Like holligator, I think that two "busy" surfaces tend to compete with each other for your attention, and they tend to cancel each other out. I always thought of the backsplash as a "bridge" between the upper cabinets and the counter top and lower cabinets. My backsplash is similar to sue b's. I used a row of 4 x 4 inch field tiles, with three rows of 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch mosaic, then 3 x 6 inch subway tiles the rest of the way. I wanted something different above the range, and that led me to the final design, which incorporates the mosaic tile. I was initially not happy with the grout lines I ended up with, but I think it makes the kitchen look more "old fashioned", which was the look I was going for. While my backsplash seems to work in my kitchen, I don't think it would look good in a more modern kitchen. I really like your granite, and if you want it to be the focal point of your kitchen, a more neutral backsplash will certainly bring it to the forefront. You're certainly not alone in changing your mind about your vision for your kitchen. I can't tell you how many times I changed my mind about nearly every element of my kitchen. The way my kitchen turned out looks nothing like my original vision. I found the backsplash to absolutely be the most agonizing decision of all! Rich Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen pics

Oldbat2be, THANK YOU, that is so cool. I went to bed last night and woke up to find my kitchen "tiled". I'll show my husband but I think I agree with those who think its a bit small and busy. It is a beautiful tile and I love it in the first photoshop pic but I designed the kitchen as a creamy white kitchen and I think when this is on all, it will be darker and busier than my orignal intentions. I also agree though that we need something to finish that backsplash. I have samples of larger carrara but they have much more white white in them which makes the creamy cabinets look more yellow in contrast. Not what I'm going for. Anyone know of a marble that is more creamy and grey? Possible the one blondelle suggested? Thank you for all of your opinions!! The search continues......

Wow, thanks so much for the additional input! I appreciate that some of you weren't afraid to say that the backsplash is too busy for your tastes. Hearing a variety of perspectives is helpful. I also now have some terrific ideas for pulling everything together: painting that blue wall white (although a wooden bench will go there, along with a kitchen table), bringing in white accessories to mellow the blue, adding plants, etc. To answer the question about tile, this is the Jute glass collection from Ann Sacks. It was very reasonable at under $20/sf. Our installer needed to back butter each tile and to really pack in the grout to make sure that no black lines showed through at the bottom of the tiles. He did a great job, so that concern is off the table. I think I figured out that I am partially bothered by the style and color of the tiles for a kitchen. I actually have the same tile (1 X 2s in just the aqua color) in my bathroom, and they are perfect in that space. However, something about the color combination of these tiles--along with the texture--does not feel kitchen-like to me. It does not have an "earthy" feel that I sometimes prefer in a kitchen. The tiles are also very contemporary, and I tend more towards a cottage or beachy style. Too bad I have to doubt one of the more expensive items to change! Again, I SO appreciate all of the encouragement and input! I am hoping that I will come around as I hate to think about broaching my husband with this topic. :-) Sara This post was edited by NewEnglandSara on Sun, Jan 18, 15 at 10:41

I agree, a larger herringbone looks better. the pattern needs to be appreciated and this one, while nice, doesn't get the full effect. you could do a 1x2, 1x4, 2x6, or even larger, for a nicer effect. 1x6 1x42x9 (chevron)1x2 1x4 2x8 3x12 and 4x12 isn't uncommon either. if you have a larger expanse of backsplash, going a bit larger would look better. If you have a very small backsplash, then you could do your tinier mosaics.