Ok, we are doing waterloxed butcher block counters on the perimeter....stumped on what to do for the island, where the gas cooktop will be located.. Budget is a big concern, but also I am trying to stay a bit "retro" and go with the flow of my 1970's faux spanish ranch house. We are doing white shaker cabinets, ss appliances (yes, I know that is not really 1970s, but I don't want avocado appliances, lol) and we have wood floors.

I know many folks are "anti" tile counters...I am too, when it comes to small tiles/wide grout joints. I am trying to get ideas of the look I have seen with granite tiles (larger tiles, very small grout joints) but I do not want granite tiles.

Someone posted a thread here recently about "timeless kitchens" and I had to smile because they posted a picture of the kitchen on "French Food at Home" from the Cooking Channel. I have always loved that kitchen, and I agree, it is timeless. I searched for a link to that thread but couldn't find it. I will say, however, that I remember her tiles being smaller than what I wanted. They are only in one section of the kitchen (perimeter? I can't remember) and they are blue.

Sooo, I also need to think about color and backsplash colors to compliment the tile. So much to think about! That's why I need your help! :) Hoping for some Boxerpups magic here...any photos?

Thank you!