I have a similar question five years later: Is the 4" matching back splash now out of style? And how long will it stay out of style? Doubt that it would be possible to get a full matching back splash 14 years after the home was built. I am considering removing the 4" back splash and going with a complementary tile or, perhaps, a colorful wallpaper. Thoughts as to how long the short back spash will stay out of style? (I'm old enough to remember bell bottoms - the first time they were in style.)

Agreeing with others, but want to add. Not only is backsplash choice last, but it also should not be chosen until after everything else is installed. Everything looks entirely different after it is installed, and if you choose your backsplash before that, you will make a mistake. Don't worry about not having your GC still available for the backsplash after everything else is installed. You will actually get a better backsplash installation if you hire a tile installer yourself. Remove the backsplash from the GC's scope of work, and hire someone yourself later to install it.

I have a small kitchen too and I am looking for a 3" by 12" tile, but I am open to whatever works best. I like the brick-like proportions of longer tiles. But honestly, any tile is a vast improvement over the fake travertine 6" by 6" tiles installed on point (diagonally) that are on the backsplash now.

I do think something sleek would look great with your cabinets. Here is a post showing TM slab backsplash (after a lot of other things that would not fit with your vision) https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6338278/backsplash-suggestions-for-taj-mahal-quartzite Several more kitchens with TM slab backsplash https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6149982/will-this-taj-mahal-slab-also-look-good-for-the-backsplash Personally I think it is lovely and would bring some movement and organic feel to the kitchen.