If you don't want it to look out of date in a few years, stay away from anything that has thick and bold veining. It never looks real, doesn't look good now, and will not look good anytime in the future. It also is very difficult to match as is evident in many of the Design Dilemmas here on Houzz. Go with something classic and subtle for a look that will stand the test of time. Also, you cannot see the full effect when looking at a small sample--definitely view a full slab for the best representation. If you want bold veining, then get natural stone--marble, granite or quartzite.

The brick will add a nice pop of color next to the grey. You can also add some of that similar color (brick and grout) with pillows or throws on the furniture.

I'd be as disappointed as you are in that seam even though it does match what you approved. The veins aren't as obvious in the template photo as they are in real life. As others have said, the size of your island dictates the material but it's too bad you're contractor didn't help you realize that this particular pattern wouldn't work for your application. I don't understand it.

Beautiful kitchen! You have a lot of choices as far as backsplashes are concerned, but I wouldn't use those mosaics. They are very busy and not that attractive. In addition, you can wait to install the backsplash--your kitchen is certainly functional without one. I waited almost a year to decide on and install the b/s. When you say that your husband dislikes "subway" tile, what exactly do you mean? Does he dislike ANY rectangular tile? Classic subway tiles are flat, white 3 x 6 tiles, but not all rectangular tiles are flat, white and 3 x 6. You can get rectangular tiles in many sizes (2 x 6, 2 x 4, 2 x 8, 2 x 12, 4 x 8, etc.) and a wide variety of colors. They can be matte, glossy, crackled, undulating, and any combination thereof. But if the answer is yes, he does not want any rectangular tiles, you can use squares, arabesques, fishtail, star, cross, etc. in any color you can imagine. Check out Fireclay tile, Heath tile, Encore ceramics, Walker Zanger, Waterworks, and many others. Here are some ideas for you to consider: Matte turquoise arabesque, handmade: Gray with a pattern: Zelig tile with a border: Black glossy: