We have Brazilian Walnut flooring in our kitchen/dining area so I can relate to your concerns but I really don't see a problem using the Carerra for your backsplash if you can go with a dark counter, especially since your cabinets on the outer perimeter will be light.

I was going to do a medium-grey soapstone (still sad I'm not doing it, actually) and I think that would look great. Or obviously if you don't want soapstone you could get something like either grey or charcoal-colored Ceasarstone which is pretty nice I think. Whatever you do, it shouldn't have too much in the way of speckles, sparkles, swirls, veins, in my opinion. If you get a soapstone, I'd get one that has very little veining.

We've made the crazy decision to do stainless w/ marble subway tile backsplash. I would NEVER have gone for this (I want a period kitchen in my 1913 house) had I not seen very inspiring pictures online and in magazines, that show a stainless counter w/ white farm sink in an old house, with marble backsplash, white cabinets, wood floors and an island with either a marble top or something that contrasts with the stainless such as butcher block or soapstone. I prefer to have my island's top be a nice rich wood, just cause it warms up the coolness of the stainless steel, and was often seen near the steel counters in the early 1900's homes (only back then, instead of stainless, the counters were zinc...so really, stainless isn't too far from period).

Anyway, I digress, obviously (still trying to talk myself into the decision I've already made!), but wanted to point out that if you're not going to be as nutty as me and do stainless, any greyish color that's pretty simple/uniform would be beautiful. I even think wood would work, if the marble had some tan in it. Here's a nice gray caesarstone:
http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/product.cfm?ProductID=111

Here's the marble subway tile that inspired me (when I thought I was getting dark grey countertop): http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0222343629720.html

Here's the stainless pic w/ marble backsplash that most inspired me (although I prefer subway marble):
http://picasaweb.google.com/quapaw/Our1890HomeAndKitchenRemodelRestoration?feat=embedwebsite#5252790674989404962

This is my favorite soapstone link (from gardenweb). It's got veins but very subtle:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0110311030000.html?11

And here's some beautiful marble minibrick subway tile, w/ black or dark grey countertop:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg101250599127.html

HTH, and sorry I don't know how to put in proper links (sorry you need to cut/paste)!

Just to help with other input, here's a picture of what Brazilian Walnut looks like.

{{!gwi}}

Thanks everyone for the input.

The marble looks identical in color to the link (below) from theresse (thank you!)

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg101250599127.html

I am leaning towards Cambria Durham now for countertop, slightly darker than the Medea color, as I hear Corian can scratch quite easily. The link to Cambria durham is below, though it looks much darker in this picture than in person. It's a mix of grays, not too varied/sparkly, and will be a nice contrast, but not black...

http://www.constructionresourcesusa.com/ak/product_images/cambria/16_new_colors/ak_durham_b.jpg

and maybe this color for the walls - http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-1613-Silent-Night-p/mpc0006024.htm - seems to tie in the marble shades, works well with countertop (medea or durham) and not terrible against the hardwood. I'm trying a sample of it tonight on the walls, so we'll see!

A bit OT Â I hope no one minds and I hope Lukkiirish sees this!

Lukkiirish  Did you go with Engineered or solid? Float, glue, or staple? How wide are your planks?