Well, we're back from tile shopping and I think we may have found our tile for both the backsplash and the floor. The combination is remarkably similar to what I originally posted in my Kitchen Forum post on the same subject (I posted here b/c I wanted to here from the "decorating people") See the link below and the "Tue, Oct 23, 07 at 13:12" post for the floor.... The floor tile is a darker blue-gray with a few splashes of orange that complement my door color perfectly...the orange in the tile "pops" but since there isn't a lot of it it's more of an accent than an overwhelmingly orangey color. The backsplash is a creamier color with some very light orange highlights (I don't know how else to describe it!) We haven't, though, picked out any detailing for it yet...I don't know what I want...well I do, but I'm afraid it will blow the labor cost out of the water! I like the black galaxy granite dots and I think I'd really like to put those in the backsplash, but I was told that would significantly raise the labor cost...all the extra cuts and more careful laying of tile, I guess... If you look at the same post I mentioned before, you'll see the dots. But, rather than 6x6 tiles I would probably do 4x4 with dots every 3 or 4 tiles. We will have about 20 linear feet of backsplash + the cooktop to vent area to tile, so it's not a small area. Any thoughts or ideas about the backsplash? They didn't have any decent size samples of the 2 tiles so they're ordering samples for us on Monday and they should be in by the end of the week. When I get them, I will take a pic with our door and the Back Galaxy and post it here for more opinions, comments, thoughts.... Nothing is set in stone yet ;-) ++++++++++ Speaking of Black Galaxy granite, if we stick to our choices it looks like the Black Galaxy will look better than the Diamond Black (our first choice). The Diamond has silver speckles while the Galaxy has coppery speckles. ++++++++++ Amysrq: Our "bling" is our cabinetry so I want the backsplash to "gently complement everything else". That doesn't mean I want it to fade into the background and not be noticed at all, but I don't intend for it to be "center stage". Yes, I've checked out the FKB and the Finished Backsplashes Slideshow, but nothing jumped out at me....some I just didn't like..like mosaics. I don't like the look of all those 1x1 tiles--they look too busy and, in many cases, have too much color. Our budget is mid-range especially since our cabinets are costing more than we had planned...cherry wood + a glaze + some custom cabs + glass (2 cabinets w/glass doors + shelves)...definitely our "bling"! Here is a link that might be useful: Opinions Needed (please!) Cabinet + Backsplash + Floor Tile

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!

Hi Ashley, Beau Beautiful kitchen! I believe your countertop is the silestone Calcutta Eternal Gold? i really like your backsplash and I’m having difficulties picking one. Do you remember who makes it or where you purchaed it?

Rachel M. Frazier - Whew - I've been second guessing myself so badly. Thanks for affirming my choices. I keep scrolling back to all the comments about going with a white counter on the perimeter and the picture you posted. And while it's actually almond in color, not white, I'm thinking maybe I can get the same effect using the same principles applied for white. I wasn't planning to change the base color of the island - should I be? And I'm planning to keep the island counter the same as the perimeter. I can't see myself giving a wood counter the proper care it'd need over time. Do you think I'll need to swap hardware? It's currently a satin nickel color? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. I just want to update it! In the next few weeks, the BS will be removed, Silken Pearl installed as well as a new undermounted sink and faucet. I keep telling myself, one step at a time - all the while wanting all the pieces of this puzzle put together before I start. So many details! I sure appreciate the help!