I had the same thoughts before reading everyone else's posts...The 3 x 6 is more 'standard' and traditional, while the 4x8 would be a little more unique and bring a modern or industrial twist or zing to your kitchen...which I can like with traditional elements. Depends on what you want it to do. And Plllog does have a point about smaller tiles fitting in around things better, but I wouldn't necessarily let that decide it for me. Will one fit in the spaces using whole tiles, while the other will require cutting all the way along? (Remember to figure in grout lines) Even if I liked one better, if the other fit in whole, THAT could sway me to change my mind.

Hi JSCOZ. I am so surprised that whomever you bought the tile from didn't recommend that you order a sample first-esp. if it is handmade and subject to variation. The tile shop salespeople are supposed to be the "experts" and they should have warned you and let you know of your options to get a sample. I have had the various tile shops I've visited suggest that several times-esp. for natural stone to see the current "lot" color. If they hadn't, I wouldn't have even known it was even possible to get one. And I have ordered the samples--thankfully- or I would have made an expensive mistake. The tile shops around here have designers that will help you with your design. Did you buy your tile from a store with a knowledgable designer that can help you? They may be able to suggest something. In second group of your photos, esp. with the one with the gorgeous medallion, the color of the tile looks like a better fit with the granite- it looks lighter and more golden. Which photo shows the true color? The glass liner accent looks very close to the color of the tile. Is that correct, or is the photo deceiving? Just curious. Try calling the Sonoma tile company and showing them your photos, and explain your dilema- maybe they have knowledgable designers that could suggest a solution from a design standpoint- and maybe even offer to exchange some of the pieces. I really don't think the tile looks that bad with the granite, esp. after seeing the other photos and your off-white cabinets which will give some lovely contrast with all that brown. The tiles are gorgeous, and I personally don't think they look like they are are trying to "copy the granite". From a perfectionist standpoint, you probably wouldn't have gotten them if you knew this was how they would be (since they are not like the sample you liked), but they can be made to work with just a little "massaging", as my architecture colleagues used to say. I think just the right grout color could work wonders, as well. You know how putting one color next to the other can "fool the eye". Having an accent band running around the backsplash will also help draw your eye to it- instead of to the junction between the granite and tile. Here is one thought for a border at the base of your backsplash: How about mixing the glass liners, with 1 x 1 glass tiles (tantrums)in a lighter color along the base, maybe 2-4 rows high? You can possibly even mix in some strips of the field tile in your existing color, as well as the same tile in a lighter color, to keep the cost down. You can play around with it to find a design that looks good. There are lots of these kinds of mixed mosiacs around- you can find some in a tile shop for inspiration. Here is a link below to a photo on the sonoma website that made me think of another option. Look at the 3rd photo down on the right side as another possibility for a border along the bottom of the backsplash made up of light colored 1 X 1 tantrums (would that be too expensive?- I know those are pricey!)It would be simple. Hope this helps give you some food for thought. Here is a link that might be useful: Sonoma tantrum border

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I have added a few more pictures of option #s 2, 3, & 4. Option 2 option 3 option 4 Breezygirl, I too like the marble but I don't want to make it too busy. I was hoping that there might be support for that little mosaic, but this input really helps. Remodelfla, I love the look of the frosted glass example I have, it almost perfectly matches my wall color which is very light greenish gray. I am thinking that it is too contemporary, but I could be just holding back! Francoise47, I am striving for timelessness in this kitchen. This remodel has been a long time coming and will be a long time til the next. Option #4 is a favorite of mine because of the subtle style. And MrsHanson I really appreciate your take on #2, can you tell me more about why you would not go with #2? CeltinNE thanks for your comment, the soapstone is something I have wanted for 10 years ever since I first saw it in a nice causal restaurant in Ames, Iowa. I recently asked one of the owners how it has held up. He is very happy with it. He would not use it in the restroom lavatory sinks again, they have streaked. Theirs was out of a Vermont company and it is soft. They have it installed in the restrooms as sink and counter, at the bar counter and behind the bar, and at the coffee bar area both the customer bar and behind the bar. They keep it oiled. Oh, and the color of my paint is BenMoore "Titanium" a very light gray green. Looks great in my north facing room.

Choosing a backsplash has been torture! I am trying to flow with the Mascarello granite & not compete with it. The colors are impossible. I think the Crema marble is elegant, but is it too light, or too plain or too hard to keep clean? Any advice would be appreciated? I change my mind every 5 minutes, day & night! Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash Choices