How about a 4" backsplash of the granite you are using on the countertops and painting the walls a color with an oil based paint. You can change the color of the walls when you like and are not trapped with the same old thing. Think about all the colors in the beautiful granite you can use and the color can tie in other accents as well. It may even save you money. I have done this for years changing colors or wallpaper to suit and update the trends.

Paint the backsplash?

The backsplash will only be 4". Run a 4" backsplash of the same granite you are using for the countertops. The 4" backsplash placed on top of the countertops and against the wall will be sealed so no "leaks" from spills will touch the walls. You then have wall space to paint above that and below the cabinets. You can change colors or wallpaper at your whim.

Or a large glass subway tile, horizontally on the wall, in a light color that picks up a color from your granite. Even wi grout (same color as the tiles), it'll look simple and elegant and wi the tiles going horizontally, it won't look busy. You could even put a subway tile of your granite or a coordinating granite (or even just part of one) into the wall periodically.

my neighbor put in a very busily patterned granite (eseentialy black & white colors) then used white subway tiles for the backsplash, blaced horizontally. But, about 3 or 4 rows up they inserted a dark liner tile row. It's only about 1/2" wide but the horizontal stripe mimics the granite tones, and the overall effect is really stunning.

Never too late for a comment, several choices... blending in the grout is one way as Mary mentioned or you could go use I'm thinking a 4"x16" especially that your Kitchen is large, this would give it a modern design. Regardless you still have to grout, but you can use the same tone as the tile.

Have you considered a glass splash back. One whole piece and you can have it painted to match other colours in the house, ie to match your walls. Easy to clean and looks so streamline too

riverdalehome - What did you end up doing? Would love to see a pic!