So far, everything in your kitchen IS very light, simple and safe, so I do think you run the risk of 'blah' if you're not careful --
But I also agree that dark could very easily be 'too dark' and look like it doesn't belong in your space.

What about adding texture? Basically, something in a single neutral color, but with either texture or tone-on-tone for added interest. Or, an interesting tile layout - perhaps a herringbone?

Here are just a few ideas:

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

I keep picturing a subway tile/or brick sort of layout in a neutral color for the kitchen. I could also picture a darker color if you were painting the wall - like I've seen on HGTV an expresso color wall - or my friend painted her wall a pumpkin color with light cabinets but I couldn't picture those colors in a backsplash.

i am with Sweeby - doing something light could run the real risk of blah. Honestly, don't like any of the samples you show (but thats just me). I do like Sweeby's idea of some texture if you are going to stay neutral - or a multitone mixing in some dark and some light

What about something like this

Your kitchen is very quiet and neutral and I feel that it needs some bling, something that will say wow. I'm no expert but what about glass tiles for some sparkle? Mind you, they're pricy. I also like the idea of something with texture.

thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!

I like the texture idea, especially the first two examples sweeby posted, though the practical me is looking at it and imagining all the random splatters of hot oil slowly accumulating in all crevices and thinking how in the world do you keep it clean???

the dark herringbone is nice too, the blue one ... I wouldn't risk putting something so strongly appealing to certain taste only.

I thought the diagonal tile would add more interest but berryberry's horizontal layout is really appealing too. what tile is it?

I am somehow hesitant about adding lines and lines of grout to maintain but maybe it's not such a big deal as I think it is.

my budget on this is limited, so glass tile is out. some are nice but cost precludes them. overall, not really my style anyway so I'm not too sad.

my first picks were all in the reddish terra cota family, the second try I did try to stay in neutral, but you are right, nothing really looks good. gosh ... search continues ...

I'd suggest painting the area in the reddish terracotta color and see how you like it. You could pick a tile and then match the paint to it........if you like it you have your answer, if you don't, the paint will be covered with the tile you select.

First off, you have a very pretty kitchen.
Then I need to state my disclaimer that I know nothing about backsplashes.
I do really like the herringbone ones posted and think that even the more subdued one has enough "something-something" to really enhance what you have.
I do also think that the idea of at least painting the backsplash area (or, as I might think about it, find a towel-sweater whatever and thumbtack it up there) in the color that you are considering, is a good idea to get a feel for the overall look.
Again though- I do like those herringbone designs.

petra - the tile I posted is Fallwingwater Slate from Stone & Pewter Accents. Someone else posted it here in a different shade and it really struck us enough to decide to use it for our remodel starting in a month.

While we are going with it in a different color, someone else posted that pic that I showed you above. I thought the colors fit in your scheme - but give it some variety instead of sticking with one of the shades you initially posted.

Here is a link that might be useful: you can see all the color options here

Well, I wasn't really proposing that the herringbone actually be in blue or another strong color -- just that in a glazed tile with some color variation, you can get a design that is both simple and highly interesting -- a textured look.

You've got a good point about the first two being 'grease catchers' -- but regular grout isn't really anything you need to worry about. Just seal it with a really good sealer, then wipe it down when you see something splatter and it'll stay looking great for a long, long time.

I am in the minority I guess as I would vote for an actual color. But I am not much of a beige/brown/neutrals person. I think green is always easy to live with and can be used as a neutral, esp. with earth tones. I also like the herringbone and texture comments...

Sweeby, could you please share the sources for the tile pix you posted? Especially the textured white one with the round design. thank you!