I love the modern take on subway tile for your space. What do you think of this stainless subway tile?

I'm sure you've considered it, but I think a bright white subway could work.

Go to a good tile shop where they'll have idea books and the tiles to play with. They'll even let you take samples home. It takes time but it's the best way.

I agree with Darzy on the brushed stainless subway tile. It's a tight space so the slight reflection will help open it up without adding any busy- ness.

If you want a more organic, natural look, how about a tumbled slate?

I like the stainless steel tile idea, but I'm just wondering if it won't be too much stainless steel in the space. In kind of liking the white subway tile idea.

I just checked out Sonoma Tile, and there are some really nice options there. Great suggestion from another Houzzer above!

I third Sonoma Tile. Their product is beautiful! I am using one of their subways in a Damask crackle for my backsplash.

Here are 4 looks I think could all work in your kitchen. The blue in the third pic would make quite a statement, but with your cabinet color and brown granite, it just might work (if you added blue accents in the area). I don't know if I'd be brave enough to try it but when a colored backsplash is attempted and is a good choice, it sure can be stunning. If you like the idea of color, a pale blue/gray might work too.
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Are you thinking about going lighter or darker? You can go with a glass backsplash with mixtures of brown, beige, and black to bring out the granite and cabinet colors or you can go with something very different like white subway tile to lighten the kitchen up.

glass stone or ceramic. keep it uniform because you have a lip on your stove.

glass/stone combo that comes in 12x12 sheet would look great

fyi take a sample of your countertop to the tile shop . you don't want to guess here.