Wow, what a gorgeous kitchen! FWIW, I don't know if I've ever seen let alone heard of large format tile for a kitchen backsplash.

Gee Thanks Strategery!! Many hours on Houzz to hone in on what I liked and disliked. I’ve not seen many “large format tiles” but saw one and since there weren’t a lot of grout lines it really just hit me. I worry though, if walls aren’t perfectly plumb that it could be an issue. I really should have just finished the backsplash with the slabs of Perla Venata but I was already scared of all the budgetary concerns and all the “unknowns” with a new build. I don’t want to damage my cabinets is why I don’t want to do the slab as an afterthought now so the hunt is on!!

How about an elongated hex? It's more interesting than a subway but not super patterny; you could go simple and uniform or go with something with multiple tones/finishes:

https://www.jeffreycourt.com/product/10-5x11-375-glass-white-mosaic-beveled-elongated-hex-tile-multiple-finish/

@Blueberry... hmmm maybe if it was a super simple tile. Almost vanilla as in plain. And then to decide do I go more creamy white or do I go a little bit more to the taupe side of the coloring? Thx for the idea! I do like the elongated hex better than the regular hex.

If your cabinets wouldn't be damaged in the process, would you do the slab on the backsplash? Just wondering if you like that idea enough that you've checked it out - might be worth asking and it would sure be gorgeous. Beautiful kitchen.

That hex is beautiful, but I would be wary about cleaning all those beveled edges on a backsplash.

Well “patterny“ clearly means different things to different people. A large format tile might work, but if youre not careful, it can look like you’ve used floor tile on your bs, which I hate. How would you feel about a glazed ceramic shaped tile, something quite simple, like the paseo below? This is all Fireclay Tile.

I never recommend glass tile, except when there is quartzite involved, and the glass is from Fireclay Tile. I think this could be quite lovely with your stone, especially in a mix of gloss and matte tiles.

The glass tiles are available in fewer shapes, all rectilinear.

You can't use a bright white. So bring home some samples of creamier whites if that the color you want.

This would be stunning Montage . Chroma metallic 2x12 herringbone

I also think this layout w/this type of tile, would also look amazing. this is a soft pink, so you'd have to find either a creamy white or a very soft gray tone.

Shadebox, light.

another poster on here used the taupe coloring w/her TajMajal

Tilebar, Manchester Dove Gray 3x12

or their 2x9 frosted glass tile in Sand. Loft

Discountglasstile store

This top color, would look nice w/everything.

lastly, check out encore. they have beautiful glazes and a million shapes/sizes.

btw, if you want the brass inlay, a tile guy can do it with Schluter metal edging. I'm considering it for my own. I want marble, but it can be done w/a white subway. I'd do it in the vertical grout joints though.

So many great options! (other than herringbone). ;-)

Would you not even consider something like a 3x10 or 3x12? It's not really "subway", and would work in your space.

I love the light gray / taupe beveled glass. Keeping the sheen will help it from getting too dark and I think would really bring out the depth of your counters. Or - even find a plain glass in the same color.

Gorgeous kitchen - really nice.

I used floor tile. 12x24, cut and fit so there were only vertical pieces. Our counter shop had both thick and thin slabs. Can you get thin of your counters? If you are worried about the size, I considered doing 12x12 on the diagonal.

Have you considered just taking your slab up the wall as a backsplash?

I like many of the suggestions but I’m still stuck on the idea of a larger tile format. Hubs thinks the area just isn’t large enough to support a larger 4x16 tile and cutting around the trim near vent hood. May just have to go with A larger subway tile to get the look. Since all the trim was added to the cabinets(would have to be ripped off) damaging them to get the full Taj Mahal slab back there. Kicking myself but too late now, so moving on. At this point in the build I’m weary and will prob revisit later. Now onto finishing the yard and last bit of caulking and painting-then CO! WOOHOOO I’ll post pics of samples when I get them and ask your opinions again. Thanks all!

I agree with your husband. I wouldn’t go larger than 3” x 12”

your kitchen is gorgeous!!! Do you mind sharing your sources for lightning and hardware?

for the backsplash, you could try something like these have some sheen

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ivy-hill-tile-amagansett-4-x-4-ceramic-field-tile-sost1995.html?piid=40614513

“I’m still stuck on the idea of a larger tile format”

So, show us inspiration images of large format tile in a kitchen that you find attractive (that doesn’t look like floor tile). Going through the images will teach you a lot about what you’re looking for.. Here’s one look I would avoid. It mimics the appearance of variable width flooring that I have in my family room. It also makes the Stonehenge error.

This one looks like flooring because it is flooring. Genius choice there.

Yes that is totally not what I’m thinking. I guess it almost looks like slab what I’m thinking. Here’s a few pics

And HOUZZer that asked for lighting and hardware-my pulls and knobs are “subtle surge” from Wayfair and I love love love them! My island lighting is a designer and I will have to look that up later on this evening and get back to! you. Thx!

You don't have to have the texture and geometry of tile competing with your countertop. Groutless solid surface would be functional and beautiful. Pick a color; there's quite a selection.

I agree with Joe. If that’s the look you want, go for slab solid surface in the wall thickness. Choose a color from your stone.

That said, the reason I recommend Fireclay glass tiles with quartzite is their translucence. They reflect light in a way Corian does not. This is enzaenza’s kitchen, and what Fireclay glass looks like installed.

The problem is my cabinets(very expensive) have a trim attached to bottom-removing that trim would probably damage the paint to which my hubby is not a fan of taking a chance. So I was looking for alternatives than a solid slab. I do like the look of a modern glass tile so it may be I have to go with a larger than standard glass subway tile for that really clean look. Thx all!

Your space is not a modern space, though. Who told you that you have to remove your cabinet trim in order to install a slab? It is preferable to install the slab first, but it can be done afterward, as is often the case with backsplash remodels.

It can be in pieces and be easier to install without looking like floor.

I was also very careful to "match" pieces.

For the Houzzer that requested. Pendant lighting is attached!

Thanks everyone for all the input. Some really good suggestions. Will talk to hubs and show him al your suggestions and see where we get. Can’t wait for the showrooms to open back up. So much easier seeing things in person than shipping so many items that you’re just not sure about. May look at some flooring tiles that can be cut to get the look I’m wanting. Thanks again!

Check out Large format tiles from here. Porcelana

Will do! Thanks flo!

Very nice! Love the texture and depth.

Its so beautiful, excellent choices.

Jazz, you said 'glass' ? looks like ceramic. is that the Ivy Hill / Newport Polished 2x10? in white?

Looks really good though. nice job

Stunning. The Taj looks amazing. I love it all. Perfect choice on backsplash too. It looks like porcelain? Can you post brand and color and style. So perfect.

Beth, you were so right my last house had glass tile! it is porcelain subway tile-And thanks flo. Here is the picture of the box. I hope it helps!

LOVE what you chose. Looks beautiful. Enjoy!

Thanks, that tile looks fabulous! I have a person I'm working with that will love this. Appreciate your sharing.

Absolutely- thanks everyone and you’re quite welcome Flo as you guys were a treasure trove of pics and great suggestions over the years.

Absolutely perfect. Timeless. I'm sure you're thrilled as works so fabulously with the other finishes!