Either shape works but the colors seem a bit dark and beige-colored. But yes, go for the scull tile wall at the peninsula.

Your kitchen looks gorgeous!

Hi Lisle, Thank you, I think the photo makes the tile appear a bit darker than it is. Do you think white would look better?

a textured white subway.....I like how its a pretty long wall so a subway shape of some sort plays that up but I'd add wavy or some kind of texture. Lots to choose from...this one is that nice elongated size w subtle texture on the surface. remember you'll have display things in the glass cab and probably a nice floor mat or runner...you dont need all that much..no gray...that has exited the room by now.

Mulberry Court Kitchen Renovation · More Info

If I picked the arabesque, I’d go white, but if the subway I’d pick the color option. One choice the shape would be the little twist, the other it would be the color. And since you’ve got such a good start and stopping point with the back wall, I’m not sure I’d do that other wall at all.

Both choices, although nice, seem a bit "same old, same old". I would keep looking.

Both choices, although nice, seem a bit "same old, same old".

At least they're not as "same old, same old" as white subway.

Personally, I'd like to see something that'd bring in more personality /more individuality.

My lowers are gray but it will give you an idea of how the arabesque looks. Mine has a crackle glaze.

At least they're not as "same old, same old" as white subway.

OMG! So True, So True!

heres some similarly longish kitchen walls with the white treatment but not ordinary. ..... all white can be quite beautiful and classic/enduring.....the 3rd is a take on arabesque it appears.....maybe something like that one....

Fresh Traditional Aurora IL Kitchen Design and Remodel · More Info

Clintonville Kitchen · More Info

Fresh Classic Clean White Kitchen · More Info

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I'd go for color. Orange. Mint. Yellow. Blue. (Not all of them. Just one.) And maybe a cool pattern.

Pratt & Larson-->

I think that you could go several ways here. Pops of color or neutral colors could both look nice. Are there any other walls in this kitchen where you could use a patterned tile for accent? I also don’t mind subway tile, it can be timeless. Perhaps you install using a pattern like herringbone to add interest? I also think that I would stop the tile at bottom of cabinet height on your tall wall. Use that space to bring in a bit of color through art or textiles.

Subway tile is classic and will not go out of style!

other backsplashes are trendy but subway is classic! They also come in some many sizes now

On my monitor neither of those work color wise with the counter . I do agree the arabsque is not the right choice for the backspalsh in that kitchen Look for a tile in the same color as the veining in the counter and why not look at glass tile in a subway type style but larger format match the grout to the tile and keep it simple then add your color with accessories , fresh flowers etc. I love glass tile it adds a bit of bling but a timeless look

I would be aiming to complement the black island, your hardware and maybe eventual black lighting. It‘s about tieing everything together; think big picture. Subway can take on many looks and whatever shape, size, pattern you decide on, I think a slight variation in shades would be a lovely option. If possible, purchase a box (that can be returned) to get a more robust feel and also try taping up some tile on the narrow wall to get a better sense to tile or not. You could instead add two small prints above each other.

Accessorize to complete the look.

I agree the two choices you showed don’t do much for your already lovely kitchen. Either a white with texture as was suggested or something in marble that becomes the bridge from the black island to the white cabinets. The backsplash needs more interest. I like @Maureen’s marble looks. And Beverly’s textured looks.

A colored tile will work, of course, but you have to make sure you won’t tire of it.

Thank you all for your opinions and advice, it is greatly appreciated. It’s back to tile store for me. Thanks again!

Of course, subway tile will be dated given its overuse. The application of white quartz on white cabinets with white subway tile is very epitome of the 2010's and early 2020's.

I remember a kitchen designer telling us 20 years ago that travertine has been used for centuries, is a classic material, and will never go out of style. The same with cherry wood cabinets. Just read the many, many Houzz posts for the last decade on buyers trying to live in those god-awful dated kitchens. I speak from experience. Prior to selling our high end house, we painted the cherry cabinets white, replaced the travertine with white subway, and replaced the juperana granite with white quartz.

Anyway, your kitchen is lovely. I would select a backsplash that ties in the black island.

nice space.

could you do some black pendants over the island?

please, no white subway. it is so overdone I can't take it any longer!

There are so many options for you.

white cabs/black hardware. how about this glazed brick tile (installed vertically) w/some warm wood accents?

I like the runner too. now isn't this a better look than a plain old white tile?

If you do a plain tile, jazz it up by doing a diff layout. this is a double basketweave:

Arabesque is meh. the one you picked will look like this.

I like it better in the black than the gray.

These arabesque backsplashes make more of a statement

I like the scallop shape better. pair this w/some wood accents and maybe woven pendants. wood cutting boards, vases w/greenery, a few plants, etc. makes all the difference.

you could take the tile around the peninsula even w/bottom of cabs, Or, take it all the way up.

See red line? here are some tile choices.

I like the honedbasalt w/the gold dots. (floor/decor Nova Noir) w/your hardware, I think it would look really cool. bring in wood accent decor items, a few plants.

the black w/gold dot also comes in a white

This is my other fave. honed/polished/brushed marble in a chevron pattern. I love this look.

Could you do black? have you considered it?

photoshop w/ some pendant options, counter chair option, This tile is the matte Makoto in black from Bedrosians. comes in many other colors, including white, too.

here's how some diff black tile backsplashes look w/white

slate:

smaller black herringbone. this one I would take up to your ceiling.

they have this style in a basalt chevron that is really pretty.

black marble: you could do black, white or gray grout.

Do you like the Nabi Harlequin from Tilebar? (comes in other colors and shapes). this iNatural White. they have 5 samples for $5 over there. take a look around

If you really like the arabesque, Tilebar has this black and white one, along w/some other versions you might like.

https://www.tilebar.com/shop-by-tile-shape-and-pattern/arabesque.html?filtertileuse=Backsplash&p=2

Zellige tile. comes in all colors

Wow, thank you all again for taking the time to reply and offer your great advise and pictures too. I’m blown away by the responses. I have ordered black pendants waiting on delivery. I am searching for stools, looking for wood, leather and/or metal (with leather I liked the camel color or. Medium brown). I’ve attached some pics of pendants ordered and chairs I like.

Nan, those are nice choices, I like the the lighter woven stools.

although, I did have this mock-up done for you earlier:

I posted a slew of pictures and photoshops w/diff tiles. a lot of black options. go back and reread since I added some diff pics.

do you like ANY of those compared to the gray arabesque you have?

As always, Beth gives excellent examples of how to personalize and elevate a space.

@Beth H makes a compelling- and photographic -argument for black tiles of any shape. If you have a bit of drama in you, seriously consider a black backsplash.

Beth, I like the black dbl basket weave, the Nabi Harlequin, small black herringbone and the marble chevron. Thank you for your help. I’ll go on the tile bar tomorrow and order a few. The Nabi harlequin and the small black herringbone are my favorite.