Would you be open to keeping the granite & changing the backslash? That would be much cheaper. Black granite is going to make the space seem smaller. I would keep it light if you are going to replace.

Hi mark_rachel thanks for your response! There's actually a couple of burn marks on the granite so I definitely need to change it. I would love to do the backsplash in matching granite but I don't think my budget will allow it,

I love galley kitchens- yours looks really great. I would definitely get a black granite. It's true you have to keep it wiped up well all the time- it's the dust and smudges that can be annoying- the first obviously we want to see and be able to clean up. I would not get a quartz marble look - that will look off with the natural marble backsplash. Google marble backsplash, black kitchen counter. I think it's a great look.

PS I would get an Absolute Black granite or even black quartz or Corian- but I would favor something very plain to offset the great marble tiles.

It's a small galley kitchen. I'd use Glacier White Corian. It will go very well with the marble backsplash and it will keep your kitchen light and fresh looking. Black is going to make it look choppy and dark.

I agree and think that a dark gray or black granite would look beautiful! While any solid black surface will show more dust, smudges, and fingerprints, you could always opt for a darker stone with a little bit of pattern to conceal the occasional mark. Leathered finish granites also tend to hide marks better than a honed or polished surface will. Some granites that you may like are Jet Mist, Angola Black Leathered, American Black, Soapstone (although Soapstone is prone to scratching), Impala Black, or Silver Pearl Leathered. Below is a photo of Silver Pearl Leathered granite countertops with a backsplash similar to yours--just gorgeous!

Mont Blanc Quartzite & Silver Pearl Granite in a White Kitchen · More Info

Mont Blanc Quartzite & Silver Pearl Granite in a White Kitchen · More Info

I just re-did a kitchen and used Carrara marble for the counter top with a grey glass tile backsplash. I used quartz on the island because you have to make lemonade somewhere, and marble isn't the place! I would suggest perhaps a quartz counter like this Cloudy Wave color:

I have an Absolute Black bathroom counter and I hate it--water marks all the time!

What about a gray quartz the same shade as the floor? It would provide contrast but wouldn't be as abrupt as black and would keep the space lighter and airier.