I also agree with continuing the bench material up the walls. When going a beautiful natural stone you do not want to compete with it - let the beauty of nature stand out.
We do have different styles in Australia.. but the other tiles look more like bathroom selections to me... which wouldn't 'flow' with the kitchen even if you did install them in a bathroom.

My first option would be to continue the same material through. Otherwise, pick a colour in the natural stone (the grey would look really nice, or even whatever the darker colour is for a different effect) and go for a glass splashback. Can't say I've seen many glass splashbacks in US designs (I'm just assuming that is your location - apologies if I am incorrect), but I'm a big fan of them with busy benchtops.

You can't have 2 'features' so close together, either it's the bench or the splash. You need to decide between the 2.

Neither

to be honest i wouldnt use either. I dont like the colour matchings of either of them. And with the colour of your granite i would be more inclined to use a plain backsplash rather than the multicoloured ones. My granite has pink gray and black undertones and my backsplash is a bone colour and the tiles are bigger not the minature ones like those that you chose.

I agree with Cassie Green. We have a granite top similar to yours and what we have done is that we continued the granite for about 20cm up the wall to create a 'border'. The effect is very pleasing to the eye and flowing. Furthermore on the two ends of the counter top the vertical granite border has been 'sculpted' into a curvy ending instead of having it end in a straight line. Of course we did not need a backsplash over the sink because the sink is right under the window. Depending on where your stove is and what style it is, you could eventually use even inox or plain tile in a color of the granite. We've had very bad experience with glass backsplash as they broke twice due to the heat of the stove.

The main tile of the first one is ugly up against the warmth of the countertops. The second one is much better. I think however, that the mosaic backsplash is too busy for the countertops. It would compete for attention.

Perhaps going with a color that is in the granite--which appears to be in the yellow family. Try looking at Solistone 6-Pack 6-in x 23.5-in Portico Slate Black/Grey Natural Stone--not only does this choice have your color family--but can add a stone texture and dimension to your backsplash complementing the granite. Just my thoughts.

I love the look of the slate tiles for a focal point above my kitchen sink (visualize photo 1as a square), but was finding that the counter-top pattern I had chosen was clashing. (I am using a Formica one with a 4? inch back.) I also tried mosaic tiles similar to what you showed, but found that it was "too busy" but had the colors I liked. So this was what I came up with for above the counter-top to transition to the slate (photo 2). Using larger tile just made it look so much better!

The metal chair rail piece and black border eases the transition to the black subway tile that I wanted to use here. (The white switch plate is just showing the spacing to the base of the cabinets for sake of getting an idea of scale.)

My carpenter thinks that the fancy metal piece around the center black glass tile should go; but as for me I am undecided and will probably have to see it with maybe just a black scrolled piece perhaps ...

Thanks for the suggestions

We have the same granite, so I thought you might like to see what we did.

Why does everyone do the obvious ... kick it up a notch or two, accent it with
BLACK or CHOCOLATE BROWN tile, stop the cookie cutter look ...

Do a 4" granite back splash. It is too busy with subway tile!

What color are the finishes of the cabinets, floor and appliances? I like what the B and C Constriction mentioned of the Cholate Brown accent. But not sure would like to see the rest of the kitchen.

I like what McPherson did.

I still like this. We would use the 6 by 6 tile with small ones in between with an accent of the square mosaic. Our appliances are black and our hardware is antique bronze. I thought it would try everything together.

I meant "pull" everything together. Sorry.

Keep it simple. :-) Such a granite top is a feature by itself, does not need anything else to compete with it. As so many others have said above, either chose a tile in one of the colors of the granite, or if you prefer another single color granite (even though that would be more expensive).
The positive thing about such a granite is that dirt does not show, the negative is that it is busy to the eye. I have two kitchens one with a similar type granite and another with a black granite and I can definitely say that it feels much more peaceful and relaxing to work in the one with the black granite, yet I can only tell the difference because I have used both.
A kitchen with a colorful granite needs to be kept minimalistic to look good. The slightest clutter either busy design will make it overwhelming and tiring after a while.This is why am not too crazy about the idea of using the same granite up on the wall as a backsplash.
Then again all this is subjective and it depends on what works for you, we can only share opinions and our own experiences.

I think you have nailed it, since your appliances are black keeping it simple and understated is lovely and a classic. You won't get tired of it most likely. You can always add color if you want with accessories and seasonal decor. Enjoy!

backsplash mosaics are way too busy. look for a simple glass or metal pattern

Seeing the tile with the cabinets and countertop I think it will all work well together..... (not too busy and not real bland) :-)

Thanks. I think so too.

I should have said... with the time and thought you have put into this, I think you will have lovely kitchen :-)

Thanks. I needed that. Very overwhelmed.

Not a designer but the top photo the tile looks white and doesn't look good with the granite. I prefer the bottom photo

I think we are going with this, will post when done.

I think it's a lovely choice stephmorris! It blends and compliments everything so well!

no ! the longer tile is too fashionable, you will tire of it ! go for the square one, more in harmony with the shape of the little tiles !

Nhnhm

Nhnhm?

Stephmorris..... There will always be critics of whatever you do. Please post picture when you are finished :-)

I think we have the same granite and I have a similar tile backsplash to your square choice. Here's a picture to hopefully give you an idea of the bigger picture of that selection. Taken at night, so not the best lighting. Good luck with your decision! :)

I like it. Thanks for sharing. We just placed our tile order today. 6x6 on top and bottom with 2x2 squares in the middle with alternating mosaic tile occasionally. Can't wait to get started. Thanks for everyones input. Will post a pic when done.

Ugh! We have to start over. 6x6 tile discontinued.

Have you looked anywhere else for them?

Yep. No luck so far. Working on new ideas. We will get it.

Use granite for back splash for 4 ". It will look more elegant and classic to have unifying granite for whole kitchen.

We chose the backsplash to tie into the granite (similar to yours) but not to distract from it. We also played with how it looks with the cabinets. We went with the second from the top. I pulls out the carmel undertones in the granite. Also, the pitted travertine would be a pain to clean. We added a detail at the stove.

very pretty

I love both of these kitchens. Great design, simplicity and unifying elements.

Made a decision. Grout lines will be linen.

Neither one will match because the granite has YELLOW beige with yellow being the undertone and the tiles (both ones) you picked are PINK BEIGE with pink undertones. Not only will they not match you will absolutely hate it and wonder why you don't like it. They don't go at all!

Looks wonderful Stephmorris123! Your hard work has paid off, good job girl! It's really perfect with your kitchen style and design.
As for poeme1527: "The key to good design is to blend, not match"

The most important thing is that YOU are happy with it, since you are the one who will be seeing it day in and day out! I am glad to see you are going with a grout that should blend in with the tiles. :-)

Lindsay, yellow beige and pink beige clash. It's not an issue of matching. Sorry, we'll have to agree to disagree I guess.

Take the samples to a paint store and have them look at them. I can't tell at all about hues, tints of paints but they can. It is too much effort and expense to get something that you want to look its best.

Good luck!

Here are some pretty choices.!!

Still have to caulk but we finally made a decision. Thanks for all the input. You of your advice has really helped!

This looks great! Congratulations!!

Nice backsplash. What tile did you use? Name, color and manufacturer?

I think you might need to choose a different tile.......mosaic looks fine but both tiles look a little off color in your pictures

The final product looks really nice. I'm stuck in backsplash limbo. I would love to know what tile and grout did you end up using? Great job :)