The drywall is a light color; do you like that or do you want something with more color?

Our backsplash meets most of your criteria... light, matte, subway, traditional with some variation in the tile. We used honed 3x6 carrara marble subway tile, with a very light grey grout. I had some concern that using two stones together would clash (carrara + soapstone counters), but we love the look and the marble tile is one of of favorite choices. We also did not have much backsplash area.

@rantontoo, I am open to color for sure!

@DIY2Much2Do, looks great! we used carrera tile in the main bathroom of the house - I was hoping to do something a little different, but I will think about this for sure.

I love the idea of fireclay tiles. Something with a bit of color would be nice, but I would keep it light. A subway would look nice, but a different shape would also add some character.

What color are the floors? And will there be any painted walls? If so, what color?

The floors are wood - mid tones - lighter than the cabinets, but darker than the photo posted just above.

There isn't too much wall space in the kitchen, but the adjacent rooms have creamy white walls, so I would probably just do that. All the window trim and baseboards in the house are pretty dark and thick. House is mostly decorated in earth tones. The fireplace in the living room has this tile (walker zanger alahabra in Sagebrush 4x4). I love the look, but the subway tiles they have in this collection are beveled, and I don't think that is the look I am going for and I wasn't sure about a 4x4 tile for a backsplash.

Given that your floor and countertops are fairly sedate and your cabinets are a very simple style, personally I would be looking for wow factor with the backsplash. The tiles mark_rachel posted above are both lovely, and I like the patterns far more than just a standard offset subway. I like color so I would choose a bold color as well, but if you are a fan of more neutral earth tones, concentrate on finding a design that really pops.

Your kitchen remind my of pipieps. Quartersawn oak, soapstone look, lighter floor then cabinets, stainless hood and appliances, craftsmen style. I thought it turned out gorgeous with the green tile. Are you open to color?

Love your cabinets! I have 1915 craftsman bungalow and went with white subway tile, but don't think you're limited to that.

I do love the green look a lot!

I like the sagebrush you posted and don't mind the 4x4.

Have you any inspiration images?

great kitchen

soapstone is so pretty and soft looking I'd go with subtle variation/color rather than with elaborate shapes

I do love both soft whites/creams and greens for your kitchen. Love idea of squares as well.

I also think you're right with thinking matte..I'd avoid too much shine, sparkles. veins..it already has this strong character of soft understated beautiful simplicity..you're right in wanting to enhance it/go with it.

It reminds me a bit of a "Girl with a Pearl Earring". The movie pallette(which is the best thing about the movie)) Great balance. Keep it.

Don't rush..nothing will happen to it while you take your time deciding.

Cheering on your efforts from the sidelines! Your cabinets are beautiful and I'm glad you're taking your time to explore tiles that will do them and your soapstone justice!

Some artisan lines to check out:

• Pratt and Larson Craftsman glaze (you may want to browse other glazes/decorative tiles)
• Tempest Tileworks
• Busby Gilbert
• Heath Ceramics (mid-century folks turn to them a lot, but IMO they work extremely well in pre-war homes too)
• Seneca Tiles

omg. total OT-but Tapestry Daisy by these Tempest Tileworks..I'm in love

This image has always been a favorite of mine. The founder of Fireclay Tile used the glaze Gardenia in a 4” square tile in a 1/2 offset pattern in his own kitchen. If you haven’t ordered a sample of Gardenia, consider doing so; it is a beautiful glaze, and the 4” square would be lovely in your space.

The lightness and simplicity of these tiles in this shape would bring a softness to one element in your space, and with it, balance and - what is it with Craftsmans - charm to your kitchen. It will also brighten your space.

You can mix color tones and matte/glossy tiles also. I like the look, but mixed paint and stained cabinets so I think I will need something plain.

Mixing adds a subtle interest especially the matte and glossy tile mix in the same color. I cannot find my saved picture of a posted kitchen that did that mix, but there are some interesting example of color mixing in this link:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3652266/backsplash-help-mixed-neutrals-subway-tile

Here's another post with some pics of mixed matte and glossy tiles for a backsplash:

Mixed matte/glossy backsplash

I love this tile with wood cabinets. The architect/owner said it was from Mission Tile West, "Revival". (There are other kitchen/tile photos if you click [On This Link.)[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/saint-paul-craftsman-craftsman-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~3578851)

Barncatz, one of my favorite pictures and tile.

Trikeenan tile offers beautiful tile in many shades that woul be great in your kitchen.

Looked through this Trikeenan Tile site. Amazing, yet again, new favorite- Sharkskin! under the Art Tile

Matte and gloss.

These square tiles would be pretty in a soft hand-glazed green. I like the offset eam showed as well as the grid pattern. 3" tiles are very sweet and might work well in your smaller space. Sonoma Tilemakers has 3" tile in matte and glazed. Avoid blue undertones in a green tile for a bungalow kitchen.

You could add a gray pencil liner as it's traditional and adds a little interest. You can use a row of squares at the counter and change to subways above the liner.

Uh oh (for me ;) --

Mayflowers' comment to "avoid blue undertones in a green tile for bungalow kitchens" intrigued me since some of my favorite art pottery from the 20s and 30s has lots of blue-green.

[Which look gorgeous with wood tones.]

So when I went to pull a few images of vintage Rookwood I found the brand is back in operation, primarily as a tile manufacturer.

Add Rookwood Tile to the list!

Rockwood 1938 (L) and 1921

More Rookwood 1927 (L) and 1929

Roseville Earlam, c 1930s

For a lighter-colored tile, house vixen. She wants to lighten the room with the backsplash. With a blue undertone in a light green, it will read minty.

House Vixen, my fireplace tile is Rookwood. It's stunning.

You guys are all amazing! Thank you so much for all of these suggestions and ideas. I knew there were some really awesome tiles out there in the world waiting to be found! I do really like the small squares and the small rectangles posted above. I am off to order some more samples! I am leaning towards a lighter green at the moment I think, but still keeping options open.

cpaartist - Your fireplace it beautiful! I have been following along in your project and can't wait to see it all complete!

This is the site where I purchased mine, but I don't think they have anything like them anymore. Mine are handmade 4 x 4 in a glossy antique cream. When I went there to look around, I found these pretty ones. Don't think I could enjoy patterns for long in my small space, but some of them really catch my eye!

Statements tile

OMG, I can't get over all those Fireclay colors. Thanks, people, now I want to redo my kitchen!

Mayflowers, do you have a source for your second photo? I'm wondering about the countertop and that tile is lovely. Thx

It's a Houzz photo but there's no info. How come when we add Houzz photos it no longer shows the tag underneath it where you can click to take you to the original photo?

No worries, was just curious. No idea about the tech stuff, but thanks!

That seems like a poor marketing choice, no credit back to the pro who did the work. I tried google image search and the houzz link didn't even show up then.