one option is put a stainless steel trim, or thin glass accent trim around, like this one.

another idea is to put a different texture/pattern in the box. all of these are big tiles at least 12x24

glass looking big tile:

this is mosaic looking tile but actually 1 big piece

a different texture

too much pattern?

mosaic looking big tile with very vague motif pattern

leaves

flower

what would go with the main tile?
other suggestions?

This post was edited by M_N_A on Fri, Mar 14, 14 at 13:14

My vote is no accent tile at all, it's very pretty all by itself.

I vote no accent as well. That tile you picked is great. Don't compete with it.

I spent hours looking at "tile on wall behind cook top" on Houzz and while I originally planned on a framed accent I am now leaning in the other direction. I find I like the clean look. I have not made any final decision but if I do an accent it will probably be the same tile or an identical color tile set at a different angle or something like that.

Framed accent tile (not my favorite look either - I often end up not liking either tile) is usually a knockout expensive tile in one key spot, paired with plain (i.e. subway) field tile, not a field of mosaic tiles.

Are you sure the Porcelanosa is the tile you want?

I'm including a link to a backsplash thread so you can see bs examples in other GW kitchens. Below is AboutToGetDusty's very pretty example of how this is done, with Artistic Tile's Granada Smoke mosaic in the center.

Here is a link that might be useful: GWbs

Leave well enough alone. The simple choice IS usually the better choice over time.

Typically the focal point behind the range is more complicated than the rest of the field tile. I love your tile, and doing something "more" intense, would be too much of a good thing. Doing an accent with something plainer would be kinda backwards.

The silver frame you showed first, might work, but I think even that's pushing it. I'm a big fan of adding in accents, stripes, and mosaics, but not in this case.

I agree with everyone else, no accent tile. You can add interest with the "stuff" you put on your countertop.

I have the tile that you refer to as "added texture" on all three walls of my shower, with no accent and I think it looks great, so I also vote for no accent.

Another vote to skip a framed accent above the range. I have never been a fan of them.

Agree, no accent tile. If you really wanted something, maybe a separate board with tile that you can prop there.
I find that accent tiles/murals, etc. are the first that one gets tired of and that make a kitchen "dated."

No accent tile.

update: the suggestions are consistent not to do the boxed accent. How about a small band right in the middle all across?
like this

or throw in some corner square accent randomly across the field?

or is should just leave it alone, less is more :)

My vote is still the same, no accent. :)

Trust me, you'll regret these accent tiles sooner or later. (I wish I had skipped my accent tiles.)
Use paint or accessories or art if you want a change. Unless you are handy or don't mind ripping out the tiles with the drywall, the most permanent parts of your kitchen should be the most neutral.

If you really, really want an accent (which I understand, I love them too!) then you need to pick a different field tile and use the tile you've already chosen as the runner around and focal point behind the range.

Breaking up the geometry seems to defeat the purpose of the pattern.

One cool thing I saw at a tile showroom was a mosaic where they popped out some of the glazed tile and replaced it with matte in the same color. It added interest without looking busy.

I think you're looking for an accent because you've chosen the wrong tile. Keep looking.

I don't comment much on this site, but here, I have some experience. We finally got BS, after 2 1/2 years without. I also wanted to do an accent tile. SO happy with decision to NOT add an accent.

I can't comment on your tile choice, but wanted to wish you luck!

I put and an accent over my stove. Before the tile was dry, I couldn't stand it.
It came down, but then we couldn't fill in the space in the brick patttern of the subways and I had to find little mosaics in the same color to fill the space. And for all kinds of reasons, including money to redo the whole wall, we had to leave some of the terrible accent tiles near the ceiling and under the hood.
So be careful. Simple is always better.

No accent tile - it looks so fresh and clean and elegant as is.

OK. We are convinced :)
thanks all for sharing your thoughts!