We did glossy subway tile with our granite (Santa Cecelia) counters, but we added a 2" strip of mosaic tile, which is mixed travertine and brown glass. We used only a 2" strip in order to save money, since the mosaic was expensive. We like the way it turned out. Our original idea was to do just the subway tile, but when we saw that mosaic, we wanted to find a way to work it in. I think in your case, I also like the idea that was mentioned by the OP above, which would be to consider a subway tile with a mosaic accent. Let us know what you decide.

No pics yet, we're still finishing up everything, but boy did we learn a lot! We used paper cut-outs taped to the wall to figure out my design & glass inserts prior to starting, VERY helpful! It helped us space our inserts around switches and outlets. Be sure to use thinset, not an adhesive. Ours is a 'U' shaped kitchen with 2 inside corners and 2 outside corners around kitchen garden window. We used a 4x4 glass insert above the stove, so we centered it on that wall and worked our way left and right. We did a 45 degree cut on the tiles for the outside corners, looks nice. Then we again worked our way towards the inside corners. On the left inside corner we weren't able to properly 'wrap' the design around, but it was pretty close. On the right inside corner we were able to 'wrap' it around and it looks good. The JB forum has some great pics on how to do corners. We got into a really good routine. DH would cut the tile and I would set them. Use the spacers, but also rely on your own good eye, as the tumbled travertine is not perfect. Sometimes I would space a little wider/thinner than the spacer to keep the overall grout line the same. Sometimes I had to tape the spacer in to keep it from slipping. I'm sure the pros have some tricks for this. Be patient, it takes longer than expected, but well worth it! I'm sure Bill V. has some additional advice or corrections to what we did, please listen to him and the JB forum, they are the Experts! Good Luck!

I agree with the recommendation against using backsplash on cabinet end panels. I have a related question, I hope I'm not hijacking here. How do you seal the joint between the edge of the counter top and the cabinet end panel? I have that situation and have not yet asked my GC about it. I wonder of the end panel will look grungy after years of wiping up the countertop and the occasional spill. I'm not real keen on the idea of a bead of clear silicone caulking. I have thought about adding scribe molding (and if I did that, I would have an extra piece or two fashioned to the correct size, stained and finished so I could replace it someday). Any suggestions? TIA, Jon

I've done lots of ceramic and stone tile in my houses over the years. I've also cut lots of glass, including making my own leaded and stained glass windows. I had some glass tile done in a condo several years ago—I hired it out. I'm a bit of an extreme DIY'er, but I know what I can't do.