I say, keep it as simple as possible.

I also would keep it simple, like your inspiration picture.

Keep it simple like the others said. I really like the beveled subway. I also like the sand dollar series. Is that crackle?

Are you still set on using the 6x6 tiles on diagonal? I think the 3x6 beveled subway tiles look the nicest and I like the stripe liner piece you linked as well. Just stay away from the combination on the sample board...the bullnose pieces make it look just like bathroom tile because of the 6x6 size and high gloss.

Well, I do think a lot of subway tiles do look like they belong in bathrooms so I can agree with you on that! LOL Your 6x6 is fine as long as you go with the trim piece you linked and not the bullnose style.

I like the way the sample shows a row of squares, the pencil rail and then on the diagonal.

However, 6x6 might be too large a tile for this look? You wouldn't want a skinny row at eye level. How many tiles could you get if you used the way it's shown on the sample board? (But, of course with only the bottom pencil rail?

personal preference, of course. IMO - no additional pieces. Your cabinets have wood grain and your counters are busy. Not what you want to hear - but I wouldn't do the diagonal backsplash. I think the tiles are too large and the diagonal lines will compete with the vertical and horizontal lines you already have going on. Your sample looks, to me, like a way back when machine trip to 2000. But, all that matters is if you like it.

I agree with Nightowl that the diagonal reads early 2000s. I did a fireplace surround in 6" tiles on the 45 in 2002.

If you love it and it makes you happy, you should definitely choose the 45. However, in case you care about such things or if you're selling soon, I think it's good to be aware that some might think it's older than it is.

I'm drawn to this 6x6 pattern, but I've read commenters here on GW say it's too busy for them.

Well, what you don't know, nightowl, is that we live in a very traditional area and our subdivision in particular is full of houses that all look very much the same and are traditional on the outside and inside. If we sell--and we're always thinking about it--the kind of people who would want to live here would not want anything trendy or too "fashion forward" as they say.

I think what we're picking is classic whereas subway tile is going to look dated very soon.

Subway is classic. Although trendy at the moment.

I hear what nightowl is saying. But, actually I have neighbors who did the diagonal 7 years ago, so......

That said, I don't think putting the tiles one way or another would be a deal breaker even if CJ decided to sell her house tomorrow.

She has had this look as her inspiration for so long, I don't think she will feel happy if she does something else.

Simple is always best, especially in a kitchen with wood cabinets and rather busy countertops.

As for the traditional neighborhood: mine is, too, but I"m constantly astounded at what the young new home owners are doing to these very traditional houses in a very established (and highly desirable) neighborhood. The young see things very differently..

Not a fan of design elements. Benjiesbride - I like that picture, would like to see more of the kitchen/backsplash.

CJ Mac - My apologies in advance if I offend, but I think the tile you're showing might date the kitchen more than a subway tile. (No zing and perhaps a tad too 'busy' at the same time). Off to Photoshop it, will post results in a bit :)

Edited to add that I can't photoshop the tile you showed. If you can find a picture of it taken from 'straight on', I will give it a try. I did spend some time on the Adexa website and rather fell for some of their pictures :) (I know, both with the dreaded subway).

My husband and I are hoping to use a ceramic tile with design elements. We think it really adds elegance to the backsplash. We will use grout the same color as the tile. I say go for it if that's what you like.

Oldbat2be - here's a link to the blog post where I got the above picture: http://www.dohiy.com/2014/07/15/before-and-after-tiled-kitchen-backsplash/

I'd cut out the "tiles" from paper and stick them to the wall to see the various options.

I really like the 6x6 benjesbride posted. If you like it, that's all that matters.

I thought you wanted to know whether to do something more elaborate behind the shelf or using those pencil tiles with the 6x6 diagonals. (Someone pointed out that there may be space issues.)

Good decision to keep it simple.

One last thing for those of you who think my kitchen will look hopelessly out of date. You haven't been living with this for the past 10 years:

ANYTHING will be an improvement. :-)

A2Gemini has a 4x4 on a diagonal with squares at the bottom. I know you want 6x6 but I think this might be a look sort of what you'd like...

Here is her reveal

It already looks great and I am sure the new backsplash will finish it off perfectly.

Well, IKEA's display kitchens are mostly with larger scale tiles now (ditto the online gallery).

The wife and working partner of the tile installer was here yesterday and loved the tile and said it's not out of date. They've been installing a lot of it lately. I know she said this to make me feel better: "With that crackle, it's got kind of a subway look anyway." And the tile designer was very enthusiastic about it too. The photos don't do it justice; it really is pretty.

But here's something we didn't expect: the installers are booked to (or through) July!!! But she said they're doing mostly bathrooms, so there might be an open day that comes up where they can do a backsplash. She said her husband will lay the tile in one day and she'll come back and grout it in less than an hour.