No worries on the hijacking. This thread ended up way more interesting than it started and got to the crux of the matter, even if I didn't realize that's I was really asking. The consensus thing is interesting and so right on. I am constantly looking for validation for my choices. I consider this to be a character flaw and I'm trying to change my ways. So the way I deal with things is to not tell anyone what our decision is (well other than a few people like the friend who has been weighing in on design decisions for years and people who I know will nod politely even if they hate it). It is easier for me to be all confident and take on the attitude of "it's my kitchen and therefore the opinions of my DH and I are the only that matter" when I've not opened myself up to hearing negative comments (real and perceived) about our choices. The second I hear something negative it takes a little joy out of it for me. Like I said, it's a character flaw. That's why I don't ask for opinions on GW unless I REALLY want to know the good the bad and the ugly of it. Because people here are honest. That's a good thing, by the way, because it's the kind of honestly you won't get from the "oh that's nice" nodders and sometimes you really need that. You'll notice, for instance, that I never came back to this thread to mention what the decision actually was or to report that I did make one (thankfully just a few days after starting this thread so I could move on with my life). People here tend to be much more positive when they see a kitchen finished not only because they see the whole vision completed but also because they realize that it's not changing now so there is no need to say anything but positive comments (that reaffirm those pesky decisions). The nightmare: a finished kitchen post that only gets a handful of comments because you know people are doing the whole "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything." And of course that's when you wish you had asked for some truthful opinions while you were making the decisions.

Thanks for the feelback everyone! GGlks, I have seen your pictures and I love the way it looks in your kitchen. Mine doesn't have the veins like your does, all the CE I saw with veins were very pricey. I love all your choices...any more updated pics? Choux- I would love to see pictures of your kitchen too. Glad to hear you love it. I really liked these slabs, but Dh isn't convinced. He thinks it's a little plain, but I think with all the finishing touches it could look wonderful. If I had my choice I would do soapstone, but this isn't my forever house.

I think you should go for it. I think that a big hangup is cost. With tile it is 1. costly, and 2. A big ordeal to replace. But, when talking about using a paint color that is a little outside the box, people say, "oh, it's only paint, so pick a color you love and change it down the road if you want". However, let's be real people....paint is not cheap. Not if you buy expensive paint, equipment, or hire someone to do it for you. And just because it is expensive, it doesn't mean you probably won't change your mind and repaint at some point. I think most of us with a tile backsplash would be less likely to change it out because we remember the cost, but do we remember how much that paint job cost 8 years ago? Probably not, therefore we would repaint but not retile. So, if you love that blue tile and live with it for many years and for some reason you hate it in 10 or so years, rip it down and replace it. And by the way, orange goes very nicely with blue. :)

Consider both the subway tile and just a bold blue at the stove area. Try to get something close to the island color (or a blue that complements the island). What ever your decision make sure they add a row below the counter at the stove area, why? If the new owners decide to put in a slide in stove (one without the back controls) you want to make sure the tile is below the top of the stove. I mention this because if you are selling soon and I was the buyer, the stove would be one of my replacements and I like when the tile behind the stove is a focal point. Also subway tile is inexpensive so just doing a limited space with something unique will make it pop. Love the kitchen and all the best.