I'm sure you have seen a woman "dripping" with jewelry. While the individual pieces may be very expensive you don't notice them because she's wearing too many. It's the same with your beautiful stone. Select a simple, single color tile, with a non-contrasting grout that matches the background color of your particular stone. For the island select a shade that matches your favorite "streak" in the stone. Less IS more.

Thank you!

it all depends on the entire design. I'm really tired of the "you need plain subway tiles because you have a countertop star". It just depends. here,,,google Taj Majal countertops and take a look at all of the designs.

all taj, all very different splashes.

this one, w/the plain white subway tile and white grout, against these white cabs, is not a good choice. this is so boring I want to fall asleep looking at it.

If they had wood cabinets, then maybe. but this lack of contrast looks like a giant white sheet against the wall. Yawn.

not my fave, but at least it's different.

there's enough variety in this kitchen that the plain tile works here.

the only thing that saves this plain tile is the wood shelving.

I appreciated all the pictures and time you took. A lot to think about. I am going to do white cabinets, but I am thinking of painting my island a different color. I would stain it, but I have too much wood close by the kitchen.

We have the same countertop and dilemma. my post below if you are interested...currentlyl looking at several backsplash options: honed crema marfil, savona ivory, camila polished, daltile matte biscuit

Check out this discussion on Houzz - https://ml.houzz.com/8kqDOHroKK

Thank you for the reference to your discussion. I understand your dilemma. You don't want it to be like everyone else's kitchen, or boring, but I also don't want too many focal points.

Cindy G: Do share any backsplash ideas you have going on please! Refer to my discussion for mine if you are interested. Thanks.