Why are you replacing the granite in the first place? It appears to work well with your cabinets. Also, the tiles in the second photo are different from the samples you have.

Interesting, Michelle... I see what you are saying. I cannot keep the busy granite...it is just too much going on -- too much movement. I'll probably do something more calm but thought the colors of this tile worked well with my floor and other things.

My 2 cents (which is what it's probably worth!) is that It appears you don't have a lot of space between the countertop and the cabinets, and unlike the marketing picture, wouldn't be able to have two full tiles between. So it would appear to me that there would be a LOT of wasted tile if you have to cut an additional piece to fill the space. Good luck!

If you don't want busy, I wouldn't do that backsplash, even with a calmer counter. With one tile almost filling the space between the counter and cabinet, you aren't going to get the effect of the pattern created by the repeat. I think it won't give you the effect you want (at least, the effect shown in the inspiration pic) in your space. I also see the difference in the pattern, from the inspiration pic and the actual tile, and the tile sample does seem bigger as well.

I hear you, Cawaps... I just liked the colors and warmth.. I don't want subway tile or marble. Just having hard time coming up with something.

Wait til you find the right 'something' and it will be beautiful. Have you lived with that granite very long? If this house is new to you, live with the granite a little time, while searching for backsplash tiles. It may grow on you. The folks on here will steer you in the right direction, some of them are the very best!

If you back up a bit, and take several pix in better lighting; you may be able to get some wonderful suggestions for backsplash tile, etc from amazing pros and other contributors here :) I think the current backsplash makes it hard to visualize just how great your current cabinets and counters could look with simply a new backsplash.

I like your granite, but if you intend to replace it, you need to choose the new one before you pick out a backsplash.

Replace your countertops and then see what works.

As others have mentioned, the selection of a new counter top should come before the selection of a backsplash. It's easier to come up with a backsplash to work with a counter than the other way around. Especially if you want to stay away from subway tile.

I think it is too big, and I think over time you will grow tired of it.

Thank you all for your thoughts. It is always helpful to work things through on this site.

The tile is 8x8 so it isn't just one large piece. Anyway, it was a suggestion from a friend. I think it is too large and busy. I'm leaning more toward something calmer. I would like a Quartz for counter top with very little, if any, movement. I've lived with the granite for over a year and a half and still do not like it. It doesn't look clean to me and hard to tell if it is.

I would also like to get rid of this raised portion on the island.

The dark, puffy tile backsplash looks like metal.

I want to change out the cooktop - i is dangerous not being one solid grate.

Floor is travertine.

I see now that you are going for a lot more changes than just the backsplash. I would take your time, make sure that you have a very good plan to redesign some other areas in your kitchen too, and then hopefully the right elements will complete your vision. I agree, the triangle raised portion on your island is just weird.