Having just gone through this I strongly recommend not even thinking about this until the counter is not only chosen but installed. Nothing we thought we would like originally ended up working. Even tile we brought with us when we chose the stone didn't look good in the kitchen after the stone was installed.

Christina's advice is spot on (and her counters & backsplash are perfect together). What I chose before countertop install and held up to the slab in the stoneyard & what I chose after install - totally different.
You might want to post a new thread asking for pics of cherry shaker cabinets, to get an idea of the overall look of countertops & backsplash that appeals to you. Or Houzz.

Ditto above comments. I'm glad I waited until countertops in since color wasn't exactly as I was initially thinking. They installed my countertop very close to wall (no gaps between counter and wall), so I won't feel pressed to get a backsplash up to hide any gaps.

As a card-holding member of the ABB club, I recommend that you install the cabinets and countertop, and then wait for inspiration to strike for the backsplash. (and wait and wait and wait)

Here's something else to consider.... if there is a backsplash design or tile you love, choose your countertop with THAT in mind. For example, I have customers who love slate or a busy travertine, but they already picked and installed their busy granite and those two don't go together. I put in a busier New Venetian Gold, knowing that the veiny, busy tile I liked would have to be more subdued. In my next kitchen (!) I think I would do well with a single color, calming quartz and make my backsplash a little more exciting. Both are nice, in the end, though. You have to make one choice first to then make the other, either way.

I disagree with the advice given above, as I believe that the two elements (backsplash/counter) should be chosen together. This way you don't get locked in by your granite choice, and if you find tile you love you can choose a counter that works with it. There are too many people here that have been forced by their granite into the default of white or creamy subways-- I have nothing against white or creamy subway tile, but it should be by choice and not due to the tyranny of your countertop.

The backsplash I ended up with would never have worked if I hadn't coordinated it with my countertop choice at the outset. I'm a firm believer in the concept of coordinating all your major design elements at the outset for a more cohesive look.

I started to look before my counters were in but waited on final decision until afterwards - even though I thought I picked what I wanted - I changed my mind after seeing it in real life.

I think it is important to decide the kitchen diva - do you want the counter of BS to be the star - usually, you can't have both.

Bob - we need to get you out of the ABB club!

Perfectly said Sas95. One would think that with all the tiles out there, it would be a finch to pick one to match the granite. Unfortunately this is often not the case.

The best 2 looking backsplashes, that always match the granite that you choose, are a backsplash of the same granite, or NO backsplash at all.

Granite does not have grout lines, so not only do you have a color difference by choosing a tile or whatever but you go from a nice smooth surface to something with "Butt Ugly" grout lines and all broken up, (right above the granite) instead of 1 solid piece like the granite is.

I mean, look at the work and the post you see about getting a "perfect seam" on adjoining granite pieces, and all the grief when the seam is not perfect~~~yet that same poster will have right above the granite, (something called a backsplash) that is a Missmash of tiles or whatever and grout and a ton of imperfect lines!!! (or even if perfect lines), they are still ugly to me!!!!

Gary