In my research I’ve concluded that although I have always loved the visual interest of mixed metals type backsplashes rather than solid one type options, I may need to go simple and let the granite take first Place visually.

But i I do want some kind of contrast or color other than everything being white, black and gray. I just don’t want too many patterns competing with each other. Plus not sure if I should try to pick up a color or two from the flooring? I’ve seen many who practically leave out the color of the floor so maybe that is normal?

as far as hardware...I tend to pick interesting pieces that are all expensive. I did decide someone online mentioned that ornate hardware is harder to clean so that would be an issue. But I don’t want just boring straight handles unless that’s what I should do given the rest of the kitchens patterns. I’ll link a few I like for backsplashes although not sure they will work.

Maybe I should do simple like this? But run the risk of no other colors than gray, black and white

There are lots of options out there for cabinet hardware! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Sleek pulls in satin nickel will coordinate well with your appliances.

Matte black hardware will give you a lot of contrast, which can look a little busier, depending on how many knobs / pulls you use.

Livingstone Pull & Knob in Matte Black

You chose a beautiful countertop! Those mosaics are all too busy for your counter, and they don't actually add color either (they are all a mix of grays and whites and black). If you want a color, I would look at glass tiles with a subtle color (blue perhaps). Otherwise, I would choose a "plain" tile with a color that you already have in your counter (gray or white). Feel free to use an interesting shape (not all tiles need to be subway tiles)!

Any pics on colors/shapes of not busy ideas? Forgot to include that I will have under cabinet lighting too so will glass reflect too much? But I do want it to be smooth not rough so it can be easily wiped off if needed

Here are a couple ideas from Houzz re shapes. I would use a grout that is very similar to the tile to give you visual interest without it getting too busy. You will have to get samples of whatever you are interested in to make sure the color works with your counters. I don't think glass will pose a problem with undercabinet lighting, but that is something you can test on site as well.

10.47"x12" Porcelain Mosaic Tile Sheet Paris Rhombus Glossy White · More Info

Elixir Gray MO/8"x10" Porcelain Mosaic Tile, Set of 11 · More Info

Pearl Gray Arabesque Glass Mosaic Tile, 12"x12" · More Info

I agree with others your countertop is beautiful but busy enough. You need something simple but if you would like to bring some color into your kitchen you can use just about any color since you colors are all pretty neutral.. There are some really beautiful tiles you could look at, like the clay tiles would look gorgeous. Hopefully more people will pop in who know where to look to show you examples.

Way too busy backsplash choices, and out of date.Go to tile store and get some plain choices then repost. Just don’t get tile that competes with the granite

Ok so I’ve deleted the above choices from my first post. I have never Done this so had no idea they were outdated haha

i am looking at simple things but still think regular subway tile is somewhat boring so I’ve found other choices...any better??

i also Found a graphic that shows how to lay the tiles in different patterns. There are names for them! I had no idea . My faves are crosshatch and straight herringbone patterns

granite installation is tomorrow I’m so excited! I’ll post pics when I can

I really like the wavy lines of this tile

Love your granite, but no suggestions other than go simple, so the granite is the star. Can you tell me what the tile is in your last post that is the fourth picture down?

I'd go translucent grayish blue, or blue glass tiles.

The last is Montauk fog from tilebar. It's a white with subtle gray around edges. Agree with the others you need to go simple or it'll be way too busy. Get samples and take pictures once the counters are installed.

White Mosaic Tile Texture Matt Herringbone Backsplash, 11.5"x11.75", Set of 10 · More Info

Calloway Gray 3x10 Matte Ceramic Tile | TileBar.com · More Info

(115) Pinterest · More Info

Savoy Mosaics | ANN SACKS Tile & Stone · More Info

Lancaster Bianco 3x12 Ceramic Tile, Set of 4 · More Info

Castle Wind Chill 3x12 Ceramic Tile | TileBar.com · More Info

Lizbeth-Garner it is called White Wood Grain 2x4 Grand Brick Subway Mosaic Tile Polished - Marble

Thanks everyone! You have no idea how much less stressful I feel now I so appreciate your help. I will get samples when it’s in today

Granite is in!! It has some purple colors in it as well

I thought about just plain white but it doesn’t seem to be white in it really

The only reason I picked the ones with brown too were because of the floor. But I know they are too busy probably?

This is all the I have so far

Yes to busy

The counters look lovely! The arabesque looks like it might work. The rest appear too busy to me.

Look up a few posts at Diana Bier Interiors greyish clay subway tile. That would look fantastic. If you do not like the subway look, I agree the arabesque may look ok. You could always get a different color if that one isnt quite right. Dont be afraid to choose COLOR that would match. I hope some others come on here to give you other ideas. Beth H is awesome at finding tile!

That is gorgeous light gray tile. You all have convinced me to do simple. I want to do some shade of gray but hubby wants the reddish, purple, maroon, burgandy (????) color. any ideas on how to marry both without too much busyness? Gray with small accent? Gray with decorative border or strip?

What about putting a small decorative piece here and there of whatever color that is or some decorative shape of some kind? Maybe that color of cabinet handles?

Thank you

Hello Belinda VanOwen,

I think a Matt Black hardware would look nice! Or maybe something in stainless finish. I would recommend checking out whatCentury Hardware has to offer! Best withes!

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I think burgundy hand towels and other accents (tea pot, etc.) would look nice. Keep the backsplash simple.

I like the simple gray glass subways. Btw your granite is beautiful..

Ok I think my husband and I have narrowed things down to 3 choices and I’ve mostly convinced him that the purple can’t be done except with possibly curtains or paint

what Do y’all think?

The hexagon is a little lighter in person and the gray glass a little darker

I've been lurking. And I think I know what the problem is.

You are shopping for tile at a big box store, yes? Can you please find a tile specialty boutique, and get some better samples? I am well aware that "dated" is a concept that gets debated often in these forums--but in this case, I'm gonna say it--those thin horizontal tiles are just.... dated. And, they are BUSY, with a lot of grout. And you already have a busy (beautiful) countertop. You're having a hard time staying away from grays and blacks.

The gray hex tile is way, way too warm, and the gray subway tile you posted doesn't look (on my screen) to complement your counters. The black-nope. I don't see that at all.

Are you opposed to the ideas from Diana and Jora above? Those are beautiful, and current.

Again, you're looking in the wrong type of store.

The hex doesn’t look like it goes at all. That light one, left of the black in the above pic, is a better direction

Yes I am shopping at a big box store so far we went today to a specialty place. The problem is that we have to stick with places who have product in stock or we can get quickly as the timeline has changed from our contractor.

i am going Monday to see about glass tiles. I do like the ones above that were given as choices from the others but hubby doesn’t like weird shaped tiles haha. And there isn’t really any white in the granite. But I will continue...thank you for your help

That gray glass tile might be an option. Hard to tell from the photo. Do you have a Tile Shop or Floor and Decor near you?

YES!!! I just found out floor and decor has free design help. I have made an appt for tomorrow and I’ll post pics of my samples when I’m done I’m soooo excited! I have a couple friends who are interior decorators and we just can’t afford hiring them and so I found out about this website (super helpful y’all are!!) and now an in person appt.

between all of you and them I am confident I’ll find something

When deciding on a backsplash, there really is no time issue. You do not NEED a backsplash to use your kitchen. My kitchen was finished in October and I didn't select and install the backsplash until the following July.

Belinda have fun with the interior decorator but make sure you choose something you like! I am very interested to see what you get for samples!

Oh I guess I thought I had to have it installed to protect the walls. Hmm didn’t realize I could wait. I’ll def keep that in mind thanks. And yes u will for sure update y’all. This has been a Godsend ti talk with all of you and you’re so willing to help out a “newbie” and look at so many cringy tiles I pick out

Oh, jeez. Floor and Decor. I'm not saying you can't find anything there, but boy that is a limited selection. Aren't there any independent tile stores near you?

Yes we went to 2 of them yesterday but their warehouse doesn’t open until Monday so I’m keeping my options open I just wanted someone else to help me with colors in person since it’s hars with online pics and lighting. And I called floor and decor to see if they have instock choices so we’ll see. Now that I realize and understand I don’t have to do a backsplash before we use our kitchen I may wait if I find something I really love

Ok!! I am so glad I went and had some help. I found 4 choices that I really like. What do y’all think?

The lady helping me said the pics I had been posting were hard to determine since the lighting was different so I’m glad I brought my cabinet and granite piece with me.

I like the whote hexagon because the small gray swooshes really come out in it next to tbe granite.

the plum colored rectangle glass piece is beveled and it’s very interesting but would of course take more time to hang singly my contractor said.

the gray glass lantern shapes are so pretty!

and the “navy purple” fish tail was what shocked me. I don’t like fishtail shape but when I saw it grouted on a big sample it looked more spherical and I really liked it. I made her show me the name because I couldn’t believe it was called navy!

I really like the fishtails! The large beveled glass tile and the gray lanterns also look great.

We’ve decided to go with the fishtails. I’m so happy to have made a decision I will update with pics when we get it installed.

Love the fishtails--great choice!

Well.... we are in the homestretch of the kitchen remodel.

one of the most stressful times I’ve had in a very long time! But I’m very happy with the results. Thought I would update you all. We ended up going with tbe glass purple tiles because the install would have taken a lot more time in cutting the tiles. I’m glad we went with the rectangles. I feel it flows well with the cabinets.

i now have to repaint my words again. i have painted these several times thru the years. All we have left to do is the crown moulding electrical outlet replacing and covers and finish the edging around the window.

any ideas on accent colors that gonwith purple, gray and off white? I will need to repaint the words, recover the chairs and get new balance curtains and I can’t decide. Thought maybe I would go look at curtains and see if I can pull these Colors together with another one and use that as an accent.

thanks again for your help!