Here's are herrinbone examples: note that it looks like "W"

Galley Kitchen · More Info

Berkeley Kitchen & Bathroom · More Info

Stack bond would be more modern I think

Nordquist · More Info

Here's a vertical stack:

Bright Green Kitchen · More Info

I got all these by typing "white tile backsplash" into the houzz search engine. Good luck!

One thing to keep in mind is whether you have any other focal points in your kitchen. I've learned that since my floor is herringbone, it has a very nice "wow" effect, it is limiting me as far as cabinet finishes (can't do rustic like I wanted) or detailed backsplash. I'm thinking of a sheet glass backsplash but haven't decided yet and haven't got a bid which may make a big difference too.

What is the overall feel of the house/ktichen? Grid is more modern, running bond is more traditional, etc.

lenzai, thanks, that second photo is a great example of the herringbone look, and I'm tempted to go that route.

elphaba, that is a good point... I have a large greenhouse window next to this that is also a focal point. My flooring will be wood and my cabinets are very plain, so I think that will help keep it from looking too busy.

Maybe I will clear off the wall, take a photo and play around with Photoshop. It's hard to visualize with my existing orange walls and shelves with clutter that are there now.

crl,

My cabinets are somewhat modern, but I would say the style I am going for would be transitional or warm contemporary, i.e., soapstone counters, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, Kohler Stages sink. Also, I want a very practical kitchen, easy to cook in. I do a lot of from scratch cooking and testing and developing recipes and photo shoots.

A one third offset is pretty and it's only subtly different from a standard running bond. Enough to be interesting but not enough to be in your face.

Yes, I still really like the classic offset. But I did some more googling and found this link with drawings of the different types:

https://tiletramp.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/10-creative-ways-to-use-subway-tile/

We did stacked bone subway tile with a frame of herringbone behind the range. I actually started of with a traditional subway pattern and after a couple of feet, it just didn't look right to me, so we started over with the stacked pattern.

I love traditional subways, but you do see it everywhere right now. Here's a few examples of subway tile in more unusual patterns:

Love this variation on herringbone-

Suburban Living · More Info

Bathroom pic, but love the two sizes of subway together-

Street Car Lofts Bathroom · More Info

Skinny subway, regular and herringbone-

Scheinholtz Associates · More Info

I'm not a big fan of the "W' s" in regular herringbone, but think it's cool vertically like this-

Newlands new construction c · More Info

Another bathroom pic, but love this green basketweave with black accents-

Helena 1 · More Info

I have had my heart set on a flemish bond pattern, but the only one manufactured as with very small modules. I would like one where the stretchers are about 2x7.5 and the headers are about 2x3.5. In marble. Unless I get busy with a wet saw, it will never happen.
Casey

Totally loving that green bathroom!

Sombreuil,

So, Flemish bond in subway would look something like this? Interesting, but a lot more work if the tiles have to be cut.

That's close, but not the proportion I'm looking for; those are essentially 2x6.
Casey