In this case I would not. Your cabinets and your counter top have lots of movement, I would calm it down with a solid tone back splash. Sometimes the same counter top material makes the best back splash, but in my opinion that is usually with painted cabinets where there is no wood grain showing.

While it's a beautiful stone, I agree that it might be a bit much. On the other hand, with good undercabinet lighting, it could be a beautiful feature in your kitchen.

I love your elements. They are going to be stunning. I too love the look of a slab backsplash. I am also doing this in my kitchen reno.... I think it depends on the stone and the color of your cabinets. Sometimes dark can look cave like but with your beautiful new cabs you won't have that problem. Here are some images that might help you decide. How much light do you have in your kitchen? Will you have under cab lighting and will you be changing the lighting you have currently?

~boxer

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Not with that stone. It would be too busy and a bit too dark, too.