I hate quartz I have no idea how plastic counters became a good idea. Those tiles you show are IMO no way to wotk with that counter From what I see in that kitchen more storage would be the first step . Look at granites for your counter a polished granite is close to bullet proof and you say you want busy but you choose a tile that is beyond busy so maybe a bit more info. I do not think I would spend money on new counters until the storage issue is resolved

I live alone and have all the kitchen storage I need,thanks. What you aren’t seeing is an 80” wide closet half devoted to pantry space in the adjoining room. The other tile I was considering was a mostly white subway tile that has subtle variation of greys and warm whites. It’s just that I’m so over subway tile! It’s overused. (Haha! I can say that because even I used it in my shower.)
There isn’t a great deal of area for the tile, but whatever I use will run to the ceiling around the range hood. On the opposite wall, up to cabinet height; I have shelves that will go above that on the far end of that wall.
Do you have any other suggestions for the backsplash?

I have quartz counters and I love them.I have had granite etc but I prefer how quartz looks.
Please post pics when you’re done

I am sorry, that counter choice and that backsplash do not go at all. What you should do is install the counter, and only after the counter is installed, choose your backsplash. It is very difficult to choose a backsplash before the counter is installed because it all looks different - very different - after the counter is installed.

I am sorry again, but I do not think that counter works regardless. You said you have north-facing windows, gray cabinets. That counter will look dreary indeed. I am certain you will not like it. Something lighter, less stormy, would be better.

Thanks, I will. I’m learning, but from what I understand, quartz is more durable than granite, holds up to hot objects, doesn’t require sealing, and scratches less easily. Calling quartz plastic is a bit unfair.

Miranda, though the windows face north, the light in the space is indirect but still intense; I live in a brilliant desert. My thinking on the counter material is to mitigate some of the brightness and provide what I believe is needed contrast in the room. Do you have a particular counter look you could share? This is why I post- to get others’ ideas before pulling the trigger. And yes, the counters will go in in the next month or so; the tile will come later.

Thank you. Good information

Another backsplash I’ve considered is a small-scale white herringbone mosaic tile.

What a nice space (love your doggos) - if it were me i would lean more warm and light considering the wonderful floors and ceiling - and would not commit to a dark grey counter. But if you love the counter then wait until its installed to tackle the backsplash as you may need to balance things out. Warm and cool tones often fight each other (unless managed by a talented designer) so just something to keep an eye on since you have so many warm tones in your space - if you want to go dark, i would be tempted to do soapstone since you dont have huge runs of counter and it would look great with all the wood

I love the look of your warm and inviting home. I understand wanting to cool things down if you are in the desert, but I just don't see gray cabinets and gray counters working with your lovely wood floors and ceilings. A soft green/blue/gray (Wickham Gray by Benjamiin Moore) for cabinets would work well with the wood elements, perhaps with a creamy white countertop and a creamy herringbone backsplash. Maybe not your style, but the gray on gray just wouldn't do anything for your small kitchen, in my opinion. Also, the backsplash you chose, while very interesting, IS busy and doesn't work with the quartz choice. I have granite counters in kitchen, quartz in one bathroom, marble in another. I love all 3 for different reasons, and they all have their own pros and cons.

I’ve pulled a few Hanstone light choices for the tops, but for some reason the app is not letting me post them. ‘Ridge’, ‘Swan Cotton’, ‘Athena’, ‘Silverstone’, and ‘Specchio White’. Ridge had the most variation, both tans, whites and greys. Might a lighter top be more comparable with the Ivey Hill tile?

Compatable! Not Comparable…

Are you putting those counters on the cabinets shown in your picture, or are you doing a whole kitchen remodel? Those cabinets don't look gray, but I guess they could be a light gray. Do you intend to refinish the floors? If you aren't, I have to say I also have reservations about going with gray. The floors are very warm. But in any case, waiting to choose backsplash until after the counters are installed is always good advice. I think you're on the right track with a herringbone. That would make it interesting without being dramatic.

I like your counter choice as a contrast note and Love the Ivy hill tile with the wood ceilings. Tons of light and bright kitchens have soapstone or cement countertops. Do you! Please don't get talked into having white on white on white.

i like the porcelain tile more than the counter choice. If you live alone I'd use the tile and put in butcher block counters. you just oil them regularly and they'll be about as nice or nicer than other things for a solo situation. ...and its such a manageable amt of sq footage. the dark counters seem a little depressing.

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Chiming in… First, I think that your confusing Quartz (man made resin product) with Quartzite (a natural stone), quartz is not resistant to heat but if you understand its limits, its a great material to use. It comes in hundreds of different patterns and colors. Patricia is not a fan at all. Your countertop although it looks tone on tone, has a pattern so I would probably have a more textured backsplash than something flashy. Your kitchen is a simpler more traditional style, while the backsplash you picked, to me, is quite modern. It simply doesnt go with what you have. I agree that subway tile is boring so I would go with a unique tile shape with a matching grout, then your interest will come subtly from the texture it creates. Aaand, I know some people hate this but, Id go to the ceiling, right around the window to give that room the pizzazz youre looking for.

Kandrewspa, yes, the cabinets are new, and a very pale warm grey. The floor is the same throughout the house. I can’t exactly call them new, because the building began life as a 2-stall pole barn for my horses and I’ve been working on the additions and conversion for 8 years. When I lost my last sweet horse to old age, my original small adobe became a nightly rental and I moved into what was then the tack and feed room. I began to transform the barn a bit at a time. Just for fun, here’s a picture of a stall used as a sitting area outside of the tack room, and what that same stall is now.

Here’s Hanstone ‘Silverstone’ with the same Ivey Hill tile, for a lighter idea.

I’ve heeded some of the advice in my post and have been looking at lighter quartz countertop options. SO many emulate marble, which is beautiful but not right for my barn/ kitchen. I’m having trouble finding a top that has some interest but is a truly white background. Many say white but are really cream or grey, not right with my pale grey cabinets. What if I go with a pure white quartz, no veining or speckling?
I also received a sample of the Klyda backsplash tile. Nope. It too says white, but it’s as grey as my cabinets. There’s a subway tile (also comes in a square format) that has subtle variations of whites and greys. Might that look good with pure white tops?
Thanks for any input !

I have found that going to an actual stone yard/stone company and looking at the actual stone slabs is very helpful. The stone yard will have their own people who will come measure your kitchen/bathroom/bar and will cut and install your selected stone. If your cabinets have been finished, I suggest bringing one door to see how it looks next to the actual stone slabs.

I agree with @herbflavor and @felizlady. Consider the backsplash with a butcher block countertop, but go to some stone yards with one door and a couple of those tiles. The high contrast of dark grey counters doesn’t go with the rest of the house (other than your shower floor) and keeping the kitchen light, airy and wood toned seems right. Love that you’re converting your barn.

Sorry you lost your horse. 😢 We live on a horse farm with 18 of them (three are ours) and they’re so lovely to be with every day.

If you’re considering pure white counters, you might consider Glacier White corian. It gets a lot of rave reviews in these discussions, though I have no personal experience with it.

Felizlady, I have been to the one stone yard that serves all of the Trans-Pecos area of Texas, located in Odessa, and it’s 240 miles away from me. There are other yards in El Paso, but that’s 300 miles away. It’s exactly 238 miles from my driveway to the nearest Home Depot, if that gives you an idea of how remote I am. 80 miles to a regular grocery store, although we have a tiny one locally. I’ll order through Pinnacle Stone in Odessa, but they have a limited selection of slabs on hand. They can get just about anything in, though. Looking at options online isn’t ideal, but nothing about building here is easy!
Hanstone has several bright white quartz products that do have some speckling. I’ve ordered several samples. It’s going to be such an expense, in that the fabricators will also come from Odessa, making two round trips of 480 miles each just to make the template and then install.
There’s a design firm featured on Houzz in the past called JKath Design. Look at a project of theirs, ‘Hale House’. They used the Hanstone ‘Storm’ quartz there, along with a lot of wood tones, neutrals, and whites. I’m still considering ‘Storm’.
I don’t think butcher block would be a great choice, adding yet another different wood element besides the ceiling, floor, and reclaimed wood too.
This is such a big decision. I appreciate everyone ‘s input.

An update on my counters and backsplash. I went with Hanstone 'Storm' quartz tops. It has a honed finish and a very slight texture. This is the backsplash tile I think I’m going with, though it isn’t ordered yet. I’m thrilled with the tops!

Sending these pictures separately…

Thanks, I will. I’m learning, but from what I understand, quartz is more durable than granite, holds up to hot objects, doesn’t require sealing, and scratches less easily. Calling quartz plastic is a bit unfair.

Wrong! If you put a hot object on quartz, it will change it. Maybe you're thinking of quartzite which is a whole different animal?

Granite is more durable than quartz.

Here is what I finally went with in countertops and backsplash tile. The space still needs crown moulding and baseboards, but I’m pleased with the overall look. Tile is Bedrosian Chloe and the tops are honed quartz, Hanstone 'Storm'.

For some reason, I could not post these pics with the comment above.

Your kitchen is lovely! Those countertops are perfect.

Thank you! I think the space needed the contrast.

Oh wow your counters look great! such a nice warm grey - you must be so pleased :)