I personally like the crackle subways best (I'm into plain tiled backsplashes), and the Calcutta lookalike second. I think all of the tiles you have shown here would work very well, color wise, so it's up to you to decide which pattern/look will make you happiest!

Have you looked into Daltiles Modern Dimensions? Maybe a nice matte tile in a muted shade would be good for you and your kitchen? I don't know if you'd want to try and match the color of the counter to the backsplash, it might make the room too dark, but might look cool? They have light colors, too. HTH?!?!?!?!

Thanks for your comments, hellonasty -- I think those are my top two right now, also. I'll check out the Daltile Modern Dimensions -- but the colors look nice online!

The only option I'd choose from above is the crackle subways. I am not a fan of the other patterns with your counters. They don't seem to complement each other as the vibes of the other choices do not harmonize with the counter.

Ditto with dianalo.

Thanks, dianalo and ellendi --

Don't know if this would change your opinion, but the Calacatta subway would not be used with the accent tile that is on the store's board.

I think I'm still between the crackle subway and calacatta.

If I do the crackle subway, any suggestions for an accent, or would you keep it plain running bond?

Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

I can sympathize, as I'm also in the midst of backsplash decision, the final frontier.... I'm also considering the crackled, but cream beveled, tile. I think it would lighten the room and add a nice contrast to the dark cabinets. I do like the mosaic, as well, and think it picks up the colors in the quartz, but I'm not sure that would add to the overall look of the space. Good luck!

Of those you're considering, my choice would be the crackle subways. Just to throw out another idea -- have you considered a solid color other than creme or shades from the quartz? It's hard to read colors on the monitor so I don't have suggestions, but the introduction of another color might look nice.

I like the look of the calcutta marble with the countertop! The crackle subway tiles also look nice.

I love crackle subway so that's my first choice. If you want an accent you could do a simple pencil listello in a dark grey, tan, or black (pick a color out of your quartz). The other thing you could do for an accent would be 2 or 3 rows of small or skinny glass tiles in colors found in your quartz. If you want to forego the accent, you could do the subway tile in a herringbone or corridor horizontal pattern instead of the standard running bond.

Here is a link that might be useful: tile patterns

I like the cream subway or fiorito subway best. I really think the kitchen need the gloss surface to bounce the light a bit. I also like it simple without border.

Thanks everyone!

@ptamom -- when you say, "simple without border", do you mean that you would keep it just the subway tiles, without any additional accent or listello tiles?

With the lines on top and bottom of darker cabinets, the room is visually, very linear. Avoiding anything that accentuates this will make the room feel taller and brighter. Think vertical or diagonal. Or monochrome and reflective, with the subway tiles. I am attatching an example.

Here is a link that might be useful: lanterns idea

Can you tell me what brand the crema marfil lookalikes are?

Redhead -- the ceramic lookalikes were all at Avalon Carpet & Tile -- not sure of the brand but I think it's a private label brand for Avalon.

I agree with every word from flwrs_n_co. I think either a simple accent (same color or contrasting) or using a pattern with the tiles, would add some style without fighting the counters.
btw - I had assumed you were not using the mosaics with the Calacatta. I just don't think the swooshes work with the more speckled countertop. It is the next best choice, but way lower on the list than the crackle subways. I'd put un-posted choices ahead of it....

@dianalo -- thanks! any suggestions of "unposted choices" that you have in mind? I am totally open to new suggestions!!

I think I need to head back to the tile shop this week! Unfortunately, I haven't found any shops with really helpful designers or salespeople.

Anyone on here in the SE PA/Delaware areas who might suggest a good tile place?

I'm not feeling the swirlies and the speckles. I'd go with the subway as well as it will be understated with the counters.

If you were still considering Celtic accents, here's a good site

www.earthsongtiles.com/

I didn't use this, but I love it. I went with the crackle subway by Jeffery Court.

Good luck! BS is a royal PITA.

CeltinNE -- I love those Earth Song Tiles, too, but they seem pretty spendy, particularly considering that it wouldn't be easy to see them before ordering. I know I can order a sample, but I am anxious to pick something. Yes, I hear myself saying that -- I know I shouldn't be rushing something that I'll be looking at for 15-20 years. :)

Maybe those Jeffrey Court crackle tiles would satisfy my need for something Irish in my kitchen -- they're the ones named after Irish counties, right?

Thanks for the suggestions.

I love number 4, but then I like pattern everywhere...

I like number 4/5 pics the best.
I think it would be beautiful.
~boxer