I think a creamy off-white...putty or oatmeal color would look a little fresher than any of these gray choices....and still work. I might even consider white with darker grout to give it a more crisp look. So much gray and black cabinets looks too weary. Rethink it a bit.

yes-the lighter would be my preference. With the good solid traditional cabinet style and beautiful wood floor, you could take the lighter tile concept and even up the statement by doing a shape other than subway. Shape as in shaped tile-arabesque, etc.... or Pattern-as in basketweave or herringbone. The dark cabinets ,to me ,need a pretty strong counterpoint and that backsplash area is perfect....it will actually enhance the cabinets I think if you move away from just a plain sub way configuration...altho even the contrast grout color will accomplish the goal , to a degree. The cabs and floor and hardware are traditional ,so I'd stay in that theme in choosing.

I wouldn't do black grout with white tile. That's a specific look that I don't think works in your modern home. Gray grout would tie it all together.

Yes, I was thinking more dark gray than black.

Did you see this thread? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4417201/when-tiles-are-more-or-less-out-backsplash-ideas?n=12

There are a lot of fantastic ideas in there.

These are both gray grout. There's not much difference in a dark gray grout and black.

The dark grout with white tile has a vintage look. It adds a lot of pattern, which you don't need with all the rectangular shapes of your raised panel doors. Your counter has pattern too.

Greenwich Ave Residence · More Info

Light gray bridges the black cabinets to white counter and provides a quiet pattern.

Bellevue Residence · More Info

I like the light gray grout. Thanks!

The tile and light grey grout looks lovely with your beautiful cabinets and countertop. You have a perfect neutral palette now - perfect for your pops of color (like the red you show).

Beautiful!!

The more I Iive with this, and the more pics I see of other kitchens, the more I hate the 11/2" granite backsplash that I had to leave due to gaps. I want the tile all the way to the countertop. SO bummed that I rushed into this. I bet I could have had it cut even lower, to maybe 1/2". Or even replaced the whole piece of granite with one that actually fits (no gaps). Thoughts? Am I being too hard on myself? Does it look "ok?"" Thanks............

I think it looks fine...much better than than a full size backsplash and tile. I really like the tile you chose with the cabs and granite. I like the lighter grey grout.

You are being WAY too hard on yourself. It looks awesome and you picked exactly the right backsplash and grout - no easy feat. The bit of granite would be a problem if the backsplash was not quite right, but since it is you're fine. Trust me - anyone who sees that kitchen will just think it's beautiful. I do!!

Y'all are awesome--love this site! Thanks for taking the time to reassure me.

I think it looks great. I like the 1 1/2" backsplash. You really notice the tile and not the backsplash. That size is nicely proportioned. I think the 1/2" would have seemed puny and more noticeable.

You done good. Sleep tonight.

I completely agree with blfenton! There is something about the 1 1/2" that makes it look finished

Your tile choice is perfect. I like your idea of cutting the BS to make it less obtrusive.

Really pretty what you ended up doing.

leave it as is..it's very "completed" looking ..cutting into it/changing it /re-doing it just sounds like a headache.

eld6161, I got the idea from another Houzz thread! Cannot take the credit! I never would have thought of it....

I actually really like it. If it helps, a lot of European kitchens do this by design.

Thank you, nosoccermom!