I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I think what you have now looks great. It adds some contrast and ties in with your flooring and furniture in the other room. I don't think the backsplash makes your space too dark. Is the issue not enough lighting in the kitchen (= dark) or you don't like the level of contrast? If you don't like the level of contrast or heavy visual feel of the splash, that's a different issue than it being too dark in there.

That stacked stone would look nice. I love your granite. Not sure why you say you want to update to quartz. That would be a downgrade to me

Oh, and I know why the contractor installed your outlets that way—because they are hidden by anything on the countertop. I wish mine were like that

^^ Yea, I agree. I just had electrical work done in my kitchen, and I was going to get them done low and horizont but changed my mind at the last minute; I now wish I had done it. You can get outlets and switchplates that are a better match to whatever tile you choose than white --> white is not the answer to everything, though it is the default. And against your dark tile it sticks out like a sore thumb.

I think your backsplash looks great! I wish other people who come on this forum looking for backsplash help had such a pretty backsplash. Your granite is beautiful. Don't touch either of those! And your cabinets, pulls, drawers, layout, everything was done so well. And everything is cohesive with your living room choices.

As to the outlets, they actually are best when installed low and horizontally so as not to be intrusive on the tile backsplash. Most of the time people post on here to complain how their outlets are smack dab in the middle of the backsplash, and how ugly it looks. I would not break up a lovely backsplash and pay an electrician to move receptacle boxes from where they are now, no way. Electricians are really expensive, and you will not be happy with the results.

Edited to add: I agree with @porkchop_z5b_MI that you can buy receptacle cover plates in a color close to your backsplash tile, and it will look really nice. Look up Lutron wall plates or Leviton Renu wall plates. Changing just the wall plate is easy. Changing out the receptacle for a different color may be more difficult. I have seen many where the wall plate is a matching the tile, and receptacle center is white, and it looks good.

Agree that outlets & switchplates should be left in current location & new covers if needed to blend with backsplash. They aren’t a decor or focal item & placing them low removes them from field of vision when looking at BS. That’s a good thing & so much better than having them in the default position of smack in middle of BS! As for tile, why not a tonal subway tile that color blends with the fireplace stone? That would lighten up space, & add ”texture” as well as tie in with FP. My tonal greys has 3 colors, all lighter end of color spectrum. With a tonal color range it’s important to watch layout in progress to make sure there’s not spots of a single color grouped together in the rows. Our tile setter asked us to come look at his work as he was installing since it’s easy to go ”color blind” after a bit.

ETA: your fireplace is a great example of a tonal color layout.

White will be hard to match. I’d look at creams. Or off white tiles. Or maybe blues.
What’s your style? What do you love?

@HU-187528210 Correct, we’re not looking at white BS for this granite! Brought some samples home and it did not look good next to it at all. The Cloe tiles we’re looking at (pictured above) are more of an off-white and light gray. Just curious if anyone had any better ideas!

Re: my style.. I posted a photo of my living area for reference. Transitional, i guess? I’m almost 40 and still not really sure….

@chispa Thank you for looking! Yes, thats the exact direction we’re headed in!

@KW PNW Z8 Yes! i think you’re basically describing the Cloe tile i have picked out!

@porkchop_z5b_MI Yes, that is a bit of a gut punch.. the hubs just pulled out the last piece of glass tile today 😜 I feel pretty confident in this change though.. I've lived with this BS for 6+ years so I know it’s definitely not what makes my heart sing… and that’s what i‘m going for this time around!!

I do see everyone’s point on the outlets now and I’ll leave them. I appreciate your input. That makes it easier.. no more electrician required!

@M Miller I agree with you.. I’ll leave them where they are and just swap out the faceplates for something lighter that matches the new BS! i appreciate your input and time!

@nataliepearson10 I like your tile choice. Do look at them standing up though - the way you’ll see them when installed. The way light hits them will make them look much lighter - or maybe darker. See mine with hood & under cab lights on. They look grey but color name is ”Green Tea” I think they are Mellange brand tiles or maybe that was pattern name as there were several color choices. Also - note the plates - low & going same direction as tile! I wish they were a tad lower but electrician who moved them was here before tile, wallboard & tile installed. They were vertical & midpoint in BS so this is better.

I like the tile you're showing.

I like the backsplash tile in your last picture and think they will look great with your cabinets and granite. I love the Alaska White granite.

I would choose the lightest color in your countertop that isn't white or cream; it's hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like it might be a pale greige. There are several ways to minimize the busyness of the backsplash: opt for a larger tile so there will be fewer grout lines; grout should match the tile color, not contrast with it; and the tile surface should be flat and uniform, no wavyness, mitered edges, rounded corners, mottled color, or other "embellishments". I like your silver colored hardware better than brass for this space, but if you want to update it, maybe change to a more modern style in the same color. And good luck, you have the makings of a really beautiful kitchen!