"I see lots of backsplashes where the tile sits right on top of the countertop with no room for grout or caulking." A joint the same width as the grout joints should be there, and caulked. If caulk that matches the grout is used it often looks very good.

We put a glass mosaic above our range that was thin like that. We were doing marble subway tile everywhere else and the thicknesses didn't match up. I don't know the specifics I would have to ask my tile guy, but I do know that we replaced the drywall and put in cement board over the range which is thicker and then I think he built it up just a little with grout. It looks great and is all even. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

I would do subway tile with your busy granite and floor tile, but I'd use a mosaic accent because you like rich color and detailing. I think you'll be unhappy with a plain subway. I'm not a fan of square accent tiles though. They've been around too long and are boring. I'd get some of the skinny strips.

I'm thinking "otters" was meant to be "outers," as in perimeter. That would mean an island with white cabs and the U-shaped perimeter in dark cabs. The counters will be concrete with a marble look. On the first question of using 1" tiles on all the backsplash of a U-kitchen, I don't think I would. To me it seems like a lot of "noise" on the walls - it might seem claustrophobic. Maybe in a larger format? Here are a couple of greens in a slightly larger format tile. Click on the photos to get a better view of the tile. [Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by San Francisco Architect Buttrick Wong Architects [Traditional Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by San Francisco Interior Designer Fiorella Design On the second question of the green color, it might be great, but it's hard to tell without more references. It might be better to break that block of solid color up with something else. One way is to choose a tile that has multiple colors like the ones EAM44 posted, but in your green tones. Another is to use the green as a 3, 4 or 6" strip running through a more neutral tile. Here's one with a double strip: [Contemporary Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Dc Metro Design-build Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. A single strip, but I don't care for the placement: [Contemporary Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by San Francisco Interior Designer Amoroso Design Here's a thought on how to use the 1" without overwhelming the room: [Contemporary Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Los Angeles Kitchen And Bath Alison Glen Designs