None IMO the fewer grout lines the better in a backsplash so my advice a nice large format gray glass tile with matching grout . I think herringbone is style that will date the kitchen quickly .

love the counter! I agree with Patricia. The counter is so fluid and the small herringbone is so geometrical and busy. I don’t think they work together.

Thank you. I thought glass was a dated material? Also why will herringbone style date the kitchen? I always thought it was timeless.

The herringbone tiles are too small which necessitates tons of grout lines and all of the little lines are what makes it so busy. I prefer the subway tile you have now over those.

Herringbone is an enduring pattern for fabric and floors. But it is a trend in backsplashes. Some will look good long term, but these will be dated.

I really like the original tile on the wall, very pretty.

Herringbone is timeless, but your herringbone has a glaze outline around each tile and that is making the pattern too busy.

I thought the glaze (border) was going to tie in with the veining on my counters. Now I’m very confused :/

so the guidance is either a simple herringbone (perhaps larger) OR a large format tile to reduce grout lines and overall busyness?

right now with certainty I would go ahead and paint the walls the lighter wall paint option. It will help in uniting the grayish tone of the island w the obviously warmer floor...its a chameleon shade of paint .... youll see if a simple off white tile vs leaning cool or warm makes more sense. Right now the tile options lean gray......I wouldnt pick those Get the walls painted., then youll see. Dont rule out a blue tile..with the smokey tone of the island it can work and you avoid the hard work w all the neutrals. I really dont dislike what you installed but if its poor work thats a bummer.

this pattern tile w the smokey blue as well the neutral cream would be really special in your kitchen. very nice w island.... then, solid colors.

Kings Blume Encaustic Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile, Blue · More Info

White Marble Subway Honed · More Info

Chalk 3" x 11-3/4" Ceramic Wall Tile, Azul · More Info

BORGO 3"x8"x0.36 Polishes Porcelain Subway Tile, Sky Blue, 1 Box · More Info

There are a million options, I suggest you find some inspiration photos that appeal to you. The old backsplash and these are very different styles; what do you really like?

Is your current backsplash Bedrosian Cloe White tile? It looks like Cloe white - except that in your photos, it looks like quite a few tiles with a yellowish tone to them (I have it installed in a guest bathroom - MANY people installed it in their kitchens during the past three years - and there were quite a few stunning kitchens - but haven't seen a yellowish tone) + I am using Cloe Baby Blue (they are actually more aqua - v4 = lots of variation) in another bathroom on the back wall of the alcove where the vanity will be installed.

While it's not a handmade tile, it's made to look like one (it's a faux zellige tile) - and some tile installers (less experienced) have problems installing it correctly.

I think the problem with your current selections is not the herringbone pattern - it's more about how small the individual pieces are + how they are outlined . When you add the very small tiles + outlining + herringbone pattern all together = a busy looking backsplash.

Your countertop has bold veining - you don't want your backsplash to compete with your countertops to be the "star" of your kitchen renovation. If you love herringbone patterned tile installations (I do - I have tiles installed in a herringbone pattern on the floors in a bathroom + laundry room), it would work better to install a solid herringbone tile as shown in Beverly's comment (and don't use a contrasting grout color).

Also, I would not install a real marble backsplash as suggested in a comment above - your countertops are faux marble - installing genuine marble next to faux marble will make the countertops look more fake.

There are MANY, MANY tiles that would look nice in your kitchen. It would be helpful if you would add a couple more photos of your kitchen - so, we can see more of your kitchen. Also, what style is the rest of your house? Do you have any favorite colors (it looks like the far right sample tile may be a sage green + the far left one might be a shade of blue - OR they both may just be shades of gray)?

so the guidance is either a simple herringbone (perhaps larger) OR a large format tile to reduce grout lines and overall busyness?

Not large format. Just larger than what your herringbone had. The grout lines of your subway tiles are fine. You don't need to compliment the veining in your counters. You just have to have a backsplash that can co-exist with them. I think what you had looked good. I'm sorry that the installer messed it up. I wouldn't over think it. If you don't love this subway color scheme, I'd find another subway color scheme.

There’s nothing wrong with any of those tiles, but i wouldn’t choose any of them. You are asking for our opinions. I may have different tastes than you, but I find those Savoy tiles look very busy installed. And aside from the three dimensional tiles they offer, Ann Sacks tile is a little boring.

Absolutely post an inspiration image if you have one. In the meantime, maybe check out the Mercury Mosaics web site. They have really beautiful tile.

I love a herringbone backsplash! I have a small marble one in my kitchen and it's no problem...

If you choose a contrasting grout that will show the business.

A large one can also look very nice!

I believe the problem is you are not clear on the direction. If the goal was a warmer, marble, luxury, ORGANIC feel with honed marble counter, some wood etc? .... a subway tile......

The mistake was the quartz top, and maybe NOT the backsplash.

Did you have an inspo?

With the counter you have? A plain white subway, 2 x 8 in a herringbone, no bevels, no glazed edges and the PALEST hint of taupe warmth in the gout. Do a test board FIRST.

No marble please, not up against a faux quartz marble. Get a tile PRO.

I really don't see where the tile install was botched. It's supposed to look a bit off since it's trying to emulate a handmade tile with irregular edges. But if you don't like it, then that's a different story.

If you want to change it, then first identify what exact look you are going for. Formal/sophisticated? Country/charming? Bold/energetic? Sleek/modern? As Skippack Tile said, there are a million options, and determining the look you want will help narrow down the choices.

Thank you. All of this information is helpful. I will spend some time looking at some inspiration to see what I can narrow into to inform my design.

Note, I did not select this counter. It was here when I moved in (in reference to the PRO who said the counter was a mistake)

Whatever you narrow down to, buy a box (that can be returned) and tape lots of the tiles on wall. Choosing based on a small sample will never provide enough to know if you will like and also look at on line kitchens to get a better sense of outcome example. If interested, a Chevron pattern with very muted shades is a classic.

The PRO did not know that because she only knows what is stated in the question....: ) and the kitchen looks brand NEW.

The current backsplash looks good. I don’t see the “shoddy” job. Many people are seeking a level of perfection that does not exist. I am not sure if that is what is happening in this case.

Also, it is true that the alternative tiles you have selected will potentially be busy on your wall. And that is not necessarily a bad thing; and I personally do not care about the “dated” concept - because to a point, that is all relative. But the reality is, whether you like it or not, the counters are running the show... and they are basically the star of the show. If you put a tile such as the very small herringbone on the wall - or really any herringbone - with the prominent veining that you have on the counters- it is going to potentially look like a funhouse in your kitchen. And not necessarily a fun funhouse. Mind you, this is all my opinion. And I am not the backsplash police. :)

A backsplash is not a life or death decision - so whatever happens, it is really not that serious.

I would keep the current subway tile - or just remove the tile all together and paint the wall in an eggshell finish (which makes it cleanable/wipeable). The no backsplash look is a less fussy approach that is trending these days.

Thank you for your input. The contractor ended up grouting my window trim flush with the backsplash due to improper laying for the sheetrock. There are other elements that justify my definition of shoddy.

I received lots of helpful tips here, so to everyone who opined, thank you for providing great guidance. I will be purchasing a box and will go larger in size (after sourcing inspiration for the overall vibe I am going for).