What about a hexagon pattern tile or something similar? I hink It is fine for the perimeter to be monochromatic when you have a bold color choice on the island.

@amber playle I love the idea of hexagon tile. I was actually thinking of doing that in subway tile, but laid out in hexagon pattern. is hexagon look classic? or dated?

looks like from your ideabook you are drawn to subway tile in a herringbone pattern, love that look with longer subway tiles. also I like the beehive tile you show in your ideabook. I dont think it will be too much white by the way... love that look.

if you're feeling real strong about a white backsplash, but concerned about it being too white, you could change the grout color so that it visually breaks up the tile and the brightness of mostly white in the space

There are sooooooo many other options than white subway.
I have Cepac midtown tile in Skyline. (I used two sizes) Cepac has lots of beautiful blue tile. These are just a few. I would absolutely incorporate the blue into your backsplash. Have fun. (And if these are too bold, there are many other options.)

I could look at blue backsplashes all day. I’ll stop after this one. (Not Cepac tile.)

@stumpydarby these blues are so pretty! would it clash with Navy blue island, though? or is it ok they might be slightly different blues?

I am all for slightly different blues as long as the undertone is the same in both blues.

You could do the same color backsplash as your island, but a few shades lighter. You could also do a complementary color if you’re super bold. Or choose a color harmony other than complementary. I’m not into a lot of white personally, but it’s up to your taste. Can we see the navy color on the island?

You absolutely could do lighter blue. A lot depends on lighting. Do you have under cabinet lighting?
I never ever thought I would go with a beveled tile … but the blue tile almost looked like blue jeans. (I thought I wanted blue glass but I couldn’t find the right blue. Cepac didn’t have the Frame tile back then … that one is brand new.)
There are so many fun colors and shapes … you can even do a backsplash with a mix of blues so it picks up lighter, medium, darker, etc.
The backsplash doesn’t have to be a carbon copy match of your navy.
I also would like to see a pic of your island. I know the pop of blue in the backsplash would tie everything together and look amazing.

Your ideabooks have a ton of herringbone so if that appeals to you the most definitely do it (but I’d keep it classic white to match counters and cabs with just a light pewter shade for grout so it pops slightly). However there are tons of inspiration pics with blue islands/butcher block tops - this is just one and notice the backsplash....

https://www.houzz.com/photos/boerne-bentwood-farmhouse-kitchen-austin-phvw-vp~136461369

What is the aesthetic of the rest of your home? That may help narrow down tile type/pattern if you explain more of the overall look and feel of your home.

A white or light colored glossy tile really helps reflect light onto the work surface, which may be needed in your kitchen.

Do white herringbone with a colored grout, something subtle. You put those pics in your idea book because you liked it. Go with what you're drawn to.

No white. I'd bring the blue over to your backsplash.

I would do white with white grout and use blue and wood accents on the counter and in window treatment.. island color can change then what Do you do with blue backsplash? I used this it’s a wavy larger white subway.. the top one

I think hexagon is the new penny tile. It is going to be something that stays a classic as long as it is in neutral colors. Any color choice is a personal preference and there to stay. That said, this is your kitchen and you have already committed to a navy color elsewhere so I think it is up to you. A subway tile is a classic for a reason as well and can be used there with some flair in color. I would caution against a white tile and dark grout, it will show any imperfection in the installation. Low contrast will hide imperfections better.

i taped together the subway tiles and put it up in my kitchen. I do love the way the hexagon looks and I like the white. what color grout should I get? I kind of like the way it looks right now, I can see the lines. what about amber-color grout, is that a thing? here's a pic of the tile on my countertop, which has very light grey veining

thanks for helpful comments, everyone! I do love that herringbone in subway tile, so I'll go with that. I'm happy I've made a decision and I'll post when it's done.

OK good! Just don't go to colorful with the grout - you want it to be like a shadow color - just a hint of a tone - not a color color (Amber - no that will stick out in a bad way).

we finally finished the kitchen (except the floor re-sand and finish), anf and I love my hexagon subway tile. backsplash! thanks for your advice, everyone!

@Alex M, You did such a great job! It’s beautiful. Enjoy your new kitchen in the best of health.

thank you!

alex, very nice job with your herringbone design. Did you do it yourself?

looks nice, but man that's a lot of white. too bad you didn't use a gray grout so that you could actually see the pattern. the white grout really blends w/the tile.

I love all your flower colors around the window. the purples and greens look amazing next to the white.

have you thought about doing a colorful valance in that window to bring in some colors?

@Beth thank you. we didn't do that ourselves! it took a professional two days to do it, as it's a lot of cutting.
yeah, I know what you mean about the grout... I agree that would have been better, to see the design.
I haven't thought about a window treatment yet, but that's a good idea! can you share a picture of what you are thinking of?

alex, I posted a few pictures yesterday of window treatments. I guess it didn't take?? weird.

these are just examples of how to bring in some color to all of that white

this is a solar shade. they come in all colors and patterns

you could also try a colorful runner in front of the sink

@Beth thank you, I love this idea! my island is navy blue with butcher block top, so I especially love the blue ones!

oh I love that island! yes, the blue or blues/greens would look perfect w/your wood

and a cobalt runner . (it's an over dyed wood rug)

ooh where did you find this runner?

Your kitchen looks great. I love the blue island. Just go to Overstock and Wayfair and type in “blue runner “ and you’ll be there a while.