kksmama, I agree. While I love both of the tiles, I think both might be too much for my kitchen. The tile store didn't have samples of the other ones that I'm interested in though. In the Tuileries line, there are some square tiles that they pair with a chair rail and then matching subway on top. That's what we're leaning toward at the moment. Thoughts? I'll try to link you to it. I like Vendome. http://www.walkerzanger.com/collections/products.php?view=mat&mat=Ceramic and Terracotta&coll=Tuileries Thank you Ellendi. I really appreciate you steering me to Walker Zanger. The color is too light on my monitor too but has much more depth in person. Here is a link that might be useful: Walker Zanger tile

@Kat M If you cannot re-do your backsplash for a while what is the style/look you are seeking or like? Do you like the earthiness/tones or do you want to add color? Your cabinet pulls look quite modern are you wanting something more traditional/classic? I think as others said new lights will help a lot and maybe a set of new stools with just give the re-fresh you are wanting.

No updates to post yet! We do have someone coming this morning to measure and give us an idea of how many square feet (and how many slabs) we will need. So far, the front runner is the Silestone Copper Mist, but I'm still concerned it might be a little too cool, and it only comes in a polished finish. I've also looked at some soapstone look alikes--in a leathered finish. I really like the look of a dark counter with our cabinets and furnishings. We've visited 4 granite yards so far, and haven't found a light colored granite that wasn't too busy or "splotchy", spotted looking. I also prefer the looks of a non polished finish, but I've read several posts about upkeep being a nightmare. There are so many different finishes--honed, leathered, suede, etc. It's hard to know which one would be the right choice! I'll definitely update when we finish.

Your hardware possibility is very nice looking - either would work - but some folks hate getting their pockets caught on open ended pulls. You don't need any other black, it's in your stone for one thing, but maybe look at photos to decide if you like the black on white contrast or prefer your hardware to blend in, especially with some of the other drama and contrasts. If that's your cabinet against the gorgeous stone, I would find a backsplash tile that matched it exactly, as @lucky998877 said, once counter and cabinets and kitchen lighting are in. You'll need the white/offish-white shade that looks right in your space, not online or in a store. But that shade is lovely with that stone.