The short backsplash should have been removed first. I would use grout to match the tile.
A contrasting color will make the grout too important.

The counter is very busy and you don't want another bold pattern in the tile. Match the tile as close as possible.

Alabaster is a possibility, but Snow White appears to be more of a match.

Grays didn't belong in your space; there wasn't enough of that color in the counter top to balance all the warmth. As the tiles are staying, select a grout that blends best in the tiles, no reason to add more color in the gray area.

Take a photo of your entire kitchen and not just small spaces to get a better look. Perhaps it all works together. White grout in a kitchen?... that would be a lot of work/cleaning. I would match the grout with the same color as the tile so the the tile won’t stand out so much.

It doesn't work. And what "work"? There are literally a biliion kitchens with light grout, : )

Bummer. You actually added a second backsplash to your kitchen, and you are right, it’s the wrong color. You absolutely don’t have to deal with it. You can just acknowledge the mistake and take it down, which is much easier to do before you grout. I’d recommend buying a multimaster tool, although some of those tiles might come down with a mini crow bar if your mortar was too dry.

It’s discouraging, but we all make mistakes. At least this one can be fixed with elbow grease...

Jan Moyer is, unfortunately, correct. The 4” piece of granite and the tile color make your kitchen dark. And the tiles don’t complement the cabinets and countertop. She may sound tough, but she’s dead on with her eyes. Go for the money now. Creamy tiles with matching grout will do wonders. And take off the 4” piece.

What do your floors look like? I honestly don't think it looks as bad as everyone is saying. I would see if you/your installer can take out the 4" countertop backsplash underneath it and continue the subway tiles down to the counter. That will be a big difference and make it less busy.

Do not do a contrasting grout, which will only add insult to injury. Select a grout that matches the grey tile as close as possible.

Thanks everyone for your advice and input.

Itsourcasa

floors have a lot of greys in them. I attached 2 picks the tiles throughout house are all grey and then hardwood def has the grey undertones.

I see NO gray in the hardwood,

If you are butting a faux wood/ tile next to that wood? No please no

If you want a "gray" house?

Back up and change the counter tops.

As it seems from your pics? You are in two palettes , trying to make a thing work, with no real thought to a total feel and on a restricted budget as well.

Thats my guess.

Repeat:

A wood looke tile in any tone, against the real wood? Just don't do it :)

Thanks for your input. Maybe pics do do it justice but all the dark areas in the hardwood have a gray tone (per anyone that comes into my home) our house was build 4 years ago with the grey tiles i pictured above throughout the ”wet rooms” we aren’t changing any portion of the things that are already there so wether that is a no no or not, not changing it being house is so new. Just trying to incorporate all the tones they already had in the house. again thanks for you input, but not into doing any big jobs To our practically brand new home.

I am going to totally disagree....i think a golden tan grout might take a little step toward making it look like you didnt make a mistake..rather than accentuating the mismatch by doing grout the same color

#101 looks close?

Gotta say the colors in pics vary so much it is hard to really be sure...

So sorry but I have to agree with Jan. However, since a do-over isn't going to happen, your best bet at this point is to use a matching grout. The last thing you want to do is add more pattern in the tile.

Jessica Bruner, this happens all the time. Pictures over the internet often read very different than the actual colors.

Trust yourself. You have been picking colors that work together for many years, just not house colors. You pick outfits and makeup and jewelry and somehow don't leave the house looking like a clown.

When I look at the pics some of the counter pics look very gold and some show almost no gold, but I think it is mostly the angle of the light that is throwing things off. If I isolate the counter color to the riser and look at the tile and the riser they seem to have the same colors. My guess is that is what you are seeing when looking at it in person.

It may not be perfect but it is close and looks fine.

On the other hand if what you see in person is:more like this you would want to consider replacing the backsplash.

I made a very similar mistake - same granite, tile in a similar tone, wood cabinets. Have been too cheap to do anything about it, but have disliked it ever since. I think it would be very tough to find anything other than creamy white or the very dark tones that would really work between the granite and wood counters. Especially because the colors shift between day and night, and if you have under counter lights it will further complicate their appearance. I hate to say it, but if you can swing replacing the tile, I'd do it. Far easier and less messy to do it now....