You need to add some contrast and life to your back splash...try adding some color.

I agree with the comments above. You could add some decorative tiles in the mix if you are set on the beige.

I agree with the brown as your backsplash just to add some life to your kitchen.

I know it is playing it safe with the beige/ivory colors but I am worried that the granite is busy and adding a busy backsplash would complicate thngs. Does anyone have any specific suggestions? I have a lot of outlets on every wall with a window over the sink as well. So it is pretty choppy. I am open!

Is that tropic brown granite? I would do a row of 6x6 striaght then diag the next 3 pop a 4x4 glass pc straight every once ina while this add splash of color but wont over do with the out lets. daltile does a very nice crack glass look in 4x4. we just did a home this way and it looks great. good luck.

thanks so much for all of your inputs. the granite is new venetian gold.

White would be too stark for all the colors in Venetian gold, and your brown cabinets. I like the idea of the person who left you the picture. It will go great with the VG. I have just installed Saint Cecelia Gold which is similar to you VG and plan to use those colors mentioned above (picture) but in subway tile. Good luck!

One more thing....I don't care for the glass, so I am putting a decorative 6 x 6 instead using colors I intend to use around the kitchen.

Check out this link to backsplash ideas for Venetian gold granite- https://www.google.ca/search?client=safari&hl=en&tbm=isch&q=venetian+gold+granite+backsplash+ideas&revid=824455905&sa=X&ei=Z5K_UYitHaKNigLwvoGoDA&ved=0CDMQ1QIoAA&biw=1024&bih=644

I agree with the first comment. I would go with a simple ceramic white 3" x 6" to contrast the counter tops. You also have the option of using the granite that was cut for the kitchen as a back splash, they can simply cut rips to the cover the missing paint.

If you wanted to go natural stone would would recommend either a tumbled marble or a durango travertine.

Good luck