Your tile would be fine with the granite and cabinets. Liner or deco tile usually goes above the outlets so it is not interrupted.

It's all very neutral, so you can't go wrong. Riddle is right, ususally the liner goes about 2/3 the way up, above the outlets. You can also put it underneath, at the very bottom, but sometimes it gets lost by the things you set on your counter.

That backsplash will be lovely in your kitchen. Be sure that your tile installer seals the stone to prevent any staining.

Have a problem, the switches are too high and have mail slot coming into house.

Could you turn the beige tile vertical and put 1 1/2 tiles (alternate the halves top then bottom) and put the liner on top? Of course, you'll need more tile.

I like Pine Hall's suggestion of turning the bricks vertically. You can run the liner vertically as well, however often you would like, in between the bricks. The liner may still be broken up in spots, but it won't be as noticeable.

I agree 100% with CMR. That tumbled strip was popular about 10-15 year ago. If you go solid with just one of the other tiles, the lighter one maybe, you will have a result that will stand the test of time better. I am always thinking of resale value.

Just the tiles without the strip I'd say. And I like the idea of turning the tiles vertical and alternate them.

To strip or not to strip. I agree the strip is very dated. Besides that point, I don't think that strip actually goes well with your countertop.

Ok you have me convinced to not use strip..I am not committed to any backsplash. Would love more ideas. Color? Square tiles? Large tile?. Attaching cabinet color that will be with the new venetian gold granite. Want to make this as traditional as possible. Will be doing wood flooring would like ideas on color and need to do something to attached table to be able to use it with traditional look

If you are willing to give up the decorative strip, but still want some visual interest you might consider this travertine harlequin pattern.

You have a lot of discussions going about this kitchen, but no ideabooks. I would be helpful for you perhaps to make an ideabook and browse throught the Houzz-photos of kitchens, saving examples of what you like to the book.
You can also browse kitchen tiles and put in your ideabooks the ones that you like. It will give you an idea of what you'd like.

When you get samples of backsplash tiles, don't only look at them flat on your counter top granite, but hold them up the way they will go on the wall. The light hits it differently and it can make a lot of difference. Also, hold them up against your kitchen doors. When you look at your kitchen, you'll see the tiles and the doors, not so much the countertop.

I'll see if I can find you some other tile ideas, but I've attached two photos of kitchens that are similar to your choice of cabinets.




If the dining set goes into this kitchen, I'd stain it a lot darker, sort of espresso colour. Either that, or paint it in a colour, depending on what tiles you choose.

Would you like something like this?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_15653-34692-G1RS11MA_4294735481__?productId=3121749&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1