I would definitely go with something simple. With that countertop, the suggested backsplash is too busy.

The backsplash that was suggested to you is way too busy to be adjacent to your counters. I think that a simple solid colored tile that picks us one of the colors on your counter tops would look much nicer.

It’s a rental? Pick the lightest tile you can that will sort of blend in with your wall color. It’ll look make the kitchen look more appealing (i.e. cleaner/more spacious) in the web listing. Also, add LED undercabinet lighting if you don’t already have it, and make sure those pendants over the peninsula are doing what they’re supposed to do: provide ample task lighting. Right now it looks kinda dark for food preparation. :)

I agree it's much too busy...and dark. You have pattern in the counters and flooring. I would pick the lightest shade in the counters (cream?) for a simple backsplash.

that slate tile will need to be sealed periodically. it's also visually busy against your granite.

As mentioned, go for something lighter, larger and simple.

a cream colored, longer subway tile is perfect. look for a 2x8 or 3x12.

Lancaster, ivory, hand made look. Tilebar.com all shipping is $10. they have some great selections over there.

you could do more of a rustic, brick type of tile

Or a glass tile. (try DiscountGlassTileStore)

American Olean in Dune.

install it in a stacked pattern for a more modern feel. (or the regular offset brick pattern is fine. but it's nice to do something different)

these show diff layouts. a 45 herringbone (blue) 1/4 offset (gray/yellow) and stacked pattern, white, lower left.

Personally I'd do the stacked layout in the white tile like shown in this last pic. You could do a vertical stack or a horizontal. or a vertical offset

This would look cool w/your cabs/granite. (this is fireclay tile, and not cheap, but you can find similar ones in a ceramic) . Just DONT get the 3x6 tile! 2x8, 2x10, 3x9, 3x12,,,,,,

I wouldn't do a bright white. a nice off-white or cream, or subtle warmer gray, or tan,,,would look nice

just looked at tilebar on their sale page and found a leftover lot of tile for $200! it's 23sq feet.

Starlight Glass, 4x12. 50% off reg price. it's a good deal if 23 sq ft is enough.

https://tilebar.com/mangata-groove-starlight-4x12-glass-tile.html

it's pretty when installed and will lend some brightness to the kitchen w/all the dark elements. grout w/a bone color to match your granite and it will be fine.

Thank you, everyone! This has given us some great ideas!