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!

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.

You can do herringbone as an accent btw. Like under the hood. Herbflavors reason is probably along the lines of : Your kitchen is not plain. You’ll have two tone cabinets. Wood flooring. Windows ... it’s a lot of visual hopping around. I do think herringbone is a risk but will probably still look great!! I’m Totaly obs with herringbone also. I’m thinking what I’d do if this was my kitchen. Do you like finger tiles? It’s basically the small tile you picked it. It’s very pretty also! Love that...

Yellow. You can totally pull off yellow here. 4" x 4" is not too big if you want square, which would be very cute and retro in this kitchen.( I could only find large yellow squares photoes, which I think could work.) https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/SomerTile-3.875x3.875-inch-Curve-Square-Yellow-Lemon-Ceramic-Wall-Tile-90-tiles-10.34-sqft.-CASE/31994527/product.html?kwds=&option=59032286&refccid=3TH2WUZLZISY3MSGV2JAKB7XVI&rfmt=color%3AYellow&searchidx=19 https://www.houzz.com/products/somertile-twist-square-ceramic-wall-tile-case-of-90-yellow-lemon-prvw-vr~48091705 https://www.houzz.com/products/1x3-inch-bright-yellow-glass-subway-tile-full-sheet-offset-prvw-vr~90636088