You already have a short backsplash, so it's not necessary to add anything else unless you want to take out your current backsplash and tile down to the countertop. That may involve some sheetrock repair if you remove your current backsplash. I'd recommend a refreshed paint color if you don't like what you have now, perhaps something more saturated if you're wanting more color in your area. You have a lot of electrical features on your wall, and that's going to create trouble with tiling around unless you want to raise up everything to under the cabinets with something like a Legrand Adorne undercabinet lighting system to make your backsplash area uninterrupted. We're talking a large investment, here, for all the electrical changes if you did that.

@grateful4advice - yes I will be removing that. I already got a quote. $400 for labor/install. no issues regarding the outlets

Perhaps I should clarify, you won't have issues with electrical unless you install a full backsplash, so please research your options on this carefully if you're planning to move forward. I'd suggest a detailed look at the Legrand Adorne under-cabinet electrical system to move the electrical features out of the way of your backsplash or a visit with your electrician to talk about the electrical work that will need to be done to re-mount those features on top of a thicker surface.

You'll get more suggestions from the community if you first post your own pictures or links of ideas that you like in regard to shape, size, and color. Note that the very latest trends in backsplashes current in 2020 are to go with larger-scale tiles, even 18" high to fit cleanly under the cabinet with fewer pieces. Pencil tile is out as far as trends. You'll find avid discussion on whether the subway tile look is dated or not. Some people will be insistent it's a classic, while others are saying it's on its way out.

A last comment on budget, backsplash tile is a fairly small area relative to the other features of your home's decor, and if you want something really nice, I'd recommend not expecting to dip much below that $16 budget you said was acceptable to you. Labor will cost a lot here, and the tile itself isn't really the place to save if you want an awesome backsplash. Brands like Walker Zanger, The Tile Shop, and other art tile suppliers may have something totally unique that would inspire your vision. I recommend doing some searches on Houzz about backsplashes and see all the different companies that people here recommend.

A nice cream or taupe, light gray. I would also keep it simple. You could probably get away with an interesting patterned tile if you keep the color uniform. I would bring home/order samples to make sure the colors you choose go with your granite/cabinets. Tilebar.com has 5 for $5.

@kulrn i like those 2 bottom suggestions

My suggestion would to keep the grout light or white to not make it too busy with your counters! Your kitchen is very pretty already!

I agree to something plain but you can jazz it up with installing a unique shape or pattern.

What are your counters? I’m looking for a similar look for my master bath.

@eld6161 they are quartz

Do you know the name of it?

@eld6161 no im sorry :( this was a new construction home i bought a couple years ago

Okay thanks

Thin, white, rectangle tile (like you stretched subway) in a herringbone pattern would look great & meet your budget.

kulrn, those are gorgeous.

Jessica, did you decide?