Im hoping this helps...

Remove the tile, fix the splash ( drywall/ skim etc) , paint the splash.

Do nothing until you can rid yourself of the hideous counter tops.

Or go get an inexpensive white subway tile. As the samples you have, and grout in matching white. Use the two by eight

Maybe white tile with black accents.

I think you are right. That is why it’s so difficult. The backsplash won’t fix the problem!! Thank you

Its not that bad. Don't laugh but lime green would rock it. What do think?

I think hideous is a bit strong! it's just black and white granite. If I could see the entire space with how the counter actually looks (and not sideways) it would really help!

since you have have more of a modern type of cab, going w/a modern type of glass tile would prob work best. take one more pic showing the whole length of counter and cabs. don't be shy!

Okay........lets just say when ya don't like it and call it busy? I agree !! lol Sorry Andi, but what makes you happy long term. Put the subway towards a piggy bank for some counter you love: )

I truly appreciate everyone’s comments. I do think the counter tops are hideous. Just don’t know how far this will all go and my husband wants the hood installed. I purchased the hood 2.5 months ago. I just can’t seem to pull the trigger when all options don’t alleviate the feel of the kitchen...taking pics of kitchen to post

don't mind the mess. I did have the floors done before moving in. Its a great space.

Please disregard the other room I posted. I thought it would give a sense of the space. I'm changing the lighting and the buffet among many other things. It is in the very beginning stage.

Andi, it's not bad. just a few tweaks and I think it will be great.

I think adding a runner to the kitchen floor would give a bit of color. great floors too!

doing a modern splash would work best with those cabs. how do you feel about some color? You could do a solid piece of back painted glass in any color, or do some cool tiles.

Modwalls

cement tiles

glass tiles

ceramic in a cool design

Your kitchen is great! If you don't like my lime green suggestion, how about red?

I think the patterns are nice with the solid counter top. As far as the bright colors not necessarily my taste. I do like the pic with the 3 plates and flowers- the cabinets ( LOVE) are not contemporary so I'm not sure how it would look with black counters and contemporary cabinets.

Andi, those iridescent tiles go w/everything. they have them in a larger format too.

or thicker penny rounds

or mother of pearl

or this shape in a glass iridescent w/diff colors

this one would pick up on the black in the countertop nicely.

you could always do something like this blue w/a very dark grout. it's striking w/your black/white combo

Beth thanks so much for sending the great pics! I find the mother of pearl brick more interesting than basic subway tiles. I also think it would make the kitchen more transitional and less contemporary ... at least I hope so.

There is no backsplash that will make this kitchen transitional so either get over that or save for a new kitchen. I would just do a simple white subway tile and forget it . I happen to love the counter but certainly is not transitional.