I have been facing virtually the same dilemma with tiling around my window. I have such a small space beside the window that tiling it will be really difficult. I'm just going to paint the space to exactly match my white cabinets, as I think any other colour will draw the eye to a space I really don't want to emphasize. Can't help you with the backsplash though. Already feeling sick about choosing mine!

The Erebos looks great. the other color seems off to me, but it could just be my monitor or the picture. You are looking at it in real life.

I agree with the contractor, stop just under the cabinets by the window. I like the right tile the best, both for color and size. Beautiful counters! Backsplash was the hardest for us as well. If you want to see how charcoal gray would look check out my remodel pictures in my profile.

Thanks everyone for comments. So far 1 vote for option A and 1 for option C! I'm hoping more people weigh in before we have to decide.

Can you step back a bit and take another picture? I want to see the scale in relation to uppers and lowers.

Appliances are in the way of everything now, but hopefully this is a better overall view.

Regarding the window, does the contractor suggest stopping the tiling at the cabinets? Or tiling under the window to keep the flow of the tile going to connect the cabinets? I agree that up to the ceiling should not be done.

waterfall edge of island/and island material in general is the feature that stands out. I would have almost gone with a simple white subway. the gray in the elongated shape, thicker grout lines, and not especially light in color wouldn't be the pick if it were mine. If you seek gray, I would find a lighter gray, simpler tile and stay with thin grout line so the backsplash does not become a feature. Hardware can tilt a way you like, for some style...if you proceed with the darker gray I'd say it will be okay...but field tile of gray like that will be passe soon...your counter and waterfall edge doesn't need that medium gray ..it has a lightness to it which will stand the time test without gray tile next to it. I'd rethink.

I vote A and not tiling above the cabinets

I agree with herbflavor, but if those are your only two choices then go with the one you love, on the left.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. The consensus is to definitely not tile above the cabinets. We will tile under the window though as that is just above the sink and we need to protect the wall there. We're not tied to th3 2 colors shown in the pictures, it just seems to be the only 2 we've liked out of everything we've seen.

Regardless of what tile we pick, we will do a small grout line. As I mentioned with option A we will cut the mesh in order to do a tighter spacing. So far no one has picked the Erebos in the 3x6 which is not pictured, but it's kind of what I was leaning towards, with a small grout line in almost the same color. So now I'm even more torn since no one seems to like the 3x6!

We've tried white, but it's hard because our cabinets aren't true white, and picking off-white or light gray seems to clash with either the tone of the cabinet or the tone of the counter. Most of the lighter grays are coming off too taupe or creamy for me. I'm attaching a picture that shows a lighter, simpler tile option in case people think that is the right option. For some reason I feel like the off-white/gray tile on the right made the kitchen a little dated and less transitional.

I'm also attaching a close up of the Erebos so people can see the sheen up close. We're doing SS appliances and hood and champagne gold hardware, faucet, and pot filler. So I can see how the Erebos could be risky.

I still like the Erebos. I also like the new tile in the middle on your last picture.