To me putting white subway into this kitchen comes from left field and would not do the kitchen any favors. You really should try to "connect" the dark cabs and the countertop colors with the backsplash tile meaning find a tile that incorporates both colors plus possibly some white or off white into the mix. You have already committed to those colors of the cabs and countertop so pulling them into the splash is the appropriate design solution. This can be achieved by using a mosaic tile with glass or stone or ceramic or any combination of those materials or stone with those colors and so forth. Make sure and take a sample of your cabs and countertop with you when shopping for the tile.

Riddle Construction makes a good point. I particularly like the texture created by the mosaic tile used in this kitchen with similar finishes.

Hi Michigammemom: funny you used this pic as reference - it's one that I also used, but had to stick with the darker countertop - I have loved it for years and simply couldn't make to the change to a lighter one. Thanks for the help.

Like this, but then with your colors.
http://houzz.com/photos/89098

What is the brand and color on your cabinets?

I like sandkshouse's ideas of a lighter color glass subway tile (not white) or a thin glass tile with some color (blue/gray or green/gray combo colors). However, I think changing out the hardware from black to a stainless steel/brushed nickel on the cabinets would go a long way in adding some lighter colors to match your counters and highlight the cabinet's dark color.

They were custom, built by a local cabinet maker, who came highly recommended. We are not exactly jumping for joy with the results of the work he has done, but we'll live with it. They are maple, cut on the horizontal , but the stain and varnish is now too dark to even notice. The Vallejo St. kitchen was the colour we were going for. We also have an island in the same wood/stain. Our h/w flooring in the adjoining d/l room is the orig. oak, which is now extremely orange/gold in colour.

Ines

I think something that incorporates glass for some depth, and both lighter colors as well as the darker tones you have would be nice to tie everything together.

Contemporary Bathroom Tile by Anaheim Tile, Stone & Countertops Bedrosians Tile and Stone

I was also trying to upload this tile:

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There is beautiful glass tiles at Lowes as well as The Tile Shop. I just renovated my kitchen, but did mostly light colors. I put off white subway tile, but with your dark cabinets and counters, I would definitely use glass tile. I think it reflects light and is easy to clean, which really is the purpose of a backsplash.

I second the idea of painting/replacing the current hardware with brushed nickel, and the idea of a glass subway tile in a springy color, like soft green or even lighter purples. White would be way too stark. I know you're not finished yet, but are you planning to paint the window trim and ledge at all? Going either white or the color of your cabinets would definitely pull it all together.

Love the ideas. How about a versaille pattern tile? I just remembered that I saw that pattern at the tile shop.

Hi; Yes, the carpenter will complete the window frame, and install a bridge with LED lights on top. I won't be changing the h/w though - just installed it.. The style we liked only came in matte black and oil rubbed bronze, so it has to stay. now that's they're up, I see they are too dark, but live and learn.

Along the lines of other suggestions, I like the idea of using varying colors of natural stone to pull in your cabinets and counter. Here are a couple I found searching houzz products for limestone mosaic.

We would love to help you in any way if you decide to go with a white subway tile. I would get a few samples and put them in your space because you can really tell what a tile will look like if you set if where it will be installed. One will really jump out with your aesthetic over the others. Perhaps a "Glimmer" tile would give it a lightness that you are wanting. Here are the images of our white subway tile and our cloud white glimmer tile. Please contact us if we can help with anything.

I wouldn't really go with white, but I do suggest beige/cream blends like this http://www.glasstilestore.com/shop-by-colors-now/beige-cream/cafe-au-lait-1-2-x-2-cracked-joint-classic-brick-layout-marble-mosaics-cafeaulait1-2x2crackedjoint.html White might make your kitchen look too stiff whereas beige/ream blended with the same color of your cabinets will look softer and more complementary

Do you have under cabinet lighting? If so, you have more choices. I would bring in something from nature to give the room some texture. These penny tiles are very in so keep the look contemporary.

I feel like you could brighten the room up with hardware to match your faucet for starters what is on there now just blends right in to the darkness- I would use glass tile like suggested above it will lighten up your kitchen- white subway tile just wouldn't fit the decor but you could find a colored glass subway if you like that style something similar in color to counters to keep your monotoned look.

Lighting is what you need, (2) nice pendant lights in the window, and the backs plash can be in the light neutral territory.
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If you're looking for a subway tile, I think our Pearl subway tiles would look great in this kitchen. They'll help to brighten the kitchen up a bit, and they'll work great with the colors you've already selected for paint, cabinetry and counters.

You can see them here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/subway/

Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone. i'll be checking out more tile samples next week and keep you posted. the countertop is definatley caesarstone 4330 - it looks like blue/green swirled in.

Hi: I picked up some glass thin mosaic type tiles in the colours of the counter and cabs at home Depot. Looks great. Also, we're not using LED puck lights anymore - the electrician told us they won't provide enough light, so I'm looking for small pendants. There is 41" from side to side.

A cheap way to brighten up that kitchen would be to add some new hardware. I've posted our Monarch and Stainless Steel Collections. Anything with a satin nickel finish would make the cabinets pop!

Are you sure you won't spring for red???

The red is nice - I'll pick up some samples this weekend. I'll look for blue-red, not orange red.

Can't wait to see the finished product! Sounds like it's coming together...

Thank you all. I'll post some pics this weekend. also, if anyone has a second to check out my L r area rug. I have just found and purchased a hall runner since I've already committed to this one in the LR BUT my dog was sick last week, and the rug must go. any thoughts on co-ordinating area rugs, or should I purchase another the same. I'm finally at an age where I realize I have to stop purchasing items randomly, and should have some type of scheme, or big picture.

Paint and backsplash.

I think for paint I'd go with either something like Revere Pewter from Benjamin Moore, or Gray Cloud by Benjamin Moore. Those light colors will help.

Backsplash, I like subway tile. I'd recommend something like our Diamond or Peal glass subway tiles. I think they'll really help give a brighter feel to the kitchen. You can see them here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/subway/

I love the cabinetry you have, but it is dark. So brighten the rest of the room up with paint, backsplash and accessories. Hope this helps!