Thank-you. Too kind. :)

I was thinking black as as soon as I started reading this thread, and then Aaron Sherwood said it. Congrats for the bold choice of a black and white kitchen. Having started that theme, a black backsplash would complete it beautifully. Let the beauty of the patterned white countertop marble shine on its own. Any variation of white or gray would compete unnecessarily with it, and gray is just not called for, as the material of the stainless steel should also have it's own stage, and not be copied in a different material. I love Aaron's pick of the herringbone pattern, but you could also go with a simple rectangle, brick pattern with matching black grout, In a honed type finish to match the marble. I hope this helps. Beautiful! (oh, and go to a basic supplier like Dal Tile for this. Nothing fancy or extravagant needed)! Good luck!

Hi Kelley, after looking back at everything, herringbone is a great pattern! A solid tile in glass or ceramic so it doesn't compete with beautiful countertops, go light on grout, maybe match the grout with the white in your cabinets? I think a medium gray or gray/blue Colt tile would look awesome. Or the stacked stone pattern is really nice, I like your original pictures with the stacked stone on the very right.

When I built my first house, a friend of ours who owns a glass company suggested mirror for the back splash. I thought it would be weird, but it turned out beautiful! I have since used mirror in two other kitchens. It brings in natural light from the outside, it is easy to clean and at night I dim the under-counter lights and it gives the kitchen a wonderful soft glow.

I love the herringbone in marble. Would have done that but it would have competed with the countertop. Didn't know you didn't want to do subway tile since I do not always sign in here. But I have to say white marble subway tile is timeless. Love it. Even did our bath surround in this.

To the folks who don't like subway tiles because everybody has them...it SEEMS like everybody has them cuz it's popular on houzz. Not everybody is remodeling their kitchen. I'm the only one I know that has subway tiles.

Subway tile is in all the decorating magazines, catalogs like pottery Barn as well as Houzz. It never goes out of style.

You got some great ideas. I think any of the ones that Natalie posted would give you a nice classic white/stainless look with just a little pizazz in a different shape from subway tile. You could also consider adding some subdued color like green (which may tie in with the cabinet glass?) or blue like your bowl. This pictures is one of my favorite white kitchens on Houzz with the soft green tile:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-new-houzz-survey-reveals-what-you-really-want-in-your-kitchen-stsetivw-vs~19056290

kelley, love the marble herringbone. Go for it! Classy.

Hi Kelly, really it all comes down to personal preference. Everyone has different tastes and what some people see as busy, others may see as beautiful... sames goes for people who may view something as a classic while others will see it as boring. You're the one who has to live with it so make sure it's something you love. That being said, if you don't love it don't fret - it is only a backsplash and you can change it. My recommendation would be to keep searching until you find that "AHA!" piece that you love. Here are a few pics I snapped in our showroom if you're still searching for ideas:

... and a few more pics. I also like the ovals you picked out - looks like DalTile mosaics we have here. I'm definitely gravitating towards the black & white scheme for your kitchen. I'm not sure if you can see but the first photo actually has a steel grey with a faint blue to it. And of course there are tons of glass tiles in a variety of colour and shapes and marbles in shapes like hexagons, rounds, oblongs, etc. Good luck in your search, your kitchen looks great!

Hi Kelly, beautiful kitchen and loads of great ideas. I think it all gets a bit predictable when you stick with black and white only. I like the idea of a matte stainless tile in an interesting shape that brings a different texture but allows you introduce color in your accessories and change over the years.

Am I correct when I say that any material choice needs to be viewed up against all the materials that will butt up against it? and that there's more liberty when it's farther apart in a space/ or adjoining somehow.........

Kelley, I think your dark sample looks nice too! A bit edgy/different but I think it will look good for years: natural material in a neutral color and pattern. Plus: you can change the backsplash down the road too. Go for it!

'floortrends' and others who posted photo of that rounded tile, elegant... in soft blue if white isn't certain?

Stainless or grey subway. Mosaic is too busy, clashes with the pattern in the counter top. The darker color will help tie in the island.

dimom
if you are the maid/cook at your house consider the level of the surface. cleaning all those beautiful crooks and crannies can be a huge irritant and they will get a film of grease and dust in them. . .often.

Of all of the suggestions and helpful advice, I still like the herringbone pattern/tile that you showed Kelly. In Europe this design has been around for centuries, so it will be timeless (at least for a while!?). When subway tile is suggested, there are so many options in finishes, edging, crackle, size, pattern, that it can be flattering and different and that's why I think it is popular, not just because it's "au courant". No matter what you decide on...glass, stainless, stone, it will have a fashionable life span and you will probably get tired of it no matter what. Might as well go with what you love right now. You can't go wrong with this tile, but you certainly could with others. Enjoy your new kitchen.

can you just run your counter top surface up the 18" on the wall? continuity and looks neat

I love the dark grey ovals you posted. I think it will look modern and interesting, yet not compete with the gorgeous countertops. Since you have the black island and stainless appliances, the darker color will coordinate beautifully. I know everybody likes subway tile, but you have picked some really unique samples. White subway tiles would be way too predictable. The stainless penny rounds would be my second choice if you wanted to stay more updated traditional.

oh my so many comments...would love to see the kitchen when finished...Thanks!

@ionauhl, off subject, but how do you like your Samsung range. We may switch ours for that same one. I would love to know how it is. Thanks if you have time. :)

Kelly, Hi, either home depot or Lowe's has a cement subway tile. It's like a dusty charcoal grey. They looked kind of neat, hadn't seen them before. They were beveled. They have a smooth finish. Just a thought in the many you have received. :) I cannot find them online. I saw them in store, while looking for tile myself. :)

Another variation on Granny4fives, suggestion would be to use white or light grey subway tile, in glass, ceramic or even marble with a thin band of mosaic tiles. I am doing something similar to this in my own kitchen with the addition of mosaic tiles behind the stove as well. Kepp in mind this is your home so use whatever you feel make the best choice for you!

I'm not a big fan of the shiny subway tile, so we used one that was more crackled. We have similar countertops and a reclaimed floor so we didn't want anything too "precious." The overall effect is clean enough for a kitchen, but not too glossy.

Hi Kelley, I just saw your post about leaning towards the beveled subway tile. I think you're in the right direction. Remember, the space between your countertop and shelving above is relatively small in comparison to the rest of your gorgeous kitchen. The focus should not be on this space. It's quite apparent to me that you have put a great deal of money into the kitchen on very expensive finishes. That's what everyone will be "blown away" with when they walk in not the backsplash. Believe me, that beveled subway is not boring by any means. It really perks up whatever size backsplash you have. I wish you all he best, Windy

I know it is late in the game, but beveled subway tile worked great for us in a kitchen with a similar colour scheme. We had the cabinets and countertop installed and thought things looked pretty flat. We needed some sparkle. Saw some beveled subway tile glistening away under lights in a restaurant and immediately knew that was the solution. It was a great choice for us.

You have an absolutely gorgeous kitchen!!!! A suggestion would be, glass tiles as these would be an elegant light generating addition. You can go with a neutral field tile and accent with a splash of color to tie in your beautiful counter top. This can be achieved by using anyone of our 37+ standard formats or 15+ Architectural assemblies, giving you a truly custom experience just for you. Please have a look at our site for the many options and ideas we can offer. Wishing you a sparkling day.

How much is a slab of the LG Rococo?

Hello...I know it's been a while but I finally made a decision. I went with a basic subway Tile. I used Adex because I felt it was the best white I looked at. I had many samples, mostly grays but they looked strange with the stainless appliances. My next decision is fabric...what do you think?
I can't wait for it to be done!

i guess the photos didn't attach...I'll try again.

Some more...

Hi, I like your fabric. My choice of the two would be the left. Good luck, I know the feeling of wanting to be done. :) Looks nice. :)

I love love love it!

I agree with zazfuzzroc, the fabric on the left looks great! Also, I am so glad you decided on the subway tile. Simple elegance that does not take away from your gorgeous kitchen. Windy

How about just paint. You don't have a huge amount of backsplash showing ang can change your color out at will. I'd use the same color as around your window. Looks like pewter. Then accent with any color you wish depending on how you feel. Also goes with the stainless appliances and granite. Less is often more. The new paints clean off as well as tile. Sometimes things can be overdone.
P.S. Love your kitchen...

Love it Kelly you did a great job. I am having my rococo in a week or two and can't get away from the clean classic look of the white subway either! Although the arabesque in tempting me! I will post my photos on the other thread we are both following.

I just had the LG Rococo counters installed. Later this month the backsplash will be installed using the same Rococo. I spent hours looking at backsplash material My focal point is the marble like Rococo. I did not want a backsplash that conflicts or drawers attention away from the counter material

The Rococo will also frame the window. I am going for the marble look

My floors are also a marble look. Florida Tile in Silverscreen

leelee and May, I Iove your choices. I can offer no advice on this, as I would hands down go with a grey glass subway tile. I'm sure the finished kitchen will look beautiful with whatever you choose in the end. The work so far is gorgeous!

Hi Kelley, did you decide on a fabric?

You've probably long since decided on a material, but if not, you might consider a seamless, tempered glass backsplash in a matte finish. It wouldn't fight with the counter's shiny finish, plus no grout lines.

If it's not too late, consider a custom mosaic for behind the range. I create and design to spec, fabricate in my studio, and ship safely to you if your not local to the Boston area. for your project, our to recommend my work, check out my houzz pro profile, or look here: http://www.mosaicsbyariel.com

Susan, what is your design dilemma?

Honestly, at times it's just luck...

Maybe a personal twist? We make custommade and handmade glass backsplashes - our costrumers get to decide in a collaboration with our artist. There are endless possibilities when it comes to size, colour, form, lightning, and so on :-)

We have a variety of Backsplash options available, ranging from faux tin to glass peel and stick tiles. Take a look at all the options we have to offer and maybe find just the thing you are looking for! https://diydecorstore.com/

Kelly I like the tile that is the 2nd down and to the right, in your selections. All look good, that is just a classy looking tile. Your kitchen is looking great

Wow...so many opinions, so I'll add mine too! Hahaha! If you like a little sparkle, what about a small MOP (mother of pearl) or glass mosaic? Simple, sparkly, gorgeous with hints of color to compliment?

So many exciting decisions!!!

Ann Sacks tile is fresh, sophisticated and timeless. You can't go wrong.