Despite the fact that OP's DH is unsure about dark counters and movement, I thought I would offer a couple of pictures. We are in the process of upgrading our 17-year old kitchen. Original hickory cabinets from a local cabinet-maker are in perfect condition, so we kept them. They have yellowed somewhat. The glass-faced cabinet and cabinet beneath it (moveable) are a year old, made by the same individual. The counter on that is honed Cambrian Black (we believe -- it was a remnant) and the main part of the kitchen is honed Jet Mist. The overall tone of the counter reads charcoal gray, and the movement, though unmistakeable, is not overpowering. (Please ignore the light fixtures and very blue floor, which obviously have not been changed yet. Also hallway walls have since gone gray. ) From Kitchen Pics From Kitchen Pics From Kitchen Pics

The only sealers I tried besides Tenax Proseal were Miracle Sealant 511, Dupont Bullet Proof which were also good too. I did do a lot of testing by sealing a bunch of samples with MS 511, Tenax ProSeal, Dupont Bullet Proof. I let the sealers stay on as long as directions said to do before testing. I used Oil, RedWine, Vinegar, Cut Lemons, lemon juice, Limes, Salsa, Mustard etc..even lipstick..what ever I had I put on them. I wiped all off after about a half hour and they all tested very good. No stains and no etching. Only etching I got were on certain sections of stones that claimed to be Quartzite but were not, like super white. The white part etched the dark gray did not. At some point I left all the testing stuff on overnight. Oil and Red wine did stain with 511 and bulletproof. Not really terrible but they certainly were noticeable. I also was able to get the stains out with a poultice made with baking soda. Oil and Red Wine did not stain at all with the Tenax even after 24 hours. I think these were all good especially if counters are wiped off in a timely manor as should be but you never know with rentals.

I will get some photos but the kitchen faces south. I really like Azul Platino-will this be too dark? I am thinking of lighter grey, subway tile with a matte finish possibly uneven texture

Not granite. It’s quartz. Silestone brand, Kalahari color.