You need more than those two . how about a matte subway how about a matte herringbone. Geometric is not the only pattern out there. Elongated hex for instance. Bring more options Forth . your kitchen will be beautiful but these two aren’t a good cross section

I like the first one, but I'd do ceramic. If you want glass, pic a diff color. White glass tile will always take on a very cool, minty appearance once installed.

Forget the white subway tile. every other kitchen on the planet has that look.

what about the Nabi Harlequin tile? (it comes in white too). I think w/your cabs this would look nice

https://www.tilebar.com/nabi-harlequin-natural-white-ceramic-tile.html

take a look here on Tilebar and order samples. you get 5 for $5

they also have a gun metal gray color in that and in a subway tile like this one. similar to your design.

Portmore. I love this layout. so much more interesting than plain old subway tiles. (also tilebar)

comes in gray, blush, white, black

what about this glass tiile? Green would be beautiful w/the wood. Maya (Tilebar)

https://www.tilebar.com/new-products.html

Nirvana blue pennyrounds would be quite the look w/the wood

Actually, this very midnight blue/gray matte penny round would be stunning.

If you want more white, then go w/the whites/light grays.

white subway tile is so blah. especially w/a white quartz

I have used the Harlequin from TileBar and it is gorgeous. Just have to be careful about grout color.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m really worried about doing a color—originally I was thinking of doing a teal but I am worried I will hate it 5 yrs from now and we plan to be here a long time. Also, when I started looking at photos I wasn’t in love with the “cutting in half” effect of having a color between my white countertop and white cabinets. It’s also really hard to find ceramic tiles that go. I did order a sample of elongated hex that I like—thought the glass would blend in more And just sparkle. I will have a galley kitchen btw if that makes a difference.

the first option above for the glass is technically a “white/beige” glass—so it doesn’t pull cool in my opinion, based on the sample I have.

https://mosaictileoutlet.com/products/mto0163-modern-trapezoid-white-beige-glossy-glass-mosaic-tile?_pos=2&_sid=9b8224081&_ss=r

I like the harlequin but I think it’s out of my budget (what is budget? Ha)

This was another sample I ordered from wayfair I like: https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ivy-hill-tile-axis-26-x-13-ceramic-tile-sost4172.html?piid=49655313&experiencetype=2&selectedvertical=3

that one is fine. put just know that each one of those tiles is 13" tall. what's your spacing under cabs? 18" so you'll get 1 1/2 tiles, give or take. over around the sink it will be fine. can't see the rest of the backsplash, so I can't really say.

If you like the picket design, do a smaller picket.

the Harlequin isn't that expensive if you've only got 10-15 sq feet to do.