Agree -- neither. That is a busy stone, so you need to keep it plain and simple. Get a subway in the lightest color in the counter. The white is much too harsh against the colors you have, the stone looks like it has light ivory or cream on my monitor but even if there is some white, it is not dominant, and overall it is a warm-toned stone.

We've been seeing a lot of interesting tiles in interesting arrangements, such as herringbone, but if you'll notice, those are usually used with lightly patterned countertops.

You need something that will add texture, but not add another busy element. I would go with a light with matching grout.

your counter top is the 'star'... B/S is a supporting role.

agree with others^^^ simple, simple simple.

I agree with others. go for a solid color with matching groutlines and nothing too small. anything more than that will be too busy. the cream tile in the inspiration photos that Rachel Simanski posted would be perfect.

I would go with lightest color from your countertop, not so busy pattern.

I also agree: the simplest off white tile and matching grout for your backsplash.

Thank you all for your comments. I agree, it's the texture, yet simple is what it needs. Unfortunately, I can't find a peel and stick backsplash subway tile off white. I have the glass white (in picture), the brand also carries a light gray (small sample in pic) which I wonder will blend in to much with cupboards and the wall? or it comes in a dark gray, which is too dark.

I totally didn't realize you said this is peel and stick. would not recommend. I'm all for fun DIY stuff and experimentation. I actually looked into that product for my bathroom, and did a deep dive because I wanted so badly to make it work. my conclusion? it's all crap. all of it. once it's up, it looks fake because of where you join them together. worse, some brands will curl at the edges after a short period.

since your current tile backsplash is already painted, consider repainting it off white. would recommend matte finish (gloss is a bad choice since the groutlines will wind up glossy too - not a good look). and then save up for getting a real tile backsplash one day.

one other idea: beadboard over that tile and paint it off white. it would look great with your style of cabinets.

I'm kind of at a loss of what else to recommend. wallpaper probably won't work over your existing tile. some people panel with tin ceiling panels, but that's way too busy of a look for your counters.

Thank you for the ideas and honest opinion. The peel and stick I had thought of was glass, but now I'm pricing removing the old tile and putting new white subway tile in either plain or raised edges. I like the beadboard too.

it's actually real glass and it's also peel-and-stick? how do you cut it? do you grout it when it's done?

sorry, but I'm a little confused by this product. I tried to look it up but the review for the one I found here indicated it's misleading and not actually peel and stick -- you have to use thinset.

Yes it's made by speedtiles, peel and stick glass. The one I looked at needed to be grouted and used w/glass cutter. I don't know about the longevity of the product or just deal with mess and remove old tile and put in New. I'm a bit hesitate of peel and stick actually, I just thought it was quick and helped on costs and less mess. Thanks again.

interesting, I've never heard of real glass peel-and-stick. I'm weary, but I'm also experimental when it comes to DIY stuff like this. thanks for sharing!

Which backsplash looks best? Thinking white or ivory. Thank you.

I love the 2nd pic. The first tile under your kitchen pic. Looks like handmaid tile. I would use that with matching grout.

I wouldn't do white with those counters. Go for ivory!

If you're trying for something calmest possible look next to the busy granite, #3 is the best choice, paired with a light color or matching grout. it's classic and timeless.

#1 will give a more organic, slightly trendier feel. the uneven texture will add a touch more to the visual chaos. in a subtle way though, so if you love it, I think it should look fine. it's by far the most interesting one.

as for #2: I never liked the beveled edges, it always feels just a touch dated to me. but that's just a personal preference.

Definitely ivory, not white. I would use the simplest, plainest tile, also, because the counter is so busy. With the different color on the cabinets, you don't need to add more "interest" with the tile.

Seattle MCM, I used stick on glass tile to make a backsplash behind the sink in the bathroom. The store had matching border pieces, so I was able to fit it etween the top of the sink and the bath cabinet without cutting. I put it up over wallpaper, too, and it is holding up fine so far - 4 years. I meant it for a temporary fix until I can renovate - and I am impressed.

I'm impressed too. really! I didn't know it even existed. if you're doing a simple backsplash that happens to fit well -- with no outlets and no corners -- then I could see this product being somewhat easy for a novice DIYer.

but I don't see it making this particular kitchen project much easier or cleaner. they would need the tiles to meet in a corner (trickier if the walls are not perfectly plumb). plus cutting holes for outlets. plus lots of grouting and caulking is not super easy for a novice either. all of it very messy. (OMG the process of washing the grout. ugggggggh.) that's all I'm trying to say. peel and stick backing would only make this the tiniest bit simpler, and majorly limits the style and color choices. just doesn't seem worth it.

Took all of your feedback, found this and decided to go with it. It's a peel and stick subway tile in cream. The glass looked nice, but the thought of cutting it, grouting, and caulking was not something I felt comfortable doing and it was white. Agreed SeattleMCM, alot of work! The tile options were good, (if gutting the entire kitchen!) pricey to remove the old and install new. Hopefully this will go on with no issues and look good. Thanks again!