Crazy what lighting does, isn't it. Okay, I think I've identified the 'matching' tiles in each photo, but If I'm wrong then all bets are off : ) I've labeled them 1 through 4... If I've got them correct, going by the first and second pic's I'd choose #4 from the closeups, but if #1 is not too grey (or rather grey) it might work. #2 is too white and stark for me, #3 is too grey. You've got warm tones it appears, and some creams to work with. While I see grey in your countertop, there is none in your cabinetry. The real issue is all monitors will show colors differently - mine, yours, everyones. What I'd do were it me is grab at least 4 tiles of #4 and 4 tiles of #1. using two small pieces of plywood, glue all four of #4 on one, and all four of #1 on the other, set the up at a distance apart but in an easy to see area. Then look at each over a few days - glancing at them and looking fully at each, in the morning, afternoon, and evening - with your normal lighting on. This seems a pain but better to give it a good test run than put up something you don't like (and something other's perhaps can't see on their monitors) than make a mistake that you're stuck with. I do like the mildly textured tile you've chosen, and your color scheme. If you can, pick up a few more to test to be sure you've got what you really like. Hope I've helped a little, and not confused you. Thank you for providing the natural light photos : )

Soapstone is impervious to heat and staining. The soft and medium hardness varieties will indeed scratch or chip easily _but_ the hardest kinds do not. Check out companies like M. Teixeira and ask them about their hardest stones. No one should use a knife directly on stone btw - it ruins the edge, but if you have to live with countertop abusers in your household :) then an appropriate soapstone (or perhaps a honed Virginia Mist granite) is a good option. I did go with soapstone myself in my recent kitchen remodel - Black Venata, which is somewhat soft . .As a consequence my counters are acquiring a patina of light scratches and dings, most of which are visible for a week or two and then slowly fade away. There are always a few fine marks, but they are never the same ones. It’s an evolving surface, which I’ve come to really like as a factor in its own right. It feels like the kitchen has some life to it. - I appreciate that it is not static. And I love that I can set down a roasting pan direct from the oven without a worry,. As for spilled wine or tomatoes ?Phttf. No problem.

I would do white arabesque or white subway in a brick set pattern. I don't think your backsplash is large enough for herringbone. If you care about resale, choose with white over gray. A white kitchen is timeless, and gives the ability to paint the walls any color later on without having to rip out the back splash.

Very cute kitchen - love your island. I agree white window trim would be darling. It doesn't need to match your other wood trim. I also agree walls should be lightened. The current color is hiding and muddying your floors. Try a square tile in this kitchen. Take a look at Winchester Tiles website for inspiration. I think a square shape would be perfect in here!