Close up of tile sample

With a tile that dark, I think you have to use a lighter grout color, or you lose the shape completely. I don't think I would use a dark tile like this with your dark cabinets, though. Can you get more of them, and set them out to see if you want it this dark? Or get brown poster board and prop it up to see what you think. I also think that stainless steel tiles wouldn't match with the other very traditional choices. Is there a glass tile similar to this one that would pick up the lighter cream colors of your granite?

I am in a back splash tile nightmare! Here are the most recent updates to the kitchen along with all the tile samples I have been acquiring. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for your recommendations!

There is a lot of movement in the granite. The best advice I got from my designer was that if you love the granite and want it to stay front and center, pick a tile that doesn't compete with the it in terms of color, material and pattern of grout lines. I like the regular subway tiles better than the glass, but only because I don't like things too shiny. Good luck! The granite is gorgeous.

I think the second tile from the left would look nice. I would not use a contrasting grout since the grout lines would pop out and be very distracting. Be careful of the thinset color you use to set the tile. White thinset can change the color of the tile on the wall. Also try to use an unsanded grout so the grout does not scratch your glass tiles.

Thanks for all your help!

I think the third from the end on the right would look good. I wouldn't go with the dark color with the dark cabinets. And typically you want to match the grout to the tile or at least close to the tile. There is some exceptions. I would pick the one I mentioned, it's neutral but goes with all the colora of your granite but doesn't take away from it. And follow the manufactures recommendations when installing the glass

In the picture of them standing upright my eye is drawn to the cream colored and the one to the left of it (so 2nd and 3rd in from the right of that left photo)

What then should I do for the bar back splash in the great room which is open to the kitchen? The wall color is kilim beige, granite is Normandy and cabinets are espresso.

The one to the left of the cream coloured tile, I think that would be your best choice, and have it installed on a brick pattern( subway style)! That will look really good with your granite and your cabinets. Nice kitchen by the way, love the size of the island.

Thank you, Stuart! I love, love how big this island is. My husband designed it and were very happy. Big improvement over what we had.

My opinion would be to do a split face travertine. Or a quartz ledgestone. Both will have no grout joints. It will look great with those cabinets and will flow nicely with the fireplace.

I'm late to post to this thread - but was wondering if you could tell me what granite you have - its beautiful! Thanks so much

I'd also like to know the name of your granite. I'm building a house and love those colors.

I like 1 & 6 from the 3rd picture as well. Your granite is gorgeous and your big island really shows it off.

8newhouse and rhondakucera: The name of the granite is Normandy. Thanks so much for your nice complements.

Have you picked your backsplash yet? I love your choices so far, hope you post a picture as I am sure it will be stunning.

I have picked my backsplash, finally! Tile is being delivered next week. We went with a tumbled marble from marble systems called sylvester beige. I ended up going a completely different direction from what I thought I originally wanted. I will make sure to post a picture once it is completed. Thank you!

Thank you!

I like the last one in you're lineup-that complements the granite ..then use a white grout it and it will brighten up the back splash . Stay away for getting to dark! Just my two cents!!

I would keep it as plain as possible. There is so much going on with the granite to add another dimension would be a mistake. Sorry but that's my opinion. Plain and simple is best.

I look forward to seeing it. You must be excited that your kitchen is almost completed.

I like the two greys as well, nice compliment to the granite and a different warm color

Thank you to all who have given feedback on tile choices. We decided to go with a tumbled marble in a 4x4. Here is what we went with. I will post pictures once completed. Thank you!

Excellent choice!!!

Backsplash is done.