Sorry, skimchi, for taking so taking so long to answer - it is a Crema Bordeaux. Just thought that I would thank everyone for taking the time to help me in my decision - much, much appreciated! I went to the granite store today and ordered a piece to go behind the stove - picked a piece that has a big splotch of the peachy coloured bit as well as the burgundy waves. I've ordered a custom bevel to match that of my cab doors, on three sides (top near the fan and then the two sides).....and to be able to accomodate the CHOCOLATE coloured matte tiles nicely. Sigh, yes, we went with chocolate. DH really really didn't like the cream, so I tried out the skinner 2 x 12 chocolate tiles behind the sink - interspersed with 2 x 2 of the little glass tiles.....and we love it!!! So I tried to be higher end, changed up the pattern, and gave it a go on the shortest of the L shaped backsplash walls....with a bit less success. The colour of the tile reminds me of hot chocolate. Maybe I'll tire of it by summer, and given the skills of the person who applied the tile (me), we'll be able to simply pop off the tiles and try something else :) I'll post photos in a couple of weeks, once the granite is in and the tiles are on! Again, thanks to everyone for sharing their opinions - it helped us truly explore our likes and dislikes!

First I am not a fabricator but have over 30 years experience as a home builder. A couple of comments on Granite. First in this forum like many granite is talked discussed as if it is a commodity - all granite tops are created equal. Granite is not like salt or soy beans. There are many grades of granite and the prices vary widely many with similar or even the same names. There are also many levels of fabricator from the sophisticated fabricator using computer operated cutting and polishing machines to the guy who will literally cut granite in your back yard. I was at a "shop" the other day where they were cutting granite with a hand saw on 2x4's in the parking lot. Many new fabricators were working for someone else and when the economy slowed they were laid off. These employees then went into business for themselves often without proper financing or even proper tools. The prices fell as these fabricators using lawn signs to advertise and working for wages and cutting corners: waxing edges instead of polishing, using mismatched remnants, dyeing granite to make it look more expensive, cheap uncertified give away sinks, and other tricks that do not show up until the check clears. Radon is pretty much a non issue but check it if you like. Do not buy from a fabricator unless you have seen the shop and the equipment they are using. If they have their own slab inventory it is a good sign that they are better off financially. Reverse look up the phone number. If it comes up a cell phone and they fabricator does not have an office look out. Many of these guys change numbers often to avoid warranty. Yes all granite should be sealed. Darker granite will hide the absorbed water but still needs to be sealed. Quartz, solid surface materials and even the composite sold by Granite Transformation have advantages and disadvantages. First they are more uniform because they are manufactured product. The is no such thing as a B or C grade quartz. These product do not have the veining and character as granite. Here is a link that might be useful: ANO Sales

earn44 - I am very impressed w Fireclay. Not only is the tile beautiful, but their customer service has been great so far, cheap samples, fast shipping, and personal emails to ask about my project. I am adjusting my pricing expectations and thinking that $35/sq ft isn't so bad! Thanks everyone for talking me out of the shapes, that saves $10/sq ft! Speaking of Fireclay, I'm back on board w Kelp potentially, I've been reading through many of the Craftsman kitchen threads on here and lunarlab's kitchen thread. The Kelp pic she posted on this thread is one of the many in her reveal thread, and shows the color quite differently. Hope you don't mind me posting this lunarlab, it is gorgeous! pippiep - I read through your threads on tile, I feel like you've saved me so much work and samples! I like the Leaf Peeper tile, but the Basil is just so much more vibrant and appealing to me. Checked out the Vermeere at Complete Tile, but paying for shipping is stopping me from ordering samples. Does anyone else balk at these silly expenses, that are so small in the scheme of things! More thoughts later ... thanks everyone for your ideas and feedback!

Thank you very much for the advice. I like Fantasy Brown a lot. I am not sure if it would work in my counter with the seam at the corner. It seems like pieces of Oyster White or Lennon are easier to join together discretely. Also, with the small appliances on the counter - microwave, toaster, coffee maker and kettle - I am not sure how much granite flow I will be able to see at a time. Is Oyster White look too simple in your opinion? What backsplash do you suggest to make it more visually interesting? What color of the floor tile is the best? My kitchen opens to the hallway/living room with red oak floor. I prefer not to have hardwood in the kitchen.