I like your granite...I would want that to be the star. Try a solid ceramic or glass in one of the colors in the granite...maybe a mid-range color.

Glazed ceramic tile in a pale grey.

Hard to tell in the photo but the tile is dark brown/bronze and the granite has mostly brown rather than black. I think it is called Kodiak granite.

You gotta admit that the puffy tile is pretty cool. Too bad it's not a light color...

That is one beautiful granite. I would get a plain white subway tile, with light grout, done. Daltile's Rittenhouse Square would be good. It comes in the standard subway tile size of 3x6, but it might be more interesting to do the 2x4 brickjoint size. The Daltile white color 001 would look good with your granite (there are several whites available).

This is not my kitchen, but one I admire which has those 2x4 tiles.

As an old school solid surface man, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a smile watching the contortions flashy granite causes when selecting backsplash.

Is there no grey all in the granite? Even if it is mostly browns, you do not have to pick the most dominant colors.

I agree with you Joseph. I'm not a fan of granite either.

Would you consider instead painting the cabinets? I admit it--I just don't like 'em. And it would be the most work/$$ of all options. But do some photoshopping.... :)

Funny Frieda. I like quartz or solid color, honed granite. But, your suggestion is a good one because I don't want to go to the expense of new counter tops. Flori, I'd rather not paint the cabinets - they are solid alder and very nice. The house has a lot of natural wood and I don't think painting would look that great - they are not smooth. The rounded corners sort of surprised me - I've not seen that before.

Wonder if you could simply paint the tile? Most inexpensive idea, and if it didn't work it won't be a big loss. The dark outlets (?) are the most distracting. My Delicatus granite is very similar I used crackle subways for backsplash. It is very boring, so above the cooktop I used glass/ceramic mosaic with custom mix of colors from the stone. You have a lovely kitchen. The most extreme work that you might perform is to change the backsplash tile, which is not that difficult. Good luck!

Voila - would you post a pic?

I agree with choosing a plain white subway with white grout. Let that granite and those pretty cabs be the stars,

I would stick with a plain ceramic tile with rustic knotty alder as clay seems a natural fit. A matte ceramic would be nice. Also keep in mind the yellow undertone of the cabinets when selecting a color. And isn't the floor an orange-toned tile?

I like the cabinets and granite. Just paint the backsplash white and live with it for a bit to see if you like the look.

Sunfeather, I don't have very good pictures of the kitchen. It was a remodel, not new build. The cabinets are yellow toned, and not wanting to add anymore yellow, I went with a taupe/cream. Here is a phot before the crown molding and light rail were added.

The next is a picture I just took for you with poor light, sorry. This mosaic has matte ceramic, crackle ceramic jewel, and crackle glass tiles. The three medallions are matte ceramic with crackle glass.