I might stick with white but introduce a shape. Best thing is get samples from your tile store ..something will click once you see several options in the space.

you mention gray but only very light gray..maybe. A Glossy backsplash will bounce the light around...not needed as daylight will pour in that window, I think... so I wouldnt pick high gloss or glass type tile. Matte is personal preference.

shaped tiles... once the preferred one is chosen....staying w white ... would be my preference.

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You match the WHITE of the counter top , or ? RUN the counter top right up the splash, depending where your cook is.

What are the Appliances? stainless? Satin nickel would be nice on ,maple with that maple.. I'd skip black on the faucet as well.

No to the gray. Especially with light maple.

Tile is the last thing to be installed, It can not go on until tops are in place. At THAT point? you drag home samples, for size, shape, COLOR and that is when you will make your best decision.

You do not NEED that decision now, and let nobody tell you otherwise: )

" The window is the star of the show" : ).......keep that front and center

Thank-you very much! I was/am leaning towards matte, soft white( match the counter tops), a longer subway ceramic tile.

Show a photo of the real kitchen! Details matter.

^^

I think a build and not in place yet? Show the actual materials and THE PLAN!!! : )

it's torn down now, nothing is built up. I will post a read photo when it the countertops, floor, appliances, and cabinets are installed. Thx for this advice.

The kitchen is currently down to the studs, so nothing to show. When the cabinets, appliances, floor, and countertops are installed, I will post a photo. I am an amateur, so this is very helpful to me. Thx.

If possible, you want to wait until the kitchen and your lights are installed to pick a backsplash.

Visit local independent tile stores in your area (not big box) and they will let you borrow grouted sample boards to look at in your kitchen with your finishes.

It took five months after we moved in for me to find the right backsplash. My builder sent the tile guy back to do that 2 day installation.

Use the ame as the counter for the backsplash thta IMO keeps it simple and lets the view be the star.

Ok all i can see is the odd shaped penisula that creates a very tight square working space. can you expand on why this is this way? is it meant to act like a bar area?

Your rendering shows us no where a backsplash is needed. The space between the window and sink is so small the common two inch counter top back splash is all one would ever bother with. The rest of the area shown is pure choice if you want to bother with another design element. Given your stated goal I would think you would stop at that. If there is a larger need go with more of counter top.

An added vote for running the counter material as the backsplash. You don't have that much wall to cover.

White rippled subway tile that matches white of countertop. The ripples will bounce light and give a feeling a movement like the lake with whitecaps!