Have you considered a glass tile backsplash or maybe something like a white and green marble that compliments the maple and picks up the color of the walls. Check out Creme Brulee below.
http://www.glasstile.com/default2.aspx?flashAutoMode=B_1&initPage=product_intro.html

http://www.dekotile.com/store/Polished-Thassos-White-and-Ming-Green-Basketweave-Mosaic-Tile.html

Are there some local tilemakers in your area?

If so, you can often get seconds and overstocks of locally handcrafted tile for far less than you would pay for first quality retail - That's how I acquired the tile for my kitchen backsplash from the Heath Ceramics factory for @1/5 retail.

classic subway tile is always easy to clean, comes in a multitude of colors, and can be installed with narrow accent tiles (same or different colors) to provide additional texture and/or interest.

Thanks so much all of you...however, I hate grout and the business of tile, wanting something smooth. D o you know if art or photos showing thru plexiglass is an option? Have you seen the glass with art sealed on the back side so you look thru the glass and see the art? I've seen lots of plates and platters that you can sit on easels or hang on plate racks...I've seen photos stuck on the back of plexi, but don't know where to find this custom made? Please let me know if you know what I'm trying to say? thanks again!!

Would plexiglass scratch? I've seen wallpaper put behind plexiglass for a back splash, but thought it looked cheap...with a classy photo behind it, would it work as a simple back splash?

larger tile i.e. 12x12 w/a minimal grout line would look seamless and look almost like a slab - the same look can be achieved w/smaller tile - no grout lines. I had a stainless steel sheet placed behind my cooktop then tiled up to the sides - the stainless cleans beautifully and the mix of materials keeps it interesting.

i have 12x12 tile and i love it.

a friend just got retangular subway tile (tumbled?), no grout - it looks amazing!!! She also has dark granite, stainless appliances

"Would plexiglass scratch?"

Yes, it does - Terribly.
It can also stain and melt.

You'd be better off with tempered glass.

Great points there bepsf, thank you!!

Polyester...what's tumbled? I'll google it too, new term for me!
mlane...love this idea of mixing materials...do you have a textured staniless steel?

Don't get too fancy with your backsplash. You'll end up putting items in front of it anyway and it might upstage your granite. Check out a blogpost I did on backsplash design, on my blog, DesignintheWoods on blogspot.

Actually, a 12X12 isn't large enough. Standard backsplash height is 18" I'd go for an 18X18. Or, you could go with a 4X16 drystack. Which means NO Grout. Precision cuts are necessary to do this type of installation. As long as it isn't in a wet zone, should be OK. OR, why not use your granite slab again, they can cut it to 1/4" thick - or you can have custom glass backsplash. There is one here in Edmonton where my design studio is - they can do anything you like - or, if you have a Granite Transformations in your area, they can do a solid piece of recycled glass. Very important ** you need to tie into your countertop and cabinetry colours to make sense of the backsplash. Otherwise its just not going to make sense why you chose what you chose? Hopefully that makes sense. http://fluxglass.ca/
Obviously, the photo isn't of your kitchen because you are referring to a black or dark countertop with maple cabinetry.

Very cool glass backsplash! I would suggest if you want a seamless installation, have granite slab installed. If the black is too dark, look for a black/white colored granite like caledonia for the backsplash so it ties in the white and black. I think people get overly freaked out about grout lines. Your backsplash really doesn't get that much action. As someone else said, you put a lot of things in front of it. 18x18" tile is a good idea but you will still have vertical grout lines.