For a classic look i would also go with something simpler/calmer and skip the accent or mosaic. With two different counter types that both have movement to them, I’d want to let them be the focus and pick a simple, solid backsplash.

depends on what you mean by "accent." I think you should do a generally plain field tile and change to a chevron or herringbone in the areas you mention for accent. Those two areas are front and center..seems like they are asking for a special effect of some sort. I like the botanical scenes..but not seeing much of that any more...so a change of pattern there?? just do what you like to gaze at.

Since they are on the same wall I would skip an accent. I think it would look odd.

Are you keeping that wall color?

There’s a lot of stone in your space already; I wouldn’t recommend a stone tile and mosaic inset too. Think glazed ceramic tile, and search online for inspiration images.

Is the floor color staying the same?

I have a very similar color scheme: wood floors, white cabinets (SW Pearly White), dark perimeter counters (leathered antique brown, (looks black)), light island counter (polished white macaubus quartzite) and grayish paint (SW Monorail Silver).

I chose a matte marble subway (not tumbled or beveled, just flat) tile for the backsplash. Since I have a recessed niche with shelf above my cook top, I put in a skinny linear mosaic there which is the same coloration as the backsplash, but brings in a change in texture in the spot . It looks nice, but I would not have done it if that area was not a niche. My sister had a piece of her granite counter top fashioned into a square and had it installed there as an accent. It looks nice too, but it's just for decoration, she can't put things there bc there's no shelf.

I cook cook cook everyday, so I need my salt and pepper, oils, etc right there which is why we put the niche/shelf which is why we varied the tile in that spot. If I didn't need or want the niche/shelf, I don't think I'd vary the tile in that spot. My other sister placed a large, beautiful, very old wooden cutting board with a long handle on it there, and that looks very pretty. It's practical because she uses it, and it brings in a nice soft and warm element in the midst of all the gray, white and hard surfaces. Since you have wood floors, that might be a nice way to bring an element up to tie into the floor visually.

I will try to take a good picture tomorrow and post it. I looked at your picture again and noticed that you are talking about 2 areas - one above the sink and one above the cooktop. Is that right? If so, I'd treat both areas the same so you have balance.

Here is a photo of my matte marble tile for the back splash.

For paint, I have SW Monorail Silver on the walls which is gray with a blue undertone. It looks blue/gray in the kitchen/family because there's a lot of natural light. Pick a gray that has an undertone that you like and works in the room. SW Silverpointe has a slight green undertone which we used in our master bc it worked well with the lighting and rug in there. Some grays have pink or purple undertones. If you look down at the darker colors on the paint card you will see what the undertone is. Even if you are choosing the lightest paint on that card, when you paint a whole area with that color you'll see the undertone. If you want to go really light, you can choose one of the "whites." We used SW Crushed Ice in our mater bath. It looks white on the card, but has enough gray in it to contrast with the trim.

I'm doing my whole kitchen in michaelanelo countertop. Trying to figure out what to do on backsplash as well. Wanted to go something in marble as well. Love the look you're doing? Where did you get such a large sample of the quartz?

@Chrisy hi! I know this thread is old but I was wondering how your Alleanza countertops have held up? Considering them for my kitchen renovation!

They have held up beautifully! I wish I did the whole kitchen with this instead of doing the counters in honed granite. I only did the island with this.

@Chrisy that is so good to hear! I've been torturing myself with indecision over these countertops so this is definitely a relief. Thanks so much for the help!