What is it that DH doesn't like about "subway tile". Is it the offset pattern? The basic solid colour tiles?

Crackle tile-I am intrigued by this-DH doesn't mind it either as it is has a little bit of variation. How bad is the maintenance on this?

What maintenance? I have crackle tile. It was sealed on installation. Other than that, I wipe off splatters just like any other tile.

My DH wasn't in love with the plain subway either. We ALMOST went with a beveled crackle until we both agreed we liked this Crema Marfil best with our Typhoon Bordeaux. It is more creamy than other marbles we had looked at. Not sure if this is your cup of tea or even a good match.

Here it is stepping back at bit

I have crackle subways that I love. Zero maintenance.

amberm, to DH they are 'bathroom' tile. I guess he could be persuaded with a different size or arrangement. He will let me veto him on it but I wanted to look at all alternatives before going that route.

jellytoast, I am worried about the same thing-too much variation will add a pattern by itself. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Phonelady, that crema marfil is a perfect match for your Typhoon Bordeaux. It looks fabulous-I think in part because the pattern in the backsplash is muted in comparison to your stone. I will see if it will work with my stone. I will have another problem as the stone has two distinct regions-one cream and one gray that will end up on two sides of the galley. Finding a backsplash tile that will work with both is going to be a challenge in and of itself!

sjhockeyfan and linelle, Glad to hear that your crackle tile doesn't need maintenance other than sealing. I was told by one salesman that it is as difficult to maintain as marble. That worried me as I am a messy cook and want a tile that is bulletproof.

Any manufacturer suggestions for the crackle subway tile?

I used Horus art crackle subway (I think that's the name) a years ago but haven't heard it even mentioned on these forums.

Test

Well, crap! Stupid internet destroyed my post!

Anyway, check out this kictehn with ienna bordeaux and light to mid-tone cabs. The desigener says it is a glass tile from Architectural Ceramics but it is soooo quietly gorgeous!

[Contemporary Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Bethesda Kitchen & Bath Remodelers Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

That is a lovely picture, greenhaven. Thanks. I looked up Architrctural ceramics and it seems like a big $$$ name. Will have to look for less expensive alternatives!!

The crackle tile we were leaning towards was ADEX. This is a picture of the sample board we brought home

Personally I'm not a fan of tiles with movement (crackle, marble, etc) and a granite countertop - I think it still looks too busy. I'd still go with a solid porcelain/ceramic color. The beveled tile idea might work or different shapes (2x6, 2x8, 4x4, etc) or offset to different levels (not offset, 4x4 in diamond shape) etc. Good luck.

That is a lovely picture, greenhaven. Thanks. I looked up Architrctural ceramics and it seems like a big $$$ name. Will have to look for less expensive alternatives!!

I feel the same as ChristyMcK--you do one or the other with movement, especially in a small galley like yours. The shadows in bevels adds more pattern than a regular subway.

Your home is a little contemporary, right? I wouldn't do a 3 x 6" subway unless they were stacked. Maybe a stacked 4 x 6. I think the elongated hexagon tiles are pretty cool, and maybe they wouldn't be too busy with matching grout if your granite is on the calmer side of busy.

That is a lovely picture, greenhaven. Thanks. I looked up Architrctural ceramics and it seems like a big $$$ name. Will have to look for less expensive alternatives!!

ChristyMcK and may_flowers, I agree-I don't want the backsplash to clash with the granite. I would just like a little bit of variation or interest. I personally can't see the movement in the crackle tile but that might be because I haven't seen a full installation of it yet.
I wouldn't do the standard installation or size on the subway tile-I am liking the 3X12 size or even 2X8. I just have to get more samples to play with.
Maybe the beveled tile could work. Thanks for the pic, Phonelady.
I would love to get more manufacturer suggestions to look for-thanks for your advice!

jellytoast - what porcelain tile did you use to keep it neutral and simple?