SFGate

Natalie Hi---glass or glass/stone with the colors scheme I've attached. Tile installed on the VERTICAL for this space... Several pieces in this room are of the same hue and value---I suggest reupholstering the backs of your stools with a lighter (print) fabric. Hope this helps... :)
http://atlantalegacyhomes.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html

Natalie By the way---Beautiful Kitchen!

Susan Jablon Mosaics I think a light backsplash in warm tones would be a lovely complement to your kitchen. Below are some images of neutral backsplashes that lighten up the kitchen without stealing too much attention. You can also check out our mosaic designer, http://www.susanjablon.com/designer/mosaic-designer.html or contact one of our designers to custom design a tile backsplash to match your counter, floors, and cabinets. We offer a wide variety of glass, stone, and stainless steel tiles and can help you find one to suit your tastes!

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders Very pretty room. You did a nice job with this. I would use a medium toned tumbled travertine with the room in keeping with the more rustic nature of the cabinetry.

cbiskit I think bead board would look nice, painted a neutral color. You already have a lot of solid surfaces like granite and tile...Just my two! ;)

skyfrolic I think Natalie has a very good suggestion, something more neutral rather than of the same color tones that is the rest of the kitchen. It's a beautiful kitchen.

Moyer Woodworks Glass tile would be my choice as well....i might lean to a 2"x2" size or bigger so its not so busy..and perhaps a personal touch of a special tile randomly placed...very nice kitchen and layout...its such a focal point that it needs to be "mellow"

mellychick Love all the great ideas! Natalie, why did you suggest vertical, rather then horizontal? Love the tile you suggested.

mpoulsom Tao Latte Foam Marble & Glass from Glass Tile Store.com is the first one.
Second one I like, but may be too busy, but very cool.

Susan Jablon Mosaics Here are some close ups of light colored, neutral backsplashes. One is a handcut stained glass travertine colored mosaic, the other is a blend of tan and golden hued 2 inch square tiles. Subtle color palettes, but with some texture. Hopefully this is inspiring!

Natalie Hi mellychick
I like that you asked me this question. When I looked at your photo the room seemed very horizontal to me, so much so, that my eye didn't notice your beautiful glass front cabinetry. Therefore, I suggested installing the tiles vertically---thus making the eye follow the vertical plane rather than the horizontal plane. Hope my explanation makes sense. :) Your room is Beautiful, very well done. Enjoy!

whiskeyrobot I'm gonna put myself out there and say the skinny horizontal tiles are just...not great. I have no idea why they became trendy, but they're already on their way out. I think they were originally supposed to exude a high tech style or something, either way, those tiles have no element of classic or traditional design. Your kitchen is ABSOLUTELY beautiful. If you stick witha lighter color, it will help add a touch of brightness. I personally think these are some fantastic examples of what would look great in your kitchen, especially if cost is no object. Also, subway tiles are simple but classic.

Also, try to stay away from browns. Brown floor, brown cabinets, brown pendants, brown chairs. The hints of green in the examples linked would be a wonderful compliment to the warm reddish brown tones of your cabinets.

michigammemom Your kitchen strikes me as Craftsman inspired. I love the look of this kitchen with hand glazed Motawi tile backsplash.

tanyamurgia Stone would look fabulous for a rustic feel Glass tile in Earth tones would be more modern or transitional

stlacy I agree with whiskeyrobot about the skinny glass tiles. Think in a few years they're going to look seriously dated. Far too trendy for your gorgeous kitchen I happen to like the tin tiles or even a stainless steel tile, but if you don't want shiny, travertine would be stunning. One of my bathrooms has a walk-in travertine shower and sometimes I just go stand in it to look at the stone.
,

jaynesrenopics I also agree with whiskeyrobot. you need to step away from any tan and brown! think light and energetic. maybe you could introduce a subtle color. grey or green as attached by whiskeyrobot. those cabinets are gorgeous.

R2R Marketing First off, I love your kitchen! The cabinets are to die for! Since there is already alot going on in there, (Pendant lights, granite etc.) I would suggest that you remain plain on the backsplash. Whether it be glass tile or ceramic or whatever, stay with minimal designs...I like the pic that i attached--pay no attention to the rest of the pic, the tile is the only part i was looking at- but in more of a warm tone to match your kitchen.

R2R Marketing I also like these....