I'd go for the little sparkly white mosaic squares.

Pugrolls! You're back! I was wondering about my fellow Washingtonian (and about Newcastlemom who I haven't seen for quite a while) the other day and how your kitchen was going. I know you had some people troubles towards the end.

Are you opposed to a bit of color? Some sparkle like Jilly mentioned? Whatever you do, I'd be tempted to run it up and around your window.

What does the adjoining space look like (or will look like)? Is there any specific accent color you would like to bring in? Do you want to punch it up, or keep it calm and neutral? Some hints would help :)

How about a Mother of Pearl mosaic? Just throwing my first thought out there.

Color! I would definitely go for some color there. Not something too loud--you don't want to overwhelm the kitchen--but something like this:

Pale Green Glass Subway Tiles

Or this:

Or a mosaic like this:

Blue-Grey-Green Glass Mosaic

Or this style:

Or even light-colored solid glass like this:

Pugrolls, lovely kitchen. A tile that caught my eye (on GW) might be worth considering. It's Crystal Acido by Porcelanosa -- a large format glossy rectified tile that looks like pale greenish glass. Davidtay has posted some photos of it in his kitchen and his bath on GW. I think it fits your adjectives.

mcmjilly, I love the idea of little sparkly tiles, thanks!

Hi breezy! I've been away so long, I'm excited to see where you are in the planning process! Did Newcastlemom ever post her finished kitchen? I would love to see it! As for my kitchen, I definitely agree about tiling all the way up around the window.

AnnaC54, the entire space is only 400 square feet, 121 of which is the kitchen footprint. There will also be a small dining area and small sitting area in the room. I'll try to find a picture to post -- I think you're right that knowing what the rest of the space looks like will be helpful. I think I really could go either way with color or not, because it will be easy to have color in the rest of the room with the curtains and throw pillows and such, and then tie in those colors with a few accessories OR the BS.

remodelfla, lazydaisynot, and idealgirl2, those are great tiles! This is exactly why I come here -- so many great ideas. Thanks so much for posting!

For reference, here are a couple of pictures of the rest of the space.

You walk in the door; stairs are to your right heading downstairs, door powder room and laundry is on your left.

Then you come to the main room; the kitchen is on the left. (Ignore the color of the fireplace tile; that will either be painted or re-tiled a different color):

This shows the space just to the right of the kitchen:

I agree with whoever posted about a sage or light green subway tile...I love those! My neighbor just did a backsplash with the prettiest shiny brown subway and it looks spectacular. I love your house, so pretty!

I hope this doesn't come across as being rude but - something with some warmth. You can accessorize all you want but I don;t feel any warmth in this kitchen. I'm sorry. I'm usually of the idea that if you don't have something nice to say don;t say anything. But this kitchen and family room have such potential but the kitchen needs some warmth. (IMHO)

in looking at your space... how about whatever tile you use in your backsplash, also use that around the fireplace? what a great way to tie those 2 together.

I like the sparkly idea... or light colors... I don't think I'd want a dark band of backsplash.

Suggest you take a look at Porcelanosa.

Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash Tile

pugrolls, what a beautiful kitchen! And definitely up to your Sweeby Test words. I like many of the above suggestions, sparkly mosaic squaries, or glass subway tiles. Something clean, airy, and shiny. Can't wait to see what you pick,

Becky

Just checking in to see what suggestions you've received and what you're thinking. I love your kitchen's airy, light feel. Maybe because I'm also in Seattle, I like the idea of a backsplash that's pale and glossy and bounces the light around. Love the fresh, serene feel of your space. Looking forward to seeing what you find for the backsplash!

How about classic white tiles with a bit of a geometric accent, like this, but in grey. Or use matte and gloss tiles. Something subtle, not WOW.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/kitchen/stove-top-vignettes-110469

The kitchen is a bit stark for my tastes, but in Seattle the light is so misty that it works.

Something along the lines of thin translucent pale glass, or nacre, or Mother of Pearl.