A simple ceramic, light color drawn from your feature tiles, would make a nice field/backdrop to the dramatic tile behind the stove. You can do a herringbone, diagonal or other interesting layout, but using the "calmer" tiles.
Maybe have a rope liner along it with a frame in the same rope around your feature..... either in the same color as the field or in a darker color also pulled from the feature and/or counter (but not too much contrast).

I agree with the previous poster about not using more mottled toned tiles since you have the natural movement in the counter and floor already. I usually am biased that way as I think that natural movement, while lovely if done in balance, can be easily overdone.

As a r.e. agent, I see recently done kitchens all the time and can't recall too many that weren't filled with tumbled stone, which are pretty but very popular around here. I think the calmer tiles will be more classic for the long haul.

How much countertop lighting is installed under the upper cabinets?
Can you take a picture of this after dark?

Look at the lightest shades in bisazza or hirsch glass strips. http://www.hirschglasscorp.com/product.asp and think of combining it with something else. This is to generate ideas, this is not a recommendation for a purchase today.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg080006558343.html
kitchenkelly has tile that
- picks up one of the colors of the counter
- is irregular shape (each line is of a different height, each tile is of a different width) a bit like subway tile stretched out into random lengths and heights
- has a few small square tiles here and there too, to attract the eye
- is basically plain when seen as raw tile in the box
So, it both attracts attention and doesn't. Subtly doing both.

Here is a link that might be useful: backsplash calmer than counter

Here is my backsplash that I consider calm. I think our granite colors may be similiar.
{{!gwi}}

Also, the accent behind the cooktop.
{{!gwi}}

Good luck with your backsplash!

Here is my backsplash. I needed calm because my cabinets wood is busy.

Check the Finished Kitchens Blog (FKB). There are a couple of backsplash links in the navigation panel on the right of the FKB (Finished Backsplashes Slideshow & Inspirational Backsplashes).

Additionally, you can check out the countertop category in the FKB Categories. Find your granite "color" and see what others have done...

Good luck!

This is my first attempt at posting a photo, so I'm crossing my fingers it'll work. I apologize because the picture is a bit dark.

Anyhow, this is my backsplash, which I consider pretty calm. It's glossy marble, so not totally quiet, but there is no pattern in it, so it doesn't stand out.

steelerfan I am loving your backsplash and also behind the stove. Gorgeous!

Sugar Maple - Your back splash is quiet and lovely. What exactly is the stone you used, where did you get it? Thanks.

Thanks, sparklekitty. It's polished Crema Marfil marble, and I got it here in Toronto.

I've also got the 12 x 18 Crema Marfil tiles in my front hall and in the teeny powder room by the kitchen.

I like all the examples posted! I think countrygal's, in the right colors for your counter, would be especially nice.

I picked a color from my granite (baltic brown) for my backsplash. I found that it really pulled the whole kitchen together, and it's pretty quiet.

I like your choices, you might consider using one strip with the blue and browns as the listello, I think just the lighter tile might be a "little too calm".

Good luck.