Here are a few more pictures.

My walls are BM edgecomb gray.

Do you have a suggestion? I want to stick with subway tile?

Take a piece of your countertop and a door or drawer front to a tile store (not a big box store) and get some help. Remember, your lighting isn’t the same as the store’s, but you’ll get better samples to take home.

Also look at Tilebar.com. They have a visualizer tool and a lot of subway tiles in many, many colors. $5 for 5 samples. But don’t make a final decision based on one tile against the wall. Buy several before you start installing.

I found a very nice tile shop today that carries many brands of wall tile (though I had already been to several of the bigger stores - Marazzi/daltile, MSI, Arizona tile and bedrosian) and I have brought home several samples. However most of them have not seemed quite right. I did bring my cabinet and quartz samples to the shop today and I met with someone who recommended the pictured options. I want to highlight my countertops and not my backsplash. I like the simplicity of subway tile though I realize my choice is rather boring. I did look at tile bar but am not keen on the color variability of some options as well as the high gloss.

There's nothing wrong with subway tile - it's classic. You just haven't found the right color yet. You can get samples from online sellers too if you need to branch out from brick and mortar stores. Have you tried some grays and greiges as well as whites?

“The arctic white (on the left in the picture) seems to coordinate better with the counters while the white (tile on the right) is a bit warmer and coordinates well with the dove cabinets.”

You need a tile that coordinates with both counters and cabinets.

Can anyone share their opinion on which direction to go?

Between the two, Iike the one on the right better. The one on the left seems too pale /too stark. I wonder about going one step darker.

You seem to be leaving out another major player: grout. What color?

I want to stick with subway tile?

I'd look for something with a little more personality. Hexes, penny rounds, Xes and crosses, or 4x4s can be had in a solid white, but they bring more to the table than the ubiquitous subway tile.

I have tried several grays and greiges. The quartz that I chose and the fact that I have 2 cabinet colors in my kitchen has proven a little challenging though I love the two together. I also have a lot of warmth on my main level with my hardwood floors and earth toned furniture. My original question if anyone would like to weigh in was would it be better to pick the tile that works better with the counter or the tile that is a closer color match to the cabinets?

MSI portico pearl is another option. It’s a greige and is a bit more interesting. It might work with the warm veining in
the quartz and the dove cabinets

I chose the exact same quartz with white cabinets. After spending way too much time trying to pick the best tile for a backsplash I decided to use the quartz for the backsplash also. It looks great!

Can you post a few pictures please? I was just starting to consider this.

Also Gigiof4 how does a quartz backsplash work around the stove/cooktop?

I can tomorrow. I don’t have one on my phone that does not have people in the way. It really does look good. I get a lot of compliments on it.

Thank you. I’m sure that it is lovely but I’m biased. Did you have to put a different material behind your stove?

I do have a picture of my cooktop where you can see some of the quartz. I read comments in a discussion where it was not recommended due to heat. After reading that I have checked several times when cooking on the back burner to see if the backsplash was hot and it has never been warm. Everything just wipes off very easily.

It’s stunning. If tomorrow you could send a couple more pictures I would appreciate it. Thanks!

There is no reason on earth that your tile needs to be selected now. That tile, no matter what it is, can not be installed until the tops are on your cabinetry and you can do that months after the top install. If this is a new build, not having tile on a back splash, does not prevent a closing on that house.

Tile, any, is best selected when the tops are on. In your light, in your home with samples standing on the tops IN PLACE.

If you should decide you want to use the quartz on your backsplash? Know that it can scorch. Will yours? Maybe not. Much depends your range, or cook top and how you cook.

Also, there are many quartz options with warm veining - make certain this is your favorite of all available.

The LAST thing you want is a beveled tile. Please avoid it.: )

But again if (any) tile? No need for rush or panic.

You may want to look into getting samples online,

Elyse Edwards. "Tongue in Chic" collection with colorway "you don't snow me" , or "don't be a shell out" or "I think I'll bisque it"

They're available in three finishes, and two sizes.

For what it is worth? I think a 5 x 5 looks newer than subway which while classic IS rather prolific.

Thank you for the feedback. I think we will avoid the quartz on the backsplash as we cook quite a bit and I’m afraid of scorching. As for the tiles your recommendations are interesting- We are not big risk takers and are not interested in anything trendy but I like how these look. I’m going to see if I can find these tiles in the colors you recommended. Since I began this post with a color question I’m having trouble trying to coordinate the white of my counter with the warmer white of my cabinets. I don’t really want much contrast between the backsplash and the cabinet colors as I mentioned previously but not sure what would look best. Also it seems that a bigger tile might be better with fewer grout lines? I will see if I can hold off our contractor to give me some time to decide after the counters go in. Thanks again.

Kbdhunna - More photos of my kitchen. I noticed on the picture from yesterday that the counter looked a little yellow in the seam. It is not. I am guessing it was a shadow. We cook a lot and have had the counters installed for a couple of years with no problem. I am glad I did not see the comments regarding scorching because I would not of taken the chance. Maybe people that cook with gas are the ones with the issue? The next time you cook feel the area behind stove or cooktop and see if it’s hot? We remodeled our entire home and for me this was the most difficult decision.

Wow! It’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

In response to your question Should the subway tile look better with the counter or with the cabinets? The answer is…keep looking til you the find the right color tile that goes with the counter, cabs, and flooring

If your contractor won't budge, tell him to remove the tile and /or installation from the quote. Then when you have found the perfect tile get a tile installer to come in and do the backsplash. We built a house and my builder was fine with having the tile guy come back later to do the backsplash. It took 5 months after we moved in before I found the perfect tile. Some people live without a backsplash for years!

what Jan said. you don't pick a backsplash until everything is in. What's the rush? I waited a year before deciding on mine.

Your slab is very nice. the colors in that warehouse are not going to be the same as your kitchen.

I love all the light in your room and the warm wood tones. (too bad you didn't choose a soft brass hardware. I think it would have gone beautifully w/your flooring.

and one of these pendants

I love these lights. what do you think about the 4x4 or a zellige tile?

Or, have you looked at Bedrosians? cloe? Sahara? Marin? Makoto? they all have the longer subway versions in some very nice colors. check 'em out.

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/list/backsplashes

what about the tile on this backsplash? the colors are similar to yours

I really like this tile. has the handmade look, warm, works w/your griege tones, and should compliment your countertop. order some samples

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/zagora-tile/?itemNo=100003201

just to show you how it would look w/some pendants, (gold/white) and a nice runner

have you considered painting that door? (pantry?)

Not this color of course, but maybe a darker color than your wall.

or matching the door to the same wood as your island w/diff panels would look good

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/gallery/Detail/zagora-100003201-inst-atd-p3-3/?f_RoomType=Kitchen

gather some samples and wait. You can use your kitchen w/o tile.

and these tiles?? NO Arctic White? absolutely not. You can do better.

this is the Makoto line from bedrosians. Shoji White. if you want a white tile, pick one w/the warmer undertones. but you'll have to wait until your countertop is actually in.

(I would NOT get a 3x6 subway tile. go longer,,,2x8, 3x9, 2.5X10, etc. It looks better. you aren't doing a country farmhouse kitchen. no 3x6)

this is a 2.5X10, Marin tile in Sand Dollar? not very exciting, but it's better than the DalTile.

might be a closer match to your cabs/countertop.

Coastal Cliff color might be nice

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/marin-tile/?itemNo=100003175&queryid=1fd6c9576df9af8d059fbd1afa64ccfe

don't overlook the 4x4 option

Celine in a matte white. they have diff shapes/colors (love the natural blinds and the white oak shelves)

they also have this size in this taupe color. you might like a nice contrast between the cabs/countertop

I'd order a bunch of these samples

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/celine-tile/

Beth, Thank you for the detailed guidance! Houzz has an incredible online community! I’ve now decided to move away from the white tiles so I’ve made some progress :) I think that I went this route bc I was not certain of what direction to go. I have a sample of the Marin sand dollar (really love the color but not sure how I feel about the high gloss and wondering if this is trendy and will become dated?). I also have a sample of the Celine (only in white). They are lovely but I’m not loving the mix of colors in the tiles. I will go back to bedrosians to pick up a few up more samples of your other tile suggestions. As I mentioned we are not big risk takers when it comes to decorating. I love the brass lighting ideas but we have decided to not put in hanging fixtures bc of the cost. And we painted the door the wrong color - we do plan to repaint it. Thank you again!

One more question- what is the thinking for a backsplash about the difference between gloss, high gloss, or matte tiles and how to choose? My quartz will be polished so will that matter in deciding?

It really depends on the mix of materials, kitchen design and personal preference. I have polished quartzite counters, but the main reason I used a honed marble mosaic for the backsplash was that I have very large windows (in sunny FL) and I was getting a lot of glare/reflections with a polished/glossy backsplash tile and the polished counters. I put up several glossy sample before I realized that the colors were fine, but the gloss finish was the problem, so I then started to search for honed/matte tiles.

you could do a matte if you like. or the gloss. either is acceptable.

I have a matte countertop w/polished marble tiles. I think it's fine.

bring home some other samples. what did you think of the Zagora? I really like that one

shown in this ipic

Beth H. I do like the Zagora tiles and I think they would tie the warm and cool features of the kitchen together nicely. I like the idea of the backsplash blending in with the cabinets so that the countertops can be the showcase. Do the Zagora tiles lay flat on the wall or are they uneven? I don’t think I would like the uneven look but it’s hard to tell from the pictures.

There is no reason on earth that your tile needs to be selected now. That tile, no matter what it is, can not be installed until the tops are on your cabinetry and you can do that months after the top install. If this is a new build, not having tile on a back splash, does not prevent a closing on that house.

Excellent point. A backsplash is 99% for looks, not function. It's fine to live with the other choices for a couple months + then decide.

Beth H. and anyone else interested in weighing in - I was planning for a smaller tile such as a 3x6 or 2 1/2 x5 primarily because I have a small corner of wall (it might be 5-6” on each side) between my 2 kitchen windows- it is in the left corner of the pic I posted and I thought that a smaller tile, even if it has to be cut, would look better there. Would it be better to do bigger tiles and let the tiler figure out how to cut them down to make them fit in that section or go for a smaller tile?

Actually when taking a closer look it’s probably more like 4” on each side.

I'd do a thinner, longer tile.

the zagora have a handmade look, but they aren't. I think they will lay evenly. why not order a few samples? get more than one, or order a box if you can

as for the tile guy, make sure he does a DRY LAYOUT! last thing you want are sliver cut tiles. do you have any left over countertop? cut the 4" piece in back of the sink. If not, he should be able to place the tiles there. it's not too skinny for them. try a 2.x5X8 or 10" tile. 2x8 or 2x6 is also an option.

this is a good size. looks like a 10" you could do 8" if you prefer

This is the Cloe tile. (in gray, I think) it's a little bit bigger than the 3x6. very popular

Portmore tile is similar to this.

play around w/diff layouts. stack layout, 1/3 offset, basketweave, herringbone, etc.

Thanks for all of this! How is a dry layout done?

the tile guy will take measurements and replicate the layout on the ground (I did this w/my shower and other jobs I've done)

This way he should be able to determine where to place the cuts, start the tile, and how to avoid thin sliver cuts in corner or above or below.

if you do a 2x6 tile, that vertical offset stack would look great

horizontal stack

I like

i also like the 90 degree herringbone

if you insist on using plain 3x6 tiles, try them in the 90 herringbone. just please, no 50/50 offset!

even the standard herringbone is beautiful when done w/this size tile (looks like a 2x6 or 3x9)

2x8 is perfect

Thank you for all of your help!!

Beth H. Thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge. I’m heading out to Bedrosians this morning. I love the look of the tiles in the pictures but not sure how I feel about them in my house. I’m still struggling with the high gloss, the handmade look, and the variability in color of the tiles for the more interesting options. The marin tile is a big jump from where I started. Sand dollar is a lovely color but I’m wondering if it’s too warm and beige looking for my counter. It’s also super shiny which as you know is everywhere but I’m struggling with it. I really like the color of Arizona tile’s Paloma Cloud - unfortunately it is a basic subway tile not particularly interesting and only comes in 3x6 or a very large 4x16 which I don’t want (there are some other shapes which I also don’t want). I’m wondering if I did this in the herringbone pattern if it might work? Would this look ok with the movement in my quartz? I’ve attached a picture with Paloma cloud on the left and Marin sand dollar on the right. Seeing colors accurately in pictures is difficult- I do realize that. I will bring home a few more samples today to try to get a few finalists and then will wait for my counters to go in. Thank you!!

I like the colors. I think you could do a bit darker too.

the sales person should be able to give you a matte alternative in the size you like.

what about this Celine tile? under the pendant?

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/celine-tile/?itemNo=100003113&queryid=5a3049d10b74ae56a748efc50325da0e

The celine also has this taupe color in the 4x4. could work?

Check the Makoto line too, Kumo gray

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/makoto-tile

I still vote for the Zagora in Blanc (there are two blancs. I like this one)

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/zagora-tile

humor me and bring home a box of this. I promise, it will look amazing.

click on that link and scroll down to the gallery of photos. See how it looks.

tell me you don't like this!

It's stunning w/the soft brass and wood accents. I'm telling ya, get this tile!

this is the other blanc

they have this 4x10 Taupe

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/by-look/subway/traditions-tile/?itemNo=CERTRATAU410M&queryid=5687fe895a510dabdcc5f02b10badee6

or look under Sahara,,,3x12

Clara 2x10

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/by-look/subway/clara-tile/?itemNo=100000801&queryid=5687fe895a510dabdcc5f02b10badee6

Beth H. I was at Bedrosian’s today and the tiles that are designed to be slightly different colors is a bit too much for us. I might have missed the Clara in grey but I’ll pop back to take another look. I did take some samples of the Makoto in shoji white. Great color - I’ll try to get a picture tomorrow with the counter top sample but I’m not sure about the matte finish? I think I like some gloss and not sure about this finish in our fairly traditional looking kitchen (and house)? Thank you for all of the suggestions! I’m trying to push myself a bit out of my comfort zone.

reread my comment. I added more pictures.

you think the variation will be too much? how? you're viewing it in a store in their lighting.

bring a few tiles home and put it up against your countertop when it goes in.

at least bring home some Zagora in the blanc

this is not too glossy and it's not too varied.

bedrosians also has a Dolomite subway tile. check out that one

the Clara/Sahara colors are fine, but really boring. push a little harder! lol

similar to the zagora..

https://www.tileclub.com/products/luna-white-2-5x8

have you checked Tilebar?

https://www.tilebar.com/browse-by-project/backsplash-tiles.html

example, Seaport in Hibiscus

https://www.tilebar.com/seaport-hibiscus-2x10-polished-ceramic-wall-tile.html

Many of these are under IvyHill tile over at home depot. The above is known as Newport tile.

you could order a box to see how you like, and if you don't, it's an easy return

I took a good look
at the Zagora today. The overall appearance is very rustic - the tiles don’t sit evenly and there is some variability in color. However I can get a few samples to check it out. They are lovely but I’m not sure they are for us. I have been thinking about ordering the ivy hill tiles from Home Depot or a few samples from the tile bar. Also what is your thinking about a simple marble subway tile like the dolomite from Bedrosians ? I didn’t see them in the store. I thought marble tiles would be too much like our counters and I think a little contrast would be nice (but not too much contrast lol…). Thank you!

sorry you didn't like them.

yes Ivy Hill has plain tiles you could look at. too many to list. just search your size/color

so hard to guess what will work until that countertop goes in. when is install?

So what I haven’t shared in this post was that I had my countertop and backsplash tiles picked out (since late summer) and found out about 2 weeks ago at our fabricator layout appointment that the slab size was too small to not need a seam in our island. I essentially had to start over 2 weeks ago which was a real bummer but fortunately I have made some progress- countertops are picked and I really like them. Still working hard on wall tile but I’ll get there. So regarding installation, I’m hoping some time in the next 2 weeks bc our project is now at a standstill. Thank you for the all the suggestions and encouragement Beth H. Not sure what we will
end up with yet but it’s has definitely opened up my thinking to the many possibilities (including tile size and layout ).

I love your choices. Keep it clean, bright, fresh.

once you move into the space all the day to day stuff will soften the all white look, and you still have a great clean fresh kitchen. you know what they say about opinions... every one has one.