I'm inclined to say the lighter of the two, as your tiling will visually encroach into your adjoining space, beyond that breakfast bench. Because the tiles will not be installed between walls, with an open end, a dark tile would be difficult to integrate in paint schemes without dating quickly. I don't think the dark would be an issue as far as depth of colour goes, I just feel the subtlety and lightness of the soft grey is more sophisticated in a period home. While the dark grey lends itself to a more contemporary environment. If the spalshback in question was a different layout, ie stream lined or enclosed I would like the charcoal myself, but in considering your entire layout, I would go the other route.

This is the 'black' version. Do you think that it will still get lost and we need something with more punch. Still deciding on best material/colour for splashback. We will have a window over the sink and glass fronted cabinets along the wall behind the island bench. This is the light we thought we could use above the sink (probably not enough space for downlights to be installed) http://www.fatshackvintage.com.au/products/city-hall-flush-mount-light. Thank you

You may have already made a decision on this but I thought I'd just weigh in with my thoughts anyway ... six months ago we finished fitting out a new kitchen and we are thrilled with both the look and the practicality of it all. Initially I was going to go down the glass splash back track but eventually I chose tiles because I decided that, for me, the seamless splash back was a bit bland and same same. I also love blue, brown and white as a palette – and the tiles I chose were just slightly wonky (not too crazy – they still had to be easy to wipe over etc), rectangular, hand-made Spanish tiles in a lovely duck-egg blue. The slight wonkiness means they catch the light beautifully as you move around the room. The benches and cupboards are a warm white and the large island bench is a fantastic slab of spotted gum with another long piece of spotted gum on the upstand behind the sink. Behind the stove (which is the only place that the real concern about grotty grout really comes into play) we have a stainless steel splash back going up to the rangehood. Not sure if this helps but I am thrilled with my kitchen and have no regrets about going with interesting tiles.

Louise, your dilemma is one that pops up every other week: White kitchen. Stainless steel appliances. Seeking attractive, elegant and refined darker splashback that is good with kids. Willing to commit to relationship so should age well. Nothing too bold - something mama can adore too. If you live in Melbourne, visit the Urban Edge Ceramics store. It's more art gallery than showroom. Look at the Mutina line. Pictures can't do the gorgeous textures or it's subtlety and colors any justice. Be swept off your feet and overwhelmed with desire by your cooktop or kitchen sink...