How about glossy light gray subway tile in a herringbone pattern?

Gray or navy

With some chinoiserie in the glass cabinets, it would be killer.

What flooring do you have? Are the pendant lights bronze?

Thank you for all the comments. My goal in redoing this kitchen was to keep the it light and bright - it is in a townhouse so limited natural light. The floors are a dark walnut. The lights match the SS and door hardware. I am a bit afraid to use any color (blues, greens etc) because is will commit me to that color in the rest of the room (i.e. Family room) they are one and the same as well as the perpetual 'resale'.

this is the before picture - too dark for me and I am not a fan of multiple colored cabinets - brown, cream and white then walnut floors. In addition the wall behind where I am standing has white built in cabinets.

Something like these, maybe?

Stainless steel?

A basic gray tile is a pretty, classic, and understated choice. Maybe in a different size than shown...?

Classic white or light gray ceramic tile. I like the long subway and/or arabesque from Walker Zanger.

Subway tile. Always subway tile. :)

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/e0/e079ba1f-7f27-451e-8572-6fbba20ae4b2_1000.jpg

Metal ceiling tiles are decorative, no color commitment, and will keep the area light. The link is for tiles with intertwined silver circles similar to you chandeliers. They are unexpected for a backsplash, but interesting to look at. I believe they would be easy to keep clean too. They will look really nice with your white cabinets and stainless steel hardware.