What a pretty granite! I would consider a white subway tile. Your selections are pretty but seem to compete with the granite.

I may be in the minority, but I’d go with a color instead of matching your granite. The purple is currently highlighting your beautiful counters, maybe get a tester can of paint in your favorite color(s) and choose your back splash tile from that test. Splashes of color can be so fun.

I can only see a hint of what the flooring is but that should be considered in your choice. Without knowing for sure what's there, I like the idea of subway--so timeless.

Suggest stone subway tile at least 2 x4 or 3x6....IMO the sheet tiles will make it look busy and compete...just depends what you want to focus on.

How about wallpaper? Easy to clean. Easy to change.

Esutherland87, I'd like to know more about wallpaper as a backsplash. I haven't begun to research this but I'd like to hear your input.

kredman444, my understanding for a backsplash is a preference for blended colors or contrast. It might help to google "backsplash" and view the images. I like the time in the first picture. It seems well scaled to the pattern in the countertop and is unobtrusive.

I would go with a mat white octagonal tile with white grout. Or some other interesting shape. It will give some interest and texture without competing with the granite. You are also less likely to get bored of the colour, but could inject color and personality with accents and a window treatment.

@tdemonti. Most wallpapers have a plastic coating. They are very easy to keep clean and very easy to install as you only have short lengths to hang. Tip: the success is in your hanging equipment. You need a 100 count box of single edge razor blades, a plastic smoother ( in the shape of a palette), a metal straight edge (sturdy with plastic on the handle side, a short level to get started, a pair of very good scissors with a good point (such as old sewing scissors). Wipe down with terry cloth rag and warm water and that has a squirt of dish soap in it. DO NOT BUY A CHEESEY WALLPAPER KIT! You can only use a blade once (twice if you flip it over and use the other end. Have a jar or old can for the used blades and only have one blade in play at a time.

I would go with a plain tile that has no pattern and the grout matches the tile. The choices you have all shown compete with your countertop.

If you can manage it I would say potentially a cream subway tile

White running bond is classic. If you like glass mosaic, pick something with less noise. Grout to match tile, more monolithic look. Would not do cream, too close to counter.

My daughter just had granite installed and we installed a larger format tile. Fewer grout lines, less busy and we thought less competition with the granite. These are before grouting.

Good idea thanks

Moss, what is white running bond? Pictures help please.

I heard some suggest white subway tile. If the white is brighter white then the cabinets, will that work?

April. Any pictures for your suggestions? Thanks.

White subway tile. Shiny or matte and grout color- would it make sense to have cream color grout or stay white. Or do a darker color in the grout. I'm afraid if I go darker grout it might compete with granite. Any thoughts? Thanks all.

@kredman444 Running bond is when subway tiles are arranged in a brick wall-like layout, as opposed to stacked in columns with vertical edges of each tile lining up with the ones below it.

With a patterned granite countertop, you need a solid backsplash; otherwise they will fight with each other and it will drive you crazy.

kredman, running bond is staggered like brick. Subway tile is classically laid out that way. Can try a longer tile for more updated look. Or even an elongated hexagon, but with white matching grout to down play the pattern.
Btw, this is Wong. Moss is my partner.

I would suggest a glass backslash, easier to clean. I usually get my ideas on Great Idea Hub.

reupser, nice using the larger stones. I think the smaller inlay competes with the countertop, IMHO.

kredman444, what is the picture you have in your head of how you would like the finished product to be? Just know that one pattern in the kitchen is plenty and the rest should kinda fade into the background and support the pattern.

Here is a great article about how you don't have to LOVE all of your finishes....

http://www.mariakillam.com/loveyourinstallation/

http://www.mariakillam.com/boringequalstimeless/

http://www.mariakillam.com/the-best-backsplash-tile-for-your-kitchen/

These will give you greater confidence in your choices.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I have attached my two final picks. The smaller tile has a very slightly ragged edge. The longer tile has few specs in it that goes nicely with the granite. Both of them are glossy. So now to another question - pattern. Should I go horizontal or angled and/or should I do a center piece below the microwave. Similar to the pictures I have attached from other kitchens. BTW our walls are pale yellow.

Oops I forgot another one we are looking at. Take a look. This one is so close in color with the others, but it has faint waves in it. Not sure you can see from the photos

I like the one with specks in it. You don't have a lot of space between cabinets and counter so I'd simply lay them horizontally. I also wouldn't change the pattern over the stove for the same reason.

The plain tile you chose with "rough" edges ties in best IMO. It's not uber modern and neither are your other choices. I like the brick-lay pattern discussed above. Classic and not trendy

Keep is simple and plain to highlight the granite. Everything Macintreka said. Granite is lovely and the highlight, let it shine. Please post finished picture!

I think the one with the specks co ordinates beautifully with the granite. Your cabinets are very tall and there is very little space between them and the counter. I think the solid tile will look too similar to the cabinets, so I would go with the specks in a brick lay pattern, no highlight over stove.

The specks could be interesting. I too,would lay them in a brick pattern and nothing fancy over the stove. But, get a few tiles and try laying them in different patterns. See what you think.

Installed the backsplash. It looks great. It's a very light almond color. Love it. Thanks for all your suggestions. See photos. Now on to the grout. The picture I attached has four colors. From left to Right. - Bright White, Light Almond, Antique White and White. Any suggestions ?

Keep the backsplash simple...plain subway tiles which exactly match the background color or one of the main vein colors of your granite will work best and will not compete.

Light almond

Light almond

Suggest you step back and look at the tiles from a bit father away to see which one you like :)

Your backsplash looks great! You picked the best choice.