Match the granite, as the backsplash will abut it.

But, pics would help.

No whites next to the granite, pick a creamy warm color.

The granite is so blendy with the cabs, and the tile floors. So much yellow/brown going on, almost like mustard. Since I’m guessing that changing the flooring and counters are not an option...choose a very simple Subway tile for the backsplash...nothing with orange, like you have now. That’s a very busy granite, so the simpler the backsplash, the better.

Think about changing the hardware for something more interesting, less ubiquitous.

Hmmm...if replacing the counters is not an option, I would agree with Skippack's suggestion of a creamy warm color. Simple solid subway due to the pattern in the granite. Anything close to White Dove would be too light. Best to find something that blends better with the granite. Seems that should pretty much work with the cabinets, too.

Don’t know if cost is an issue but if you are going with a solid white or cream i would pull out the stops a little with a pretty shaped tile...not the plain...(boring)...”expected” subway tile...it will lend a custom feel and enhance the cabinets which are already quite nice...since the granite is already a speckled element ...maybe a geometric pattern would fit well...

A broader view in a picture showing the island as well as all the cabinets may encourage more interesting ideas on the island color

Perhaps even some color for the tile?...try a sample of the glass tiles as you have that big shiny stainless fridge right next to it

Look at Complete Tile for beautiful hand-made tiles. One of these would look good.

I'd stick a solid color solid surface splash right over that tile. The last thing that granite needs is more geometric and color competition.

"The last thing that granite needs is more geometric and color competition."

Very good point. The eyes need a place to rest. Adding more pattern won't help with that.

I would look at tile similar to houssaon's examples. Keep it simple.

Consider adding only a single row of tile as a backsplash -- perhaps your favorite darker color from within your countertop -- and paint the wall above that your favorite lighter color from your countertop.

I'd go with a simple white or cream subway tile. The island is white and I see white trim on the walls, so a white backsplash would coordinate. Another warm brownish color on the backsplash would just blend with the granite and cabinets. That would be kind of boring, imo.

Thanks for the replies! Here’s a photo with the island.

Just got back from a few big box stores to start the search. I really like the 4x12 size (it’s equal to three of our current tiles). I think it will make it look a lot cleaner.

I don’t think I’m fond of the glass, there were a lot of shadows —but maybe that’s because of the lighting. (Super dark here, we’re under a tornado warning).

I have a cream tile (too small) on the counter

next to the tile size that I think I like. It’s a pretty long room so I think that size would work in my kitchen. Just need to work on the color. What do you think of the cream on the left?

Try taping a row of white sheets of typing paper to get a big representation of white there..i think the white on the island is out of sync with the rest of the room..so is the white for a backsplash...

If the tile is cream it too looks too contrasty...maybe if it was a little more golden

I think that whatever you do to the backsplash, you are going to finish it and then say to yourself, "wow, I really need to change the countertop too." So, why not wait, save your money and replace both the countertop and the backsplash. What does the other side of the kitchen (opposite side of the island from dishwasher) look like? Can you take a picture from farther out from the kitchen?

I agree with rms, this granite is going to hard to pair and that is the multi was chosen.

Start saving. Make this a priority.

first thing I'd do is replace all of your bulbs w/cooler ones. the yellow hue you currently have is just adding to your color woes. Go for a 4000K bulb and see the difference.

since this is a common question, I've already done a sample board w/various tiles for this granite

(santa cecelia granite is similar)

This is Tilebar 3x6 ceramic tile , Nabi-Sea Wind. Go over there and grab some samples. you get 5 for $5.

the one below is their Byzantine matte off white subway. Blanco. also a nice choice

this backsplash is Basalt, 3x12 subway tiles. also a good choice.

But again, get the newer bulbs. it will affect whatever color you bring there.

encore has a ton of glazes (so does Fireclay tile) that you could match

Tilebar has these (Newport 2x10) or Home Depot carries them under Ivy Hill. this is the white

Ok so I know many will disagree. I think you should match your island and other white in the house, otherwise it’ll look dirty. IMO.

There‘s no white in this granite, and this looks good to me.

OR repaint your island- not white

katie posted a picture of what your lighting should look like. right now your pictures look so yellow,-pink it's hard to tell what color anything really is. change your bulbs!

also too, what is going on above the cabinets? what color is that and can you repaint?

(are these florescent lights???

these are all Giallo countertops with nice, white lighting. last one has all white cabinets. so if you're ever up for painting, that's what it will look like

most of these countertops have a very light, honed ivory travertine splash .

this one is crema marfil subway tiles

painted all white like your island

Off to get new bulbs tomorrow--if the storms don't keep me in! We have seven can lights. I just checked and one is 2700K LED and the rest are CFL. So I will see how it looks after my husband changes them all of out to 4000K --it's a high ceiling in places-about 14 feet. Do you recommend bright white, cool white, soft white, etc??

I can't change the countertop but will definitely be painting the walls after this. Walls were part of my mega Tuscan overload stage about 15 years ago. If you want to make any suggestions on the wall color, I'm in!

Again, many thanks and keep the ideas coming.

debbie,, shoot for a 4000K , LED are fine. Natural light. if you choose daylight (5000k) it tends to look a little blue and stark. some people like the warm white (around 3200K) but I like the 4000K. I believe costco has the LED recessed housing pieces that you can switch right out (really cheap too) (or just try the bulbs)

No wonder everything looks so yellow/tan/pink! 2700 is horrible for a kitchen. You'll be amazed at how much you've been missing when the new ones go in. trust me.

post a new picture when you get the new lights and we'll see if we can find you a tile.

in the meantime, head over to Tilebar and get 5 samples for $5 (and free candy!)

see if you like any of these

https://tilebar.com/manchester-vanilla-3x12-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/lancaster-3x12-vanilla-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/enigma-ivory-2x8-polished-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/vector-hueso-4x8-polished-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/castle-sandstorm-3x12-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/nabi-sea-wind-3x6-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/byzantine-latte-ceramic-tile.html

Oh my gosh those walls - I apologize but they are heinous (I had a Tuscan kitchen too ;) ). Between those and the bulbs your kitchen never had a chance. Fixing those two things, plus the backsplash, will be life changing! I would absolutely try to change the island color as well. It's too similar to what is going on now, and will reflect yellow-ish.

On the walls: A warm gray? Everyone loves Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray, or maybe SW Repose Gray or Mindful Gray... Or a light light blue? Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments, or Ice Cap (there are many more).

I would consider painting your island a dark color, to complement whatever color you do on the walls. If you do a gray wall your island could be Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (I used this on my cabinets and it's gorgeous), and if you do light blue walls, there is Sherwin Williams Let it Rain.

You've gotten great suggestions for subway tile here - I like your idea of 4 x 12 tiles. They will be both more interesting and more restful on the eyes than a smaller tile.

It's a pretty kitchen - I love the light wood! I'm excited to see how it turns out.

I changed out the lighting to 4000K. Wow what a difference! No more orange. Thank you!

Now to get some more tile samples.

wow See?! now you'll be able to see in there during the evening.

The green above the cabinets could be painted a soft , neutral color. I think it would reflect color a bit better.

Any of these taupe based shades would really compliment your cabs and flooring.

(just look at the diff when I cover up that green color in the photo)

I also think bringing in some black would help tie in the granite and give a little dept. Ditto w/some wood cutting boards or something. The tile in the picture is Newport

If you want more contrast, try the darker shade

2x10 Newport in Hibiscus. (Tilebar.com) they also have a few other shades. Home Depot carries it as IvyHill

I also love a black tile splash. look at how that just pops everything w/the newer color walls. love it

a little more modern looking layout would be this stacked lay. the black could be glossy or the matte. Paired w/your hardware, this type of tile would give you a more contemporary look. Of course the cream color on the end would be the safe bet if you're afraid of dark. (I wouldn't. you have high ceilings and plenty of light now!)

Floor and Decor basalt tiles w/a cream color grout would also work.

do a creamy white / black runner in front of the sink

Beth, I know you are a pro, but I have to disagree with that black backsplash.

eld, her granite has black in it. everything surrounding it is shades of cream and taupe.

Tell me why you disagree that it doesn't work?

She has very tall ceilings, a wide open space, and plenty of light.

The black would work beautifully. (doesn't have to be the chevron, I just posted it for the color) However, not everyone likes a dark backsplash. And that's fine. I happen to love a black splash w/the right elements. She has all of the right elements to do the black.

What would look even worse than that option, is a white tile. White against that granite would look horrible. Cream or vanilla, fine. not white.

this tile is actually a very soft gray w/a crazed glazing. it would work. it's a little blah, but it would work.

I just think a regular white looks off against the pink/taupe and sandy tones of the granite/floor/and cabinets.

oh, and debbie,,,I found this too. (just in case you'd like to complete do away w/your dated granite, here's a super alternative to cover it )

Pretty cool looking eh? I was surprised at how good it turned out. She gives a full tutorial too.

http://www.raisingafarmhouse.com/2017/07/epoxy-countertops-that-look-like-marble.html