Are you sure you don’t like it? While it’s more ornate than I would like, it’s really a nice match to colors of cabs & the pretty counter. Is the outside border of the over stove piece an applied one over the plain tile underneath? Did the prior owner leave any leftover tiles? I’m wondering if instead of ripping the whole BS out you could simplify the over cooktop design by removing the border & have plain tiles there. Just a thought.

Oh gosh, this is a duplicate post and I responded to your other thread. Consider deleting one of them. I agree with your instinct to update the backsplash. It’s bringing the space down.

A premature worry........?

You make sure you love the whole kitchen we can't see

You make sure you love the counters in the WHOLE kitchen we can't see

Then? Assuming you do?

You go shopping locally, and you drag home samples and stand them up.

Is there a better way? No : )

Live in the house for at least 6 months before you start updating random items here and there. You might decide that the kitchen needs more drawers and/or a better layout, and the backsplash is the least of your issues.

Is there even a vent hood insert in that too narrow, too shallow and too high hood enclosure?

I'd look for a cream hand made style tile with a slight bit of variation that works with the light veins in the granite and the cabinet color. It looks like you should check out your bulbs, your cream cabinets look blue in the photo.
Definitely bring home samples and test in your space.

Holy crap. Can you imagine cleaning splattered tomato sauce out of those nooks and crannies? I see no harm in day dreaming about this backsplash now!

I'd like to see the whole kitchen though. My opinion about the style of which way to lean with the backsplash would be influenced by what other style elements you have or are changing out - light fixtures, hardware, etc. Are you still going with a traditional look in here or trying to modernize a bit?

I never hate a subway tile with super thin grout lines that match the tile color for a simple look.

I agree live there for at least 3-6 months to understand if the kitchen functions for you . I see dated cabinets that accent wall needs to go for sure but wait until you know what needs change .