matching is a big thing right now... i think it should be redish orangish like the tile in the 1st picture

Do you have a "The Tile Shop" in Santa Fe? ... that could be a good place to start your search.

I like the idea of the grey/mustard/ruddy idea myself. I secretly miss tiled kitchens -- but here on the East Coast a tiled countertop would date your house to the 1980's.

Great advice so far. When you go to tile shop, you will be able to bring samples home. And you can request they come & see your kitchen for more specific advice.

Using tile on counter has its problems as you are aware. Bigger tiles reduce problems, smoother tile reduces problems. Grout should not be light coloured as it will get dirty looking fast.

Have fun. You have a lovely kitchen.

@ktinaz and @eagledzines on your theme then of it introducing another colour, something like this would work?
https://www.google.ca/search?client=safari&hl=en&biw=768&bih=900&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=5c2kUejCDMqCygG_7YHABA&q=gemstone+africa+porcelain+tile&oq=gemstone+africa+porcelain+tile&gs_l=img.12..0i24.7520.10141.0.12022.13.13.0.0.0.0.97.1032.13.13.0...0.0...1c.1.14.img.H_LpLemEvu4#biv=i%7C13%3Bd%7C7THIdv6ApSd_4M%3A

@Brenda, no we don't, however there are 2 large tile shops and a few small traditional talavera tile shops. I posted a link to the tile colour family k was thinking. Brenda, Sharon, we've considered other surfaces for the house - granite, laminate, marble, etc and tho I know grout will be more maintenance than some others, its the look the look it will add to the home, we're looking for secretly, if I had my way, it would be red tile or hot turquoise tile!! But my hubby may divorce me!

No I would not recommend introducing another color. The tile you mentioned earlier and then provided a link to introduces blue.

I agree with Sharon Charboneau, I would look at doing a larger tile, like a 12"X12". It will still be the tile you are wanting, but help to update the look and be more functional. Porcelain tile is slightly more dense, and you won't necessarily have to worry about the glaze chipping as with some ceramics. Make sure the line you choose, has trim available for your edging.

Good luck!

Ok.... Two new tries! Lighter. I think one is a no, I like the other... One pic is all together with some accent tiles for a consideration re a centre mosaic at the end of the peninsula. I appreciate the the advice!

Ps both these tiles are avail in 12x12 - the smaller ones is just a sample board

The tile is beautiful! Is it porcelain or ceramic? It looks like it's a slate/textured quartzite. If it is natural, make sure you know what you are getting into with it. People do put slate countertops in the kitchen, but it is a relatively soft material that may scratch and chip. If it is man-made, they've done a great job making it look natural!

For your tiles, I like the colours in the apron hanging by the refridgerator - great foody shades. I like the accent tiles you chose.
Are you doing a backsplash with accent tiles? I would if I lived in NM! It will tie all your colours into one cozy area. The backsplash can be ceramic or porcelain, but pick a low-maintenance porcelain tile for your countertop. Even better, find a tile that has colour throughout the tile, in case you ever drop a sharp or heavy object directly down.
Have you thought of concrete counters?
Check out the page on Houzz:
http://www.houzz.com/projects/108151/Handpainted-Ceramic-Tile-Santa-Fe-Collection
www.mexicanarttile.com

@JDM Countertops, Inc. the 2 sample tiles are... sandstone.. I know know.... :) We talked extensively at the tile place about sealing and maintenance. Both my husband and I just cant find anything we like in a porcelain or ceramic or something more durable and don't want to get into granite or another solid countertop. With the style/age of the house, hoping the natural wear of sandstone, even with protection, will play into the house well. Thanks so much for your help - I DO appreciate it, any thoughts on WHICH TILE would be a better choice re colours?
@Design Mode - we have our tile installer / good friend coming Saturday to discuss accent tiles et all with us. Initially we were planning to leave the existing wood backsplash, but the more we look at accent tiles, we like the idea of doing it all together. Do you have any thoughts on the counter tile choice? We had considered all the options an are pretty set on tile at this point, just or aesthetic/style reasons.
Thanks all! I hope I have something to "contribute" at some point here, as well!

I personally like the one that is a larger sample, 12x12? Make sure it is a gauged material for thickness consistency and ease of installation. It is really beautiful and warm feeling, and I'm sure you'll love it as long as you're aware of it's imperfections and maintenance requirements.

Good luck!

I think a cement counter acid dyed to the colors if that sandstone would be the best of all worlds...you can get the red/gold swirls and such. No grout lines, which is both a plus and minus for you, but would be easier than sandstone to live with/clean up.

Yes, as @zennifer just said... concrete countertops are current and interesting. With tile, you risk creating an immediately-dated look. However, it may be absolutely correct for New Mexico, in which case you need a really rustic-looking tile. Also paint for the cabinets...