Those granite slabs are very attractive! They are busy, so I would select a quiet backsplash. Since you say you are modern/transitional, why not use a glass tile in a larger format than the one you have shown? The larger the tile, the more quiet it will be--the one you show looks to be busy and would compete with the granite. Or go with the current trend of using the same granite on the backsplash as you use on the counters.

Thanks, I'll consider a quieter backsplash.

Would a gentle pearlized plain tile look good? Or still too busy with the granite? I'm thinking it would be too busy unless I went with plain quartz.

Could you post a photo of the pearlized tile? Depending on the size it could work.

I'd do the granite you love, run it right up the splash and skip the tile. And I'd choose a LIGHTER floor.

If you're really going for coastal, I'd probably not do granite at all, but that's a different topic.

Love this stacked tile backsplash, love this kitchen

I would consider using a white fireclay tile with gray crackle glaze. Subtle, but still adds interest without a competing pattern.

Thank you for all of your comments. Diana Bier, I don't have a pearlized backsplash picked out. I see them in pics but they seem to be hard to find which makes me wonder if that look is dated.

LDK, I also like the white fireclay crackle glaze idea also. That used to be everywhere but that's another option I can't seem to find anymore. But it is a classic look (to me) and I've always loved it.

That was part of the motivation for posting this topic. What I loved before, I still love but can no longer find. I am not looking to be "on trend"; I want something that is more classic but updated.

Blenheimnewzealand, that is the look I am going for. Our cabinets are similar to that. Does anyone think that's too busy?

JAN MOYER, we are not "set in stone" for going with granite. We may also go with a quartz. I like your other posts, do you have any ideas?

This is a part time place for us with a possible resale in 10 years so classic is the way to go, I think, and I also realize that granite may not be the best choice since it is so taste specific. Then again I still like it and the slabs we are looking at are competitively priced with quartz.

The floor is a few shades lighter in person than that picture shows. Jan, you bring up a good point, a few shades even lighter might be brighter. I will look and post if I see anything that appeals to me. I'm going by the tile store today.

We were going to keep the existing floors and I have an older separate post about that. We demo'd the kitchen and found that the floor is not in good shape, and we have to replace the tile. Now I'm a little under the gun for finding a tile I like since we are under construction. This line (Happy Floors Neostile) is non-slip and it comes in other colors - a chalk white which we are using in the bathroom, a charcoal, a tan and a couple of browns.

Thank you again for your ideas, all of you bring up good points.

check out Fireclaytile.com - wonderful people and great products!

If selling in 10 years, your granite is lovely, but very taste specific. I don't think you can go wrong with quartz and then your backsplash and flooring options are endless. I would be heading towards a classic, wider audience appeal and with the darker floor, it would be really sharp. A herringbone marble backsplash is one idea that would achieve a timeless yet modern look.

Thank you, I will consider that.

Nobody can stop the hands of time, but I'd consider a very calm quartz versus the granite. Zodiaq , Caesarstone..... Both have nice selections and I'd keep it very light and not be afraid of Zodiaq "Coarse Cararra, or Caesarstone "Frosty Carrina" and a simple white subway in 2 x8 or 4 x12 and use a herringbone or even just a nice 33 % offset installation, It's hard to argue with a classic.