image. It will add sparkle and shine to a mostly matte surfaced kitchen.

Just must opinion, but the mini brick and the herringbone look too small to me. And mirrored? No no no

Plus, the marbled mosaic is so close to your countertops. I would think something different would be better. Close in color is fine, but so close in pattern -no

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

Thank you so much for posting the site for the article! Very informative! Happy new year!

Houzz has many articles about backsplashes, such as this one today

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-creative-kitchen-backsplashes-stsetivw-vs~54593256

Why do the ordinary if you can do something different. And of all the parts of a kitchen, the backsplash is the easiest, and cheapest, to change.

Let's try again, Houzz app is wonky.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-creative-kitchen-backsplashes-stsetivw-vs~54593256