i like the subway tiles the clean, sleek lines and its shine, its not cutting any edges. herringbone is a different, more contemporary look, i wouldnt take it, but really depends what style you want your kitchen to be.

Herringbone would look nice.

They are both pretty, but I really like the crackled subway tile. It's simple, yet, it adds a little texture to a very neutral and beautiful kitchen. Can't go wrong on either one, though. Good luck!

The cabinets are clean lined and my eye is following that horizontal plane---the herringbone sort of breaks the plane, makes it more interesting,---interesting in a subtle way... :)

LOL- this is kind of like a duel... enguarde;))

Definitely the second one.

Lol Margo:) Luckily, there is no wrong answer here. This poster has made fantastic choices and obviously has perfect backsplashes in mind. Such a pretty kitchen!!!

Plus the color of the herringbone looks like it clashes with the cupboards.

I like a subway started with a soldier course and the running bond pattern above. Keep it simple and timeless and let your accessories take the lead in front of the "back'splash.

The plain cream is too stark-that much I'll agree. LOL!

Here is a very close picture of the colors.

Tile on the right, installed in a herringbone pattern. :) Perfect! :)

NOW- we all know how this ends right? We vote and argue and alirob2 comes back a week later and says...*Thanks for all your help, I ended up going with the arabasque*...;)))

LOL! Oh you know it Margo! :)

Herringbone is more traditional.

UR Right Margo..... and I don't blame her.... as long as she's happy. LOL :D

The one on the right, other one too busy

Margo your to funny! Nope I've taken the advice and returned the arabesque tile already. You all are great help with this, believe me.
It looks like most of you like the tile on the right but in a herringbone style. So the plain tile on the left should go back to store too. I like herringbone & the normal layout of subway tiles so that's where I'm torn right now. I just need to commit & do it I know.

I know it's difficult, trust me. You should search both on houzz and see which really stands out to you. :) Good luck! :)

I have zazfuzzroc I love them both. I just didn't know if one would look better with the style of kitchen I have. I believe my kitchen is on the traditional side but I'd like a little modern look in it as well. I think both styles are modern like right?

Hi, I like both with your room too. :) Have you seen them stacked? Although I myself find that even more modern looking. Personally, I see a lot of subway done in the normal staggered layout and that's fine, but the herringbone pattern I think adds more interest without being too much. Not that I dislike..... too much. lol :) And as far as people saying it's busy....I just don't see that if your grout is similar to the tile color. Elegant, I think. :)

I don't think I'd like the stacked look. To many straight even lines for me. I do plan on using grout that's close to the same color for sure.

Herringbone

I would only have one sample at a time in the room....standard subway or herringbone. Leave your room......wait.....and come back in.....do this with both...separately. What is your opinion when you see it as you enter the space. Even if you have to put a few more sample pieces up. Because no matter what we think....YOU have to be happy. I would hate to be the person that convinced you one way or the other....and then found out you were unhappy. I would feel horrible. Try what I said..sounds funny, but it just might work? :)

zazfuzzroc has a great point. Leave one sample up at a time for a few days and then change it to the other sample. It's easier to vision the crackled subway because you have it glued up against the wall right on top of the counters-on the other hand, your herringbone tiles have gaps below and above. Could you try to fill more wall space with the herringbone tiles to get a more accurate visual? And while I still love the crackled subway tile, I think they are both pretty and both will work well in your kitchen. What are you leaning toward? What do you really like best?

If you use tile I would go with the herringbone. Beautiful kitchen!

You'll need to do a mockup of the herringbone with the crackle tile. The plain cream is too stark. :)

Here's a mock up of how the herringbone looks in the creamer tile. It's not grouted just hot glued up to see how it looks with the kitchen.

Looks Stunning!!! With matching grout, it will blend in seamlessly---yet the wavy surface will add interest and dimension. Oh-I just Love your kitchen---everything is just Beautiful. :)

Arabesque!

I am still holding out for the classic look. I guess you have to ask yourself, do you want the granite to take center stage or the backsplash? All I see is zig-zag. Maybe once the grout is in it will not be so distracting (well, at least to me). Your turn Natalie;))))))

Your kitchen is warm, inviting and classic. I think the herringbone pictured above is perfect. It adds a subtle layer of texture that connects to the rest of the space without competing or overwhelming the other finishes. This is a choice you will be happy with for many years. Great job !

I can't wait to get started on this project! I'll keep you all posted on progress & show you the after pictures. Thank you everyone for all your help on choosing the pattern design. Everyone has been a great help.

Have a great thanksgiving's day in your great kitchen! :)

Thank you zazfuzzroc! It defiantly makes cooking more enjoyable :-) I can't wait to use my warming drawer. You have a wonderful thanksgiving too!

Glad you're loving your kitchen, that's great to hear. I'm very happy for you. :)

One on the right

herringbone

I'm anxious to know.....did you decide? If not, I hope you have a great holiday and we see pictures soon. :)

Would love to see your end result...can you post a pic, for me, it would help with my decisions too!

I think you cannot go wrong with herringbone. I absolutely love subway tile like so many but I think so many things are being done in it that it will be dated very quickly. That being said, dropping it into the herringbone look is a modern take on a classic look. It ABSOLUTELY does not compete with your cabinets or your counter, but instead compliments it. With all the photographs you have taken I think you can feel good that the consensus from so many of us is it rocks! Go for it! Any of those will be great! Good luck can't wait to see it done!

The arabesque tile gives you more of contemporary look, herringbone is more traditional(old fashion) style. I would suggest change the white ceramic arabesque to glass white arabesque. Please check image bellow with white glass arabesque tile.

Link to get glass white arabesque[white glass arabesque link[(https://www.houzz.com/products/white-arabesque-glass-tile-945x133-sheets-set-of-11-prvw-vr~32987424)

Of the two, I'd pick the herringbone. I do agree with the comment by others who suggest a subway tile pattern as well. As for the arabesque, it just doesn't seem to fit with the look of the rest of the kitchen. Good luck with your project.

I absolutely love arabesque tile and am facing the same situation regarding decisions on my backsplash for a busy granite countertop. Thanks for all of the advice!

nice job. how did you handle the corners around the window with this type of tile?

What did the final kitchen pictures look like?

I went with the arabesque tile for my kitchen.

So the day I went to by the herringbone design I came across this natural stone I loved and just went for it. I think it came out great!

Beautiful! So glad you came back to show the result

Arabesque tile is more feminine to me. herringbone bone is more neutral...BTW, Your backsplash final look is great!