You have a blank slate. I would take a cabinet door, sample of your countertop and flooring and go to a tile store. Compare these elements to the tile and see what jumps out at you. Good luck with your project.

Are you going to paint??

Thank you all. I wish we could paint or replace all the cabinets with something else, however, we are keeping these for now and adding some type of glass on a couple of them (frosted glass maybe?). Leslie, I really like the "Encinitas remodel" - it certainly does not clash with the granite. We went to a showroom today and for some reason, I kept getting drawn to simple classic look of the subway glass tile in a grey/taupe tone. This is SO confusing!!!!!

Would something like a combo of these work? Or just the subway tile in the middle tone?

If you want glass tiles i'd go with the subway and not the mosaic. The mosaic tiles look busy.

I would try a blend of subway grey taupe 3x6 or 4x16 and a nice line of glass insert !

I really like the subway tiles you found at the store. I think all three subway tiles are quite nice with your tile, but I would worry that the last one would end up making the kitchen look quite dark when it's all over the wall. I don't think you need the mosaic insert, but if you like it, add it! Either way, you've chosen tiles that are classy and calming, and will work well with your cabinets and counter.

I just changed out 7 of my square upper doors to have frosted glass. Here is a picture. It made a huge improvement for m 10 year old oak cabinets. Your kitchen would benefit from the same treatment. It was not that expensive. I have new counters and am awaiting the tile to go in soon. I have to run- going out to breakfast for my birthday today.

Before you start with the backsplash you need to figure out where it will start and stop. Look around the windows and the wall the fridge is on....where will it stop?

do a mix of those big glass subways!
mostly the middling grey, with accents of the others splashed around. maybe like 90% the middling grey, and 5% each of the other 2. just slip them in randomly.
it'll be awesome, and will bring the granite colors up the wal without competing with it.
and the greys and the yellow will go wonderfully with your oak cabinets.

Thank you guys! Tremendous help! We're going with the subway tiles in a 2 x 12 as the 3x6s were on backorder! Really hope this project looks pulled together!

Ikdrew, how did you replace the cabinets? We are looking to do the same...did you have a hard time picking out a color that matched your unchanged cabinets??