White subway tiles are more neutral since there are lots of brown tones in the kitchen already.

I was thinking a cream subway tile I think the stark white will draw you eye directly to the backsplash and away from that gorgeous granite! Love your wall color too!

I would go for something with more of a 'pop'! Your kitchen is very pretty but needs a little more pizzazz. I would go with red or turquoise subway tiles.

My suggestion is narrow stainless steel tiles such as these http://www.thebuilderdepot.com/edger-thin-brick-mosaic-stainless-steel-tiles-earthworks-series.html
Frankly, I'm up to here...with subway tiles..it's way overdone and to me is now passe.

Or if you don't want to go bold on the whole backsplash, why not go with an accent piece? This is just an example: http://houzz.com/photos/1679437and if you decided in something like this, you could always go with white or cream subway tiles to go with it.

I like the idea of the subway tiles but I would look at glass. WWW.interamic.com has a line of glass subway tiles in a variety of colors that I think would go with the colors in your granite. They are reasonably priced readily available throughout the US.

Www.interceramic.com Sorry about the misspelling.

I don't know if the links working, here is an example of an accent backsplash: http://houzz.com/photos/1679437

Patti, I really like linear stone my only objection is the ability to keep it clean if splashing / spills occur. The rough textured face may be a problem in keeping it looking nice. It does not lend itself to sealing with all the irregular face and joints

these recycled aluminum tiles might look nice with your kitchen http://www.coveringsetc.com/BioLuminumHome.aspx?CategoryID=22

I think you would be successful by adding a stainless steel panel between the stove and microwave similar to te attached image then add large terrazzo tile on each side to add some pop without overwhelming the traditional design of your kitchen.

or a solid piece of painted glass, you could go with a bold color that adds some pop to the kitchen http://www.sodaglassusa.com/Home_Page.html