Could you post another pic ... a closeup of your counter? It's hard to see what would work best.

I like the darker as well -- same reason as creeser. I am currently doing the same comparison with ceramic tiles in gray tones and will probably choose the darker for same reasons. Trying the lighter, whiter looks too much like trying to match things and I'm never happy with the match.

If you like a neutral, monocramatic room that is warm go with the 1st color tile; if you like a cool feeling room go with the second color.

What do you think of all the joints and lines that seem to make the room busy? Does it seem calm/welcoming and balanced or is it trying to push you out of the room.

Go with the Darker tile, the contrast is nicer and warms up the kitchen. it's a glass so make sure you use the appropriate underlayment! You will love the darker tile, that is the for sure right choice! Good luck!

I agree, the white option on the photo doesn't match well to the cabinet color. I like the darker option. Good luck!

I like it. Very neutral. Is that the look you want? With that granite I like stainless mosaic.

Over the ones u show. The first one. Or more gray.

Definitely the taupe. The lighter white, as creeser says, looks like a mis-match with the cabinets. The taupe will be lovely, and still a soft color.

Thank you so much for the feedback. Here are a few more pictures if it helps. I was going for cooler kitchen colors (the wall color is Moonshine), but it sounds like the cabinet color has limited my choices in the cool-color area. What suggestions would you have for backsplash color if I do not want to make a very warm kitchen (the floor color is already warm mid-brown). I would consider doing ceramic tile, instead of glass (anything light in glass is ready greenish/bluish and the darker colors are coming off too dark). I can go with white ceramic to match the cabinets or a very light gray color maybe?

Failed to attach few more.

Go with the darker, taupe-y coior. I'm a huge fan of contrast, and you really need to pull a richer color in from the counter tops to keep the white from washing everything out. I think you'll be much happier!

An even darker color tone found in your counter tops would look even better, I think...

The "country white" would be my choice. Looks like there is that color in the countertop and the bright white is just a bit too cold for the warmer whites you have in your cabinetry.

Thank you all for your feedback, as a result of which I've decided to also consider ceramic tile as it gives me more color options. I think I want some color for the backlsplash but not a lot. If I go for ceramic tile, I'd want a more modern size, maybe 3x9" in subway pattern. How does this ceramic option compare to the glass options?

Also, am I making a mistake by not considering white subway tile to match the cabinets? Something like this?

Since you're exploring other options, what about something like this? It's a mixture of gray and white with some stainless tossed in. That stainless 'hint' will really bring out faucets and if you have stainless appliances. Gives that little bit of 'sparkle' without being too much.
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Darker.

larger tiles

Definitely go with the darker tiles. It gives a bit more interest for the room and allows the eye to rest on more items while still coordinating.

@ Irene. I am in the same dilemna right now and leaning toward just going with the white subway tile. Wondering what you ended up going with-- do you like it? Also, are you happy with the Praa Sands?? any pictures father finished product would be greatly appreciated!! :)

Hi -- recommend against white subway tile if you use praa and white cabinets. As one Donna swank noted it will wash out. I went with bossy gray ceramic tile and am happy with it. Could have gone darker for more contrast and think would look even better.