When I read your question and saw your counter, I was prepared to say stay with just the trav tiles. Then I saw your proposed bs and liked it, so... thought maybe the best move would be to use the tile inserts but only 1 instead of the 4 for each spot. Then, looked at it some more and realized it was the trav that was not working for me. I think it is too busy (and too rough a stone look) with your pretty polished counters nearby. How about a plainer field tile and use the glass inserts (1 or 4)? If you used a light color drawn from your granite for the tile, then it would all flow smoother for me.

Original Poster Update I've finally made a decision on cashmere carrara quartz countertop (MSI) and Masia Gris Claro tiles. I'm hesitant about the cashmere carrara because the photos I have seen vary so much and the sample is so small... If anyone has some real-life photos of the cashmere carrara countertop, I'd really love to see them. They are coming to do the templates in two days so I'd still have time to change my mind. Thanks!

The brick backsplash in your inspiration photo is gorgeous and what should be the attention grabber in the room. The granites your contractor is suggesting are beauiful too (delicatus is one of my favorites) but IMO, it’s a bit too busy and the markings too stark for that backdrop. I would suggest you look at something a little less busy so it won’t compete with the brick.

The quality of the sink may affect how it reacts with water? If it is a medium to high quality sink, it may not blot? I know of one, that does not. It may be the water could use a water filter on the faucet too. A water filter may remove the mineral left behind by the faucet water? That may be the key? Also, if you have the black sink and determine it does not have hard water spot issues, I would go with a type counter formica(that is not the brand, but the common term referring to what it is) Wilsonart Solicor. It is beautiful and the edges will not have the 'black line' you recall from former formica edges, so it mimics solid surface. They have some tones that will look very nice with your kitchen colors! http://issuu.com/wilsonart/docs/wilsonart_solicor_laminate_brochure?e=1726292/14148260