Id pick that creamier color from your granite and find a backsplash that color.

If it's a Craftsman-ish home, why not use Craftsman-ish tiles? Travertine sould be fine but seems boring when there is a whole world of beautiful tiles out there in any color you want:

These are Google results for "Craftsman tiles." https://www.google.com/search?q=craftsman+tile&espv=2&biw=640&bih=316&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8kLCS2vTOAhUJXh4KHc65DjQQ_AUIBygC

I love this as an accent: http://www.terrafirmaarttile.com/images/homepage/center7_2oaks_3CypressTrees.jpg

Or the traditional geomatric 1930's designs.

Or this one. They're all good: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a5/9c/9a/a59c9a6b464bde032e152f51cebf437e.jpg

Have you looked at slate tiles? That was my first thought - here are a few other ideas:

Please, please, please remove the existing granite backsplash before you add another. If you check comments from other posts, you'll see it is a common complaint.

Thank you all for the input.

krismays: that is what I had in mind, but figured it would be muted.

lorilynb: I like the craftsman tiles but too many would be too much. I am wondering if they would look ok sprinkled in with travertine here and there.

i am in the process of convincing my wife of the "propriety" of using a maple tree craftsman style mosaic tile over the range... May take some time though.

anniebird: I like the bottom picture. My wife loves the basket weave but I fear it would be too fine for such a large area.

bsgibbs: yes, I am getting rid of the existing granite backsplash. I plan on making hot plates, coasters and whiskey rocks from the material to place on my maple furniture..

You already have a four inch backsplash. I would NOT add tiles unless you can remove the four inch piece. It will look silly

Just to clarify, I will be removing the existing back splash.

It is rather large and bulky looking at 1.25" thick and 6" wide. It will be reused.

You'd want to be careful that the travertine doesn't turn your kitchen into a "pink dream", when matched with your cabinets, which already are trending that way, in this photo at least. I was wondering about picking up your floor color, something along the lines of this browny taupe (shown with verde butterfly granite)? I also really like the shape and size of this BS for a craftsman.

Yes, Sean Roze, definitely, using the more artistic-looking Craftsman tiles would look great sprinkled in. Would be overkill otherwise.

this is a ceramic tile in a green tone. Obviously, you would need something more cream colored for this with your current wall color.

Here is a little bolder idea. It is very much in keeping with the Craftsman style.

This tile is variations of "slate like" colors which is very natural. I think you could use some contrast in your kitchen. So this would be interesting choice. You could do something like this all around. You don't have that much backsplash so it could work and would look nice with your cabinets and countertops. Would also have a little more interest than plain subway tile approach. Hope those ideas spark some new ideas for you. So happy you are removing that 5" or so riser/backsplash.

I would stick with something restrained in this kitchen. The more authentic Craftsman tiles need more detailed cabinetry with more robust moldings and a paneled island.

Just an aside. To my eye, the corbels on your island appear to grab too much attention. Unless you want them to be a focal point, I would suggest painting them the same color as the island.

Barncatz: the picture does make them look pink, they aren't so in life, but I get what you are saying. I like the idea of pulling from the floor, just one more thing to consider. Thank you.

Flo Mangan: thank you for the ideas. I like the subtle subway tiles you suggested and my wife likes the smaller tiles in the bottom picture. Our wall color is going to be changed to a greyish color, called "baby elephant" by Clark and Kensington.

Design Details: I agree, I like the idea of a couple here and there though. All of my furniture is of the craftsman design including the bar stools and dinning table and chairs. But it may not work for the next home owner.

flopsycat: that is a good idea, I do not like the look of the corbels, I'll ask my wife to paint them when she paints the rest of the kitchen. ( she actually enjoys painting) I have thought about replacing them or paneling out the entire island with matching wood and changing them then. Or doing a wainscoting in white as we have done to our entryway.

Sean- Tell your wife I like to paint too, and especially if the color is called Baby Elephant.

I think your verde butterfly granite would look lovely with an olive green glass subway tile

The granite you have chosen is beautiful!! In keeping with the craftsman style, I would keep the backsplash very simple so as to not compete with your granite.

Find pictures on google images of verde butterfly granite and see what they used for backsplashes.

I am not sure I would go to the green direction.

Here is what Google Images has. A lot of it looks horribly busy and a lot of it looks very dated!!

https://www.google.com/search?q=verde+butterfly+granite+kitchen&biw=1506&bih=1093&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjF8dvB4PnOAhVJOSYKHZVUBWUQsAQIGw#imgrc=f1aXLRUg4ZAdyM%3A

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. I will be giving them all a great amount of attention... Can't wait to make a decision and get it done.