Based off the photos I would go with #1. The granite looks to have a lot of color variation so I like the tile that has some different gray/white elements.

The #2 photo has the tile and granite looking too similar for my taste. It may not be this way in real life.

#1 for sure. The granite and #2 are too busy for each other.

I like #1 run horizontal. I too think the second one is too similar to the granite.

Also agree on horizontal setting. I think the vertically set tile look will pass quickly and in 5 or 10 years it won't be viewed as "classic".

Option 1 run horizontally.

It's full name is Giallo Ornamental Light. I have it in my guest bath. I like the colors in the first tile but not the busyness of the pattern. The second tile is too close to the speckled pattern of the granite. Google some photos of granite with mosaic backsplashes and you'll see it's too much pattern, and dated as well. I'd stick with a ceramic or glass subway tile.

Mayflower I've been wondering about that. I understand Giallo Ornamental Light that has more gold and beige tones...

Giallo Ornamental Light

"Ornamental Light"

Our original plan was a white glass subway tile and then research said that often turned out a completely unexpected blueish or greenish color.

I'm so scared of picking this stuff out and it not coming together.

#1 done horizontal. But you may want to keep looking - I'm thinking a larger tile.

Horizontal def.. I think a larger tile would look better too. But if you love the glass mosaic look, don't let us sway you. Maybe a monochromatic glass tile vs so many colors? Or glass panels?

I don't like either, but #1 is the better of the two for my eyes.

#1 — horizontal.

Why are you locked into Shaw? Can you provide your own?

Everything that Emilyam819 said above.

I am sorry, but there will be too many grout lines with that small tile, so that it will be too much with the counter. People use the small tiles when they have a very quiet counter.

My GOL looks just like the second photo. It doesn't have the black of the first photo. I love the white quartz crystals and would try to match those.

I had a plain white shower curtain in my bathroom for two years and changed to a two-tone paisley one. Just that little bit of pattern seemed to really conflict. I've gotten used to it by now, but it's only a shower curtain, not a permanent backsplash.

I have twitchy feelings about the first choice because it is not smooth. It's a grease and dust catcher.

How much cleaning to you want to do?

I like #1 run horizontally.

#2 is too busy with your countertop .It needs a quieter countertop.

If I had to choose, #1 then. But I'm not a fan of either one in your space. The first one looks more like a bathroom tile to me. And while it's not that busy of a tile, it still has enough going on that it could compete/clash with your granite. The second choice is way too busy. It's almost gaudy.

I would go in a totally different direction. Since you have light cabinets and lighter countertops, I would pull a darker color from the granite and do a solid tile backsplash in a darker shade that highlights a color from the granite. Not only will this "pop" off the white cabinets, but it will also highlight the beauty in the stone without competing with it and clashing...

Like mrsshayne, I don't care for the 1st tile either. But, you said it was a choice between the two, so I suppose it's the better of the two.

I agree that it will be a nightmare to clean without the level surface.

Horizontal, and although I like the color of #1, I also find it too busy with the granite. Generally granite is the dominant feature in a kitchen. So you just have to consider how much you want and like a backsplash to compete.

#1 Horizontal, same as others.

#1 horizontal, of these two Shaw choices. #2 only with a mostly solid color counter to ground it, like AB.

Sorry agree with none of the above. 1 horizontal is better for sure but not being smooth would drive me nuts. 2 is definitely too busy. Do the have anything larger/simpler? They must!

Agree with all the others. #1 if you had to, but really both are too busy.

I really like #1. The depth of the backsplash definitely adds some interest and I like it running horizontally.

Not a fan of either - just too busy with your granite. Go look on http://www.carraratiles.com/. I just ordered marble tiles from the. I first ordered a sq ft to see how it would look - came VERY fast. Tried another but didn't like it and called back to see if they still had the first. To my total amazement, they knew what batch my samples were from and they had plenty.

If you are ordering very many, the come by freight to save cost and prevent damage. The only downside is that like all freight shipments, it's curbside delivery and the boxes are shrink wrapped on a palate. I solved that by having them shipped to the kitchen cabinet store. I ordered them late last Thurs afternoon and they arrived from NJ to KY on Tues! Jacquie, who answers the phone is a delight to work with! Great selection, great prices, fast delivery...how often do you hear those words in the same sentence as "tile"!