The brick shaped. Not because it's darker, but because I like the texture better.

How much tiling area is there?

I like the contrast of the darker.

I like the shading and texture of the darker one.

Thanks for York help. I really needed some other opinions. There is about 25 sq feet to tile. The raised snack bar area and behind by cooktop and hood.

Like the shape of the darker and the color of the lighter! Good luck with your renovation!

I suggest a light color with very little pattern. The one on the right looks as though you tried to match, but failed. The subway shape is better for the space you have, however.

With the wooden cabinets and stainless appliances I personally would pick a very pale greige tile instead of something that looks like the countertop.

I like the darker on the right. The light one on the left would have to be pieced when installed (at least per the top picture) and to me would look strange. The subway tile has a more even look and has nice texture to it, more pleasing to my eye. Try placing the tiles from the granite to the cabinets to see what it looks like. That would show you a larger area which may help you decide. If all else fails go with your gut.

As others have said, like the color of the square, but the shape of the subway. If you go with the square, you could install it in a brick pattern. If you go with the subway, you could eliminate the darkest tiles (bottom right) to lighten the overall pattern. What color and material is your floor?

My floor is wood. Essentially the same color as the cabinets. Did not think of trying a grey tile but that is an interesting thought. I did get a glass with slate tile (see photo) that I was considering. What does everyone think of it.

Think the glass and slate tile would work as an accent, but would be too busy for the whole area. Also think they are a trend that will date the kitchen more quickly than either of the other tiles. Personally, prefer beige/tan shades over grey. By the way, your cabinets and countertop look terrific together.

personally I think either color is fine, but do it in the subway for sure

Darker.

Grey is not a good choice at all. Glass with slate is too busy and will date the kitchen. You want something that you will not regret in 5 years. Cream in a subway is going to look stellar.

Whatever you pick make sure it doesn't have any texture, as there is a lot of texture going on already in your countertops.

I prefer the darker subway tile. As you can see though it's hard to get everyone to agree !

Thank you everyone for your help. It is a tough decision to make. I was thinking of only putting the glass and slate behind the cooktop and hood and going with a solid tile on the outer counters and raised snack bar area. I've seen this look a lot in newer homes and I because my husband likes a bit of slate in that tile I was considering incorporating it into the design.

Adivra do u have a picture to share of your selection? Would truly appreciate it.

Here's some examples of what the tiles could look like.
Quite traditional (and a bit too much for me).

Looking at it and looking at several photos in searches I did, I think a simple smooth cream tile isn't a bad idea at all. I do like the look of matching stone backsplash, but not with natural wood (all the cream/white painted examples looked ok).

Rinqreation: would u say use a cream porcelain subway verses using the natural stone subway look. ?

yes, that is what she and I are both suggesting.

For comparison, here's an example of a multi-shade subway tile (2x4 instead of the typical 3x6) next to the solid subway tile (posted by rinqreation). The countertops in these photos have more of a pebble pattern than yours.

I like the darker subway tiles - I think it needs more of a contrast to the counter.

Go bold, go darker! Tile that is close in color with your counters seem to wash away from a distance and look very blah. (as pictured above by derkacs) My opinion though :)

Is there an edge available in the same granite? An exterior quality paint above a granite edge would be a good option to consider.

derkacs: thank you for the comparison in the pictures….I like the stone look on the left and it has made me lean towards that look in a 2 x 4 subway. Thank you for your help…:-}

jpetoniak: Glad you found the side-by-side photos helpful. Here are some glazed porcelain or ceramic tiles that might work for you: American Olean Avante Bianco (3x6), Style Selections Floriana Heather (2x4), Marazzzi Terra Topaz Ice (2x4), Marazzi Montagna Cortina (2x4). Available at Lowes or Home Depot. These tiles have the subtle shading of stone to add interest, but are glazed for easy cleaning.

I think you need more contrast. It's too matchy matchy.

I think the lighter one looks great

Definitely the lighter option. IMO the darker option looks old fashioned (but I'm in the UK where tastes are often slightly different)

Try using a lighter tile like this

The lighter tile seems to wash out the counter top, the darker tile brings it to life.

Jpet- Glass the color of sand or cream, otherwise too busy imho.

Yes, a satin/matte sand/tan or cream.

We used Colonial Gold granite on our remodel (similar to your Colonial Cream). We went with a mosaic with more colors. I like the one on the right better of the two.

The lighter tile, but in the subway shape

Finally made a decision and tile is in. We love the look. Thanks Houzzers for your help and guidance. Check it out.

Wow, that's the perfect balance jpetoniak.

what color is the tile, it looks great