Hi Alexa, beautiful kitchen! Check out this 2X12" pearl gray subway tile, the color would be gorgeous with your kitchen! It's a very popular option to pair with white shaker cabinets in our area. We agree with you that the dark grey is too dark.

https://www.houzz.com/products/pearl-gray-glass-subway-tile-2x12-tiles-set-of-6-prvw-vr~84781418

You can find similar colors, and even some with a little more color variants and charm to them. This is just one that popped up after a quick search here on Houzz.

Hope this helps!!

Ok, this isn't exactly white subways, so maybe he would be ok with it? If you didn't want to go dark, it's an option.

[White Carrara tile[(https://www.houzz.com/products/4x16-subway-backsplash-tile-ceramic-glossy-white-carrara-bathroom-kitchen-prvw-vr~49483375)

I love your choices in cabinet color and counters. I'd go with a pale gray subway or other basic shape. I think the arabesque shape is a little busy, and might compete with the counters.

Thank you so much everyone for your advice. I'll post an update when the kitchen is complete. Happy Holidays!

Hi Alexa --- I love your kitchen and am planning to do one very similar! What kind of countertop did you use? It is beautiful..... Thanks!

Your kitchen is very pretty! I love your lights... do you have a link to them? As for back splash, I like the carrera link that beth09 posted, but would it compete with the counters?

Alexa, what was your final backsplash choice? I’d love to see finished kitchen!

Hello Kevin Twitty int. Love the kitchen!!! May i ask what countertop you have used??

I love how your kitchen turned out. What backsplash did you use?