I would enjoy seeing something with a bit of color. What colors do you love. Of the two tiles you have, I prefer the longer tiles.

I agree color would be nice. If you are concerned about too much color, you can cut pencil flat tiles and put it after each section or use a colored grout.

What a lovely kitchen!

I just did my splashback in our summer place and I'm thrilled with it. Like you, I have white-ish countertops and although not yet done, will be doing something neutral for the cupboards when they're painted. However note that my primary objective aesthetically was discrete and timeless, perhaps not the same as yours?

I used a quite large format tile (30x60 cm if I recall), in 'portrait' orientation. The 60 covered the full height between the countertop and the upper cupboards. What I wished to do was minimize grout lines because we're cooks and I don't need the cleaning hassle.

I chose a light, grey-ish beige tile that looks like stone. It's got a glazed surface (again, cleaning!) but isn't shiny, just a semi-gloss at most.

I LOVE it. Looks quiet and elegant and modern but not aggressively so, and is beautifully functional. So that's MY vote!

An extremely poor photo (taken on phone ... zoomed way in) and it's a summer house reno just starting, so be kind :-). Either way, this is what I'm referring to. And I see I lied: 30x60, but landscape orientation, stacked.

However ... you say you want character but classic, so maybe something like a cement tile? IMHO -- like subway tiles -- they're a bit too popular now which means in a decade they'll shout "2020!" but they can definitely be handsome.

Here are some I found which I personally would like in your kitchen and strike me as perhaps aligning with your taste:

Granite Bay Design/Build · More Info

London Graphic Tile Installations · More Info

Oops! An oddball entry: this, of course, is marble mosaic, but it's unusual AND unusually pretty!

Flower Pattern Natural Stone Mosaic Tiles Polished, Calcatta Gold, 10.56"x10.56" · More Info

Back to cement tile-ish ideas :-):

LUXURY STYLE.ES - PRODUCTS · More Info

Bathroom | Textured Elegance · More Info

Квартира "С будуаром" · More Info

Cuming Street Residence · More Info

Great Highway · More Info

Sunnyside · More Info

Greene · More Info

Black Modern Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

The greenish tiles look greenish gray in my screen, and I prefer them over white. Those tiles have very little color, I assure you it will not be too green. You could choose much more color without being afraid of overdoing it. I’d suggest going a bit more green, away from the neutral geeenish gray, if you’re up for it. If you like the safety of neutral-ish, go with the greenish tile you have.

Mark: your backsplash can do a lot to change the look of your kitchen. If you choose subway tiles, but install in a herringbone pattern, that says updated tailored classic. A patterned tile is more fun (and yes, they may look dated in 20 years but so will anything remodeled now). Besides looking at photos on Houzz with a similar kitchen to yours, you can search tiles on TileBar and they will send you 5 sample tiles for $5. This is often the hardest part of a remodel (I also waited a year before doing mine) and it does take time. Let’s hope Beth shows up to give you more ideas. Annoulaxeni gave you a terrific start with all those photos.

We just did a similar kitchen but all white. We went with a basic 3x12 gray ceramic.

But..... I learned about the Bedrosian Chloe in white which I think would be perfect for your space. It will be a good complement to the white uppers and gray lowers.

It has shades of white and gray.

Haha I hear you about doing things twice. Same.

Here is an example of the Bedrosian Chloe

I need to get a better idea of your style so could you post some pics of maybe your living room. My first thought was cement tile like posted above but IMO they are a statement that could look dated . I think I need a bit more info.

I just reread and see your gray lowers have a green in it. The Chloe might still work, but maybe your are better off with a white but do a beveled or an interesting shape. I would use light silver grout to emphasize the pattern.

@mark Huntley
I agree. I think you need something with more of a unique shape than color. I would not necessarily go bold and patterned here. Beautiful kitchen. Really nice. You definitely will have to sample and play around with the colors. I would suggest sampling a few white tiles in a nice shape. Try picket style, a later subway and finger style tiles. And then pick two samples like the second tile you chose. Something that brings out the green in the cabs and show us. Looking forward to seeing the ideas.

Nice remodel so far - but Patricia is right - more context needed. Style of adjacent spaces, even knowing what master bath looks like can all influence what the ‘best’ tile should be for your home.

Mark, I love the Chidi reference. You made me laugh. I have always thought green is a neutral. It sure in nature. Go with something green

@annoulaxeni I have never thought of a patterned tile look before, for fear of it being too busy and could be dated quickly. It is certainly something I can look into, but I typically shy away from things being real bold like that.

@Murial Thompson The tiles are definitely a gray with a bit of green in them. I’ll look around for some more green tiles, but I usually stick with neutral or muted colors by taste.

@eld6161 I really like that Bedrosian Chloe tile, it has enough character and variation to be somewhat interesting. I’ll certainly give that a look and see if I can locate some samples. And yes, I have a hard time with the all gray tiles, being that the lowers have a bit of a green undertone.

@Patricia and ThinkDesignLive I will get some pictures of the rest of the living area soon, had a busy day at work so couldn’t get on here to read comments all day. The master bath is 80’s special right now – on my list to remodel after the kitchen is complete.

Here are a few pictures of the house. Please excuse the couch and chair, those are on their way out.

Two more.

I’m not a pro by any means but I think a beveled white subway tile would look amazing!

^Same. I think white subway would be perfect in your kitchen.

The greenish tile will be perfect for you. Good luck!

Here’s a couple more pictures of the green gray tile and the white beveled tile.

Would use dark grey (color of base cabs or slightly lighter) subway tiles.

Okay, @Mark Huntley, I hear you. That was my first stab at interpreting your "a bit of character to it but still classic and not overly busy". Everyone's take on that would be slightly different, but I heard you perhaps didn't want super-plain. And actually, now that you've posted more photos of your space AND I see that the kitchen is very open-plan, I think you DO want super-plain -- that, or your idea of "character" is a very, very quiet and introverted character :-). And I don't disagree!

I also get the feeling that you're more than halfway decided on subway tiles already. Which are undoubtedly handsome, although starting to be yesterday's news IMHO. With the exception of the extensive grout lines which I still believe can be a maintenance nightmare in the splashback of a busy kitchen (is yours?) I'd vote for changing up the laying pattern. Google for brick-laying patterns as herringbone, while being lovely, isn't the only game in town.

As for color, the green's gorgeous with the current cupboard color but to what degree do you want to commit to that color in the space? If in 10 years it's all looking very 2020 and you decide to re-paint those cupboards, you'll have to work around the tiles or replace them.

Anything you choose may look dated in 10 years. You’re looking at 2 reasonable options. I personally prefer the greenish tile but both are fine. Go with what you like best and it’ll be great.

I like the green choice as well. I would do a bright white grout.

If you choose the white, I would do a light silver grout.

I really like the white, beveled, elongated tile you showed above it stretches your space and makes it look wider. I like it's sheen as well, similar to your counters. It looks very clean and classic a perfect color match. Way better than just o.k.! You could consider a light grey grout which would tie into your cabinet color without being too bold, just enough contrast to give it some depth. The counters are very nice and having the two tone cabinets may be statement enough, I like the less is more approach. Stainless electrical outlet plate covers look great on a white background too.

Thanks everyone! I’m going to do a little more shopping this weekend and see if anything jumps out. And I’ll try and get some photoshop done with the two choices everyone seems to like. If anyone thinks of anything else I should look at, let me know.

I'd be tempted to toss in some color: maybe a green glass 4x12 subway tile like this:

If you want to stay neutral, add interest by using a white ceramic with a different shape, like arabesque, picket, etc. Or do a layout other than running bond.

I'm just here for the Good Place references. That's pretty forking funny.

The green is very pretty. You could also keep going in that direction. I think these are modern-seeming but not tied too any particular trend; they have a whole lot of character and could look beautiful with your cabinets. (They're from Tilebar, which also has some other great options.)

I would do long 2” x 10” subways with dark gray grout in a herringbone layout. It would speak to your modern style and still have timeless look. A colored tile could be limiting in the future. One separate tip. All your wall hangings are hung too high. Centers of most should be about 60-63” above floor. Also, group sports items together rather than spreading out. Then add a Andel Adam print or two.

Another option might be a Carrara marble. You have to try different types to get best look with cabinets and countertops

Beveled subway sounds good; herringbone sounds good too!

But, for something different, how about glass tile? It can add a subtle sparkle to the space! Many glass tiles are a grayish-green sort of naturally, due to iron oxide content, so you can work in that color which seems pleasing in your space and to you.

Click here is an example, not the best, but just to start

For seaglass tile, see this thread (click here) from Houzz

Or -- with glass tiles, you could do an unusual pattern like this in white on white (matte white and satin iridescent white): click here to see example

I don’t think subway tile is boring. It comes in several lengths and can be installed different ways. Keeping the backsplash neutral wall give you room to do whatever’s you want with the rest of your open plan home.

Here are a few ideas from Tilebar. You can order samples from them, so you can see them in your space. The grey/green colour you need has to be just right or it might look mismatched.

I'm a sucker for herringbone and I love what Flo has shown above. If you are DIYing your tiling and decide on herringbone, then please do your homework before you start so you know how to get the pattern layout correct. Or look for tiles on mesh backing in a herringbone pattern already.

These are a little interesting, maybe a bit industrial looking. Not sure it is the right green/grey to match.

Green Tiles & Mosaics- Green Subway Tile, Glass, Mosaic & More · More Info

More grey than the one above but still that bit imperfect which gives a bit of something out of the ordinary.

Green Tiles & Mosaics- Green Subway Tile, Glass, Mosaic & More · More Info

I like a longer subway shape myself, over a traditional 3 X 6. You can do 2 X 10, or 3 X12 or 4X12...

Glass Mosaics & Tiles for Backsplash, Floor & Walls | TileBar.com · More Info

I liked the textured look on this, and the longer shape.

Green Tiles & Mosaics- Green Subway Tile, Glass, Mosaic & More · More Info

I really like this one.....has some nice colours in it but not too bold and daring. You'd need to see it in your space but something with a subtle pattern like this might be really nice.

Green Tiles & Mosaics- Green Subway Tile, Glass, Mosaic & More · More Info

All of these are Tilebar tiles. You can search by colour on their website - I searched green and found all of these.

I do really like the white herringbone 2x10 that Flo posted with some gray grout. I’ll grab some samples of that and make a board to help visualize it.

I’m starting to feel the green might not be the best approach. I have a lot of green I’m the house and feel it’ll be too much if the backsplash is also green.

appreciate all the comments, I feel I am making some good progress.

The general “jewelry of the kitchen concept” of a backsplash has been lost since everyone starting pushing the simple white splashes..for every situation....it is meant to add a little color/style/highlight in the kitchen ...not to be a generic feature....i wouldn’t rule out any color or interest there

I didnt understand the comment that you have a lot of green in the house...there is none in the pictures?..but if you do ...that would suggest it is a color you like and would be probably enjoy in your kitchen

it also took me a year. I finally put it in last month!

I like this one. If you want a herringbone, find this color in a 2x10 or 3x9, 2x8 size.

just so nice to have a color. please, no white tile!

Take a look at this tile. Winchester Tiles. Tundra under Elements.

https://www.winchestertiles.com/details?product=W.ELPTU2406

see? longer tile size just looks more transitional than the 3x6 size.

240X60mm (about 9.5X 2.3)

they have 19 other colors too

https://www.winchestertiles.com/Products?&range=%27Elements%27&page=1

Interesting tile Beth! I have a lot of blue/greens on the accent wall and also that bar wall, so I was thinking more green in the kitchen may be too much, but sounds like most think it isn’t.

Does a Carrrera marble tile like this work? It’s a bit of a neutral gray against the warm gray on the walls. Not sure you can do a marble next to a simple quarts like I have, but I have no clue on that.

Definitely gray green subway in a herringbone pattern!

meh on that one. This is 1x4 version, you can see how it looks. it's going to be on the cooler blue tone side.

did you look at the other colors they have? since that Tundra really isn't green, it's more gray w/green undertones, I'd request a sample. get one of the grays too.

Here's the green one (pasture)

compared to tundra. (order a sample of this!! what another month!)

and a cooler gray

another of their blue/green. beautiful color. When you look at these, Tundra really isn't that green!

Tundra in a herringbone!!

This is the Residence collection in Agapanthus in the herringbone. gorgeous.

look at this line. they have diff colors

https://www.winchestertiles.com/Products?&range=%27Residence%27&page=2

I see you like plants, so I wonder if you might like an alternative tile shape sometimes called "leaves" ? It's good to provide a more organic element as relief to the angular repetition that's inevitable in kitchens. Some carry this as a glass mosiac tile (in a variety of colors) while others sell it in stone or ceramic:

https://i1.adis.ws/i/flooranddecor/100248301_context?w=620&h=620&img404=404&v=1

Here's another 'take' on the same general idea, but this seems to be called braid not leaves -- slightly different shape and angle, larger, more colorful:

Ok! I’ll order a sample of the tundra stuff! It’s hard to gauge the color of that online, hopefully it looks great in person. I do like the longer format tiles, seems to go well with my long handles and long shaker drawers.

thank you! lol. order a few others. click on the other link w/the Residence line.

Keep in mind, you need 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of length to width to get most out of a herringbone layout. Don’t rule out light tile consider colored grout if you prefer some color. Any green would work best if “grayed” enough so it works with base cabinets. How long do you plan to be in this house?

flo, I only gave those dimensions because the tile looks better than a 3x6. IMO.

and for any herringbone patterns, the length should be divisible by the width. otherwise the pattern will wander