I think the first picture is fine. Once it's up you'd be surprised how "not busy" or conflicting with the counter top it is. The second picture is too close in the design to the counter and highlights not only the difference, but looks more confusing and busy to me.

I think you will regret any of those options. What is the rush? We see so many instances of, Help, I Hate My Backsplash on this forum. Take your time choosing what you really like that looks good. Some people wait almost a year to do the blacksplash.

If you really have to do this in a rush, then my choice would either be the white on the left or the smaller grey in the middle of the 3. If you are able to put your tiler off for a few days, you might consider taking a bit more time with your decision. I love herringbone and I think it is very classic styling and a good choice. You just need to find the right one for your space. As someone else posted, if you go with the white, I'd consider a light grey grout colour. Make up a sample board and try some different grouts to help you visualize the finished product.

None of the above. A plain light gray ceramic. None of that patterned pattern.

If you have to rush, the white is the best of the choices. But it's real marble? and you have a faux-marble stone, so it's not the best combo IMHO. I would not rush your backsplash....

Your counters are really busy, so I'd suggest very simple. If you have a way to post pic of your entire kitchen, we could get a better idea of how much space you have to work with.

Perhaps a simple herringbone layout with a larger format white porcelain crackle or in 3x12 or 4x12....

https://www.flooranddecor.com/search?q=white%20subway

https://www.flooranddecor.com/porcelain-ceramic-decoratives/artisan-frost-porcelain-tile-100185792.html#q=white+subway&start=9

This hex is nice too....

https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-decoratives/white-hexagon-white-body-ceramic-tile-100301712.html#start=2

I am sorry but I don't think a herringbone pattern, regardless of its color, works with your chosen counters. Either the counters are the attention-getter or the backsplash is. You need to pick ONE as the wow item, not both. Having the herringbone pattern, or a competing marble-like pattern tile, with the counter pattern will make you uneasy. I think Sophie's recommendation above is the best one.

What color is your wall paint? I love it!

Miranda, we can all agree to disagree. I happen to love herringbone in white or light gray in a 3x12 or 4x12 pattern! It's gorgeous!

I also agree with Sophie. A gray subway would be gorgeous and classic. The counters have a lot of movement. I'd let them be the star.

If it were us we would choose a plain white subway or a light grey because all of the other options you have posted are much too busy for backsplash options.

White Kitchen · More Info

Artistic Urban Remodel · More Info

Btw, your light bulbs are giving off a yellow glow. Switch them to daylight bulbs for a brighter, white kitchen.

Looks very nice. Do you have more pictures to share? I like the herringbone. Are you happy with it? That is the key thing - it doesn't matter what the rest of us thought at all....it has to make you happy. I hope that is the case. It looks like a lovely job. Well done.

^^^”That is the key thing - it doesn't matter what the rest of us thought at all....it has to make you happy.”

So why bother giving advice at all or coming here for advice?

Hi Anna (6B/7A in MD),

The OP obviously made her decision, with or without any input from those of us who posted. Maybe we helped solidify her decision or maybe she made her final choice based on advice she received here. But, the really important thing is that she is happy with her choice as she paid for it and she is the one who will be looking at it daily.

Looks great!