We had the same dilemma. We built a new house and it took us 3 years to decide what we wanted to do on the backsplash. My countertops are similar to yours, it looks like yours is granite too, and we choose a 'Noche' tumbled tile for the backsplash. I absolutely love it. It really pops against our countertops and compliments them well.

I have a similar kitchen and looked for a backsplash for 2 years, Finally went with a glass colored subway tile. Absolutely love it, comes in many shades and I always get compliments from company. I think its a perfect look to add a touch of modern through a traditional medium. Also cabinet underlights reflect beautifully off glass.

I have one other suggestion that I have seen and liked also, crema marfil marble subway tile, comes honed also if you don't like the shine of polished.

I would choose either a white (color of your counters), aqua or light pearly gray backsplash in glass or stone tiles to keep the effect light against your dark cabinetry:

Hi ONTarchitect, I agree with feeny about either an off-white or aqua --

I find that if u select a backsplash color similar to your counter top it will lend to a more continuous look as it flows up the back wall. In my kitchen I went with Ebb & Flows "Flora & Fauna" which matched the colors in my Corian almost perfectly. The pencil mosaic splash with the random glass pieces reflects light perfectly and Isn't the overkill of total glass splash. It is simply gorgeous.

I'm always a fan of deep browns and neutral tans, both for my personal style and for what I see popular in resale. Right now, grays are really hot, especially in the kitchen.

I've attached pics from my bathroom backsplash against a faux granite countertop similar to your colors and then with the darker cabinets to show the tie-in. The backsplash tiles are from Home Depot.

@Walter....LOVE that! I may have to redo mine again!

Like the mix of brows but would add a touch of aqua for color. Glass tile long is way to go

Add microwave above the store in stainless with vent is way to go. A bamboo blind on window. Change bar stools seat to a color easy to do. Maybe aqua, teal or a print of all. Don't be afraid of color.

Take glass tile all the way up to cabinets bottoms.

have you considered a microwave over the stove. Does double duty.
You have a relatively small kitchen. Have you considered running the granite up the wall. It will keep it cohesive in this sized area.
Too many textures too many elements to many busyness :)
Some thoughts to consider

Our "Ocean Grey" is a nice subtle color to go with your dark cabinets. I would get a few samples to put in your space because glass will reflect the colors around it and therefore change hues a bit in different spaces. Let us know if you have any questions. We would love to help you choose the right tile for your project.