I do like the darker backsplash but I think it would "pop" too much with the much lighter cabinets and countertops. I would go with the lighter backsplash and the herringbone gives the area a little interested.

I'd look for something a little special, like this backsplash of Heath Ceramics "seconds":

The article about this is on Remodelista:

https://www.remodelista.com/posts/architect-is-in-budget-remodel-with-heath-ceramics-tile-seconds/

I‘m pretty sure you have to actually go to Heath in Sausalito to have access to their seconds. That’s a great option if you live nearby, but not really an option if you don’t. I think the OP has disappeared.

eam44 if you know what you want from their clearance page you can call and have them shipped.

Nope. Maybe you can, but nope.

My vote is for the light gray subway👍🏻

I also vote for the light gray subway

Go white. It will look boring until you put your stuff back in the kitchen and decorate. The others are trendy.

My first choice is to always carry the quartz up the wall as the backsplash for a classic, timeless look that makes the quartz the star of the show or the focal point. If that’s not in the budget, a smooth white (exact match to the counter) or pale grey subway will do the trick.

I wouldn't choose a tile until after you've painted the cabinets. It's more important for the tile to coordinate well with the cabinets than the countertop since they are both vertical surfaces. I do think a very pale grey would be best if you don't want white.

no white. so overdone and so blah.

i don't like that marble mosaic next to your countertop. But you could do a linear Calacatta marble like this (Tilebar)

I like the darker gray one, but not size. Encore Ceramics has this Silver glaze color in many shapes

Go over to Tilebar and grab some samples. 5 for $5. this is their Nabi-Harlequin in the Arctic

Shadebox grays

soft blue gray subway

Lunada Bay Agate, 1x6 herringbone

another poster on here did the Lunada Bay picket, and the agate (they have a ton of colors)

this is the Lunada watercolors. same finish as the Picket one she did above

Agree with above comment to wait until after cabinets are painted. The marble looks too busy to me. Need to see pic of whole kitchen. Do you have a lot of backsplash or just a small area? Makes a difference in choices

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions! The light gray was my first choice, but then I started overthinking and I was worried the light grey would be too light with the white kitchen. I like the idea of finding a light gray in an interesting shape. Beth H thank you so much for all the visual options! I love the Agate shape look you posted. I think I need to look at more options and wait to decide when its all painted. My painter starts Monday so that's not long. I do not have a big kitchen backsplash area, besides the area posted I only have a 48" area opposite the peninsula.

Keep your samples up to look at for awhile longer, that may help. My choice would be the darker gray as I think you will like the contrast rather than everything blending together. The use of a darker backsplash calls for under cabinet lighting, which one should do regardless as there is no substitute for adequate lighting in a kitchen. Also think that you've made a smart choice not to decide on backsplash until cabinets are painted.

I like the lighter grey subway tiles the best. It really matches the grey veins in your countertop. Undercabinet lighting is a must ( i have the rope style led lights and love them). Also remember that you will have some items to put on your counter top and you can have fun choosing various colors to pop against the neutral background. A can opener could be aquamarine blue or a red toaster, a modern silver electric kettle, the list goes on.

That will be a lot of white. I like the herringbone stone,but it would be way too conflicting in pattern to the counter. I guess the light grey wold look best, or the ceramic suggest above. We ran our counter up 3 inches, then did hozioental cedar above it on the rest of the wall. You could stain it any color, to match cabinets or grain in counter. Jake your time, you want it right.

Subway tiles have been overdone. Look for something more interesting.

Why not be timeless with your tile choice ... Carrara never goes out of style, comes in interesting patterns and looks great with everything, modern, traditional etc.

Calacatta Cressa Leaf Pattern Honed, Marble, 10 sqft · More Info

Calacatta Gold Calcutta Marble 3 inch Hexagon Mosaic Tile Polished, 1 sheet · More Info

Long Hexagon Carrara Marble Hive Picket Mosaic Tile Polished Venato, 1 sheet · More Info

I like your first choice, brings out the veining on your countertop, but restful to the eye, lets your countertop be the star.

i like the herringbone one

Totally agree with painting the cabinets first...I love the first tile that is still in its wrapper...the color and the subtle design in it are great looking...good luck!!

Your counter top is a gorgeous choice, don’t compete with it on back splash, use same choice as backsplash or plain white. One large sheet for backsplash not tile. It won’t get as dated as fast. Good luck

Okay, so you have white, gray and wood. A lot of white.

What you love about the herringbone sample is "...the warm tones that would match the floor."

Other than white and gray, is there another color you might add to the mix?

If you put a rug in the room [and I'm not suggesting doing so, just using as parallel], what color(s) would the rug be? What would your accent color(s) be for this space?

Bringing some samples home [of something other than white or gray] will let you know post haste whether you like the idea of adding another color or not.

Sometimes there can be a bit too much matchy-matchy.

I’m not sure if it’s available where you are but look at toughened hand finished 6mm mirror. I recommend Rough Old Glass for a beautiful splash back. It makes all that grout look very old fashioned.

I wanted to thank everyone who commented on my backsplash dilemma and give an update to my post. Kitchen was done in late February. I went with the light gray tile in a herringbone pattern and I love it! Appreciate all the advice I received.

Looks fantastic! Great job!

pretty!

Beautiful...enjoy!!!