You're on the right track, but the size of the tiles and the repeat is too similar to your granite. Is it offered in a larger scale?

You've matched the colours nicely but this looks is getting to be dated now. I'd rather see you pick one material/colour in a slightly larger size for a more unified look. Your beautiful granite should be the star and the backsplash should softly complement it. It should be laid in a brick pattern or as a stacked grid. All those jumbled groutlines are much too busy! So glad you asked before you took the leap.

this look was so the bees knees about 8 years ago when i did my kitchen, and now i wince to look at mine. styles moved on quickly and now the look is for less (or no) contrast within the tiles. and i think the new style will hold far longer.

I see colourful tableware in your cabinet. Why don't you choose a green or turquoise glass subway tile?

no for me. Too busy

nnigrt, I actually like your tile because it's the classic subway shape in a brick pattern, just in miniature. I would recommend you paint the white wall in a dark colour so you tie in the tile better. Right now there's too much contrast between the dark tile/counter and the wall. I hope you don't mind my giving my two cents worth (you didn't ask for a critique)...

Something like this?

Or ceramic ones, if you prefer.

I suggest you seek out a medley of browns OR grays, something that almost looks like it is one color. Don't rush the process, you'll know the "right stuff" when you see it next to your granite.

(oh cynthia thank you for your comment. actually its a 2 year old photo and the kitchen is a smoky blue now, to pull the saphire granite more. there's blue in the tile too but only at certain angles. anyway, its our summer house or i'd have rethought the decision on the backsplash.. and our contractor had so much trouble putting it in (it had front mounted sticky plastic) that i think he'd cry to replace it.

i figure some day if we sell the house i'll update the backsplash or else it will have come around again.

anyway, comments are always appreciated by me.)

Or...

That glass mosaic is not current at all, plus your granite is quite busy. A glass subway in ONE of the colors (cream or tan) laid in a grid (not staggered) would look nice. It would show off your colorful dishes and accessories.

I am beginning to think "backsplash" needs a new name. Like "background" because it rarely needs to be prominent in the color scheme.

I have to laugh, because I semi-finished my kitchen 15 months ago. I have similar granite (albeit, a little more grey in mine) and I haven't done a back splash yet! Gustaviatex is right, it really needs to be a "background" not a stand out, or better yet, a "compliment" to your granite. I think you will know when you put a simple tile up there. Subway tile in one color? You can always add color with art, bowls, etc.

now i look at it as: the counter is your skirt, the backsplash is a shirt... only one can be patterned....

Way too busy, wrong tone.

Beautiful granite--don't make it compete with a busy backsplash.

Here is an idea from our design book.

Bianco antico is a very beautiful but busy granite. Don't take away from the granite by selecting a busy backsplash. Select a grey/cream simple subway tile. Use glass if you want some sparkle.

Pick up the light color in your granite and do a rather plain backsplash. Love that granite - lots of movement. Have you tried limestone. I've had it as a backsplash for quite a few years - no issues whatsoever and I love the look

Thank you all for your input! I did look at subway tile of one shade, tried different sizes. In some aspects i feel that is overdone, but I love the glass subway! I think im going to try and use this for a bath and go back to my original plan of a more uniform tile in a singular color. Thanks for helping me make up my mind! And Cynthia, I dont mind at all, i was seeking opinions and love your ideas.

I like very much leelee's suggestion. You could go with something like this too:

Yes, your instincts are right, a busy backsplash doesn't go with a busy granite countertop. Though it's overused, white subway tile or any white tile that blends in with your cabinets is a good choice. Your kitchen seems fairly compact, so matching the cabinets would lend a larger feel to your space. The granite will then stand out.

I agree. I'm going back to my original plan of light glass subway. My kitchen is very compact but open. There aren't any windows near it so keeping everything light was my plan when I started. I'll post a before pic!

The worst kitchen ever!

Colors and patterns do not work at all together.

Great transformation!

A few years ago I had a similar issue, with a dark Zodiac countertop, and was planning for off white subway tiles for the backsplash. A creative friend of mine found a glass tile with different sizes and light brown many sized circles, intended to be used as a border. Instead we figured out how to put it in the middle of the subway tiled rows, to make it more visible, and when we did the tiles behind the stove, the border took a right hand turn up and then left, to 'frame' the stove itself. Not busy at all, but it looks great!