I'm going back and forth from each photo with which I prefer. I'd post some day photos when you can and also a tighter shot of the tile with the cabinet and counter. I think one looks better with the floor and the other better with the counter maybe.

(First photo, I prefer the left one.)

Yes. The lighting does effect it.

So you like the one with 6 tiles?

The counter is a creamier white.

whichever one looks best w/your counter. you're there in person so it's hard to tell from the picture.

have you considered the longer, not so common, subways?

2x8

4x12

Yes. I did have a 2x10 that I brought home. I actually invited a couple designers and the thought it might be too big for the space

Its hard to know what's "right"

do you think the counter and backsplash should be closer in color?

Thank you! I know...I seriously had 15 different samples in my house! Nothing else really resonated with me. Our tile floor is actually really busy so we wanted to keep the rest kinda simple. I figured I can add texture and interest with kitchen accessories.

your floor is not that busy. I so agree about the boring white 3x6 subway. Yawnsville.

I don't know what your designer is talking about saying the 2x10 could be 'too big for the space' ! look at all the open area around the window. 2x8, 2x10, 3x12, will all be fine for your splash. (please go all the way up above the window area)

your white counters and neutral gray cabs, really could use something in the middle. As long as the colors stay within the floor/cabinet tones, you're fine. these would be beautiful. tilebar.com. check out some of their designs. you get 5 samples for $5.

this kitchen is close to yours. even doing a nice carrara or a calacatta marble would lend enough interest

Have you thought about doing a nice marble chevron or herringbone pattern?

these are a 1x4 carrara herringbone mosaic

or they have these too

with all of the beautiful tile out there, I'd really urge you to consider something else. Your kitchen could look safe with the 3x6 like everyone else, or you could take it up a notch w/some beautiful tile and have a seriously gorgeous space.

Stick with the 6 on the board choice. You have a bit of a scrunch factor with soffit. The backsplash is better with white tone and not much going on ....otherwise the eye is pushed to that spot with soffit present and everything else very neutral. It'll be fine...good classic look....alter the grout a bit if you choose. Cabinets very classy!

Thank you!

So looks like the warmer white is favored.

yes, the soffit is kind of a bummer. We are probably going to do a thin straight edge trim and and get 1 or 2 cut tiles between window and soffit.

Herbflavor ....what do you mean about the grout?

I think Herbflavor is probably talking about altering grout color, you can choose any color for grout and it can have a big impact on the overall look of the tile.

I tried another light grey board but it was reading bluish purple.

I didn't used spacers for these boards, just the built in self spacer.

Maybe I'll try a board with a 1/16 spacer.

The tile spacing is usually per manufacturer...I meant altering grout color so it is noticeable...slightly...although I would be careful. Another option is a slightly larger tile....they can be interesting.

Ok ladies...here are some closer pics.

Also a a picture of a 2.5 x 9 warmer tile. I like this one, but the designers that came to my house thought it might be unproportianate to the space. Maybe they were thinking because we have the peek hole on the stove wall? And only 2.5 tiles could fit on the sides of the window wall? What are your thoughts?

We were thinking of doing a thin straight trim around to window. Painted white.

I like the solid casing idea for your window. Since your cabinets are shaker style with more straight lines and no bevels, the straight trim works. As far as your back splash, the warmer white works best since your floors have beige tones and I feel as though the bright white will just blend into your counters. I would do the longer thinner tiles.