Kitchen of the Week: Exquisite Artistic Backsplash

Anita Roll Murals I love the backsplash!

kennedytarheel the backspash IS the kitchen! wow!

matthewizzo.com Great colors

smoore The dumb waiter and the "free-for-all" fridge are great ideas! A lot of thought went into this kitchen.

Three Legged Pig Design Beautiful backsplash!

deeamin i love it , so colorful and inviting to cook :)

Beth Lots if wonderful ideas in this kitchen. Especially like that the black splash is allowed to be the focal point sans a lot of clutter in counters etc. And the pillow in the table area pick up on the back splash colours.

hometipster It's unusual, it's unique, it's colorful and I love it. Yep, this is something I would really love in my home. For anyone wanting to know how to tile a splashback / backsplash here's a step by step guide for you. http://hometipster.com/how-to-tile-a-splashback/

Thanks for a really nice article.

theatomichouse Wow, what a stunning focal point. It really makes the room.

ARTnBED Like this artful approach!

mynexthome I love the seating area, colorful pillows (by the round table) and artistic tile back splash. This kitchen definitely makes socializing and completing home work more fun. The 2 fridge option is nice, too!. Definitely a cheery, functional kitchen.

astraea I happen to like the colors of this backspash .. but. My kitchen has what I'm sure the previous owner thought was an "artistic backsplash"; in a strong shade of green, to go with olive green walls. I'd prefer a much more subtle beach/water palette, and repainted in BM's "pale teal", but had enough other expenses, that "replacing the ceramic tile backsplash" wasn't in the budget. So unless someone plans to be in their home 10+ years, perhaps they shouldn't commit future owners to a very personal design or color scheme.

cottagedream Stunning backsplash! The island functionality is well thought out.

cflorov The backsplash is an amazing art piece but it is not long before you realize the whole kitchen is tastefully done. We at Home Market Deals found the whole room interesting.

cindyz01 Bar stools

sabou Does anyone know where one can purchase those drop pendants over the island?

twilightblue It doesn't seem to keep the traditional "workers triangle", I am trying to reconfigure my kitchen and wonder how much of an inconvenience it would be to have the fridge on a separate wall than the stove top. Does anyone work in a kitchen now that has this kind of set-up and have any feedback for me?

edgedale In thinking about Astreas comment and needing to do something with a tiny budget I wonder if a wall treatment like this wouldn't be possible with either painting or wallpapering then covering with plate glass. The glass could be removed later and the wall re-painted or papered. With a stove in front the glass would be easy to clean. Wonder if anyone reading these comments has done something like (seen ideas here on Houzz) and can comment on costs and upkeep?

jhowellfineart The backsplash is spectacular. We are in the process of trying to figure out a backsplash for our new kitchen and picked out glass tiles and took them down because we thought it was too busy. It is a modern kitchen with high gloss white cabinets, gray/green caesar stone counters and light oak floors, so it can handle some color. Any ideas? This is really inspiring and makes me want to do something fun with it. Doubt we can afford something this fancy but gives me courage to do something out of the ordinary. Thanks.

7lexi7 Great kitchen. Wow. I'm impressed. I'm also taken with how a craftsperson can add something incredibly beautiful and unusual to your home.

bcarroll27 The stainless cabinet doors are an interesting look, they unify the sweep and allow the colors of the glass to pop. Not an inexpensive kitchen!

scneal00 Yellow kitchens

ModCraft The backsplash is gorgeous! As a maker of handmade tile in the U.S. I can say that our clients at ModCraft have had a very successful time changing the entire feel of a kitchen simply with backsplash tile....

davisbj AWESOME!!! Great ideas throughout the entire kitchen.

marie_odile Dear Astraea,

Actually I prefer your backsplash, less "busy", but I agree that matching the tile to the wall colour was an unfortunate choice. A lighter colour would have opened up the space more and probably be easier to keep clean. However, it's just tile. Tile can be removed with a wide chisel. It's a bit of work, but I've done it. My tile mason didn't have time to do it, said he could install new tile for me if I removed the old, and he showed me how. Once you get into a rhythm it goes pretty fast.

eileenpateras so tasteful and fresh!

astraea Marie - If I'd bought a "fixer upper", I'd be happy to put $25K into assorted kitchen changes. But with what I spent buying this house, and another $140K on assorted necessities, the last thing I care to do, is deal with ceramic tile replacement on my own. Dark green kitchen tile is way down on my priority list, after a new main bathroom! (LOL)

morgana44 Twilightblue...I was in several open houses inside a development about a year ago and one of the houses had exactly that plan. It was a 'new' concept according to the builder brochure to redirect kids, non-cooks and guests from the working section of the kitchen. However, the general comments were nobody wanted to walk around counters to pull something from the fridge. That house is still unsold while the rest of the open houses are long since off the market. I'd say a small fridge set into the outer side of the island would be good for the kiddies.

Otherwise that's a lovely kitchen and it obviously works for them. The backsplash is fantastic.

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch Marie is right. Usually the tiles can be removed with a chisel and once you get into a rhythm it goes pretty fast. However if the tiles are PROPERLY installed, it is not that easy. Therefore sometimes and especially for some kitchen backsplashes I recommend to tile over existing tile. It goes faster, less messy and it saves you time and money. However it is only possible if the old tiles are installed properly. If not, you have to remove the old tile before you can install the new tiles.

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

davisbj I hope the owners didn't get rid of that great round family table. It looked great there.

Ann Smitt I'm glad they used local artisans for this project. The backsplash reminds me of the sea. Love it.

astraea Am I also the only person who prefers having work done professionally in my house, so I don't wind up breaking my nails & being black & blue? I painted my condo & first 2 houses myself, when I was in my 20s & 30s. Now I'm 60 & my "reward" is to have the pros do things; they do a better job, take a lot less time, I won't get stuck in the middle because I don't have the strength in my arms or back to continue, and I won't have to buy any special equipment I'll probably never use again for at least another 10 years.

Beth edgedale: In thinking about Astreas comment and needing to do something with a tiny budget I wonder if a wall treatment like this wouldn't be possible with either painting or wallpapering then covering with plate glass. The glass could be removed later and the wall re-painted or papered. >>>>>>

That's a brillinat suggestion!!!!!! And it would allow someone to try a wall paper of different styles that could be done in glass tiles later on.

writerinfact Like the kitchen as a whole, love the backsplash, CRAVE the pendants! Of course, being the only cook and sole proprietor, the pair of refrigerators may be overkill in my case, but I'm sure I could live any issues; not like (dare I bring it up?) a corner sink - which is so not an issue in this wonderful kitchen.

marie_odile Hi Bertram, thank you for your comment to my suggestion. It's certainly easier to chisel off tile on a flat surface like a counter, which is what I did because I wanted to keep the wood casing (trim?).

I acknowledge your suggestion regarding laying tile over existing tile. I am doing just that with floor tile right now. My house is undergoing a reno, and the floor is being brought up to one level on the ground level to minimize falls/fractures risk. The electrician had to saw through four layers of tile and through the surface underneath the first layer of tile to create a trench for the wiring in the lounge. The house is over 200 years old, but there have only been four layers of tile during that time. Five, including mine. Photo attached for your amusement.

I have a related question for you. Can one lay tile over glued down linoleum?

Thank you.

marie_odile Point well taken Astraea ! I might have chosen something lighter or more neutral for the kitchen backsplash, but I find colours of nature quite acceptable and I don't personally replace surfaces that are in good condition. I agree with you about hiring professionals to do a good job. I chiseled the tile off two small bathroom counters for the tile mason because he didn't have time. He showed me how to do it, and left me the tools.

I agree with you about reflecting carefully on what one puts in place for a potential future owner. I'm 59, and present renovations (photo posted earlier) will be my choices for life. It's all going to be classic terra cotta. Presently it is a bit hard to find nice terra cotta tile in southern France because greys and whites are more popular. I don't think that trend will last.

Thanks for showing us your house.

dede45820 I like the wood floor, what is it?

trasgorshek Love the backsplash in this ideabook....very fun! Edgedale, there was another ideabook that showed fabric behind glass. That could be really fun with all the graphic patterns available. It's in the "14 Flashes of Design..." ideabook.

akarapetsas Too busy for my taste. Too many patterns that don' t work together., it the backsplash was with white or black cupboards, I may have loved it. But not with those cupboards.

Beth Also wanted to note this is a perfect kitchen for modern Texas. Not sure others noticed its a Texas house. And for Texas rather understated, for anyone who has been in a lot of the BIG houses that seem to be the norm.

PaintColorHelp.com Dallas So nice to see someone take a chance and actually create something they enjoy, instead of something generic for resale.

ashubsingh the whole layout is wonderful!

posenjit elegant

custom-tiles.com Very creative backsplash! And so practical due to its durability and cleanser resistance. For more modest budgets, reduce the costly and time-consuming handwork by using custom printed glass tiles. Client-selected photos/patterns/artwork permits unique and personal glass backsplash tile murals (excellent for showers, too). Picture here is of 8x8 custom printed glass tiles - we also print on 4x4, 6x6, and even textured 12x12 glass floor tiles. All images are printed on the backside of the glass, taking advantage of glass's durability and water resistance.

James Walton Beautiful backsplash! www.photolarkgallery.com

Jody Thompson Marie, I hope you will continue to post pictures of your renovation. I live in the Midwest U.S. and am considering terra cotta tile for my flooring. With my husband and I, four boys, three dogs and a lot of traffic - carpet and hardwood just isn't working for us. I've considering tiling the entire house, delineating room separations with tile borders / designs and adding radiant heat to some of the rooms for that winter time comfort. Is yours going to be tiled throughout?

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch Hello Marie,

Sorry, couldn't answer earlier. I was away for a couple days. You asked: "Can one lay tile over glued down linoleum?" The Answer is" No and Yes

Answer NO:
I don't recommend to set/lay tile direct over linoleum. You won't get the bondage you need to achieve an outstanding, long-lasting, and worry-free tile installation. You would need a special adhesive which bonds both the tiles and the linoleum properly together. I can't tell you right now if there is a thinset on the market which has this characteristic. Maybe there is one, however I didn't research this.

Answer YES:
You can, if you prepare your floor properly. In Germany I used in situations like this an underlayment product from Gutjahr:

http://www.gutjahr-gmbh.com/en/indoor-areas/products.html
http://www.gutjahr-gmbh.com/en/indoor-areas/products/uncoupling-systems/indortec-2e.html

which is similar to the Schluter Ditra mat. http://www.schluter.com/7214.htm

The difference to the ditra mat is, it will be not "glued" to the floor rather than it lays dry on the linoleum. I used it very often under tiles and never had a failure with it. It is just a great product. ☺

You also wrote:
"The electrician had to saw through four layers of tile and through the surface underneath the first layer of tile to create a trench for the wiring in the lounge. The house is over 200 years old, but there have only been four layers of tile during that time. Five, including mine. Photo attached for your amusement."

I never saw 4 layers of tile however as you can see, If properly installed it is not a problem at all. And it has many benefits. The only problems I would see would be the weight, if it was not installed on a concrete slab and maybe the height difference to other floors nearby.

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

marie_odile Thank you Bertram,

Thank you for your thoughtful replies to my questions.

The linoleum in question could probably be removed, I was just wondering about tiling over it. I have previously always had the lino removed.

The tile floor looked perfectly flat before they started digging trenches for the tradespeople to run wire and plumbing pipes.. The only problem was the short riser (tripping hazard) between the kitchen and salon. They are addressing that.

I am sure they will make conditions perfect for laying the new tile. It's very interesting to watch, so labour intensive. I have a very good contractor. In the courtyard and on the rooftop terrace there are imperceptible slopes away from the house so that water doesn't pool, rather it goes into my garden beds around the end of the courtyard, and the water from the rooftop terrace goes into a barrel for use in the garden.

I am looking for an interesting tile backsplash for above the hob and under the extractor in the kitchen. Does your company do this type of work? I prefer a tile mosaic on about 6" tile. I plan to be in Vancouver this fall, once in September and twice in October.

Thanks again for your reply.

Best wishes,

Beyond Wow Tile Art Murals The mural is pure whimsy . How could anyone be in a bad mood when cooking in that space!

shelleyde What a great kitchen!!!!

marie_odile It's a great backsplash, but I prefer a water theme (or at least it looks like water to me) in a bathroom.

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch Hi Marie,

You wrote: - "The tile floor looked perfectly flat before they started digging trenches for the tradespeople to run wire and plumbing pipes.."

These trenches for the wire and plumbing pipes can cause problems. There is a risk that the new tiles crack exactly over over those trenches because it is not anymore one coherent surface rather than a couple smaller independent surfaces. You can avoid this cracking risk by installing an antifraction membrane. This could be one of the above mentioned membranes or a different product. There are some other products also on the market.

Furthermore you wrote: "It's very interesting to watch, so labour intensive." I am glad to hear that. Indeed, when tilework is performed properly, it is labour intensive and you are a person who recognized this. ☺ And half of the time or even more is needed for a proper surface preparation. The preparation work is essential otherwise the tilework is from the beginning on sentenced to fail. And it is only a mater of time when this happens!

Regarding your interesting tile backsplash for above the hob and under the extractor in the kitchen, yes we do this type of work. Our company is sepcialiced to perform all kinds of tile work. We have more than 35 years of experience in installing all types of tiles, mosaic, granite, marble, stone slab and masonry as well as tiling heated floors, balconies, patio terraces, and outdoor steps for residential, public, and commercial construction projects.

I look forward to hearing from you. You can call me anytime: 778-886-8603

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

marie_odile Thank you for your kind reply Bertram.

My question about linoleum pertains to my home in Canada. I will suggest that the linoleum be removed and tile put down on a proper plywood subfloor. When renos were in progress years ago the lino was new and I didn't want to pull up a product that was still in good condition.

I appreciate your advice about the tile floor in the France house. There are actually three previous layers of tile, not four. I will ask my contractor how the surface will be prepared for tile. I believe she said that they will build up the kitchen floor to the same level as the lounge, then a skim of concrete will be poured throughout, and the tile put down. It would be unfortunate for the tile to fail where the trenches are, because that is a traffic area and it would be quite noticeable.

The roof has been completely replaced, the ceilings plaster-boarded over and sturdy beam reinforcement added to the pre-existing sturdy beams. There are no termite problems thankfully. The wood plank top floor is being prepped for tile with a skim of concrete. A top floor terrace was created by cutting back the attic roof on the courtyard side. The change cannot be seen from below, so it conforms to 'heritage' requirements.

I will try to get out to Maple Ridge to talk to you about the backsplash. I might carry the tile over for the backsplash; on the other hand Barcelona is a four hour drive from my place and some have suggested that I go there to buy tile. French contractors don't generally like it when people bring their own tile from Spain, because half the time clients don't know what they're doing and it turns into twice the work and twice the expense.

Once again, thanks for your help.

Best wishes,

Darzy Beautiful kitchen. Stunning backsplash. LOVE it.

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch Hello Marie,

Thanks for considering our company to perform the tile work in your Canada home. You won't regret it. ☺

You wrote:
"I will ask my contractor how the surface will be prepared for tile. I believe she said that they will build up the kitchen floor to the same level as the lounge, then a skim of concrete will be poured throughout, and the tile put down."

I assume this "skim of concrete" is a self leveling compound which is a good idea to bring the whole surface absolutely in level so your tiles won't have any lipages after they were installed. I would do the same, however this will not prevent the tiles from cracking. (See picture below.)

Underneath this small layer of self leveling compound you have still those different and independent surfaces. The risk that the cracks go right through the tile surface is still present. I wouldn't give you any guarantee that this will not happen. Therefore I highly recommend to install on top of the self leveling compound right underneath the tiles an antifraction membrane. There are very thin (1/16") membranes available on the market.

http://www.google.ca/search?q=anti+fracture+membrane&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-CA:IE-SearchBox&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=D0BIULinDInUigLX94HoBA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=1010

Marie I think our last comments here both yours and mine are a bit out of the topic. - "Kitchen of the Week: Exquisite Artistic Backsplash" Maybe some of the visitors expect something else.

Therefore I suggest to discuss further conversations regarding your projects by email or you could also open a new discussion here on houzz: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/all

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

Insufficient preparation work. Those tiles are cracked over a vertical stud.

Susan Jablon Mosaics Yay mosaics! Always stunning!

jojo132 Stunning kitchen but the splashback is such a wow feature that I'd probably get bored with it after a few years.

Elisabeth Clark The backsplash is gorgeous..color and form.

heyjude1128 O M G....LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE, IT!!!!!!!!!!!

jacksonbeth Another idea would be to take advantage of this tile backsplash from Web Don, called Kitchen Palette. We just used this in our kitchen and its awesome. You can interchange the over piece over the stove or sink.
http://www.web-don.com/our-products/adhesives-tools-misc/kitchen-palette/