Brandi: Thanks :) Would you suggest light colors for both countertop and backsplash? I am worried that would turn the kitchen too beigey. Forgot to mention that I will have all stainless steel appliances.

What about something like Oyster or Nougat from Caesarstone:

You could always try honed absolute black granite as well:

don't know your style or the amount of light in the kitchen, but a backsplash with a one color, simple ceramic tile is probably best.

anniebird: Thank you for your suggestions. There is a sun roof in the eat in kitchen and then beyond that a wall full of glass doors leading out to the backyard. There are no windows in the kitchen itself. However I do plan to add undercabinet lighting and regular ceiling lights. I like lighter colors but with such light colored cabinets, the best option seems to be black countertop. What colored backsplash would work best with black countertops? The remaining wall space in the kitchen is painted Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter paint. So that also needs to be blended in to the final choice. Thanks.

I think I'd look at something like this for a backsplash -

http://products.daltile.com/series.cfm?series=26&item=922&c=6

maybe in vanilla or ivory. You need samples (of everything) so you can look at everything together in your space. Are you in love with the chocolate glaze for your cabinets? Leaving that out might keep things looking less "brown".

Another countertop to look at:

anniebird: Actually Lagos Blue was one of the options I shortlisted. But was unsure of the backsplash to use. What colors could go with that, considering the maple cabinets?

I decided on the chocolate glaze since that gave a nice outline to the cabinets, at least looked nice in the samples.

After a lot of research I have come up with two color schemes. But still confused :):
First option: Countertop: http://thefourelements.eu/?portfolio=crema-toscana
with one of the following tiles:
https://www.tileshop.com/product/+imperial+bone+gloss+ceramic+subway+tile+-+3+x+6+in..do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn
OR
https://www.tileshop.com/product/classico+ivory+matte+4+x+8+in.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn

And second option:
http://thefourelements.eu/?portfolio=polaris
with
https://www.tileshop.com/product/imperial+ice+grey+gloss+ceramic+subway+tile+-+4+x+8+in..do?sortby=coveragePriceAscend&from=fn
OR
https://www.tileshop.com/product/imperial+gris+matte+ceramic+subway+tile+-+4+x+8+in..do?sortby=coveragePriceAscend&from=fn

Considering all the different elements, would a glossy or matte finish back splash work? So many questions... :)

felizlady: Thanks for your suggestion. A lighter color would be my first choice as I prefer light airy spaces. http://thefourelements.eu/?portfolio=crema-toscana is one of the countertop choices I have shortlisted. Do you have any suggestions for backsplash with this color countertop? I thought of a light grey or ivory subway tile but unsure if the whole kitchen will end up looking too brown/beigey.