What about something like this

If those pics were done at night and that upper cabinet is that dark you need to get better lighting in those pictures your uppers look taupe . The bottom tile is a dated look and I would like to see the wholoe kitchen in order to choose a backsplash. Make sure all your bulbs are LEDs in the 4000K range.

Here are a few other samples. My cabinets are White Island gray as I have attached earlier. My countertop is quartz

You need some color. If I didn’t know better, I’d think all your photos were black & white photos.

I vote for the hexagon in white with grey grout. It could add some fun interest to your room and tie together your grey and white elements. Although I do LOVE the idea that pink_peony suggested. Adding texture is always a fun idea as well (except if you have to scrub spaghetti sauce splatter from all of the edges - but it might be worth it!).

Then for color, add fun bright accessories that you can change out seasonally if you want. That room would look gorgeous with a vase of bright flowers (fuchsia peonies are now on my mind)

The linear and mosaic tile is starting to look dated as many of the other said. BUT - it's also about what YOU like more. If you love the small mosaics, go for it.

I would go for something larger scale than what you’re showing.

I like the elongated hexagon tiles -- they look like they coordinate nicely with your countertop and island.

I like some of your options, but I still feel like I can't tell what your kitchen colors/finishes really look like - especially because the photo of the island shows a floor that looks very warm, in contrast to counters and cabinets. Can you post any bigger-picture photos that show the whole space?

I like the hexagon too. A light gray glass would look nice too. Agree with the others not to do the small tiles.

Sure I will send you more pictures. I have brushed nickel hardware, brass island globe pendant lights, grey Bambu style porcelain tile from Happy Floors and all white cabinets and stainless appliances. My style is Contemporary.

I don't think I would introduce another gray into the space. I would either keep it white or match the island. The island color might be too dark for a backsplash though.

Honestly I really liked the idea of the hexagon tiles being the same color as your island color. It’s like a greenish gray no?

Or a lighter shade of the same color. On my screen, the island color looks very unique and I would love to see it tie in more with the rest of the kitchen

It is Actually I am a dark smoky grey there’s no green in it

Sorry for the typo

I think I'd let my countertop be the star and use some size of white subway tiles with matching grout. They can be larger tiles, but keep them simple and rectangular. Less is more...

So overall it looks like I have to go either with the grade that will match with the island which is currently what I have the hexagon tile or just keep it simple and white I wonder if white glass would be fine with gray grout

I’d keep it simple. A subway tile in light grey glass.

I wouldn’t bring in another grey. White tile that match the countertop with some silvery grout. You can choose the exact grout color you want by mixing white with grey

The shiny tile in mark _rachel’s post is really nice has a nice texture also. I don’t know what brand it is. The herringbone is Also nice but I would like a little more contemporary pattern.

A lot of people are suggesting white, but I am not sure that is a great idea. Whites are notoriously hard to match, and you already have two (your counter and your cabinets), so finding the perfect white tile might be a challenge. It would be much easier to "match" your island with a gray tile (especially since it is not right next to the island so if the color is off a tad it will still look like it matches), and pulling in the island color on the perimeter will make the whole kitchen more cohesive IMO.

Maybe consider something a little less boring like this?

Keep your backsplash light in color, matching one of the light colors in your counter. I would use solid color tiles with only the smallest contrast in grout color.
You may need to increase the lighting in the kitchen.

What do you think about this sample ?

Can you show it with a little more counter in the picture? Not sure if it could be a bit busy or not...

Your options are too dark and too busy . Go lighter and LESS busy . Or put the same as the counter top .

You already have two toned cabinets and a non solid colored countertop....this is enough interest. Choose a solid colored backsplash....this latest one is too busy

I like the elongated hexagons running vertical but can you get that in white? You need a solid light color.

Yes I agree too. Floor and decor has the hex in white. But some recommend grey like the island and others white. Also not sure if I should get something glass or porcelain

Glass is nice if you’re worried about things being too dark. Glass will reflect light. Regarding white versus another color, that’s probably ultimately up to your personal taste. To me, a white backsplash would be boring with white cabinets but others like that look. I don’t think either is “wrong” (in some cases it would just be wrong lol...like if the white cabinets were instead actually a dark color....things would be just too dark w a darker backsplash). But for your kitchen, either one works imo

I think the backsplash should be less prominent than the countertop. They should fall back while the headliner (counters and cabs) shine. No one likes Celine Dionne as a chorus girl.

Your counters are quite mellow and so your backsplash should be even more so.

As I keep getting updates on every opinion that is shared, I can't help but think that all of this advice may not be helping make your decision any clearer. So far I've read that your options are too dark to some, too light for others. Some say you need color or that your options are too boring. Others say you must stick with white, others insist on grey, or that your options are too busy. Some are suggesting a classic or more simple design. I guess this all just goes to show that there is no single right answer in design (although I have definitely seen some wrong answers in my years - don't worry though no bad ideas here).

You have mentioned that you want want to stick with a contemporary look. That is important. That will rule out some of the options above. You have also mentioned glass a couple times, and the possibility of using a white glass tile. I just wanted to chime in again to advise you to do some homework before committing to any white glass tile and darker grout. It can be great, BUT the dark grout can completely change the color of the white tile and you have to be careful about the color of the thinset you use. The dimension of the glass tile also changes as you grout it, so it will be much different looking at a sample now vs. how it will look installed. Maybe mock up a sample board before you buy all of the materials, or find a tile showroom with a display already done. I am not trying to talk you out of it - it can be a great look - I just want you to know that the look changes a little with glass tile once it's installed (especially light and white tile!).

forget the last choice. I like your elongated hex in the color of your island. here's a similar tile and how it would look

I also like this one (Walker Zanger 6th ave)

If you want a glass tile, use a gray or soft blue that goes w/your island. as mentioned, white will take on a blue/green hue unless you get perfectly white glass (expensive) tiles.

If you laid them in a vertical pattern, it looks more modern

similar set up to yours, in regard to similar colors/patterns. a scallop or Ogee Drop tile

if you want a linear bar tile, make sure it's a solid color or some very pale gray/blue glass w/pure white marble

similar to what you have. (diff colors tho) just to show you what a herringbone pattern would look like. if you kept the colors soft, it would work and not compete.

longer pickets in a vertical layout. I like this one too. notice how they're cut on the bottom course.

Wife and I are going with a blue 3x12
La belle air

Beth, thank you for putting it all together and taking the time to post several options. If I choose the hex general rec is to install horizontally but the rectangle tiles vertically given my style
Being contemporary. The grout should be blended like grey or white to bring out the shape of the tiles ? My tile guy told me also that cutting glass tile might be harder depending on the make. I have not seen the longer hexagons in the last few pics you posted anywhere. Which company are they bfrom? The ones that I have are from floor and decor in Houston. I have also found a few glass rectangle tiles from Arizona tile but one sample is darker similar to the color of my island and other is much lighter gray. I will post those pics tomorrow morning when I have better light.

Following

Here are a few other samples in addition to
The hexagon tiles I shared before.

What about a marble subway tile? Classic and would tie in with the gray island.

Looks very nice but the marble tiles I have seen may have some yellowish tint in some pieces as part of Normal variation. The one you posted looks very nice indeed.

try here, and scroll down to the Aliante hex. comes in a few diff colors. Also check out the Komorabi hex tiles in glass

(speaking of glass tiles, if you tile guy doesn't have a diamond blade that's meant to cut glass, then find a new tile guy. what's hard to cut are the small glass mosaics.)

https://tilebar.com/shop-by-tile-shape-and-pattern/hexagon.html

and these are also on tilebar. I ordered these samples from them. Nabi Harlequin. 8 colors.

https://tilebar.com/nabi-harlequin-natural-white-ceramic-tile.html

Tundra color would look nice w/your island

these are 4x8 https://tilebar.com/manchester-hexagon-bianco-4x8-ceramic-tile.html

Pratt and Larson has these. don't know if it's the right tone for you, but they are pretty

https://prattandlarson.com/image-gallery/elongated-hexagon-backsplash/

or this style (Encore Ceramics also has similar styles and beautiful colors)

https://prattandlarson.com/image-gallery/elongated-ogee/

Wow!!! I haven’t seen any of similar samples and I looked at quite a few places Emser tile, floor and decor, Arizona tile, tile shop etc. all these can be ordered on line. I don’t know how long it might take to have them.

Which ones are Aliente hex?

Aliente-Tilebar. click on the link I posted to take you to the all of their hex shapes. or this one for aliente. https://tilebar.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=aliante

did you look at all the others on there I mentioned?

they are out of NY. you can order 5 samples for $5. I've ordered at least 40 samples from the over the years. They ship within a week.

look around over here too

https://www.discountglasstilestore.com

they have a picket tile you might like in a gray blue (won't let me post pics)

https://www.discountglasstilestore.com/art-studio-picket-glossy-sky-gray-2-x-6-porcelain-tile-collection-6-89-per-square-foot/

and I don't know if you like this type, but the color is perfect w/your island

https://www.discountglasstilestore.com/art-studio-random-link-evening-bay-glass-collection-clearance-sale-6-89-sq-ft/

this one too, in a herringbone pattern. (the photos must be copyrighted or something. even saving to my own photos it won't let me post them here)

https://www.discountglasstilestore.com/bliss-artisan-glass-3x12-shadow-wavy-texture-sale-9-59-square-foot-plus-free-shipping/

check out their chevron options. you can lay this other ways. look the pictures to see what I mean

https://www.discountglasstilestore.com/wall-tile/

and lastly, Encore. this is a new style

http://encoreceramics.com/product/sparrow-mosaic/

many colors, but they had this blend w/marble and that blue gray like your island.

In Some Areas such as under windows the distance between window ledge and the countertop is only 14” so can’t install 12x4 vertically.

Yes I have looked. I’ll order Aliante might and dark grey for sampling.

The chevron series of discount tiles can only send 10 in quantity even for sample. I wanted to see
The light grey option in my kitchen

Bliss in your post is looking like the gioia steel from Arizona tile that I have picked up a sample of the other day. But it is 4x16 too big for my backsplash space I think.

I gave you at least 4 diff tile places to peruse. you should be able to find something you like!

Yes very very helpful indeed. I will work on this this week and post again