Agree 100% with leemiller!

I don't care for the subway or the trim with that granite... you could do so much better. Can you give a pic of your kitchen, please? We can help.

I agree with above comments, but if you were set to have a decorative strip, I would pick the second one! Good luck!

Here are couple of kitchen pics.
Contractor wants us to decide backsplash and tiles by tomorrow.

We are also considering just one row of the accent strip instead of two

We are also considering just one row of the accent strip

Don't care for the accent pieces at all. I would go with simple subway. The subway pictured however seems to have a pinkish cast on my monitor and does not appear to go well with the granite. Possibly just my monitor. I would be inclined to go with something longer and not the standard 3x6.

Lightest floor tile and look for tiles for backsplash without any trim tile. I would get lightest cream arabesque tile for backsplash and grout with same color. Simple but good look.

Both will be dated very quickly.

My opinion is although I love the look of arabesque tile today, in a few years, it will be "so 2016!" If you don't want to be doing another reno in the next 10 years because the backsplash you chose now dated, I think sticking with a subway tile is the best way to go. No accent strip. And I much prefer beveled to flat. How it's patterned/installed (offset, herringbone, basket weave) doesn't matter and can add a little "interest" if you find one visual that appeals more than another. Accent in other ways so you can change out the canisters you love now or change your artwork you grow tired of or change your paint color. I have never regretted keeping my designs basic and using the "easy to change" accents with more flair or trendy!

Everything will be outdated in 5 years, so do what you live most.

"Accents" should be pottery, dishes, cooking utensils or even framed art not hard surfaces that will cost $$$ to change when you are tired of them. Just do a plain backsplash like everyone is telling you.

Once you put some kitchen things back on the counter, the accent strip gets chopped up by the "stuff".

I am very happy with my cream backsplash with my wood cabinets:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

What do all think of this?
Thanks!!

Both way too busy. What you are trying to do, I select a tile that is interesting in and of itself. That is a bad idea. You have to consider the "total look". So, what we are trying to tell you, is your granite is very "busy" and your cabinets have a lot of "color" so with these two elements you need to keep the backsplash "quiet" - i.e. very plain so you have a cohesive look. jhmarie posted a perfect picture. Plain, light cream, subway tiles create a lovely "backdrop" for all the other pieces you will have in your kitchen. Please, Please Please, don't overthink this. Plain will serve you well, and it is less costly!

Are you replacing your floor as well? I see plain tiles on the floor over the blue existing "accent" tile. If so, you must have a reason for getting rid of the blue "accent". Either it limits your decor or you have just grown tired of it. Or the floor needs replacing and you are opting for a clean, plain background. With no big honking accent in the middle of the floor.

Can you see why we keep telling you to do a plain backsplash instead of an accent strip or a busy, complex tile? This year you may want a turquoise canister set, and two years down the road decide that you cant live without copper and black. Let your granite be the star of the show.

Thanks for all your suggestions!
Would appreciate some input on the kind of subway tiles.
Thanks again!!

I think beveled subway tiles are better than flat in a kitchen. I only use beveled, so maybe that's just a personal preference. These flat tiles look like a bathroom tile to me. I'm sure once they're in, they would "go away" and that's sort of the goal. You don't want to call attention to the backsplash, rather accent with other things in your kitchen. Your granite demands attention, so don't make your head spin with too much going on! But you're on the right track.

Like color of center one and size of one on left if you want to be a bit different. I like beveled too.

What kind of wood are the cabinets? They're really attractive!

I like the two light tiles. Get a couple of them and stack them on the wall to see what they look like. If there is an option that is a bit wider, as someone else suggested, I think that would look good as well. Don't get people rush you on this! Our backsplash went in much later so I got what I wanted.