Thank you. That info is very helpful and I will check those out. If I were to use the mosaic I would use it as an accent in a strip or somehow to connect the glass blocks. I don’t think that picture came through so I’ll try again.

d_gw, I love the tiles. Do you know who makes them?

I agree that the mosaic is busy and in my opinion also a little dated. I'd strive for something that blends in a bit more. Here are some ideas...they may not be quite the right colour tones, but I think it will give you an idea.

I'm a big fan of herringbone, so the second from the top if my favourite. The colours are muted but there is enough going on that it would be nice and not completely blend into the background. I like the chevron as well - that one may have too much colour variation - you'd have to get some samples and pick the sheets you want so that it isn't overly busy.

Oh and one more suggestion. When you install the new counter and backsplash, please match the switch plate covers to the tile so they don't contrast and stand out. You don't want to draw attention to something that isn't pretty in any way. thanks

tntcougar75, I think those are Walker Zanger. Beautiful and pricey. There are less expensive versions of crackle tile available.

I agree 100% about the switch plates. We just purchased this home and since I got here I’ve been trying to neutralize things. The home needs updating and was quite busy for my taste. We’ve painted, removed columns, and now are starting on the kitchen. I like the tiles you suggested but I’m wondering if I need to be concerned about the shapes/ pattern. The cabinet facings on top have an arch and the glass blocks squares are prominent.

Everyone that put in those mosaic backsplashes in the early 2000s are ripping them out due to how busy they are. Even as an accent, it's too much.

I would get rid of the glass blocks and put in solid glass windows.
https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=123852

More....https://www.homedit.com/window-backsplash-ideas/

Different shapes are a good way to add subtle interest as long as the grout blends with the tile. If you use contrasting grout then the tile shape will make a strong pattern.

I am not a pro but......I completely agree that you should NOT use the mosaic tile, for all the reasons that have been mentioned: it's too busy (not a minimalist look) it's dated and I don't think it would look good/appropriate paired with your cabinets anyway. A simple subway tile could work IMO, but the tiles shown by @d_gw are a gorgeous option if you want something a bit more interesting (yet still simple). I wouldn't worry about your kitchen being boring- quality materials are always attractive and a lot of interest can be added with just a few accessories. The thing I am struggling with is the glass block. Are you keeping it? For whatever it's worth, if keeping the light is necessary, then I agree that a plain glass window would be a more appealing option. Good luck!

I think a solid window back splash could be such a strong feature for your kitchen!! Instead of 'working with' I would embrace it...spend the $ on beautiful windows and make them the coolest part of your kitchen...functional too I would imagine.

Since you are looking at backsplash and changing out appliances, consider removing the over the range microwave and replacing with a pretty stainless hood. Think about this now because it will change how you tile the area behind the range - you will need to go a little higher with a hood.

Place a small micro on the counter next to the fridge or have a carpenter retro fit an upper or lower cabinet.

Thank you all for your comments. I was so tired of trying to figure out how to make this space work. I had initially thought about changing the windows but dropped it because it seemed complicated. Now I’m convinced it the right thing to do. It will make the rest of the project so much easier. I found a great website this afternoon so I’m off to a good start. My windows aren’t centered like I’d prefer so if anyone has an idea about that I’d love to hear it.
https://www.transomsdirect.com/

Good! No sense working around something you don't like. It's not a big deal to remove that glass block. If you want to alter the size/placement of the new window--what is on the exterior of the wall? That might get a little tricky. Ditch the mosaic for sure.

I love these elongated hexagon tiles. I think they would look wonderful with your cabinets and countertop. https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/msi-elongated-hexagon-12-x-12-ceramic-mosaic-tile-in-antique-white-mvp2916.html

Yes, windows would be great especially if they came down to the counters. Natural light is always a good thing!

jhmarie, I like your idea about the hood. Were you thinking about removing the microwave and cabinet above or just the microwave? I like those hoods that go all the way up but that would present some other challenges. I’m also looking at regular stainless vent hoods but ( keep little cabinet) but haven’t found a lot of pretty ones.

I understand concerns about taking down the whole micro and cabinet above - never know what the sides of the cabinet look like. You can take down the microwave and see what is there - probably the same side look as the other cabinets. The problem with a T vent would be matching and staining a bit of crown trim. A carpenter might be able to use the crown from the removed cabinet. But, if you don't want to get into that much work, a simple vent would look good if only because the large micro will come down and open up the cooking area.

One of my friends wanted to do a mosaic backsplash and I showed her a picture of a similar kitchen with similar mosaic and it changed her mind about doing it everywhere (way too busy), though she did decide to do it behind the range only. It looks pretty. That can be a simple way to make an ordinary range hood have a little more glam.

This is not my friends kitchen and she used a different mosaic, but a similar idea:

Just a simple hood can be attractive:

There are unfinished wood hoods which can be finished to match your cabinetry. I did this and the cost for hood, vent insert and labor was about $1000, but I did the staining myself. If you work with a carpenter, the cost will be more. Just ordering the parts (hood and vent) from a home center store was going to be over $1200, but I did some online research and was able to bring that down.

Not my kitchen - one example:

Mine is oak and has a more vintage look. A different wood and minus the wood applique and it would look more currant:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854029

I replaced an OTR micro with a hood and it made a big difference in the kitchen. If the cabinet sides are unsightly you can cover them with sheet of stainless. I had our handy guy reconfigure a cabinet so we could put the micro on an open shelf.

I did not have to cover my sides, but they were made up of a very thin piece of laminate and I wanted something stronger, especially given the age of my kitchen. Home center stores sell 1/4" side panels - unfinished. I did stain and add the panels to the sides of the cabinets when I changed out the hood. The face frame of my cabinets extends out about 1/4" and the panel fit right in. I need to do around the sink, but haven't yet. Here is the side panel:

Love these examples! I feel like this could be the answer to adding some dimension to the kitchen. I’ve been unable to figure out what my focal point would be in this kitchen and this could be the answer. It adds interest but is simple enough that it wont be too much with those windows.