Oh also, we will not be selling this house for a long time…kids are in 6th and 8th grades and after moving them all over for their first decade or so, we want to let them settle for high school. I say that because I am designing for myself and not some hypothetical buyer.

A slab backsplash with the counter material saves a lot of money on installation. Yes that goes into the material cost. But you get the benefit of that for years going forward. You'll have to carefully choose the slab and do it with the placement of the cuts and seams and how they interface with the counter patterns in mind. Communication with your fabricator with your ok at different stages is mandatory with no exceptions. Starting with the layout.

What about 12 x 12 black slate laid on the diagonal? Classic.

Sorry….I thought you were taking about your floor. Which I new see is a beautiful hardwood! I would do a simple backsplash in white.

LOve the slab and I too love the mix ofold and very modern the slab is the star so I would do nice backpainted glass for the backsplash ideally custom to fit but you could do large format too .Maybe the slate but not a lover of mixing stones . I think the idea of the encaustic tile can work but it has to not look like a bathroom floor .

One idea I had is doing a plain white square tile and adding the following tiles in randomly to add some of that old world feel you like.

https://www.urbancoastile.com/products/antiquity-8x8-white-embossed-pattern-tile

https://www.ziatile.com/products/stars-cross-bone-cement-tile

Omg this might be my favorite!!!

https://www.tileshop.com/products/annie-selke-artisanal-cream-lace-wall-tile-sample-496095ss

Or maybe a stone look.

I used this marble mosaic from Jeffrey Court for my backsplash. It comes in different accent marble colors and shapes. I used it with Taj Mahal quartzite counters.

https://www.jeffreycourt.com/chapters/park-place/

Just be aware that many on these forums are afraid of color, patterns and of mixing colors/patterns.

Inspiration

perhaps color?

There is so much you can do here! I think I would have a hard time choosing!

I like patterned tiles and 3d tiles.

How to choose!?

Maybe look at Fireclay tile and Mercury Mosaics - even if you don't have the budget for handmade tiles they have great mid-century style ideas if that's to your taste.

Thank you for all the ideas! I thought this would be the most fun part but it has been the most stressful for some reason. I love the patterned and textured tiles the most but am getting pressure to go plain but I think a pattern could look fab. I hadn’t considered back painted glass but that is a beautiful option too.

Backpainted glass (maybe in a light green seafoam color) would look great with your contemporary kitchen, imho.

love your choices..it can be more eclectic with the honed granite and wood floor/warmth of wood shelves too...and farmhouse sink leans traditional altho the black gives it a twist. amongst everything, the slab doors end up quite versatile for you...you have various options. I think bringing in many samples is the best thing right now. Something may utterly surprise you as to what looks good and plays off the elements . Porcelain has the most beautiful feel and might be a nice pick w the honed granite. thats where Id start.

4 x 4 Hexagon Porcelain Mosaic Tile Backsplash, Satin, Green · More Info

Classico Bardiglio Hexagon Dahlia Light Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile · More Info

Pressure to go plain?? Push back. It's a backsplash. Have some fun. You have a great space to do something interesting and different. Find something that you will love to see first thing in the morning when you go to get coffee.

I have an update…the tile is in. i decided to go with a black and white pattern and I am in love with it! Grout goes on today and then paint and the hood and I am finally done. I am trying to decide the paint direction….I am open to updating other rooms around the kitchen so not really worrying about those yet. The previous owners painted it all SW Agreeable Grey and it doesn’t work in some rooms. I am thinking green but I am open to suggestions.

BM Webster Green

BM Carolina Gull