Check out the finished kitchen blog--search for soapstone and white cabinets. (One of my favorites with a vintage look is Jgarner's kitchen which I believe does have white subways.)

You can do something different behind the cooktop if you're concerned about grout. Maybe a soapstone niche. Or that color pop you wanted.

The "read me first" post by Buehl should have the link to the FKB.

Mine has color...check it out in the FKB...

Here is a link that might be useful: FKB - Becktheeng Kitchen

Three Daisies just posted a GORGEOUS white kitchen with white subway tiles and black counters. I hope the link below works.

Here is a link that might be useful: white kitchen

Or do a search for Robinst. she used a random carrera marble backsplash that is so pretty.

What about something like a grey colored glass mosaic medley?

Check out the Finished Backsplash Slideshow - click on the examples you like to link to the full information for each kitchen. Lots of great ideas there.

I drove myself crazy trying to decide between colorful and plain and trying to find a balance. I ended up using a dark grey/beige/white mosaic framed in dark grey behind the range with cream subway tiles (I have cream cabs with dark grey granite). I think of it like a blank canvas or a little black dress to accessorize with color to suit the seasons and my mood. I like your ideas of using a couple of glass front cabs with your dishes and colorful pendant lights - they would be easy to change if you wanted to!

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Backsplash Slideshow

Thanks for Jrueter for posting the slideshow (see posting above).