Need help with backsplash tile

11 years ago

I am remodeling my kitchen. See in the photo I have a mocha cabinet, light cream color tiles for the floor, and a buttery cream color with glass green/grey freckles for backsplash. I've collected a few tiles for backsplash based on the countertop. Should I go light or dark. I can't decide which tile I should use. Any suggestions?

Featured Answer

PRO

Apollo Tile, Stone, & Surface Restoration

11 years ago

Hi Karen.. :-) Sorry for overhearing and getting my 2 cents out there so late in the conversation, but I just wanted to throw in a few pointers that might help you out along the way, as well as as well as a couple pics of what you have to look forward to when its done keeping you inspired on a great choice.. :-) There are a few specific precautions to keep in mind when installing glass for both the installer and the homeowner.. We as installers, have to make sure that we are using a white or brilliant white thinset specifically made for glass because a normal grey will bleed through making it lose its translucency and darkening the whole room, you also might want to keep that in mind when selecting your grout color, it has a much more dominating presence when working with glass.. Any chip, loss of backing, (I.E. foil ) grout joint inconsistency etc. will be magnified with glass applications and be showing through your finished product which we want to avoid.. Thats why it's imperative to use fresh wet saw/grinder blades and be careful setting the pace of getting them through the wet saw.. Naturally as with any mosaic, you don't want to get it too water logged or IT WILL fall apart on you, and of course you don't want to be too hasty pushing them through too fast creating chips and other inconsistencies, this is why a lot of guys will shy away because experience is a must and so is a labor intensive and sometimes tedious eye for detail like inspecting each and every cut front and back before installation, and easing (sanding) where necessary ... Might as well throw away tools commonly used for normal mosaic like the nips.. I personally, love this type of work because I am in it for the slideshow, and the depth and beauty of a properly installed glass mosaic is 2nd to none!! :-) Also, keep in mind that you can install different elements/colors with maybe a double roped accent band.. Anyway, great choice!! Let me know if you need any other tips, pointers that I may have forgotten to mention or call me directly anytime if you need help!! I'll be there in two shakes of a margin trowel if you're here in Vegas!! :-) Thanks!! John (Apollo Tile & Stone) (702) 817-5851
https://www.facebook.com/john.samuel.7992/photos/a.10151779805682298.1073741828.241038422297/10151779809202298/?type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/john.samuel.7992/photos/a.10151461818897298.497602.241038422297/10151461826467298/?type=1&theater
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Comments (34)

hayleydaniels
11 years ago
I don't think any of the backsplash tiles work with the countertop as the granite doesn't appear to contain those colors. See if you can't find one of the darker colors in granite so the countertop and backsplash tie together.
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for helping! Here is a closer look of the counter. These tiles are the best I can find. Do you still none of them could work? If so, can you suggest a tile or color? Thanks!
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hayleydaniels
11 years ago
You might try to find something a little bit greener like a light sage green.

The thing I would do is hold the glass tile right next to the color in the granite and see how they look. The pattern is so small it's the kind of thing you have to do in person. If you think they work well together, go for it.

I would also try to get a larger sample before I made a decision. A 4 x 4" sample is barely big enough to make this kind of decision with. It's like choosing wedding dress fabric based on a 4 x 4" square of fabric.
tom192
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What about onyx mosaic tile backsplash?. I think it would look nice and also work with the countertop. Some more ideas regarding backsplash here: http://www.eskandaristone.com/onyx-tile/
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, sage green, that's what I am looking for. Thank you so much! The challenge is that there is very limited green tiles from places l went to (home depot, lowes, or the tile shop). I like have sage green, but it seems a big challenge to find the right tile. I will also look for onyx, I don't know if I would do mosaic though, I like big tiles. Thanks for the suggestions.
Sara Anwar
11 years ago
Choose olive shade, little bit dark but not dark as the cabinet
intown123
11 years ago
I think the one immediately to the left would work. If it's not already from there, I just saw sage/olive glass tiles at lowes.
Lucy
11 years ago
I used a light green glass tile for my backsplash similar to the first one on the left in your picture. Once it is up and under the shadow of the upper cabinets it looked a bit darker. This was the case for mine. I remember struggling with the right shade as you are doing and smiled when I saw your picture because those are similar tiles and colours that I looked at. We also struggled with the size of the tile and decided on 4 x 12 because we chose to lay it in a classic subway pattern instead of stacked. Really think about the colour of your grout too. grout colour changes the look of your tiles.
User
11 years ago
I like the first tile on the left-the darker one. I think it definitely pulls from the green in your counter. Since everything else is light in your kitchen, I think the dark tile will be a nice contrast. Good luck!
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Just got a bad news today. My contractor can't do glass tile. Big disappointment to me. :( The only one I can use is the first one on the right. Bye bye glass tile. I have to start looking again. Here are a few tiles I found at lowes today. I think these are safe but maybe a little boring. What do you think?
PRO
Roxana Orellana
11 years ago
Go to home depo or lowes and you could find a mesh with color.. you will need to add color some how. they blend to much.....
hayleydaniels
11 years ago
The beigish 1x2" tile in the bottom left hand picture looks like it would look very nice with your granite. I think it would lend a very elegant look to your kitchen. I have 2x4" mosiac tile for my backsplash that I absolutely love.
Natalie
11 years ago
Hi---well that's too bad that your contractor said no to glass---he's not the first---there are several who steer clear of it. Anyway, I think you could still get the look with a glossy ceramic tile. Here's one example worth checking out. Another option would be something a bit bolder. If you decide on a subway, I recommend going darker than your counter color... Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
[houzz=
Charcoal 3" x 6" Grey Tapestry Handmade Tile Glossy Ceramic · More Info
][houzz=
Artistic Tile Waterjet Collection - Seville Crema · More Info
]
dkhuff1
11 years ago
what about using slate to pull in that sage green you want? or do the beige stone you are looking at but incorporate a slate listello or some pieces of it to tie into the green that you want. the tile shop has a ming jade or something like that which is a marbe with pretty faint green tones to it. Could be pretty wtih this and you can get it in subway sizes as my Tile Shop had a whole bathroom display done in it. It was gorgeous.
dkhuff1
11 years ago
i like the beige best but I'd add an accent tile or mosaic with the geens/greys in your counter top material. Good luck.
User
11 years ago
There are so many tile guys out there who can install the glass tile. You could get names of people from the place you got the tile samples. I wouldn't try to pick a backsplash that you are not crazy about bc this particular contractor doesn't know how to install glass. I think you need something glossy with the modern counters. I like Natalie's suggestions-look for a ceramic tile that has some gloss to it if you decide against the glass. I do not think the beige tiles you picked out will work well with your counters-it's not the color of them; it's the texture-looks like a stone-You need something more modern. Keep looking . There is so much out there! will look for pictures later and will post some ideas. Good luck!
intown123
11 years ago
Agree with Karen 100%. Not loving the stone look - I think it's taking away from the updated style you were going for. If finding a new tile installer is not an option you can find larger ceramic tiles to get a similar look as the glass tiles.
User
11 years ago
It looks like your countertop is recycled glass, and it has a very contemporary feel. Here are some pictures that may help you. Don't stop looking! If your installer can't install glass, then find a backsplash that compliments your countertops.
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Karen, you are right on the point. I am hesitant with the texture of the stone tile. I am afraid the texture will make the kitchen too traditional. I will keep looking, but dont have much time now. What do you think of the first tile from the right in my first picture? These glossy tiles change color under different light. That's one thing makes these tiles so interesting but also annoying. I am not sure what they will look like under my cabinet. The fisrt tile looks like sage green to me under yellow light, but when I bring it to my kitchen (which is under construction now and there's no lighting), it shows more grey.
PRO
New England Design & Construction
11 years ago
Don't settle on a backsplash you don't love because your contractor refuses to work with the one you do. Find something you love, and there are a dime a dozen tile professionals out there who can install your backsplash for you.

Sage green would be lovely. I'm particularly fond of the oval-ish tiles in the first picture Karen shows above. They are lovely and would look great with the other finishes you have selected. I disagree that you can't go with blue, however. Blue is analogous to green, and would compliment the green flecks in your countertop currently.

Check out color theory for analogous colors here: http://www.nedesignbuild.com/the-color-wheel-analogous/
User
11 years ago
Yes, serenwang, I really liked your tiles from you first post-especially the darker ones-both on the left and right. You said one of them looked too gray. I know what you mean-glass tiles change in appearance depending on where they are placed. Thanks for all those great tips and suggestions, from John from Appolo, Tile, and Stone! Sounds like he is a good person to contact for help and tips with the installation process.Good luck making the right choice and finding the right installer. Post pictures if you end up finding anymore samples. If not, I think the your first choice will look beautiful!
Natalie
11 years ago
serenwang---the first photo you took, is that the wall color for the kitchen and is the floor from an adjacent room? If so, then a color mix might be a good choice---here's one in glass that would pull the color palette together. Keep us posted... :) CheerS!

[houzz=
Ripple Glass Mosaic Tiles · More Info
]
Mamata
11 years ago
Would your contractor do mosaic? Here's an awesome greenish mosaic tile (I have used it in my bathroom) and it looks gorgeous! Trust me when I say it looks a lot more green in person (it looks grey in the pics)

http://m.lowes.com/pd/Skyline-Glass-Mosaic-Wall-Tile-Common-12-in-x-12-in-Actual-11-87-in-x-11-87-in/4351899
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you everyone! This is my fisrt house and first project. I can't believe How much help I got here. Natalie, that is a different room. Here are the pictures from the living room and dining room. I dont have a wall color for the kitchen yet. I am in central New jersey (07922). Does anyone know a tile shop worth checking in the area? I cant go too far because I have a 2 month baby and a toddler to take care. I will have time to go out tomorrow. Tomorrow will also be my last day for tile hunting.
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Oh, change to another contractor is not an option. I will find a contractor that can do glass for my next kitchen.
Natalie
11 years ago
Hi---check and see if you're near The Tile Shop. They have a fabulous selection and they can also refer a contractor who will install your glass tile. Keep us posted...
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Now that I'm seeing pictures of the rest of your house, it appears that you have a warm palette. Put the backsplash tile and countertop samples next to those wall colors to see how you like them. I'm assuming the yellowish/tan color on the wall is in the room next to the kitchen. Good luck and keep us posted!
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Just find more green tiles by Daltile. They are square 4x4 or 6x6 instead of rectangular though. But I am still pretty excited. I think both "garden spot" and "cypress" would work with my counter material. Cypress also come in matte. :)
Natalie
11 years ago
Yes, both colors could work. I prefer the glossy over the matte. :)
backsplashideas
11 years ago
A tile with a green hue would match well with the colors in the counter top. Take a look at the glass Aspect 3''x6'' tiles in Fresh Sage.
serenwang
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi everyone, my kitchen is finally done after some waiting time for the tiles. I made special order to get subway tiles in "garden spot" through Home Depot. The tiles look very nice and are very affordable. I am very happy with the end result. Just like to share the final product and thank everyone for giving suggestions!
Ann
11 years ago
Looks very nice!
Natalie
11 years ago
Fabulous! Thanks for posting. :)