There's a lot going on visually with the lights and the hood so I'd keep it as simple as possible and run the stone right up the backsplash.

Thanks! I added a picture of the slabs. Do you think the veining would be too much up the backsplash given the hood/lights?

Beautiful kitchen! I'm in the beginning stages of planning, and I prefer something that does not draw attention. I prefer white subway tile in a a simple, classic pattern with white grout.

This article has a lot of tips about choosing tile patterns and group color. I found it helpful.

\https://construction2style.com/12-different-ways-lay-subway-tile-patterns/

Thanks Dsimber!

Lots of people that do the solid backsplash have an L shaped kitchen and the seaming turning the corner looks horrible. You have only a straight run so either way works. Personally I like the simpler tile - it is less expensive and less busy.

If you do run it up as a backsplash, the brining has to line up.

I agree with On Line Kitchen, I prefer a tile backsplash.

Thanks Main Line & eld6161

The big honking vent hood and pendants over the island, are enough busy eye clutter. A simple backsplash that disappears, would be best. White subway tile with white grout, as suggested, is the ticket.

TU Design I. South—it looks pretty

Darbuka—“the big honking vent hood” is staying since we have an island cooktop. I cook and we need a vent. The vent
was enclosed in an 8 foot wood hood when we moved in.

One thing I would ask of your stone yard. Ask if they have a small sample of that quartzite you can have. This particular quartzite doesnt like oil too much. Even when sealed I have seen it get oil stains on it from cooking. Since you mentioned you like to cook I am sure at times you are using some type of oil while doing it. Get a sample piece and see if it stains and if it does if you can live with it.

Design Interior—good advice. I will ask them. I’m getting polished and they keep telling me it will be fine. I feel like the only quartzite that seems bullet proof (aside from black) is Taj Mahal. I almost chose it for this reason, but realized I really don’t want more brown/beige.
was

Its a very hardy stone but some of it does stain more than others, the grays , especially those with larger fields of a single color, do tend to be affected by oils. Its a beautiful stone.

Thx Design South! This is my worry—because I’m not the only one that lives here & uses kitchen!🫢 I may have to go back to Taj Mahal (softly leathered)

FWIW, we used Cambria quartz polished in our kitchen and have had no issues (seven years later) other than a couple of tiny chips that our fabricator fixed for us at no charge. I know quartz is not quartzite, but it's beautiful and extremely durable in my experience, and offers many finish options.

Thanks Kellie! I really wanted to stay with natural stone, but I know it comes with drawbacks.