Fishies - I LOVE that big, white tile you're holding up with your french manicured hand! The colour looks luscious, and it looks like tin, except white. 'Tin' is probably not '50's vintage' but it's kind of cottagey, so we're on the map. In my mind's eye, I can super-impose that tile onto your inspiration pic, and it looks good, so I figure it'll look good in your kitchen. I also like that the size is a little bigger than you'd expect. How does the colour compare to your original tile? How does it look with the marble? I guess making sure it matches the marble is key. Your kitchen will be predominantly yellow, brown (wood counter), off white, and greyish white (marble). I think it could handle a textured backsplash like the ones your showing us. (Sometimes I get bogged down with your accessories and fabrics, and I have to remember that those are just small touches against the larger backdrop of yellow, white, greyish-white, and brown.) I don't like the marble mosaic idea because it's lacking the 'cute cottage' feel. White is plain, plain, plain. It's not like you're doing a multi-coloured backsplash.

We have walnut cabinets, a dark grey floor and stainless steel counters - very similar to your setup, but we have white painted boxes. We went with a handmade recycled tile, the debris series from fireclay. It was a fight to the death between a pale blue and a pale sage green, and a lot of discussion was had about format - 2x8 versus 4x4, etc. They have a lot of colors and formats to choose from. I was inclined toward white until it was all installed, and I realized that was too boring and the room needed color.

I have Bianco Romano Granite and looked at glass tile ...similar to what you are showing but in a different color...and felt it was much too busy. I want my granite to be the focal point....so with suggestions of many on here...I have finally ordered a soft cream beveled 3x6" Subway tile...just today. I think the beveled with give just enough texture and interest without competing with the granite. And like others have said....sometimes the BS is the hardest to decide upon....so just get your kitchen all put together and then take time to adjust to it....Then pick your BS...seems like many on here wait several months into a yr or longer before making a decision. By the way..your cabinets, floor and granite are all lovely!

didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )