I don't see the concern. It's very nice tile. I would use a light gray grout. You'll want under cabinet lighting to brighten it as the tile is a little dark, but that's okay because there's not a lot of it.

Are you stacking it or doing running bond?

JC is right. Can you exchange that tile for a lighter color that matches your cabinets? Based on your objective to lighten things up, and not to compete, you would be better served. Visually, with the grey tile, you will have the result of a long dark horizontal rectangle of sorts (countertop and backsplash), spanning the space, with light cabinets above and below. And whatever you choose, match the grout to the color of the tile, no contrast with the grout.

the tile is fine. People,,it's not dark. they aren't installed and there is no lighting in the photo. I think the green / blue wall color is throwing things off a bit, but that may be because if improper lighting.

make sure you do some under cabinet lighting. I would have preferred larger or longer tiles (2x8 or 3x9 size) but these will work.

here are some splashes w/your Delicatus granite.

try glass subway. notice the under cabinet lighting and the gray walls.

I think this pattern w/your tile would look great

another gray

i put up this photo so you could see that even a busier glass bar tile looks ok. But what I really like on this one is the hardware. change out your knobs.

more gray. Feel better now?

Lighting is important and it doesn't sound like a plan is in place for under cabinet lighting? Also assume, from your comment regarding using "both" colors in your decorating, you have no intention of painting wall surfaces a different color right now. However, you always want to consider that you may change the paint at some point, and you never what to choose something that "won't" go with other colors of paint since it is the easiest thing to change. And the size of your space matters. I still say pay attention to your gut.

sky gazer...you're replacing appliances,,,but what about overhead lighting? I noticed an outdated light fixture or fan? hard to tell. if it's dark in there, then you really should fix that issue.

there is no reason why aqua and gray can't work together. they compliment each other. everything will work better if there is proper lighting.

I found this aqua/gray toned tile that would work w/your countertop and your wall coloring. plus, its a 3x9 size, which is perfect for your kitchen.

https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-decoratives/heirloom-aqua-porcelain-tile-100183334.html

But if you really feel that conflicted, then switch out the gray for the white tiles and be done with it. that way your kitchen can look just like the other millions with the white subways.

Thanks so much for all your feed back. I went and got some white subway tile. I should have mentioned that my cabinets are painted off white which is why I didn’t consider it before but wanted to confirm. And yes I wanted something different. We tore down aged dark wall paper and I love the bright wallcolor so thats new and staying. We do have under counter lighting which is also being upgraded. Here are some new pics. I am going to stay with the gray with matching grout (not stacked). The only thing I may consider is that I recently say some mosaic strips with greens, tans and greys which may be just the touch I need

I'd stick to the grey - especially liked the grey glass that Beth suggested. I tend to like a more linear tile, too - the 3x9. Doesn't look as squatty/fat but lean/long - more horizontal if you will. I'd also stay away from the mosaic tile - the touch you need is already your countertops. Don't add more.