The kitchen looks beautiful thus far...have you considered a decorative border to run throughout? I think both of your choices would "work"...but the below example would "make" the design... :)

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I love the tile in the menlo park kitchen. What is it?

@ carrs4nj, if u click on the pic, it should lead u to more info regarding the picture... :)

I have a neighbour who has the exact same kitchen, granite, cabinets etc. They too did not know what to do with the backlash. You are on the right track!! They had a designer come to look at their kitchen. They suggested going with the following: A subway tile, size: 3 inch x12 inch. The tile is called Urban Zebra, Self Diamonds, Ghiacco. These tiles were purchased at the following store:
Factory Tile Depot, 1360 Speers Road, Mississauga, Ontario. 905-465-1650. The trim and door colour was painted in White Cloud by Benjamin Moore, CC 40. They also put in beautiful California white shutters, 2 & a half inches wide. Perhaps this company can send you a few samples that you can try out in your beautiful kitchen. I hope that helps you! Kind regards, Susan

Your kitchen renovation looks amazing. Although that spa blue is my all time favorite color, I would go with a light neutral grey/beige so you can change the accent colors when you are tired of the blue later on. I loved amber tiles 8 years ago when we did our kitchen remodel and now...would love to have used the simple subway tile.

@susanmarie4 I can't find Urban Zebra, Self Diamonds, Ghiacco when I google it. Is it three different colors?

@all 4 show, llc do you think that busier pattern would hold in a small l-shaped kitchen?

I like your subway tile that you have against the counter. best choice. Off white is another consideration. Very nice kitchen. Enjoy.

I agree with the simple glass subway tile, probably the lighter of the two colors (though the darker gray is nice too). I wouldn't do any busy accents as those tend to date a kitchen faster than a simpler design. Better to keep it simple and let your granite be the star.

Hi Christianac, I found this post from Houzzer susanmarie4 - I don't think you saw the original post, so I wanted to include it here. Susanmarie4, you are amazing - going above and beyond to help another Houzzer! Great job!

Hi Christiannc..
I just called the Factory Depot. I told them that you would like to see the colour that I suggested. They agreed when they looked at your kitchen. You should go with a 3 by 12 in subway tile. The colour that I suggested is a very light grey. I also asked the lady at the tile shop if under mount lighting would make this tile sparkle like diamonds and she said yes.
Christiannc, I spoke to Samantha, the designer that works at Factory tile. I gave you their number. Samantha told me to tell you to call her. She would be very happy send you a few samples of the tile at no charge. If I were you I would not go with a busy pattern nor would I choose blue... In a very short time, you,ll be board with it. Keep it simple and light. Patterns or intense colours will only make your beautiful space look too heavy. Since Samantha will send you the tiles for free, put them up against your wall and live with them for a few days..take the time you need. This tile also looks different under various kinds of lighting such as the morning sun, afternoon light and evening light. I hope that helps you.. The tile that you have taken pics of is nice, but the size of the tile is too small for your kitchen..this is my opinion only. You have to love it, not me and so I want you to be very happy with the choices that you made. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance! Take care, Susan

Here is the subway tile I told you about. The granite is the same as yours cashmere granite. How do you like the subway tile and the size? Take care, Susan

I love the aqua! This is your dream kitchen remodel and it is beautiful and appealing - don't go with "safe" if you think you might regret it.

This tile is the Urban Zebra-self diamonds Ghiacco
They are 3 x 12 inches I understand you have a small space. Here is another pic of the kitchen with the subway tile. This space is no more than 5 feet in width and the subway tiles look great. As I told you above, just call the number I gave you which is above and Samantha will send you free samples of this tile and other colours if you wish!! Take care, Susan. DALMA! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RESENDING MY COMMENTS. Regards, Susan

Hi. The above subway tiles are in a soft light grey. In the photo unfortunately the tiles appear to look darker. Take care and let all of us know what you decided. We are anxious to know. Regards. Susan