apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have a very similar kitchen, only my counter is more of a dark slate color but the cabinetry and layout are the same. . I have a glass tile backplash in a cool blue...similar to the link below (but square and not rectangular shaped tiles). I recommend them, they look good and give lightness to the dark cabinets.

http://www.interstyle.ca/

I have a wetbar about the same size and cabinets about the same color, the back counter was a grey faux stone from Home Dumpo, and I splurged on the bar area with fake, porcelain LOOKS REAL Granite tiles with schluter edging.. On the backsplash I use blue glass mosaic... The point is you can mix surfaces etc
see:
http://www.31islandview.com/images/483_31islandviewwhitewetbar.jpg

I have a very similar kitchen, and I have also been trying to decide what kind of tile to use. I'm goign to use something similar to the picture posted by designery above, but in medium gray color. I love that blue color but my cupboards are orange-oak and I don't think it would look quite right.

its kind of dark back there....wouldn't a lighter colored tile work better?

I'd go with a mix of greens and grays. Think you want a color to play off the wood tones otherwise you're going to have a pretty generic look...

I think glass tile in a random brick mosaic pattern looks sharp and visually expands a small space horizontally. I like the sea green tones like this:
http://www.cooltiles.com/mgts31.html
but there are many colours available.

If you do go with glass tile, installing a couple of inexpensive low-voltage lights under the cabinets will bring out the sparkle.

I just finished my kitchen backsplash in the black/white/gray glass mosaic tile. Our cabinets seem to have similar coloring, so it might give you an idea of what it would look like, it does not look bland at all in my opinion (plus I plan to have red accents to add some bright color).

I love the look of the glass tiles and the way you can incorporate multiple colors into the design. I would mix the grays with a green or a blue depending on your preference. I also like subway tiles as a backsplash but your colors option might be more limited. I don't think the look with be bland. If you want to add more visual interest you can do that with accessories or plants that can provide a pop of color.

Red would be fabulous!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2362410226_1faf7b707d_o.jpg

don't tile it at all, just use a glass pane splash back with painted block colour behind it. would look very fresh.

Thanks so much for all of these ideas. I really am now leaning toward the clear glass or like what designerny posted. I'll also have under cabinet lights. Thanks so much again--I'm taking these all into consideration!

I just did a big renovation and used mirror for my backsplash. It looks great! I was really worried about the 70s look, but most people do not even notice it - because it opens up the space and keeps it very light and bright. Also, it does not smudge - I just wipe it down like you would glass or tiles. I have a dark grey veined carrera marble countertop.