Neither of those. The thin tiles on the left are a dated look, it’s really busy, and so dark. The one on the right is also too busy. You have SO MUCH pattern in your floors, you need to go real plain in your backsplash. You should completely re-boot your mindset when looking at backsplashes. You need simple, quiet. Nothing like your two choices you pictured. I would look at simple cream subway tiles, you can find them at Home Depot, Daltile is a good brand that is not expensive. It’s classic, won’t go out of style. The grout color you choose should be close to the tile color so that you don’t generate any pattern with the grout.

I’m thinking if you’re going to paint walls you should do that first because it will really change the BS look. I’m looking at the 2 options up for vote & using the wall color as part of my decision to like or not. Either way, I agree with lucky that the linear glass tile is too dark- it’s also too busy. The lighter 2 tone tile is better color wise but with the current wall color - not sure about with white. And, that tile is too small & lucky’s description of “spotty” is right - once more of that tile is laid out it does look spotty or polka dotty. How much wall surface do you have for BS? I’d like to see whole kitchen to make a decision too. Are you planning to go to ceiling behind shelves or just up to bottom of lower shelf?

Upgrade your lighting to 4000K LEDs, including under the upper cabs. Then pick your paint and paint the walls. Now you'll be ready to find the right backsplash.

I agree you should paint first. It looks like the outlet for the refrigerator is visible over the counter. If so, get that moved to behind the refrigerator.

I would do a black tile. These are hand-made in upstate NY by Complete Tile company.

I agree with a simple, solid backsplash. No pattern since you have that in the countertop. You don't want patterns fighting each other.

Stay away from colored or patterned tile. Stick to a subway in a shade similar to your cabinets. Try oversized maybe 3x12. Your black appliances already weigh down the room as does the busy granite. Less is more in this case. Pick paint after this because there are hundreds of light neutrals but only a few tiles that will work.

none of those.

Baltic Brown is a difficult stone to match w/a tile and white cabs. To me, this looks blah.

You certainly don't want any small, multi colored mosaics.

almost impossible to find a backsplash w/this granite that isn't travertine. No one uses this granite anymore w/new installs.

if you don't mind doing a dark tile, I'd go w/a black slate, basalt or one of these glazed ceramics

surrounding walls should a very light color, and make sure the kitchen has good lighting

you other options is a standard white subway. if you go that route use the 2x10 or similar size

The prob is you stone has no white in it. That's why doing white w/this stone is so weird looking.

I'd go w/the black and a lighter grout. Or a dark charcoal. make sure it isn't a blue/gray.

Tilebar has this Nabi rocky edge in gunmetal. (comes in other shapes too)

none of those.

Baltic Brown is a difficult stone to match w/a tile and white cabs. To me, this looks blah.

You certainly don't want any small, multi colored mosaics.

almost impossible to find a backsplash w/this granite that isn't travertine. No one uses this granite anymore w/new installs.

if you don't mind doing a dark tile, I'd go w/a black slate, basalt or one of these glazed ceramics

surrounding walls should a very light color, and make sure the kitchen has good lighting

you other options is a standard white subway. if you go that route use the 2x10 or similar size

The prob is you stone has no white in it. That's why doing white w/this stone is so weird looking.

I'd go w/the black and a lighter grout. Or a dark charcoal. make sure it isn't a blue/gray.

Tilebar has this Nabi rocky edge in gunmetal. (comes in other shapes too)

I’ll confess I got the granite for $150 at Lowe’s so I was trying to make it work. I may just paint the base cabinets black or spend the money and find a counter top that I really like.

Neither. I would do a simple subway tile.

the pattern of a valencia complements the pattern of your countertop. The glossy finish of the other backsplash makes it pop too much and doesn't really match the concept of your kitchen.

I don’t see how painting your bases would make the situation better.

So what do you suggest?

Renie, I offered you a ton of backsplash choices. you didn't see any of them? try one of those samples

I'd also paint the wall white, if you want a darker backsplash.

forget about painting the base cabs. Get new granite (or quartz) if you can swing it. THAT will make the diff.

If you are saying that the darkness of the room is depressing, then I would definitely not recommend a dark tile. It will just accentuate the darkness you are already feeling.