glass tiles...ftw!

http://www.piquantpepper.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Glass-Tile-Backsplash-picture.jpg

or

http://eeklektikk.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/green-backsplash-de1.jpg

or

http://atlantasbathroomremodeling.com/kitchen_tile_backsplash/atlanta_kitchen_tile_backsplash/glass_tile_backsplash.jpg

I love subways tiles, but I'd say go for a colored tile, like turquoise, sage, or yellow to bring some color to the kitchen since it seems like everywhere else in the space is pretty neutral.

I'm a real fan of keeping the large expensive items neutral and as simple as possible. A white or off white subway tile is a good choice. But I'd go with white grout. That may seem boring, but once you layer in your accents you will find that it makes sense why so many professional designers make that choice. Black grout will make the tile a black/white dominant pattern which may not mesh with your future design choices. You could choose to add an accent strip of tiles (how about stainless), but I suggest you size it so that you can change it out with plain tile if your tastes change (and they will). If you want a strong pattern, a removable vinyl wallpaper is a good choice. IF you're on a budget, aluminum flashing gives a seamless stainless look. Again, the key is to keep it neutral or reversible..

I would go with white grout if you do subway tiles. It will be more streamlined and will give you more leway with counter top clutter. Dark grout will make the area look busy even without anything on the counter!

A series of Delft blue tiles. There are some excellent and affordable tiles that are printed instead of hand painted.

I agree that if you do go for white subway tiles you should do white grout- for the same reasons already stated. I think they're beautiful and classic, but if you're looking for something a bit more interesting glass tiles are a great way to go too...

I have the same cabinets and black quartz with while subway tile white grout - clean and neat - accented with dashes on deep red/gold in prints, towels topped off with an old oriental rug on the floor for drama.

http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=268804&coll=278104&prg=1654204

This is really pretty too. Simple but with a bit more interest than subway tiles which I worry will be out of trend in short order.

The world is your oyster! In addition to a huge variety of tile, there is back painted glass, frosted glass, sheets made to look like tin ceiling tiles (made from plastic), 3Form may even be an option. Then there's solid or stamped stainless steel or copper (check out FrigoDesign.com)

The possibilites are endless!

All depends on the look you're going for.

I'd stick with subway tiles but in a herringbone or different pattern versus the usual. In the long run, classic will win out over unusual or trendy.

Blue tiles. The blue pitcher and vase give a nice punch to the room just by being in the picture, so maybe a light blue with some other accent colors mixed in.

I'm backsplash shopping too. I am leaning toward Spanish ceramic tile, if I can find it in my price range. It's a very bold statement though, so if you're looking for something less wild, maybe glass subway tiles? I think white subway tiles would look a little tame here, but maybe a color?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandjenny/792612770/

White subway tiles!

Have you thought about repainting? Maybe a deep yellow to give it depth and color

Today, I stumbled upon on pebble (like a zen) but lighter kinda white-ish back-splash, and I think it would work great in your kitchen, it's rare... And if I could make another suggestion why not paint your cabinets white? but not a finished polished look but a kinda "I did this my self, and isn't it vintage-y?" like grab a paint brush and white paint and paint them, its risky but you can always re-paint it, if you don't like it! Plus, it would be an interesting contrast with the modern stainless steel handles! Hope this helps!

oh maybe this picture might help http://images.google.com/imgres?q=pebble+backsplash&hl=en&sa=X&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=609&tbm=isch&tbnid=bNPoQiIKE0y01M:&imgrefurl=http://www.countertoppromo.com/tile/pebble-tile-backsplash-%25C2%25A9-it-is-affordable-that-easy/&docid=cGVAIPEhCwPLZM&w=200&h=200&ei=1QZXToOODpTFsQLnyYiqDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=290&vpy=263&dur=353&hovh=160&hovw=160&tx=120&ty=108&page=6&tbnh=137&tbnw=133&start=69&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:69

Lovely kitchen, I'd go with glass tile also. Add some color, and whatever you do, don't paint the cabinets white(ish) jeesh!

we went through this debate recently too, also with black granite. we investigated all the tiles and felt like they were fine, but somehow not... us. we ended out going very "us." we bought extra copies of comics and graphic novels that we liked and made a collage of scenes to do with cooking, kitchens, or food. then we placed it behind an acrylic sheet and bolted it to the wall, with grout on the side to protect it from moisture. it's very fun!

i get that this might be a little bizarre according to taste, but the acrylic sheet option could allow you to have any kind of design you wanted, and could certainly lean toward something very you!

it's also a lot easier than tiling, so we figure we can always take it down if we mature past our graphic novel/comic book phase and into something else!

Peeny rounds

When I was having my car serviced recently (they do some customizing as well for truck and car running boards etc.) I noticed that they had on display some fabulous patterned aluminum which could be cut to any size the customer wanted. What about an aluminum backsplash? It would be easy to maintain and would go with your refrigerator which looks like it is aluminum as well. If cut to a perfect fit you could install it yourself with a good adhesive. You could make a paper pattern and take it to the customizing shop. It could also be removed in a few years without too much damage to the wall.

I've also seen little ray's idea done with glass overlay. Although that might be too modern for the look you have there. We are doing a backpainted glass because I hate grout... LOL But, it is fairly cheap and (again) easily tossed when I get beyond my turquoise period...

We just put in dark granite (Butterfly Verde - speckled with quartz) and did the backsplash in tumbled off-white marble -- and it looks GREAT. We'd considered subway tile, but thought its shine with the shine on the granite would be too much. The tumbled marble is softer & more subtle -- and it comes in subway tile shape.

And I agreed with the commenter who said go conservative & classic with your most expensive elements. Hang an over-the top print on the wall -- but DON'T herringbone white subways with black grout!

BTW I love colorful Mexican tile, but we had it as a backsplash in our old house and after 5 years I was really tired of it

If you really want to be different, how about a smokey mirror toughened glass. Have it cut out to the size of he area you wish to tile and once cut, have a bevelled edge put around it. By doing this, you eliminate grouting and all the muck that sticks to it. Result: a beautiful smooth and unique backsplash

I've seen faux pressed tin in a roll and it looked really good! It's made out of a material that's waterproof and heat resistant and can be painted, too.

A friend of mine with a similar color scheme has a swirly-mosaic made of broken dishware, tiles, beads, hand-blown glass objects, etc. It's all set in back grout and it's AMAZING. I haven't seen anything else as unique.

I would do some colorful glass tiles. I like subway tiles, but I think the kitchen needs some color. Subway tiles would look too bland, in my opinion.

How about something like this - the tin ceiling thing - but comes in a roll and CHEAP ...
http://talissadecor.com/catalog/faux-tin-backsplash-rolls

Tile is slowly going out of style, backsplashes made from a variety of different materials are being used more and more. Materials such as glass, stainless steel and pressed aluminium often mean far less joins for a more seamless look. Few joins also mean less grime to build up, and no grout to keep white.

Glass is great for a modern sleek look. The glass is painted in virtully any cover, and it's this side that is attached to the wall.

Stainless steel pairs great with an industrial or ahigh-end commercial look. Pressed aluminium makes a great contrast to a modern kitchen, or a new addition a traditional kitchen

this should read "The glass is painted in virtully any colour,"

Consider unique hand painted ceramic tile murals:

http://www.jerusalempottery.biz/products/Tiles/tile_murals.htm

See photos:

http://www.jerusalempottery.biz/portfolio/new/kitchen_backsplash_tile_gallery.html

I'd go for coloured glass or mirror for the backsplash.

I was having a hard time committing to a tile color, and also spending a bunch of money (our kitchen is large), so I painted vertical stripes for a backsplash with some text over the stove. I love it! It really didn't take that long, and I can change it pretty much whenever I feel like it.
http://woodlandfoursquare.blogspot.com/2011/07/backsplash-for-now.html

I love your kitchen finishes. If I were doing the stripes in your kitchen, I would probably do a grey with cobalt and soft teal stripes. Good luck!