Put the same material on the backsplash as on the countertop. Clean "finished" look. This is always my choice.

Thanks Barbara, that would look lovely for sure. I don't think Builder has the granite option for backsplash though.

i like the one on the right. as for backsplash option, why don't you get it done yourselves after the fact? I'm curious as to what they are charging you per sq ft for the white marble. There are plenty of site and tile stores where you can get the herringbone or chevron for 10-15 bucks a sheet. You do know that these builders gouge buyers on all of these items, right?

Beth, thanks I know they charge exorbitant for some stuff. And yes, after all the pricing is done, I may decide to get few things outside.

They don't tell cost of anything per sqft, just how much it will cost you to upgrade with whatever you choose. There is an idea about price things by their levels. Level 1 is generally included which is super-ugly, then your price goes up as the levels you choose.

Ok, so if you wanted that particular marble splash, do they tell you how much more it would be?

Builder depot has the herringbone marble you like for about 13 bucks a sheet. I don't know what the square footage of your space is, but 20-30 is average. Unless you have a huge kitchen. As for caring, backsplash marble will be fine if you seal it a few times after all the grouting is done. I would do a honed marble because it won't show the etching like a polished marble.

BTW your granite is aka River White. here are some pics w/all white backsplashes and wood flooring to give you an idea. the first one looks like the granite was honed. a really cool finish.

Hi! I read your blog and perused your ideabook on kitchens. It seems that you have a very good process for making your decisions, and are doing a good job of letting time help curate your selections.

I think if you've seen examples of the thunder white granite installed, you will probably be very happy with it. I also recommend asking if the builder will allow you to choose your specific slab(s), that seems to be one thing that people can end up being surprised by if the slab ends up having some undesirable parts to it.

Regarding your back splash choices, both work (and so does Barbara's suggestion above), so it really is more of a personal preference. If you go with an all white tile, I think you can go with a busier pattern like the pencil tiles you have in your mood board. If you opt for a glass tile, I would recommend a traditional subway tile size and shape so that, too, will withstand the test of time.

The only other thing that occurs to me, based on your inspiration and ideabook, is that by far, most of them have hardwood flooring. Is that an option for flooring with your builder? Especially if you are having hardwood put in elsewhere? The only reason I bring it up is because having hardwood is just such a timeless look, and it brings in a natural surface that really helps warm up the whole kitchen, while still being able to have the white look that you love. I'm slightly concerned that both of your flooring options run fairly gray, and unless you have loved the "gray look" for years and years, I'd wonder if you're being slightly influenced by what's a very hot trend right now, but depending on who you read, may soon be going out of style. It will definitely create a much cooler look than a hardwood will at any rate.

As I said earlier, you definitely have your head in the right space to be making very good decisions that you will love for the long haul. I just wanted to raise a question and I'm confident that you will know what's right for you. You have great taste!

Beth, yes they tell me the cost of getting an upgraded look for the area I ask about. Thanks for sending the pictures too.

Thanks DH for reading my entire saga and providing such detailed input. Yes, I am insisting on letting me choose my slab because it is natural stone and can go in any direction color and pattern wise.

I considered hardwood flooring, but all those are spec homes with the builder so they put wood everywhere to make it look so clean and crisp. The way my family abuses kitchen, I will go insane trying to keep the floor dry and clean so I may end up with tile. I have been keeping track of our usage since we started this process.

I love gray, there is no doubt about it. But the only choices with flooring are whitish, sandish and greyish. I am leaning towards cooler tones, green, blue grey everything is welcome. But not yellow and red in big areas.

That all makes sense. Like I said, you have been very thorough and thoughtful in your approach, so not surprised you've thought all of that through. I think I'd go with an all white tile like Beth recommends since both your countertop and flooring have some pattern/movement to them. Then maybe upgrade to marble on the backsplash when you're ready to put some hardwood floors in when the kids are more grown. ;-).

Zita,,you can always hold off on the backsplash ( can they deduct the cost?)You will save money if you wait until after your in and hire someone yourself. this will also give you a chance to see what colors and tones work best with your kitchen area.

You need some warmth in that space. Something has to give. Either you put in wood floors, or wood counters, or some wood cabinets. Or color. Life. Or else you are going to be one of the many posters in here asking for help in warming up a very cold and clinical space.

Sophie, I agree about color, I think I'll go with few glass front cabinets and accent with whatever I feel like that year. right now every nice thing I have is in deep blue.

Thanks everyone for all the advice I have been getting.