oh gosh there are SO many choices - likely a bit overwhelming, I like Ann Sacks tile - a few of those

What about something patterned? Make a statement instead of blending away.

Or do a bit of a contrasting color.

If you have been looking for 4 years, then maybe you need to go outside of what you think your comfort zone is.

Good luck!

I also encourage you to consider a patterned tile. It’s a nice way to inject your personality into the space.

Where are you shopping for tile? For greater variety and more unique products you should visit your local independently owned tile stores. Got to several, because they don't all carry the same brands.

Have you looked at Jeffrey Court, Pratt & Larson, Encore and Sonoma Tilemakers?

I saw this tile on an episode of fixer to fabulous. I think it would be sooo magnificent in your space.
You obviously gotta sample it in person to make sure the colors work well in the space.
I’m so obsessed

https://www.cementocollection.com/products/moroccan-zellige-maze-light-a-mosaic

I agree you need some pattern in the backsplash. Anything with some blue tones to pick up from your island color. la_la Girl gave some great examples and there are so many others to choose from.

you might like mother of pearl.

these are the same room...mother of pearl is beautiful close up..yet furthur back it doesnt insist on being attention grabber.

Shingle Style- Kitchen · More Info

Shingle Style Kitchen · More Info

This is my kitchen; I have a blue island just like yours. I love this tile and I get comments on it ALL the time...even from the construction guys when the house was built said it was great to see something besides subway tile. It is from TileBar.com You will NOT see this in every house you go in! Dunmore, by Angela Harris in their designer collection. You can order samples and see how you like it. (note: use a brownish/beige grout...white won't work!) My cabinet guy was over today for another project, and he took pictures of the kitchen to show his wife how nice it had all turned out. Except the dinky corbels, which he is fixing!

since "nothing works" was a fair amount of time ago I would get back to the tile store of your choice and look again. they do bring in new selections.....tile is like pieces of art in a way and new ones might appear and strike the right note. I think lighter woods are coming on strong so the lighter feel and more variety in the white or near white category may impress you more this time.....

Thank you everyone for these great ideas- most of my tiles came from the tile bar , but I will look with a different viewpoint . I may need to travel to get to a good tile store which is fine. I love the idea of the touch of color and some thing possibly in the mosaic pattern.

The other reason to go to local tile stores is that they will have grouted sample boards that you can borrow for a few days, which is the best way to see how a tile will look in your space.

I would look at handmade tiles or handmade-style tiles. Even the "plain" versions have subtle variations of color and texture that may appeal to you.

Most websites don't do a good job of photographing texture. I agree that in person shopping is the way to go.

Nina I agree with deegw, go in person. I am looking for bar stools like you described could you please post a picture of them here. TIA