We did a heavy textured tile (each tile also has a different imprint design) in the same size but I went with white grout not to bring out the irregular grout lines too much. I feel it gives texture but not over the top! the pic u posted looks badly laid and they are different size tiles. There is great textured tile at Amber tile or colour tile (I'm in Sydney) otherwise I think like your husband suggests and go with the standard subway (but change grout to black for that industrial feel) otherwise how do you feel about a beveled subway? That would of been my next choice!

Subway Tiles make great splach backs. Capping the subway tiles with an Atrim aluminium trim would add the finishing touch, nothing looks worse than the raw edge of tiles being exposed. (It just looks unfinished) You could use powdercoated white trim which would finish the tile while blending into the tiles or you could get a much bolder look by using the anodized matt silver which will match your grout and frame your splash back.

Hi Emma. I'm not sure about shape of tile giving impression room is larger, but I do think large in either shape is the way to go. There are likely Houzz Stories which address this topic if you want to do a search. May I ask which pattern you have in mind for the subways? If there are other tile stores in your area, I urge you to visit them as the advice and helpfulness in the customer service can vary considerably.

For the small amount of range hood that would be in contact with the undulating subway tiles, I do not see a problem.