Thank you! I'm leaning towards the garnet myself.. because I am too a red kinda gal, but was afraid it would be too loud if you know what I mean. I was thinking it would be more serene with the blue/green, however the granite has specks of garnet in it, which I think would look really nice. Its called bourbon blend and found it online. http://www.glasstilestore.com/bourbon-blend-p/bourbon%20blend.htm

Thanks Bill for chiming in.I agree with you about the frame. Something in my gut was telling me it's just not right. I will go back to the tile store today and check out the options in between the two. Then I'll need your advice about grout! Marcy- thanks for the compliment, we are really loving it too! Eastbaymom- I appreciate your comment! The woman at the tile store thought I needed a little something bigger like the frame too. Such tough decisions. Thanks!

Yay!!!! I'm happy for you and think it's a great choice. The 3" X 6" subway tile is a classic for a reason. I personally love the interplay with gloss and matte, so were it my kitchen, I'd absolutely do it, but it has ramifications for your layout. Do you want one pattern throughout, or do you want a decorative element over the range? Every time I add a touch of visual interest with tile, I try to simplify something else, so if I mix colors, I keep shapes uniform. With the color and shape uniform, I would absolutely mix glossy and matte, and I'd do it in a pattern. I love the argyle look. If you want a complicated layout, however, you might again consider a single sheen. The classic subway has what is sometimes called a 1/2 step, meaning the subsequent row is 1/2 a tile offset. By contrast the Heath Ceramics image above has a 1/3 step. You should discuss the layout with your installer, show him pictures of what you have in mind. There are as many options here as you can imagine. Below are just a few of them; the offset bonds are called "stretchers" here.... As for convincing your husband, I'm sure he will be relieved that you found something you love. Beauty is worth waiting for!!

are you sure of the subway.....the cabinets with the classical molded curve on upper and lower doors could take the round or hex disc tiles or simple arabesque for a backsplash. They are not exactly cathedral arches, and they are prominent in your space and curves are always nice if you ask me....I'd get away from the rectangle as this seems to be an opportunity for some soft curve to a shaped tile. I think there are a lot of other shapes..I'd seriously bring in some samples to compare.