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I agree that a soft white colour is likely to look good with your counters. But that doesn't mean you are stuck with your only choice being a subway tile. There are so many shapes and patterns available.
Have a look at Tilebar website. They have lots of options and ideas. You can order sample bundles or you can get 5 samples for $5. You need to see the tiles in your space with your lighting to make a good choice. Some of the pictures below are from the Tilebar Nabi line - several options for shapes and colours.
If you have some good tile stores in your area, take a small sample of your counter and bring home some ideas - don't try to pick in the store where the lighting will be different that your home.
The pictures show the shape and pattern, not necessarily the colour that would be appropriate.
Once you've chosen your tiles, then the grout colour is the next choice. You can come back to Houzz for guidance or ask your tile store for recommendations.
Star and cross pattern
Arabesque
Fishscale
4 X 4 Montauk - this one might be a very nice choice for you.
Nabi Harlequin
Nabi Picket
Nabi Valor
Subway - vertical offset stack.
Subway tiles come in many sizes but there are also options for layout to add some interest over the traditional 1/2 offset pattern.
This is a great looking counter made from a natural material. With the left to right shading in the stone you would likely never have gotten that seam better with CONSECUTIVE slabs. If you had purchased bookmatched maybe.
Why you think twice on bold veining is right here.......Mother Earth.
Even an E stone will not allow it, when this is what you want for direction.
The last three toilets I purchased were Toto--I recommend them highly.
I appreciate that. Panda White worries me a bit, though, as I wonder if it may look a bit dingy in this lighting. It is very close to Shoji White, and I actually tried a sample of that. Also, that photo shows trim in PW - not siding. The siding is supposedly Colonnade Gray. Doesn't look like it to me, but that's what it stated. I definitely don't want siding that dark. Here are a few inspiration photos.
Small projects that you could do yourself to add colour and texture to the room would where I would start.
I'd add some inexpensive trim/molding to the island to give it some character and paint the island. Add trim to kitchen island
Then I'd paint that same colour on the pantry doors. Leave the trim around the doors white, just colour on the doors. Here is an example with a gorgeous bright colour.
Some nice hardware for the cabinets. That doesn't have to be expensive. You can buy bulk packages of handles and knobs either online or from Lowe's or Home Depot etc.
A colourful rug would be nice - maybe a matching pair - one for the long wall where the stove is and another in front of the patio door.
As you have more ideas and time/money in your budget - I'd absolutely switch out the microwave range hood for a chimney style hood. You seem to have lots of counter space and even maybe space in your pantry for a counter style microwave - a much cheaper option than the drawer style (although I think the drawer style is really genius design I've also read some complaints about some models - you'd need to do your homework on that choice).
Maybe change the paint colour on the walls as well when you've settled on your colour scheme.
But adding some nice stools (you mentioned you have some), some wooden cutting boards and colourful bowls on the counters. Maybe get some small appliances in colours - Kitchenaid, Delonghi, Smeg - all of those brands and others have some nice coloured kettles and toasters, blenders etc. The type of thing you wouldn't mind having on your counters all the time.
If you decide to put some glass in some of the upper doors, you can paint the interiors a contrasting colour or you can use wallpaper, or grasscloth, put it on panels and a spot of hot glue would hold that against the back of the cupboard. This could also add some colour/texture and would make the inside of the cupboards a pretty backdrop for your favourite items to display.
Paint inside of cabinets in contrasting colour
If there is a good budget, I'd choose a different counter TBH - that busy counter with dark colours is going to limit some of the other choices for backsplash and paint colours etc. You may have to go with it for now but maybe down the road the counters could be swapped out. And if the current counters can be removed without too much damage, you might be able to salvage them for resale. A less busy counter could then allow for a statement backsplash tile.
Enjoy your new home and take your time figuring out what needs to be a priority and what is a down the road project. Build ideas from Houzz or Pinterest for inspiration. Then when you're ready to tackle projects you'll have good ideas for how to proceed.
Also very sorry for your family's loss.
Thank you drblount10!
I think I found your tile..... I knew I had seen it when I looked at your pictures.
Saltillo Tiles - Toronto Canada
https://www.saltillo-tiles.com/our-selection/porcelain-tile/
Meraki 8 " Hexagon Even verde
Of course, there will be the issue of dye lots etc - but maybe not all hope is lost. I think if you could find the white tile that is shown with the patterned - so that the shape and size match, that would make a nicer transition than the size you are showing in your dry fit.
It is worth making a phone call to see if it would work for you and what they can suggest that would work with it if the colour matching won't work.
But, if that doesn't work.....I think I'd make a long rectangle with the patterned tile and use the white around the border. The L shape you are showing just isn't quite right. You want it to look planned (even if it isn't!) and not patchworked.
I think the photo below would be better suited so it truly looks like a patterned rug.
Take your tiles to a proper tile store - one that only sells tile and talk to people there. There are usually people on staff who are brilliant at helping you match colours, textures, shapes and sizes. Tap into their expertise to make this room lovely.
Just a quick google search.....
What if you could get this one to match coordinate with what you've got?
Bestile Aqua
If you truly love that style of tile...I see similar online at Wayfair and Home Depot - but different size from what you have. Sell what you've got and start fresh with a similar tile.
Home Depot Merola Tile Aster Hex Verde.
Then you aren't sacrificing your vision and inspiration.
No patchwork floor. Buy new tile to do the job properly.
Why not just go to the website listed above an order a full room of the tile? It looks like it is the same tile. The color may be slightly different . Then save that for your home in case you need replacements.