We have the same problem with a light switch where our backsplash needs to go---they couldn't move it over because of a stud in the way. I am thinking to extend the tile all the way to a piece of moulding at the doorway, so that it's a tiled wall rather than a backsplash. Not sure it will work, but it's one option!

If we tiled up to the end of the countertop like normal people do and ignored the fact that the outlet stuck out another few inches would that bother you? If you looked at the final result would you be disappointed? I'm so mad that I didn't make the electrician take the time to move it over. We will most likely go with regular 4x4 travertine squares. Does anyone know if they make stone outlet covers? We have the rocker style switches too so that may be a problem. I like the idea of carrying the tile to the doorway, however we have a drywall arched doorway next to it so no trim to butt up to. I hope that this beautiful kitchen doesn't look like we messed up that one detail.

yes, they do make stone plates, but they are expensive. I have attached a link. I faux painted mine; not as pretty as those on the link, but they are passable and saved a bunch!

Here is a link that might be useful: stone wall switch plates

It's honestly not very hard to move a switchbox, if it comes to that. I learned how and moved mine all over the place before tiling. (Barring some odd configuration of walls and wiring, that is, but it sounds like you have a newer house where the walls will be straightforward.) Do you know anyone handy/have a friend who's a contractor who could help you out here?

I just wonder if the outlet wouldn't stick out due to the thickness of the tile. Sure, you could stop the tile and from the front it would look fine, but from the side, the outlet cover would be out from the wall, would it not?

If we moved the outlet which my hubbie could do in between tiling two showers, doing finished plumbing, putting in laminate countertops in other rooms and tiling a backsplash lol ... except then wouldn't I have to have the drywallers come back to fix the oops on the other side of the cabinet walls then? I wonder how noticeable it would be...

I have a very similar problem.
I was really good at measuring the cabinet placement and had plans that in theory were perfect.

All of a sudden things didn't quite fit the way they were supposed to....part of the problem being that the Craigs List cabs that I saw out of their boxes and brown butcher paper were perfect.
I assumed those cabs that were still wrapped were the same.
Nope.
So we had to switch a few cabinets and in doing so a couple cabinets ended up being larger than the plan.
Enter: Switchplates in places that tile shouldn't go.

I think by the time we came to that part, I was soooo tired of the whole thing I said "Leave it! Don't worry about it! Who's gonna notice!?!"

And honestly, nobody notices until I point it out to them.
But again, honestly, now that it's all put together, it does bother me.... a LOT.

I haven't been any help but just wanted you to know that there are so many of us out there who have run into the same situation.

amity - did u put in a backsplash? do you have a photo?

If an example for a public restroom won't offend you (it was Penzey's so it's kitchen related), they had the wall tiled half way up and the light switch was smack half on and off. The tile just bumped up around it. It looked nice and probably left the wall cleaner around the switch (well, let's pretend light switches in restrooms stay clean--but in a kitchen it would actually be a good feature!).

I just tested for studs in the wall and none are there so I think we might move the outlet over and call the drywaller back to patch the whole. I just don't think I can stand that outlet in the way.

On a different outlet question, are your regular outlets random under your cabinets or are they perfectly centered under a cabinet? I'm a center freak and can't stand random outlets and I think that's what I got!