SFGate

Interiors International, Inc. White! Glass, subway tile, marble tile or anything bright. Even back painted glass would be good.

ciaralouise I had been thinking subway tile. Do I try and match the white of the cupboards? What is painted glass, never heard of it?

annieamata White subway is nice with dark gray grout, or a white moroccan pattern is nice too.

sam0705 I would love a marble subway tile. Something with grey as well as tan/rust veining would add warmth and pick up the island. Often the variations in the tile will give you a bit of browns and greys.

Fried Toby

Have you considered something like this?

designer_nandi I definitely agree with Fried Toby. This look will add an amazing character that'll complement the white cabinets. Divine

DARKyellow Any bright colour will look nice, depends what kind of style you re looking for .

Interiors International, Inc. @ciaralouise, The white tile doesn't have to match the cabinets but stay in the same hue. By that I mean if your cabinets are more cream than pure white stay in that color family. Back painted glass is just as it sounds. A glass company can cut glass panels that fit your space. You can get them prepainted or you can paint them yourself (Easy DIY) then have them put in place. I usually use clear silicone caulk to adhere them.

printesa I was going to say the same thing as Fried Toby. Glass tile that has both white and gray

ciaralouise @fried Toby. That's hilarious that you picked that picture because I used that photo in one of my idea books when designing the space. I'm nervous it would be too busy. My kitchen floor tile is also a little busy....

ciaralouise @Interior Internationals. Thank you so much for your time and input. I like the look of the painted glass but feel it's a little too modern for my taste... Perhaps that's just in the images you sent as they were more modern kitchens. I'll keep looking at the houzz kitchens with painted glass see if anything attracts the eye!

kitchener64 Looks like my kitchen.... I love it! Still trying to decide on backsplash. So neutral so we can go with anything. Will wait to see your results.

dlapollo would you consider mirror, for back splash?
honestly, I love the grey with white cabinets, I would leave it alone
move on to another project. I love it the way it is.
looks very much like my kitchen.

barnrazn6 I think a more bright color would make the kitchen look better.

Amy Stanley I think a white subway tile would keep it monochromatic and keep in line with your taste. You can add color in with accent pieces if you want a splash.

dezign interiors, llc Glass tile is a great way to time date your kitchen. It will be the pickled oak of tomorrow. Stay time-tested and do subway &/or something in a natural material, like marble. Borghi Calacatta is a marble that will bring warmth. Put your color on the wall, where it can be changed easily. Good luck!

cutehouses Definitely white, or white with light grays splashed in. Here's a kitchen with almost your exact layout

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I like the classic white subway. I would never get tired of it -ever. http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=268004&coll=268104&prg=272704

Pattie Fried I'm thrilled with our new backsplash and floor. Our kitchen is much smaller and it doesn't feel busy at all.

bigbama9 Add paint or tile of some color