^ I agree, I like 1. 2 is a bit too busy for me.

I would NEVER use real stone as a backsplash unless you don't indent to cook. It is not hot-grease-proof and stains easy. Keeping the grout nice over time and all those little tiles (oh my goodness ! who the heck ever thought it is such a good idea? ) I know what I am talking about I have (not my choice) a sandstone backsplash looking like picture#2 and after I noticed the greasespots, I now put something in front when I cook. The same with my my bathroom-floor . You get soap with some colour in it ........like in a detergent and you miss wiping it up immediately you have a permanent stain.

If I were doing a backsplash , it would be glass or or very large porcelain tiles .

this is my backsplash that I hate !!!!

i like #2, but i don't understand what the rest of the selections are supposed to be or what size and orientation everything else is in the kitchen. to give a professional opinion, please clarify, and i'll be happy to help you out. i can see a darkish cabinet and a white sample of stone or synthetic stone & a grayish looking floor, but i don't know what the hexagons and other things you have posted are.

NONE of them. Rittenhouse Square in Architectural Gray. All of that pattern will compete badly with the counter. You need a subtle background to let the counter be the star.

Yes, what exactly is what? are the 3 on the left your kitchen? is that marble the countertop? how big of space is the splash area? that also makes a difference in what you choose. post a pic of the kitchen. j

Fefie,,,,I have a similar stone behind my stove and have never had issues because I used a proper sealer. you need a penetrating sealer and it needs to be done once a year. it will not stain or absorb grease if you get the right one and do it properly. Get a acid cleaner meant for natural stone and clean the area. let dry. now apply the impregnating sealer. follow the directions. 511 or Aquamix make decent sealers.

I wouldn't be doing the back splash until you have moved in and live with the kitchen for a while. Then bring home some samples and see them in different lighting situations, with your cupboards, counter and flooring installed.

IM also not sure what the choices are but I like the top gray one-all the same size or the light gray zigzag/herringbone thing.