The counter and the backsplash are what's contemporary in the space. What look are you trying to achieve? I would remove the current backsplash and replace with something that appeals to you if you want a change.

I would keep the counters as they are very nice and find a fun backsplash, so many choices to choose from, you do not have to go with plain white unless that is what you want.

New back splash with a contemporary pattern.

I agree to just replace the backsplash. You can do anything really.

Change the backsplash

Replace the backsplash. Add under cabinet lighting if you don't have it already. White subway tile or soft sea glass color are good, but you have many options.

Anna's Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Thank you so much for all the comments. Does anyone have ideas what tile to use to tie the counters in with the cabinets?

do you have under cabinet lights in place? that will help.
if you want more contemporary, try some of these at Tilebar. they will also send you 5 samples for $5! I love this Harliquin tile. I have a sample of it myself.

or this heirloom from floor and decor

they also have this linear bar calacatta marble tile

maybe a black chevron w/white grout. (or vice versa)

marble ledger panel. (these come in flat fronts too)

or something like this design but in diff colors. (or just do white w/black grout)

same w/this one. you could do shades of white, or blacks and grays

I really like Beth's tile bar styte tile for your space. I vote no on the multicolored horizontal bars. The Arabesque tile is one of my favorites, but more for a traditional/transitional styled kitchen.

found some others

here are other examples that match your set up

here's one showing you the under cabinet lighting I was talking about in my first comment. . good lighting is imperative in a kitchen w/black countertops

Since you want to keep the modern look, avoid the patterned and smaller busy tiles for the back splash. Keep it simple with a solid surface, a subway or glass tile, or a shaped white tile.

You may want a contemporary look, but you have traditional cabinets. There’s only so much you can do to make the look contemporary. Keep your bs monochromatic, but don’t be afraid to introduce some color other than black or white. Also, a marble tile might be nice with its interplay on gray and white.

I can't Thank everyone enough!

eam44, you have very good point I really like the marble and was considering that since its current and ties in the cabinets with counters.

i posted several marble tile options. a little more contemporary, go w/the calacatta bar (first batch of pics I posted). in the second batch there are other marble subways.

Tilebar lets you order 5 samples for 5 bucks. they have a ton of marble options. check over there if you like

.

Agree with others that you don’t have to change the countertops! I think Carrara marble would look nice with those cabinets and counter. Just make sure to bring samples first and make sure the colors go well together in real life. I like the graphic black and white pattern tiles that Beth posted too, but I’d be nervous to have a strong pattern with all the repeating boxes on your cabinets (that look like another pattern to me). Fyi, I’m not a designer, just interested in design!

Glad I was able to find something you like. It’s the size of the tiles that creates that look, so think larger format, none of that fussy mosaic stuff. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I think that your current kitchen is contemporary looking. VERY dramatic and beautiful. The only thing I would do is add a couple of pendent lights