I love the idea of a slate backsplash and cream inset cabs. The polished counter will bring more light since it will reflect. It will look lovely. I have a few pictures that might help you visualize. And some with cream and slate floors. Maybe they can help. ~boxerpups Laughing Sun Daltile Slate BS Granite Google images of sink and window Glazed Kitchen cabinets ( I know this is not what you are looking for exactly) Parisian Kitchen

I have a polished marble slab for my master bath counter and backsplash...and honed marble ctops in my kitchen....I think you will be just fine with polished marble tile for your b/s. I don't think you will get hardly any etching on a b/s, and the polished marble resists stains better than the honed. While I still would wipe it down after making spaghetti sauce...most things won't stain it, especially with a sealer applied.

springoz: what a gorgeous space. calm and serene! What is your counter material/color? Also, your flooring color. Looks like hickory? I love the creamy color of your cabinets w/the crema marfil. is yours matte and not polished? Post some more pics of your space please! Thanks sooo much! Just beautiful!

i dont' think i would do white... very difficult to get right with the cabs...if u can find the right shade and u like it, go for it... maybe a very soft shade of blue to pull in your cabs... but of course it has to be in the same tone as the cabs... a matte tile or satin - light sheen. i would not do a gloss/glass tile i hesitate to say gray b/c its been done to death.... maybe a gray/blue? i do like a 6x6 tile... just to get away from a subway... whatever u choose, have grout to match as close as u can, so the b/s just sits in the background. bring home lots a samples to see in your space with your lights and natural light.