Simple tile to match one of the lighter colors in the granite would be ideal. It won’t jump out at you visually if the grout is very close to the tile color, too. In a smaller area, keeping thing visually connected by color is a good thing.

Agreed with the comments above, and I would add the undercabinet lights will bring out the backsplash and lighten the entire space.

Try a nice shape, like picket or fish scale if you want a little interest. light creamy color would be great. I agree with brightening things up with undercab lighting.

Not a Pro.

I say clear off those counters and post a better picture.

I'd do nothing as you already have a backsplash(the granite one). Unless you're taking it out-and then I agree that simple ceramic tile in one of the lighter colors pulled from the granite would be nice. The granite gives off warm impression on the picture, so I imagine color in warm realm would be best. Hard to say without the close-up photo.

If you want backsplash tile, it is a much better look to remove the granite backsplash. However, that granite backsplash piece can sometimes hide gaps between the wall and countertop that tile will not cover...depends on how carefully the countertops were scribed to the wall. If gaps are there, there are possible fixes for tiling a backsplash.

Replace the short 4 inch granite with granite that goes up to the bottom of the cabinets.

We have subway tile that cream colored . Our cabinets and counter similar to yours

I would install under and over cabinet lighting and then love my new home for at least a year before doing anything else. If you want to tackle removing the 4 inch piece of granite backsplash you already have then you could do a simple light colored tile that complements the granite. But do the lighting 1st you might find you do not need to do anything else.

I think the gray wall color is adding one too many elements and clashes with the rest of the kitchen. Maybe paint the walls the same color as the door and trim. Then choose a simple subway tile that would blend with the paint color. Also add nice stainless cabinet pulls.

Install the new cabinet under lighting 1st. Different light bulbs give off different hues & change the surrounding colors.

Then pick 3 colors within the granite. Lighter suggested. Then bring home & place on counter. Take photos day & night. Post here if want opinions.

Thanks everyone!! We have above and under cabinet lighting already

A lighter color will look more spacious.

Examples of wood cabinets with lighter back splash & counters.

For a quick glance to see what a light color back splash would do. Tape some paper side by side in 1 area.

I would recommend making sure you 100% like granite and cabinets. I started off saying the same about our very similar kitchen. Changed backsplash 2x, still didn't love kitchen, then had cabinets painted white, still didn't love. The granite was just too busy for my liking so now finally getting new countertops. If you love your countertops than please disregard my comment. I would avoid any backsplash that is busy.

I have a creamy white subway tile for my backsplash with similar tone cabinets and really like it - but you may have to rethink the wall color. Some of the grays, especially the cooler ones do not bring out the best in warm wood tones.

Here is my wood kitchen idea book. You will notice that many have cream subway tile - it just seems to work well with the wood. Some do have gray - it needs to work with the countertop though. My kitchen is the second one.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

Great ideabook jhmarie!

Thanks:)

Recently I’ve done a beadboard backsplash for a customer. It’s a nice alternative to tile and all of the clashing issues that arise with a natural stone top. Just another option!

Definitely remove the 4” granite backsplash that’s there now if you decide to tile. But as someone else said, be prepared as it may be hiding some larger gaps where the installer may have been less than careful with the cuts because the 4” piece was going in and would hide them. Start going to tile stores and get some samples and bring them home to view them in your space with your lighting to see what works best and what you like best. Be prepared though that it could take could take quite a few trips and samples to find the one you really like and works best in your kitchen. In the end, the time and effort to find just the right one is worth it.