You can't go wrong with tumbled marble. I like this pattern which would tie in with your granite.

Thanks so much. Is there a name to this pattern? I like the black accent tiles. Would you like black switch plates on the backsplash instead of the white. I have about eight of them.

When your contractor starts the work, ask for them to install it in a diamond pattern or "on the diagonal". Lowes has a great selection of tiles to choose your color. Just take a bottle of water with you and gently wet a piece of tile to see what it will look like sealed. It will be darker once it is sealed. I would go with a light color to contrast with the granite and your cabinets. Love the stainless appliances!

Oh, and I would try one switch plate and see if I liked it, once the tile is finished. If you do, then go for it. Personally, I do think I'd like the black better.

Also, be sure to have them lay out your accent tiles and show you approximately where they will go. As was done in this picture, I'd be sure they don't have an accent tile to close to an outlet and then you lose the effect. I would consider placing the accents diagonally over the wall, too - not in a straight line across the wall. Something like this...

Thank you so much for all this help.I like your idea of staggering the accent pieces. I too love the black, although I will keep an open mind.

Am I the only one that's bothered by the "double backsplash" that occurs when the counter material is carried up the wall and then backsplash tiles are added on top of that? Not a good look to me.

What about just classic white (or maybe off white) subway tiles? They always look good and don't get dated as many other styles do.

leelee - you are not alone :) My preference would be to ask the contractor to remove the 4 inch granite and tile to the counter.
Here is an idea for a mosaic. I like the tiles suggested in Rave Redux's second photo above but personally I do not care for the 4x4 tiles they seem dated to me. I would do a subway tile shape if you don't do a mosaic.

Thanks Lee Lee, it may look better taking the base off.

I don't like busy tiles with a busy counter. Yes I agree, remove the 4" and tile down to counter.
Go to your local tile store and see what you like. Take samples home and place up against wall.
You'd be surprised at what you thought would look good when in the store and actually looks good
when you get it home. Look at it at different times of the day - diff lighting gives diff perspective.

I too, love the look of subway tile, but since the granite looks like a recent addition, I would leave the 4 inch granite and add the tile with a black accent to tie it all together. I'm not a fan of the subway tiles with the floor.

My kitchen is similar. I am putting up black shiny small rectangular tiles with white grout. You cold reverse to white with black. There are some smart tiles such as rounded shapes that look modern retro.

The pictures I uploaded were examples only. Since your granite is black I think the contrasting colors in the picture I originally sent would be awesome with black granite. I wouldn't have combined the colors in the picture either. Much to busy, but I like that particular style backsplash with your granite. Angel18432 is right, getting samples to look at in your kitchen will give you a much better perspective. I love the pictures! Send more of your samples and we'll all vote!

Black, white and stainless glass long tiles. Take to bottom of cab.

here are some samples. You can get them in white and grey, and small stone and marble and glass. There are many tones and you can get them at Home Depot. They have texture and take a pro to put up or a ver tenacious patient person.

another sample that is fun

Thank you