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 )

I don't know what your client has in mind completely. It might be worth asking the client for some inspiration pictures for what she has in mind. I think some glass mosaics might be overpowering for that granite. But there are some glass mosaics that might work as long as they are very plain. Super white glass tile Maybe something like this with a tiny bit of pattern: Silver planks glass tile Or maybe this one which might work with the colour in the counter: glass mosaic - raw silk

I am also looking for backsplash for White Springs granite. While I know that the very nature of natural stone is that it varies, it is hard for me to believe this is White Springs unless the picture is bad. I thought it was typical for that granite to have less black and hints of burgundy. In mine, the mica has a nice taupe color and I plan to go that direction. I agree that it is a showpiece granite, and that you therefore want to go super simple with the backsplash. My leading candidate at the moment is Daltile Retrospace in Sycamore Tan which is very taupe. My slab is much more colorful than yours appears here. Elemental Tan is more brown and matches my slab well, but we are doing all wood cabinets, and I thought the contrast with the wood was too low. But you might like it because it’s a warm tan but still simple and neutral, especially if the backsplash will be against the white cabinets and you are already playing with brown in the middle with the island stain. The granite in my experience could handle 2 shades of brown if not right next to each other. But I doubt it would work with the paint colors you mentioned. Though to be honest, I don’t know how warm those whites and grays are. Also not sure how warm or colorful you want to go. If you like Sycamore Tan, I would check your gray to be sure. If you like Elemental Tan, maybe look at SW Bagel or something like it. Artisan Tan is a darker, leans burgundy one, but definitely a more dramatic look.

Finally got the rest of the tile installed after 4 months. In post-Ian FL, there are many delays trying to schedule contractors. Here is the photo of the tile up to the ceiling. We are very happy with it. There were some questions if the sconces would provide enough light; there are 7 can light in the ceiling, so we had to put a dimmer due to too much light. The vent hood is super powerful & functions well. I learned a lesson about being very specific about how high tile should go :)