We need to see the actual bathroom

I'd use the backsplash that comes with -- it will eliminate a host of subsequent questions. Probably an accent tile that mirrors your counter would be nice, as long as you could find a field tile that makes a pleasantly neutral backtrop for it -- I'd look for ceramic or porcelain rather than stone, for ease of upkeep, and maybe large-format vertical tiles -- some tan that's pulled from the stone, as in your photo, or a white or off-white... Is your vanity a cream like the one in the photo, or a white, or some other color?

Acm, thank you for the suggestions. I'll take a picture later today and upload. The bathroom hasn't been redone since 1988 and is in bad shape. We will be replacing/redoing everything. Not moving any plumbing, everything stays where it is. We haven't bought any vanities or tile yet, thus, my question above. The granite countertop is a leftover from the kitchen remodel and we'd like to make use of it. I would like to have a cream color vanity, white sink, toilet, and bathtub. The bathroom is of rectangular shape, similar to the one on the picture, except there is a toilet in between the tub and the sink.

Well, here are some examples of larger-format tan tiles. You need to match the undertones of your particular stone, so that neither makes the other look too pink or too yellow. Then it's easy to put your accent in as a decorative element or a niche. Given that your bathroom will have both white and cream finishes, I wouldn't choose either of those for your field tile.

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I think this is your granite

Thank you all for responding.

the slab that we have is closer to this one:

It's pretty light and looks good against a light beige background. Should we just do plain light large tile all around with no mosaic or inserts? The tile like in The Secret Barn pic above would definitely work. We want to stay on a budget since this apartment will be rented out, but want it to look modern and nice.

The last thing you need in a rental unit is natural stone and pretty mosaics (btw, that one in your pic is onyx and Sonoma crackle glass accents at over $40 a sq ft!) Anyway, stick w/some porcelain tile. Renters don't care about your tile and will clean it with whatever they want. Porcelain or ceramic is much more forgiving. Seal your granite top, do the little 4" backsplash and get a high quality bathroom paint for the walls and area behind the sink. Try and do a stain proof type grout or within a year it's going to look grungy. Keep it simple w/bullet proof products. Save the good stuff for your own home.

Beth, thank you. Given the countertop color and pattern i posted above, could you recommend a paint color that would go well and tile? Should i go with something like this? Or more brownish? I don't really like tan colors.

this one is 18x18. Would rectangular shape look better?