Thank you pllog! According to my admittedly limited research, white subway tiles were primarily what was used during 1913 (not colored tiles just yet), or else white or cream-colored wainscoting. I know the colorful tile was used on fireplace faces though, as is the case on ours - but I think the whole sterile kitchen and bathroom look was going on in 1913 (?). I know my house originally had it cause not only is 2x6 white subway tile in the original bathroom upstairs, but the previous owners, who I am friends with, remember it having been in the house at one time. The previous owner now in her 80's moved in with her parents in the '40's when she was a teenager. There was only one family that lived in the house before them, which is kind of neat to know. I'd love to find out more about them someday if possible. All that said, if I had the time further to obsess (I'm already taking LOADS of time away from my kids to obsess over every detail that I am already!), and the eye/confidence/creativity, or a designer, and the money, I'd do something much more fun and much more "me" in a NY heartbeat. But alas, I don't. Maybe someday. The following cut/paste link is to absolutely inspiring backsplashes, which you'd probably love: http://finishedbacksplashes2.blogspot.com/ It would be impossible for me to do if the tile were to get up to $100/SF. How did you come up w/ that calculation? Oh dear - I'd better do the math again! I was told that by going to a fabricator with big machinery, it wouldn't take that long at all for a back splash my size - but that was just one person who said that; he could have been wrong. One consideration for a backup plan for me has been white or off-white minibrick. I think with a non-matching grout - e.g. a noncommittal but darker sand color (sand having both tan and grey in it?), all those little lines would be more interesting w/ the stainless than the bigger subway tile (or, maybe that would also be the case w/ standard 2x6 tile w/ darker grout?). I wish I could find the link I've lost to ceramic minibrick (if that's the word for it) that's attractive to me. I imagine they didn't have that size in 1913 though (does anyone know?) but it's still a nice classic look. If I find it on my other computer I'll post it! I've looked at Thassos which does seem too white. The in-person samples of calcutta are too grey from a distance (I don't want it to match my stainless counter so precisely) but yes I have time to keep looking. I also still pine for the Walker Zanger lightly crackled and glazed 2x6 tile I was all excited about when I thought I would do a honed black counter. haven't ruled that out completely, but it's $25/SF. Thanks!

Thank you all so much for your quick responses!!! Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures yet since we are still under construction. As far as some of the questions...I would say we are more contemporary and elegant. We are open to all tile material, but probably lean more towards ceramic and glass. The walls in the kitchen are Nugget by Benjamin Moore. The Island cabinets are Cinnamon Glaze and the floor is Brazilian Tigerwood. The sink, faucet, pot filler and appliances are stainless. Another question, we are undecided about the cabinet hardware. Is it ok to do Antique Bronze hardware with stainless faucets/appliances and satin nickel mountings for pendant lights?

I am really stuck on: (what kathec already wrote above) Your contractor should NEVER have done this without asking you!! It is up to YOU whether to pick an alternative or wait 6 weeks. Not your contractor. It looks like you are doing a beautiful high end kitchen. Is this the backsplash you want? Please don't let the fact that it's already done pressure you. You do not have to "get used to" anything-this is your kitchen. You are paying for it! The contractor did this without your approval, he can take it off and YOU tell him what your backsplash will be. This is all his expense. You did not approve this. If you don't want it, don't settle. Your decision, not his. Hang in there! Gosh, I have been there!! I'm in the midst of a 1 year+ reno and believe me I know how exhausting it is to just want to try to stay on schedule and if you are at the point where your sanity is more important than a backsplash, please know that 99% of the population (not the 1% of all of us TKO'ers!) will think your kitchen is absolutely fabulous whatever your backsplash is. I just don't want you to settle because you think you have to because it's done. Wishing you the best :)

You could do any finish ... it can depend on the style of the house, kitchen, furnishings, etc. What finishes did you use for light fixtures? Do you like an eclectic look or more traditional? Your question is too broad with not enough data points. Show pictures of the space, your materials and adjoining rooms and you will get better answers.