HI -- I would do quartz full panels ( no grout ) in a plain black in a semi gloss or a glossy black subway tile or long narrow shape tiles in a black glass .

I agree that ceramic or porcelain is a better choice in this case. That way, you will have more consistency. You have the 'random beauty' already in the granite. You will also have a lot going on with the bead board cabinets, so the danger is a look that's too busy. Is the lightest shade in the counter white or more creamy? It's a bit hard to tell in the picture. Either way, I would use it as a jumping off point. You could do a plain subway tile, but use a slightly darker grout (grout will darken anyway), therefore picking up one of the other tones in the counter (a beige for example). You could even lay the tile in a chevron pattern that's popular now or brick style to add some interest. Or you could choose a travertine look (but ceramic or porcelain to maintain consistency) as long as it's not too busy. A third option would be a light mosaic tile (i.e. a hexagon) with darker tile accents in some of the tile pattern. I hope this gives you some food for thought!

your granite isn't beach-like, but if you want to try to go for a cottage/shore look, put up off-white, matte subway tile. You need to find something that won't fight against the high-gloss and movement in the granite.

Your backsplash needs to be very simple. Go with white subway tile if your cabinets will be white.

Whichever you use, it'll make this counter grain and style shine--it's absolutely beautiful.

The granite is like a lava flow with more creams than white. I guess it's more of a tropical Hawaiian flair than beach-like. Here are a couple more photos. Thanks for your comments!

I agree with porcelain or ceramic. Travertine will look muddy.

how about a backsplash made of matte glass back-painted in a cream color that matches the granite? Google "glass back splash" to see what I mean.

The simpler, the better not upstage the granite. Bring home some subway tiles from off-white through tan, see what you like. You can photograph a few, print the photos out, and make up the fake paper backsplash to see how various tiles look.

If you want to bring a little life and character to the backsplash you can interject some nice porcelain patterns or glass tile to the project. Not a lot of money and it will give you a custom look and appearance

I would suggest a simple 3 x 6 or even a 4 x 12 glass subway tile to pull it all together.

Found these today. I think the suggestion of the creamy colored subway tile on the left looks good. I want to go to a specialty store to see if they have larger size subway tile selection. Thoughts or suggestions welcome!

My room is too messy. No time to clean the room. Because I'm too busy

With the movement in the granite, I believe larger tiles are necessary. Minimum would be 3X6, but 4X8 would be even better. Go to a tile shop, stay away from big box stores. Anything on a sheet like above won't be large enough

Could not agree more... Stay away from standard / small subway tiles or too many grout lines.... They are far too busy for your beautiful granite. However, you still need strength in your overall look that only larger one piece slabs, glass or wood can achieve. Have you looked at Honey Onyx as a companion? I can't quite tell from the photos if H/O would go or not but I tend to use it as a warm field tile when counters or floors are a statement all on their own.

How about just a big slab of gold coloured glass to lift the gold off from the benchtop? Bench top already busy need something plain for splash back :)

Here are some ceramic subway tiles both in a white gloss and matte and a cream gloss and matte.

Sorry retracting..not gold..

I love that granite! Having it installed in my guest bath makeover. If I may ask, what did you ultimately choose for your backsplash? Can you post a pic?

Aloha Terri! Are you related to Pam & Mark Elmore in Bend, OR? I'm attaching a couple pictures that show the backsplash, a cream marble subway style. We also decided to change out the white cabinets to a maple and it looks really nice.

With white cabinets and that granite No question I would do black beveled subway tile....it would be the WOW factor!.....adding white acessories in front of it lime white coral or a white clam bowl for fruit Woulk Look amazing.

Aloha back to you, Arlene! We're coming to Hawaii in March!

Nope...no relation that I know of.

Thanks for posting your pics! The backsplash you chose looks fantastic! Unglazed Travertine...? I just came across some stacked, rough-cut Travertine that I hope will look as good as yours. Project starts Monday. Beautiful kitchen. :)

Arlene, what is manufacturer and color of the back splash tiles that you used? I have the same granite and am having trouble coordinating the correct back splash. Your kitchen turned out beautiful!

Thank you so much.

We got the same granite and have a 'mushroom' backsplash. Also got a new undermount copper sink that looks gorgeous with this granite.

We just need a 4" border tile between the counter and backsplash.

Suggestions?

Your granite is really wow! Beautiful! I wouldn't go with travertine, especially not with polished variety. Travertine tiles have this antique look that wouldn't go well with your granite and they would compete with your granite for attention. Porcelain tile in off white or beige tones would be very nice. Whatever your choice, it should be matte and it should match your cabinets. It shouldn't be dark or shiny as your granite is already both.