Have no backsplash. Just paint the wall. You don’t need to install the backsplash right away. Show photos of your kitchen and you’ll get great suggestions.

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughtful comments. I have made some pretty swooping changes on finishes in the last 24 hours. We are now going with the matte black stove from Big Chill to tie in the matte black wood stove that exists. Burnished gold knobs/pulls. Muted herringbone backsplash in shades of white and grey (TBD which exactly. Now looking at marble because we are saving a little on a non-custom stove color but may not go that way.) White cabinets, marble look quartz around the perimeter and a chunky butcher block handmade by my contractor for the island. Adding cobalt blue accessories in the window seat cushion fabric, stools painted in an enamel, dishes. Some pops of yellow and blue and white patterns in dishware. This house is more elegant and "grown-up" for my husband and me (in our 30s-40s) so though I absolutely adore color our dining room is a bright yellow and the powder room (both visible from the kitchen) is a deep blue with silver wallpaper. I think the eye needs a place to rest. The kitchen itself wants to be a classier, more graceful space, and the pics of Victorian working kitchens have all inspired me. I think we have got it!

I like the bigger tiles. I did 3x12 stacked in my shower and I love it. If you want vertical look at the picket fence tile. It is similar to subway but with a little oomph The only way to figure out what looks best is through samples. I collected a bunch before making a decision. Most tile shops will return the samples you don't want.

@Kathy Jerding Kathy, quick question. I have looked at the tile you suggested and I like it, but, my main concern is that my walls are a beige (lightly colored) and our granite is the picture I attached. I don't want the tile to take away from the granite. Also, I know the granite looks grey, but it really isn't. It has a lot of taupe, olive green undertones, garnet speckles, silver swirls and both warm and cool tones of white. Don't ask me how that happened, but I'd love you opinion if you don't mind. As you can see, this granite has a LOT going on, but I love it. Our cabinets are a a warm white called Divinity. Think of the color as taking a cup of white paint and adding in a Tablespoon of taupe paint. We have the same hood vent and accessories as you do and all in black.