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)!

I recently installed and grouted a carrara basketweave tile (with small black marble squares) floor in our new bathroom. Since we were really concerned about getting the color we liked, I put some extra tile on a sheet of plywood and tested three colors: Delorean Gray, Standard White and Silverado. If it's possible, I'd suggest a similar test so that you are confident that you're getting a color you love. Here's what I saw: - the Standard white had a yellow undertone that didn't go at all with the grey veining in my marble - the Delorean Gray was too dark for us - the Silverado was the closest match - the tones were fairly close to those in my marble (though with a slightly brown undertone) Can you test Silverado before committing? We wanted to see the grout lines to emphasize the pattern, but didn't want anything too dark. We finally mixed Delorean Gray and Silverado 50:50. It was quite a feat to mix so much powdered grout thoroughly, and I wouldn't really recommend it, but we're very pleased with the results. Hope this helps!

Hello Bbabers, I've posted this elsewhere, but I don't mind repeating it. For very tight-set tiles, I like to use mason's string in long lengths laid into the horizontal joint as a spacer. The string is then carefully pulled out, like a rip chord, before the thinset has gotten hard. This method allows me to lay flat edges on the face of the tile, to assure that everything is "in plane" and to wash things up without disrupting the spacers. I've liked some of the very faint gray grouts (non-sanded of course) but there are too many variables to suggest a specific color now. Investigate which grout manufacturers are available to you and then get sample chits for the colors you are considering. I carry color boxes for five grout manufacturers and will often pull them all out when I am working with a client on color choices. I've got my preferred brands, but they each have unique color palettes so I show them all. More important than brand is the expiration date of the grout and whether the supplier adequately rotates their inventory. When you find the color you want, confirm with the supplier that the dates stamped on the package indicate a "fresh" grout. Cementitious products aren't generally reliable past 1 year after manufacture. Best of luck, Shaughnn

Carree, I could've sworn I posted a response to your photo but I don't see it there. Beautiful tile with so much character! I am looking into each and every source that everyone has taken the time to post for me. Thank you! Romy, I do like the edge, it's just a little different than what I originally told the fabricator I wanted (ogee stacked on straight edge). He came to template and installed the perimeter counters the next day. At that time he discussed with me his idea for the island edge (it is only slightly different) and I told him to go for it! I will post pics shortly but the ceilings are being sanded and it's quite a mess right now. Hopefully everything but the backsplash will be done by the end of the week and I will post then. You haven't posted final pics of your kitchen yet, have you? Want to make sure I didn't miss it!!