How big is the space? NYC kitchens tend to be small ... even tiny can be used to describe the sizes . The pics you show are of a quite large space. You just have to be careful in a smaller space . Is there a pretty light fixture / snazzy faucet /hardware /what floor etc? / full sized appliances? So just be cognizant of busy anything layered onto a compact small space. Not sure what the opposition is to white subway .. leaves room for slightly elegant hardware / and faucet .. maybe pretty light fixture. Just all depends . If you want multi tonal tile I’d choose grout that does not pop, like shown .

Hi herbflavor - thank you for your reply! Yes, this is a stereotypical tiny NYC galley kitchen, about 7' x 10' with a window at one end and a door at the other. The refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and range (with OTR microwave) all go along one wall. A pantry and long line of countertop/cabinets go on the other. The range is a 24" GE, and the dishwasher an 18" Bosch. The refrigerator is a 28" GE. All stainless steel.

The floor will be a 12" x 24" tile that color-wise is very close to the Taj Royale countertop. When I put my little countertop sample on top of the tile, it practically disappears!

I agree that the backsplash should not be too dramatic. Given that there's not much movement in the countertop, I thought there might be room for a bit in the backsplash - and my mom loves shading in tile. White would be a very reasonable choice, but mom has already stated she doesn't love it.

Very difficult doing a reno for someone in another state!! I really wish she could come to the tile store with me!

I think it’ll be okay if floor is right in synch. There are lots of creamy tiles... watch out for a lot of tonal variation. That can start to look really traditional. You want urban kitchen to be a little modern in function and surfaces... ( streamlined) if you ask me and for the most general appeal. ...but I’m sure you will find the right tile w the features you desire. Bring samples to view!!!

I have Caesarstone Taj Royale quartz countertop on my kitchen island and thinking of painting our cherry cabinets White Dove. We are going to replace the countertop on the surrounds and replace the backsplash. If we use the Taj Royale on the surrounds, what color subway tile would look good? If we use a different color countertop on the surround and let the island be different, we might have more options for a backsplash.

Too many decisions, right, @cherigerlach? I'm looking at a few options now.

(1) There's this marble-looking matte 3x6 porcelain tile that's a pretty good match for the Taj Royale. Almost too good a match!

(2) Then there's this super-shiny, shimmery, uneven 2x8 ceramic tile that's also a good match color-wise. That's my floor tile on the lower left, with the cabinet and little countertop sample on top of it, and the shimmery tile on the white card:

To give you a better idea of how shimmery it is: (it comes in both white and the more beige color)

(I actually like the original shaded tile I posted the best, but haven't been able to identify it or find anything like it that so far.)

Would love to hear your ideas for yours, @cherigerlach, once you decide what direction you're going in.

the creamier shiny tile would be a nice addition in the smallish urban kitchen. Then a couple of her special things on that long counter on the side, would really pop. Thats the one I'd pick.

Thanks, @herbflavor! I'm kind of leaning towards that one as adding some interest to the kitchen. My only concern is is it too trendy? At some point in 10 or 15 years I'm going to need to sell this apartment and I don't want it to look dated.

no not trendy....it's enough interest to just barely border on "bling" if one changes hardware/lighting fixture/ etc. Or it can be left w no other coordinating feature and not look out of place. Pearls worn w ripped jeans and sweatshirt.

Looking at this Soci tile with Taj Royale.

I am in the same situation. Hard to find good backsplash for our taj royale. what did you decide to go with? what is the shimmery 2x8 tile?

We did a Socci tile for Taj Royale counters. The tile has crackled glass that sparkles.

Used unsanded grout.

CTudor - that looks great! I see you posted last year that you were considering this tile - nice to see the "after"! ;-)

Hello! Curious about whether you ever identified the back splash? We'd like to know what the tile is too!

Luminous Series SSM-411 42 $25.23 USD $1,059.66 USD Harlequin Stella Blend
(Luminous Series Mosaics:
Order a Full Sheet)

That is backsplash from the order form.

It is a cracked glass and has a nice subtle sparkle. Jewelry for the kitchen,lol.

What is the stain on your cabinets? That is just the color I want with my Taj Royale.