Missvee's suggestion to choose the tiles as a final step is good advice. But, like you, I had a bit of a time crunch so I grabbed a cabinet door, one of my 12x12 floor tiles, and a bunch of sample boards from my tile place and headed off to the warehouse where the granite guys kept all their big slabs. The granite tends to make a big statement so seeing my cabinet door and flooring next to a big slab instead of the small granite sample made it much clearer which tiles I worked best. Although I loved the glass and stainless tiles in the tile shop, I eliminated them quite quickly once I saw them next to the granite slab. My eye just kept coming back to the matte, bone subway tiles because they pulled everything together instead of making another statement. My tile guy suggested putting in an accent row of the glass tiles if I really wanted them, but, in the end, I went with keeping the focus on the granite and the wood.
I think kitchen design is not that different than putting together an outfit. Wood cabinets, wood flooring, and granite all are patterns so you want them to play nicely with each other. The finishes on granite, fixtures, and appliances add shine and sparkle, so figure out how much of a magpie you are. Do you like ALGO (mixing colors, textures, and patterns) or do you prefer a more modern, minimal look? Do you like everything smooth and polished, or do you gravitate to a more textured, RATE look? How much will be on daily display on your counters and cabinets (those items count as more pattern, shine, color)? And, finally, it's easy to fall in love with a gorgeous tile, or fun idea, (or orange moto?), but, ultimately, pay attention to that small voice trying to tell you something might be a impulsive infatuation and what you really are looking for is a long term relationship. While it's easy to get caught up in the eye candy, it's probably wise to realize that neutrals (wardrobe essentials?) can be what pulls things together.
