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Design Dilemma
krlew

Need help picking out a backsplash for my kitchen

13 years ago
I am updating my kitchen. Replaced my laminate countertops with granite(black pearl) Updated my cupboard handles. Removed the old backsplash and am needing it replaced. I have attached 2 choices. They are both horizontal tile which i like and i know i don't want anything shiny(glass/mirror), as my countertops have lots of shine. I like both of these. My initial choice was the brick pattern, the colours blend in so well. But now i am favouring the tumbled travertine, it is a bit lighter which i like and i love the texture. My floors are hardwood with the colour similar to my cupboards and my paint colours are in the browns and neutrals.................please help......your opinions would be appreciated very much, thank you
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    I would absolutely go with the tumbled travertine. It picks up the tones in both the countertop and the cabinets. And! It would clean up better. I understand why you like the lighter rough brick, I do, too. However, it would be a bear to keep clean and I think it just doesn't look as good in this situation. maybe you can find another room for it?

    Comments (59)

    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I think we're all saying the one on the right.
    • 13 years ago
      Yes, that's what i think too! It is actually my first choice, but unfortunately back-ordered until November 30th(unconfirmed date) So, therefore, I have been searching for an alternate in case it is delayed even longer............thanks everyone for confirming my choice........hopefully it will come in sooner rather than later:)

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    • 13 years ago
      I too am in the process of doing my kitchen in the same colours etc. My backsplash is in and I went with the travertine but I am finding it is not going well with my countertop. Would be glad to see how it all looks when you are done. Good luck!
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks.............will gladly send in a picture when it is finished.....likely won't be till sometime in December, hopefully before Christmas:)
    • 13 years ago
      Bonnieross do you have any pictures of your backsplash? What color is your granite ?
    • 13 years ago
      I'll take pics tonight and post. I actually went with the Silestone Quartz in "Mountain Mist" for the counter and "Noce" travertine for the backsplash. It looked great together in the store but with my bleached oak cabinets and yellow on the walls right now, the backsplash looks more in the brownish tones (warm) when the countertop looks more on the grey (cool) tones. I hope once I paint the walls and install new flooring it will blend in more. Bought both through Home Depot.
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      I did tile like the one on the right (larger smooth rectangles) and wish that I had not. It is very pretty but with the granite it all just feels too busy now. Wish I had done something simpler. The guy in the tile store try to tell me but I did not listen...
    • 13 years ago
      First and third photos, with the rectangular travertine laid in brick pattern. I actually like the top stones of the travertine best, but travertine is natural and will have a variety of colors. I have travertine backsplashes, square, and LOVE it. Noce' color. I did seal it so it now has anywhere from a warm ivory to medium gold colors. Goes great with my countertops (black/brown with flecks of rust/gold/cream/silver) and tile floor.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I like the brick pattern using the 3x6 size Travertine. Word of caution....natural stone requires yearly maintenance, so be sure to seal your counter and backsplash.
    • 13 years ago
      I would second what others are saying wrt maintenance, and suggest looking at a porcelain travertine alternative. very similar look, this site sells them in a subway size as well - http://tiledaily.com/2012/08/06/antico-series-travertine-porcelain-tile-2-shades/
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      one more vote for the tumbled travertine
    • 13 years ago
      Ditto. Tumbled travertine.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      the smoother travertine is my choice of the 2, but honestly, you have so many busy natural materials going on here, I suggest considering a 3x6 white/cream subway tile in a running bond pattern. Even the smoother travertine (they are both travertine, btw) has pits in it that will require a brush to clean. And you'll have to seal it regularly. Also the combo of travertine + dark granite+honey oak, lovely as it is, may look dated in a few years - Travertine is very popular right now. A simple subway tile would look more classic. Just my 2 cents.
    • 13 years ago
      Nice tile and countertop choices. I like the first and third tiles. They offer the black of the countertop more nice contrast. The tile has variations of color in them where it picks up color from the countertop. The beige one doesn't. I also like th smoothness of it. In the picture with both tiles, the one on the right looks the best.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks everyone again for your comments...........just got word that my tile will not be in now till January:( Not sure that i have the patience to wait that long, so have the option of choosing something else............ Will try pick out a few more alternative choices and post next week..........what does everyone think of Jordan's comments?? I think i agree, I am worried that some of the travertine tiles will look too dark and busy, i just have a small sample, not sure how much variation there is from box to box? Keeping it simple and classy may be the smartest thing to do.
    • 13 years ago
      I agree with Jordan, you could create a bear to clean and busy busy busy. Asking what it looks like is one thing, having it and doing the usual cleaning and maintenance is definitely another. Keeping it simple and classy is the way to go. Love the running bond idea but with a larger tile. Back painted glass or more of the same granite installed full height might be options for you to consider.
    • 13 years ago
      I have not problem cleaning my travertine. I seal it once a year. Just pour the sealer in a glass bowl, small paint brush and brush it on an let dry. The grout will fill in any little (or larger) holes in the pieces. I almost went with subway shiny porcelein tile. So glad I did not.
    • 13 years ago
      I agree with Jordan's comments as I noted before I did use a similar travetine and it feels too busy.
    • 13 years ago
      How "busy" doyou want your kitchen to look? The same color neutral is what I would opt for. You could also use them both. Use one as an accent area, say behind the range, with some nice coordinating tile moldings to frame it
      [houzz=
      Furwood · More Info
      ]
    • 13 years ago
      If you're headed back to the drawing board, you might consider a multi-color slate with the honey tones of your cabinets and gray/black of your counter tops.
      Campbel · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      Hi - You asked to see my kitchen so far so here are the pics - sorry I'm a day late with them - let me know if you think this helps. I am beginning to love it more - just have to change my old yellow paint and the floor.
    • 13 years ago
      Here's some others.
    • 13 years ago
      Woops, one of the pics was supposed to be this one.
    • 13 years ago
      michiganmom...love the slate!
    • 13 years ago
      Bonnieross I do like your tile. Seem's after a week on the wall you probably aren't noticing it like the first few days. Just like when you change your wall color. Does look like you pulled some brown tones out of the granite and found that shade in the tile.
      I have picked out a silver travertine 2x4 tile, to go with silver pearl granite and oak cupboards. Maybe I should be looking at glass subway tile?
      It's been interesting reading everyone's comments for krlew.
    • 13 years ago
      Thx. Farm Gal - you're right - don't notice it as much now - especially since I finished painting the walls today in a colour to match the backsplash. It's looking a lot better now. Now I have to decide on floor colour - I would love to continue my light hardwood into the kitchen which connects the dining room and hallway but hubby doesn't want wood in the kitchen. Thanks Krlew for permitting us your space however I am still interested in how you're doing - update if you can.
      Let me know Farm Gal what you decide also.
    • 13 years ago
      Ok. Got a small sample of a 3x6 travertine in a more neutral cream colour, i think i like it, it's not as busy and dark.......please pass on your comments/suggestions, thanks The first picture is the tile on its own. The next 2 pictures show the tile in the bottom left corner comparing it with the original darker, busier travertine i had initially chosen
    • 13 years ago
      Sorry, here is pictures 2 and 3
    • 13 years ago
      I love this krlew, this looks great - can't wait to see it all together!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Looks like a winner. Post pictures when it's done.
    • 13 years ago
      Wow! I really like that one!
    • 13 years ago
      Excellent! Make sure to check your tile next to your paint color in the kitchen. It may look peach or pink next to your color palette... Good Luck!
    • 13 years ago
      Nice!
    • 13 years ago
      Ok, my kitchen backsplash was installed early December, sorry I took so long to post. I ended up going with a natural 3x6 travertine, neutral colour. I used an enhancer sealer, which brought out the colours of the natural brick, won't have to be sealed again for 15 years. I absolultely love it!!
    • 13 years ago
      Post a picture!
    • 13 years ago
      The tiles on the right would be my pick...definitely the nicest !!!
    • 13 years ago
      Sorry, forgot to add the pictures:)
    • 13 years ago
      Love it! Looks perfect
    • 13 years ago
      Beautiful!
    • 13 years ago
      I have black granite, also. My backsplash is the tumbled travertine with one diamond-shaped piece of the granite placed every three feet (horizontally). I really like it. Clean up has not been a problem at all, and it runs right behind the stove which is a slide in with the height exactly that of the counter tops.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      i like the tumbled
    • 13 years ago
      Your kitchen is beautiful. Husband just told me that our backsplash is tumbled marble not travertine which I have been calling it ever since we've had it.
    • 13 years ago
      Oh it has come together beautifully! You made a great choice. Enjoy for years to come!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      nice
    • 13 years ago
      Looks great!!!
    • 13 years ago
      The brick (darker) one because it has a hint of grey which goes better with the countertop. If you really like the texture of the other one ( it is cool!) see if you can get it in a color with some grey in it.. Regardless, the brick looks really chic.
    • 13 years ago
      Saw your 'after' pics after posting my comment lol.. Looks great!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Could not be more perfect.
    • 11 years ago
      Looks great
    • 11 years ago
      older post
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