I agree with mayflowers about the first one--it is too similar to the counter (but not identical) in a way that will look bad over a large expanse. I think I like the second tile, but the fact that they have it on a gray backer board so the tile isn't directly against the counter makes it hard to compare the tile with the counter. Maybe you can tuck the edge of the backer board under the lip of the counter so the gray tile abuts the counter and take a pic for us that way? Or if the tile on the island is the same (is it?), you can use the seating overhang.

Those counters are gorgeous! I agree that I would choose a solid tile to let the stone on the counters really shine. Colors are tricky online as everyone is seeing something slightly different. Personally, I would probably choose a white or light grey tile.

something with a hint of GREEN if you want some color other than white family. Brown or caramel-don't see that as being the best. With the black island and so much gray in the counter I'd pick up the hint of really light green running through.

Something like the wall color in picture no 2. i.e. light. You can add drama with your wall paint and accessories.

Not number one; maybe the solid. Have you tried samples to pick up the lighter greys in the stone? Your counters are awesome!

Your counters are beautiful. I think your second tile is a bit too dark. On my screen your counters appear to have a very pale blue color in them. If that's the case a very pale blue tile might go really well.

What a beautiful kitchen. Do you have any inspiration images that you've worked with so far?

If it's important to you to stick with Daltile, consider Rittenhouse square in Gray or Architectural Gray (below). But honestly, there's a world of glazes out there for you. If you can tell us your tile budget in $/SF, we can give you more options.

Swooning over the counters -- what are they?

It looks like fantasy brown countertops? I'm getting the same. I saw a tile recently on a post here. The color was Dove Gray and looks like it's a a fire clay type. She had found them at home depot they were by msi. I will look for it. I thought they would go well with my fantasy brown.

https://www.msistone.com/dove-gray/dove-gray-3x6/  it comes in various shapes. Google msi dove gray tile and you can see them.

What is your wall color? Very nice color. Mine will be Sherwin williams krypton a blue gray. I have actually looked at similar tiles to the above in a beautiful blue because the fantasy brown does have very small inclusions of Blues.

The blues I like are Vermeere Sweet Bluette crackle. And Grazia Rixi Reef

Thanks for all the opinions, and yes it is fantasy brown. Wall color is colonnade gray by SW

I love #2- middle one. Your kitchen is gorgeous!!

There's an ongoing thread here on Fantasy Brown. Solid tiles look best with it. I haven't seen anyone match the pale gray/blue/green of the stone but that's what I'd do. Why ignore that beautiful color to go neutral?

thanks for the suggestions heres another option i looked at

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either the light grey at the top or the warmer grey in the middle?