I’d use the quartzite. Beautiful stone. In a small space, you can go dramatic, without going over the top.

That is a beautiful stone, but just to drive you crazy, I don't usually care for the continued counter/backsplash. Without seeing pix of the kitchen, I still think I would prefer a plainer backsplash. I think that the stone might be a bit on the dark side for a backsplash.

(but such a gorgeous selection! if you do use it for backsplash I am sure it will be lovely)

Stick to a white tile , please, Upload a picture of the kitchen you are renovating. What is the flooring? ETC Are white appliances new, or you are simply keeping what you have?

I agree it could make the kitchen seem very dark. My first instinct is to try samples of different tiles in whites. Let’s hope BethH chimes in with suggestions. The backsplash need to be very, very simple if you don’t use the quartzite. Do you have a photo of the cabinets?

That can be your very last choice so wait until everything else is done before even thinking about the backspalsh.

I've just selected backsplash tile for my new build that will go above a busier granite. Try to get a sample of Best Tile Shimmer glass. I am getting this in 2x8 Mica that will be stacked for a more contemporary look. The tiles are metallic and the photographs do not do it justice . . .you have to see it in person. They have great neutrals and I'm sure you can find one to go with that gorgeous quartzite. I am also going to have my tile guy install with a very narrow grout line, so it has as little pattern as possible. What I loved about this tile, is there is a fleck in it since it is metallic and not just a flat color like so many others. But it is still quiet enough that it doesn't read like a pattern. Also, I will have them match the grout rather than having this contrasting effect. This is a smaller size than mine will be.

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For all we know, the quartzite is overkill in the kitchen. We aren't seeing a picture. Yes,I know that isn't what the op ASKED. Just sayin"................

@JAN MOYER what why do you mean by overkill?

Too often we see cabinet paint and new counter tops and a host of cosmetic, costly fixes, in a kitchen not deserving. For a host of reasons, such as a very bad layout...........or WHATEVER.

A deeper dig at what a poster is planning , can yield untold solutions, or even a delay of plans for a good result.Even if that poster didn't ask, or doesn't want to "hear" . It happens.

thank you for explaining. I hadn't read the initial query as closely. Understood.

Having trouble loading more than one pic

. If I go white subway should grout be white or gray? Should I consider a quartzite panel behind the cooktop? Afraid since backsplash area is small I should just stay simple and go all subway. Appliances are new.

Should I consider Subway with flat surface or maybe with a contour or bevel edge?

Your floor looks really nice (and new?). I am not sure that it will go with your countertops. I know the color images are tough to accurately see on monitors ( I am in the process of selecting countertop and I know the pic is not so accurate in my case) but I just wanted to throw that possibility out there. I think the counters would look nice with a very pale gray, but I dont know that the counters will be in harmony with the very nice warm flooring.

Have you gotten a layout template for our counters - U-shaped kitchens + slabs with a lot of pattern can have Issues at the corners/seams

IF you are going to do this:

I would do cabinets in white. If a change to stainless at some point? FINE. but in the meantime,why have them stick out in a small space?

Gray quartzite and gray cabinets is GRAY overkill..........

If you're happy with layout? I guess proceed. If a diy, be very careful with excellent prep on cabinets. I'd select a plain quartz top, no veining or a very spidery vein where seaming will be easier. Then stall a backsplash until that is installed.

"Drama" is the last thing the kitchen needs. Just a freshening , lose the tile counter...

We're still not seeing from a distance back. Bottom line is make CERTAIN you don't want to wait until a further and more extensive re do. 1980 to now is a loooong time : )

The floor is old and will need to be replaced down the road. Dont know what that will look like but will not go with dark colors for cleaning reasons.

Now thinking we got carried away with how much we like the quartzite which was very difficult to find and we were frankly tired of continuing to look. We really like it and think the idea Of painting the cabinets white will help. Once that is done we can look for a backsplash that incorporates white and gray colors. We are now thinking a new floor would be a big help as it can also have white and gray tones. We are also considering painting adjacent walls a blue-gray.