I would be careful about getting too many materials. You want contrast but not have be too busy. I'd try a very structured mosaic with colors of the granite.

What about something like this? keep it clean and simple. I totally agree with the majority that with that granite anything that is busy or has a lot of detail is going to make the space feel overwhelming

counter top is ugly

^thats not very nice Sherry. It may not be your taste but clearly op likes it. How is that comment productive to the discussion?

I think a lighter granite for the counter tops or perhaps a light quartz instead to mix it up a little for the countertops? I wish you good luck with your project!

Guess I won't be asking Sherry over for drinks!

Sharon. I love your kitchen!

Thank you, Jamie! We seem to have similar taste in granite, don't we? Btw, I wouldn't go with a matte tile, it's hard to keep clean, shows any grease splatters.

Homes Sold Beautifully -geesh! She's not getting new countertops, she's asking about a tile backsplash!

There is nothing that irks me more than people making rude comments about something that other people have chosen to put in their house, Sherry! It may not be what you would pick, but the OP picked it and didn't ask for anyone's opinion about it. Didn't your mommy ever teach you that if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all???

IKEA has some FABULOUS wall boards available. Worth a look. I love mine !

Hi, Jamie! My opinion is that your expressive granite countertop and dark suit rather dark gray color without patterns. He will calm backdrop for all your kitchen and it is combined with any surfaces. Yet it would be great to make solid material or a very large tiles with invisible seams. Do well out of the same material as the countertop. Here is an example of such a combination in the picture, but can be a little lighter gray.

With a busy pattern such as your granite I would make the back-splash a solid color. I would not choose the stone tiles you showed because of cleaning issues. So, I would go for solid color and easy cleaning.

I did this. Don't like. Wish I kept the same all around.

The tiles you picked do not have the same color tones as your granite. Pick a tile with more gold or yellow tones, and keep it simple.

Will you post the final results Jamie Ward?

I like the calm tumbled traverntine subway but I would include some (1 to 10) warm toned stones with the sandstone colour to tie the gold tones in from the cupboards as well as your granite island.

We stayed very neutral with our backsplash and floors. I am so very glad we kept it simple. Four years later, I am still very happy with our decision..

^beautiful kitchen. Love your counters.

This is my kitchen...my walls are beige...

I've been reading up on my honed granite. I've read that I should apply a color enhancer. It makes the color deeper and darker, like it looks when its wet. So I'm going to try and find some today. That might completely change my colors for a back splash. To the left of my toaster is what it will look like with the color enhancer. A lot darker.

Jamie: This kitchen somehow came to my site which is not my kitchen. I had posted pics of my remodeled kitchen and somehow this appeared as mine. Technology? Sorry I am not familiar with the granite aspect. Good luck.

Ok. I really like this. What do you think?

Jamie: Can you take a pic of it on the back splash with the island showing? Looks like it might be workable backsplash.

It could be the photography, but I'm seeing some golden brown in both the granite island and the cabinets. I feel that a little of that colour should be in your backsplash, and I'm not seeing it with this choice. Like I say, it could be the photo.

My lighting isn't the greatest in my kitchen this time of day. It's called crushed mood glass. It picks up the golden color in my granite. I don't think it will compete with my center island, I'm hoping it will kind of disappear on the wall, but when you turn on the under cabinet lights, it sparkles.

I like it too!

Me too!

I'm out. Good luck!

I stumbled on this. I think this mosaic works because it has some tiles that are the goldish color that ties it to the gold in the counter-and I am not usually one that likes a great deal of pattern mixing, but somehow these don't seem to clash.

I like it too! Not to busy

Jamie: Not sure, still seems a little busy. Have you considered stainless steel. Still looks too busy for my taste, however, if you like it go with it. Just be sure you Love it.

I was going to suggest stainless steel as well, very easy to clean, no grout lines if you do sheets and not at all expensive unless you go for tiles.

I think the tones in this backsplash are correct for your application. Find them in a simple subway tile in a matte finishe and you'll be smiling.

Just make sure there is a little golden tone in them.

Your granite is beautiful and very interesting. Pick a simple backsplash and I think subway tile is overused.

Jamie, and what is your flooring? - it is very important!

i would wither ask your granite company if they can make tiles for the backsplash from one of the countertops they have installed. if not, I'd seriously consider a slab backsplash from the honed granite, this way, the island's granite becomes the star of the space.

Ceramic Tileworks 85th and Zachary, Maple Grove

Jamie Ward , I think the last tile you posted has the right tones and is interesting, but not so busy as to make your space look chaotic :-)

My flooring is light, light maple. Almost white. I wish they had it in a subway or just bigger tile, but they don't. I'm kind of in love with it though.

What size are the tiles Jamie? Are they individuals or do the come in a sheet?

I'm thinking it comes in a sheet. All I've seen so far is the sample board. The tiles are probably 3 or 4 inches wide, 1 or 2 tall.

I'm not seeing them in person, but the color looks very good in pics.

Long overdue update! This is the backsplash I ended up choosing. It's called mood glass. Love it!

I like it. Aren't you pleased?

Love it! I'm very happy with the total kitchen makeover. It just looks brighter and cleaner, but still matches the feeling of the rest of the house.

Nice choice! It looks simple with just a little sparkle. Where did you find it, if I may ask?

I found it at Focal Point in Otsego mn. Thanks!

Looks terrific, Jamie!