While I have no suggestions for the backsplash, I did want to say how beautiful that kitchen is. I'm really digging what they did on top of the cabinets.
I do think stainless tile would be too much stainless. Maybe a crackle subway? Or something with a design like an arabesque style tile to soften the straight lines and black and white a bit?

arabesque tiles: there are other colors as well
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/SomerTile-12.5x12.5-in-Morocco-Glossy-White-Porcelain-Mosaic-Tile-Pack-of-10/4798935/product.html

or wavy tiles:
http://www.glasstilestore.com/shop-by-colors-now/bronze/metallic-sidewinder-3x12-glass-tile.html

Maybe a crackle that has a hint of tan? A subway or squares would look nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: Encore Crackle Tiles.... Uh La La

What a neat space! How about something like the stainless tile you like above the range up to the hood and possibly a vertical shiplap for the backsplash?

I'm kind of biased because I'm doing shiplap in my space but I just didn't find a tile that I liked and I thought it would add a lot of character without being too flashy.

I also love crackle tiles like those that have been suggested.

With your neutral palette you could also choose a color it seems. Maybe a green?

Thank you for the suggestions and compliments!!! Speaking of arabesque style...Here is a picture of a tile that I fell in love with, but it is almost $120/sq ft. Do you guys have any suggestions/opinions about something like this and where I might be able to find a similar style for cheaper?

That's a pic of one tile which has calcatta marble and glass. For a similar look, maybe just get whitish arabesque tiles and use a wider grout line?
How about the one below.

Here is a link that might be useful: beveled arabesque tile

What do you guys think of this backsplash - take a look at installed images. I know it is not arabesque, but overall look gives that circular and geometric feel that I am looking for. Apologies for not uploading a picture - not sure how to do it from the site...

http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/stone-mosaics/stone-mosaics-patterns/florentine-asian-statuary-marble-tile-with-athens-gray-line.html

KS,
That's a really cool backsplash! It has a more modern feel which is what you wanted right?
I would definitely order a sample though or maybe print out a couple of sheets of paper with the image and line around your kitchen to see how it would feel from far and close up. It's a lot of small tiles so you have to be the judge of of how busy you like it.

This is at the glasstilestore.

This one is also at the glasstilestore

One more from the glasstilestore. Check out their site!!

Hi again! I think I made a decision about backsplash. I really like this Carrara marble one and I am thinking of now repainting the kitchen walls gray color to make the whole kitchen work together. The tile is much lighter in person (I got a sample) - it is white with some gray speckles and the accent/wavy lines are medium gray. What do you guys think? I will upload the paint color in the next post. Almost 100% sure about the tile but still time to pick another paint color, so please let me know your thoughts.

Here is the paint I am considering

Pretty tile. Have you sampled the paint in your kitchen? Another clear, clean gray is BM La Paloma Gray, #1551. I painted my kitchen & FR this grey & love it. Very fresh looking.

This post was edited by romy718 on Sat, Mar 8, 14 at 0:01

Thank you! Will check it out.

I actually love that last tile you posted, and the middle tile teachertile posted. Both will give your kitchen the movement/texture I think it is asking for.

I was going to suggest something stone-like or split face for those reasons, but I don't think they would quite fit with your kitchen, which is impressive.

Home Depot has an arabesque tile in a light green that I think could be lovely with your color scheme. I tried to attach a link, not sure if it will work.

If you are trying to streamline your kitchen, I would consider removing all of that trim above the cabinets, it definitely makes them much more traditional looking.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home Depot arabesque tile

Hello. I wanted to share the final look of the tile and color. Thank you for all your help! I know it has been a while but that tile was backordered for months! Totally worth the wait though....

More pics - don't know how to upload multiples...

Here is a good view of the paint

That's gorgeous! My tile was ordered in May and is still not in, so I know the frustration of waiting months. And it's not even as pretty as yours! :) I can't imagine what takes so long to make tile. Glad it is finally done. You made great choices!

Thank you! :). I am sure yours will look beautiful once it's in. Please share pics!

Really pretty! Nice wine refrigerators too.

That is a beautiful choice OP. Enjoy!