I would use the light color. I would do a 6" strip of the mosaic instead of a 4" strip. I will look more expensive

I like the one on the right because its a lighter tone. Your kitchen cabinets are dark ,and the dark tiles will make your kitchen look smaller and darker with natural light.

I think both colors work.......the dark is more dramatic but I think the lighter color is more practical with your cabinet finish. I like the new "Dimensions" grouts from Bostick......they have micro glass beads that have a somewhat reflective appearance.

Your kitchen looks really (very very) similar to mine. We did the glass tile design you have above without any subway. Now I'm wishing we had done the subway tile too. I vote for the lighter of the two. Going darker to me, would almost camouflage your glass tile.

Definitely the lighter of the two tiles...much cleaner blend

lighter

One more vote for the lighter tile

I would consider going for an even lighter color subway tile. Even tho it is the lighter of the two, with your dark cabinets, think the over-all look will be dark. Can you get more pieces of the tile and place them on the wall to get a better idea. Look at it in all kinds of light - daytime, night time.

Lighter is definitely the way forward. I'm not particularly a fan the specific shades you choose but of the two lighter.

Definitely the right (taupe) color.

First off, I think your kitchen looks great! Congrats! Now, I know you are seeking comments about the backsplash options that you have presented. But I would be remiss if I did not say that I have concerns that your backsplash choices are going to look overly busy with all the variations of browns/beige colors between the movement in the counter top, the colors of the glass mosaics, and a 3rd material and color in the subway tile. When viewing the image of the kitchen, my first design thought was the pick a backsplash tile that closely matched the orange color of the light shade above the bar/counter. I think a subway tile in a "pumpkin" orange would really add some "pop" of color to the kitchen. I realize that an orange backsplash is not for everyone...a more universally appealing backsplash would be to stick in the brown color family. I think glass, stone or subway tile would look great as your backsplash, I would just recommend using a tile that does not have so much color variation, as it might make your kitchen look too busy.