My granite supplier advised using tile from the granite up (no granite back splash). She could have advised the other way and made a little more money, so I think she advised based on her honest opinion. I also like the "no granite back splash" look better. Just guessing, I'd say the only reason to use the 4" granite back splash would be if you weren't going to use any other back splash at all (a more low-budget option, in my opinion).

KA - How did your trip to the granite yard go? Did you find your slab? I agree that Delicatus and BA are cousins, if not siblings. Love the light color and the sparkles in both. Bee - I could look at pics of your kitchen and new backsplash all day long and never be bored. I do like the stingray a lot and was wondering if there might be a color that would look good with BA, as you and DonnaKay both went white and redroze is pretty close to white with her Ann Sacks tile. I need to get a variety of samples, but some of my early ideas will clearly not go with the BA (which I totally love by the way -- it looks fabulous with the cherry. It's far and away the home-run feature so far). Anyway, I'll try to get a sample of the stingray. My paint is silver sage and I think it would go with that too.

I am still in the ABB club but making progress. Our kitchen started out contemporary/modern but ended up transitional. Initially, I really wanted back painted glass but just could not get the glass to talk to the countertop. I did not want subway (reminds me of elementary school or an old hospital - sorry) Tile is Grazia Rixi Crema and the inset is called Beach - from Tile-shop.com (not tileshop.com) This is the tile and inset we are going to order - working on shipping arrangements as has to go to a business or the shipping costs as much as the tile!! Plan on one layer of 5x5, then the inset, and then diagonal above. These are all different color tiles as I only have one sample of the color. I might put a few small medallions above the cooktop (see Chitown - not sure she posted) L-shaped section of the kitchen (there bake zone is on the opposite side) but might give you an idea of at the style.

Don't paint! I know everyone's computer monitor shows colours differently, and I find it's really really hard to capture all the nuances of stone in a photo. But, I quite like your backsplash, and I have to be honest, I've seen more I don't like here, than ones I do. I'm wondering if a grout in a grey tone would help? A tiler who has given me great advice says he never does a job without doing a sample board and getting approval of grout colour first. He says that previously most of the jobs that customers did't like were because of grout colour. My very first reaction was 'why would she keep those old outlets. Not only the plates need to be replaced, but I would strongly recommend updating the actual plugs/light switches. Even if the colour matched your trim it would look nicer than that very out-dated ivory. I am not a colour expert, but my BM lady is. If I were you, I would take samples to a reputable paint shop and to someone who knows how colours work. Mine was able to explain how certain tones of paint work better with my granite. To the naked eye they looked very similar, but having a red or a yellow undertone completely changed how well they went. Even though they don't 'do grout', someone there may help you pick a good grout colour if you could bring in samples. Did I mention..."Don't Paint"!?!