whitewashed brick could be nice with the weathered look of your island. would want to see samples, though -- too much brick showing through and it will look like you painted over old 1970s veneer. another option might be a white glass subway tile, to bring a new texture without adding any new colors or patterns...

Very beautiful kitchen. Lucky you.

Wait until the counters are installed before you decide for sure. It's good to go ahead and get ideas but not a final decision until you can actually see the counters in your own kitchen with the lighting.

I don't see how you could go wrong with something similar to this.

If it's not too late this is a fantastic way to avoid those electrical outlets punctuating your new backsplash.

Your kitchen makes me think of Winchester tile. www.winchestertile.com.

Thry are a British company with good distribution in the US.

If you are thinking of a brick, take a look at Fireclay.

Your kitchen is beautiful.

Subway tile since your kitchen is so modern. LOVE IT! Travertine looks great too, that's what I have, but it is more traditional looking.

Are your cabinets white or slightly off white? What sort of countertop person are you? Do you have lots of "stuff" you keep out ? Pretty canisters and such??? If yes, then keep the backsplash simple so it doesn't get too busy with your decorative pieces... I am a fan of the beveled subway tile... simple clean and some dimension to it - match the color of the cabinets if possible...

What a great space!!!

You are going to have a gorgeous kitchen. Sticking with white or even the whitewashed brick could be a really cool look. You'll have to look at samples to choose.

Sugar Loaf · More Info

Thanks for all the input! I love these ideas, it seems like subway tile might be the way to go. Simple & classic. I'm also a big fan of those hexagon tiles!

What ever you get I'm sure it will be beautiful! Your kitchen looks fantastic.... post a sample of what you pick when you get one!!

ergwinn,,start your own post and give me a pic showing the countertop with a portion of the cabs. I have some tiles for you.

ergwinn- I still haven't put up a backsplash yet! :)

It's fallen to the bottom of the priority list somehow. But I think I'm leaning toward some sort of matte subway tile. I still like those long hexagon tiles too. I think shiny would make it look too modern. The rest of my house is slightly rustic/farmhouse glam (if that's even a thing) haha. Something simple and clean. I'll post pics when we finally move that direction!

ergwinn...beautiful stone. see if you like these"

I didn't make it to Knoxville but I would have loved to!

Those arabesque tiles are cool!