I definately think that the multicoloured darker tile is too busy. Although it is attractive, it would go overboard and compete too much with the benchtops you have.

I would choose one aspect to be your focal feature and go with that.

Id go an off white tile, no yellow in it! It only looks aged and / or dirty.

Another idea is to paint and add glass over the top. Just like a glass splashback. There are so many colours to choose from, plus it wont over do it.

I would use very large glass tiles (not the itty bitty ones, which are going out of style), in the color of the ones on the right (kind of neutral taupe).

How about going for something really dramatic...these subway tiles in 4x12? I think it would compliment the black appliances and blend with the counter top.

I like those tiles, dclostboy!

Thanks...they'd certainly banish the bland.

dclostboy, I do like those tiles but I would go another colour:
Such a the white tiles in the below image.

Or go something wild haha

The definition of a subway tile!

@hammonds, I agree that white or beige would look nice, but would be so "expected"...the poster was looking for a little drama, I thought.

Here's beige...nice, but a bit boring.

Instead of just 'dark' what if you went with a splash of bright color? Maybe even keep the tiles on the right, but replace 2 or 3 ransom ones every foot with something bright...a vivid orange or turquoise (or really any bright color you like)

I don't see the issue. Your cabinets are beautiful and so is the granite. They don't blend too much at all to my eye and you don't need more contrast. A backsplash statement doesn't need to outshine them. A simple subway tile will complete the look and then you can accent your bright new kitchen with food, flowers, ceramics, your tableware, etc.

I agree with Design Connection.

I like dclostboy's beige but nice...I don't know time flies, doesn't it? It seems when something too out of the ordinary is chosen for a rather permanent item like this...well one day you just come home and say yuck! I am so over that! But...it is just too expensive to change. I too agree with Design Connection keep your options open.

You might try a stainless backsplash; it can also be in a quilted pattern or something for interest. Put black hardware on the cabinets (we used a really nice cup pull and mushroom knobs; looks nice).
Good luck
[houzz=]
[houzz=]

Wow.. this site is amazing. Thanks for all of the ideas! I am taking the multi-color tile sample out of the picture - too busy, I agree. (Live and learn, I suppose, if you want a fancy backsplash, don't install granite with a large pattern!). dclostboy, I love those dark 3x6 tiles, I was trying to sell my husband on a bit of drama but he has been steadfast on playing it boring and safe! The challenge is our entire downstairs is an open-layout, so these tiles are going to be seen from the dining area, family area, etc. And we don't actually want to draw too much attention to the kitchen area because the adjacent dining area is a much better, bigger space - we want people to congregate there and not in the kitchen. alwaysdesigning, I tried stainless steel small tile backsplash, and it made the room look so grey. I could try it again just behind the stove, in larger panels. Where do I get these large glass tiles, or how do you install single glass panels over paint? I don't see these in stores, but I do see them in some houzz photos. We are a bit limited as we are looking for something in stock or available quickly, I just don't think we have the patience right now to wait weeks for tile having already lived 1 month without a kitchen with 2 small kids. Husband says large tiles is bad idea because the walls are not level (its an old Victorian house built in 1864) and we have an awkward chaise next to the stove.
I searched for contemporary ORB hardware and I just don't care for the look of dark hardware on light cabinets. We already also installed a chrome faucet as well, and not sure we can pull off mixing metals in such a small space. So not sure dark hardware is a good option.
I do really think the room needs an anchor to it - some dark color accent to keep it from looking so uniformly light colored. What do you think of the idea of using beige/ nuetral glass tile for the backsplash except for a maybe a thin dark brown border edge at the top? Perhaps using the same size tile in dark brown, or a small mosaic tile border. How do you think that would look? I don't see examples on houzz, particularly not for contemporary kitchens, so I'm not sure.
Thank you for all of the feedback... I've been having way too much anxiety over this project lately!

Look at modwalls.com...they have 3x6 and 4x12 tiles in a wide variety of colors. I've used them for my current baths and especially like that they offer recycled glass products. Just as you did with the mosaic, order samples. :)

My one question about having a top dark border edge for the backsplash, is what do I do with that horizontal line when I get to the stove, where the tile will go all the way up to the ceiling? Sure, I know people do diamond and box patterns behind the stove but I associate those features with traditional kitchens not contemporary kitchens.

My other thought is perhaps it will look less bland to me with all the hardware and pendants installed, and plus there will be stuff on the counter - maybe I am over-reacting to the unfinished look of it? If it's still bland, I figure I can add a colorful top valance to the top of the window - something easy and inexpensive to change (that wouldn't even involve my husband!). Would a colorful window valance be better than dark border tile trim?

dclostboy, those are beautiful. I will have to check out that website. Not sure we can wait too long for tiles to be shipped to us though, we are under the gun.

I like the lighter glass tile you have shown, not the one with the dark tiles. It appears to be a light grey which would look beautiful with satin or polished Nickel hardware. You have not indicated what the floor is. I would like to make sure that finish works well with everything as well. You could do something a little more dramatic over the stove to add a "punch of color".

here's a thought, would you be opposed to using stainless steel tiles?
you could get these ::
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Instant-Mosaic-6-in-x-3-in-Peel-and-Stick-Brushed-Stainless-Color-Metal-Wall-Tile-8-tiles-1-sq-ft-pack-EKB-03-101/204312769#.UpTFySdOnIU
and then use the paler mosaic that he likes as an accent. or get 3x6 sized glass tiles in an accent and use them every once in a while as an accent.

That original back splash looks like the one we're using for our renovation (from Lowe's). We have maple cabinets but our granite, if they ever install it, is lighter than yours (Colonial Gold). The colors in our granite and back splash coordinate well. In the end though it's what YOU think looks best.

I agree with the other pros - the neutral glass tiles will be timeless and beautiful. Once the hardware and pendants are added, it will all start to come together visually. Those are the "jewelry" pieces of the kitchen that give it a finished look & pull all of the elements together. I would go with the neutral tiles & and satin nickel hardware - mostly linear or with a bit of curve like these? Add color in accessories, which are easy and less expensive to change when you get tired of them. Your project will be beautiful!

From your pics of your cabinets, it seems your backsplash would be ending under the cabinet to right of stove, which is on a totally different wall. Just stop it there. Your wall where stove is can have a different design...

always designing's pic, though great looking, is a lot darker than yours would appear. They used darker cabinets and darker flooring, so maybe that's why you felt it appeared busy? Personally I love it, but you said you wanted a more open and airy feel. Like your idea of line of different color tile thru white/cream.

I like the one on the left. it has more character.

I would also lean towards the more neutral backsplash. I wouldn't worry about it being bland; although the color is neutral, the glass tile will add sparkle which is a totally different dimension.

up dated photos??

I literally posted a similar concern just now to the site and your dilemma came up! I would love to see your finished kitchen and how it all came together!