Again, you are looking at a counter right now with nothing on it. Take out the things you love and had before or bought for this area and start playing. Your eye will find other places to focus once you get your accessories out. Find larger pieces if you are looking for new ideas.....pots and vases and trays maybe? Use items with COLORS that are not in this area already.

I agree with Abbyjean. I am imagining some canisters or other items on the counter and it seems lovely. Definitely don't panic yet!

It makes sense. Thank you.

Do you have an accent color in this room or adjoining room at all? Red canisters would be awesome here....or yellow.......you get the idea. Make it pop and you will love it!

Why are you unhappy looks great. Put in aqua accessories. It's fine.

Gotta love you all. Great ideas with the color pop. I feel better already :)

OK....it must be Happy Hour!!! Break in that new kitchen!!!

HI -- Isn't it an awful feeling when you think you have made a permanent wrong decision ? It really doesn't look so bad . Just have some big plain shiny white ceramic canisters and decorative items along with a few items in an accent color , like maybe a red , and also some items maybe in a dark grey or black . Just keep the décor and accents plain . That should calm down the visual texture of the backsplash and counter.

Feels like happy hour now :)

Yes! Lefty, it feels awful. The grout is not in yet, maybe it'll look better when it's done.

It's a good backsplash. It goes a long way toward making your kitchen distinctive and useful. In a few years, when the white kitchen trend reverses, you can paint the cabinets grey and it will be new again with this counter/backsplash combination. You made a great choice, and yes go out and buy as many black white and aqua things as you can find!!!
Oh my gosh do I love this mixer. Aqua Sky...

I like it, I'm getting tired of everyone having the same subway tile. We are building new and I didn't put it anywhere. From classic and timeless to totally overdone IMHO.
Just keep looking at the big picture, it's a nice quality, good neutrals, and looks like it was well installed.
It's going to be fantastic when you put in your favorite cookbooks, some art, and some lovlies on the counter. Maybe some under-cabinet lighting if you don't already have some. Home Depot has some smashing wireless options for cheap-LED, low profile. Awesome.
Good job, give yourself a pat on the back!
Vicki

I love it. Live with it and see how you feel about it. I am the type of person that if I really dislike something, I will have to change it out. But most of the time, I find that living with it for a little bit changes my mind. I really love the look of it. JMO

The grout will help. I like it :)

I think you chose it wisely. It isn't easy to pick a backsplash tile when you have granite counters but you picked out the colors well and it's interesting and not boring. Your kitchen will be beautiful. Relax. :)

This is definitely therapeutic! Your comments are so calming and I can't thank you enough. I love Houzz!!

Keep it simple and large scale on the accessories - stainless, etc. And stop beating yourself up, this is lovely! :)

I am not a designer but I think the tile is lovely and agree that larger pieces in an accent color is the answer.

I agree about starting with white and stainless or chrome as accents. Keep it simple. Don't try to cover it up. Embrace it.

Love the pics! I can't thank you all enough. I will use all the wonderful ideas. I did buy stainless appliances:) I will post another pick when it's all done!!!

I think it looks lovely...and if you're uncertain in taking another major design step, add pops of color with plants, or an accent plate set. AND BREATHE! ;0)