I disagree to an extent that availability, especially for a small project like this back splash, is an indication of inability or lack of skill to do the job. There are legit reasons why a subcontractor might be able to get to a job quickly, including last minute delays on other projects. There are also plenty of tile subcontractors who manage experienced crews of setters/helpers and are therefore able to take on multiple projects and fit in small jobs between larger ones. In the OP's case, the "busy" contractors were too busy to even return his calls. But he didn't even ask "Justin" if he had a tile contractor's license, but based his decision solely on Justin's availability to start the job immediately. I've nothing against contractors advertising on Craigslist because a LOT of people look there, but in my area, Craigslist is full of unlicensed and unskilled people looking for work. I've even seen them advertise with a license number, but if you take the time to look it up, you'll find that it is not unheard of for them to flat out lie because their license is actually suspended or revoked. Or, the number doesn't exist or doesn't belong to them! And checking the license should only be the first step in checking their qualifications to do a job! There are legit contractors on Craigslist, but you have to sift through the rubble. Spending the time picking out the perfect tile is pointless if you aren't going to spend at least equal time choosing someone knowledgeable to install it and being patient enough to be worked into their schedule if necessary. A decent tile setter can make even simple and inexpensive tile look nice.

I strongly advice putting all the samples the way they'll be installed in the kitchen. Slab will be horizontal; the tiles and the cabinet doors will be vertical. The light hits surfaces differently depending on the angle; the color is perceived differently. try to put them together according to the order they will actually go. will be easier to judge the real colors (although not easy to hold them like that lol). I can tell you what I'd prefer from looking at my screen, but i feel it might be a very, very big miss. first, look at them in the right order. You can leave the paint decision for afterwards; you have the most possibilities with paint, so no need to pick it right away. choose your hard finishes first. As for mixing the metals-I'm wholeheartedly for the mixing:) As long as you repeat the finish somewhere else-I'd say you're good. But do repeat it, even if in tiny accessories. If you're having it somewhere in an adjusting room, open plan-also good. I love the second pendant more, but light fixtures are really very personal. Like watches..:)

The Home Decorating forum is really good with color, too (especially when working with a bunch of neutrals and various textures), so try to cross-post over there, too. :-)

Pretty PLEASE... Advice on grout color really needed!!! I'm looking for a gray color grout to go with Clay Grafito porcelain tile from The Tile Shop. I like the look of this tile & grout: