I agree! Go for what you love. Down the track at resale time, if you feel it's too dated then, there are many splash back materials that can be applied right over top of tile. Is it just the area behind the cook top that will be tiled? I think anything will feel like "too much" at first if you've become accustomed to how it currently is. It's like when you paint a room. It can feel overwhelming at first until you begin to put furniture and decor back in place. A simple way to trial colours is to tack up some wrapping paper, fabric, contact paper (backing left on) or whatever you find that has a colour you think could work. Try use things with different sheen/gloss. Even paint a board and prop it there. Leave for a few hours and see what does and doesn't work for you.

I have used man-made stone such as Caesarstone on my client's bench tops for years with no negative feedback thus far. If you are looking at Caesarstone and don't want a stark white, then consider Organic White, Frosty Carina or if your budget runs to it, Calacatta Nuvo (a marble lookalike). If you like grey, before they released their concrete range I used Oyster. I agree with Focus Kitchens & Bathrooms, you would be better to visit a showroom and have a look at a large sheet of any you are considering. It gives you a much better idea of not only colour variation but the overall pattern. If you do use 'stone' on the bench top there is an emerging trend of running it up onto the splash back as well. This works well if your design style is classic or modern classic (transitional).

I'm going to suggest these grey Montage tiles. I think the Como tiles are nice too. Dark grey will add drama and balance out the dark sink. The mixed tones will tie in the variations of grey and silver in the bench tops, appliances and glass door frames. The stone/slate look will add a natural element to complement the wooden floor and balance out the laminate. If you do go for colour, I like Bernadette's suggestion of complementing the glass colour. A tile that looks like pale jade might be nice.

Hi Hu, I love the window in your kitchen, if you go white subway tiles a stack pattern would add a contemporary look and white grout would give a clean and stylish look and blend beautifully with any decor items you add.