squigs --
I don't know the protocol here for sending real names/addresses/emails, but if you are interested, I have a whole box of the Rixi Crema 5x5s. I could spare you one.
--Amy

My computer is having such trouble posting to this site. It's really weird. I think it is all the ads somehow making things not work.

I just went to a tile store shopping for marble and saw this awesome tile. It looks fabulous in person and they have other 3D type patterns too. They come in diferent colors. I was kind of surprised I hadn't seen it in a kitchen online yet because it is fascinating.

Here is a link that might be useful: fascinating pattern

Thanks so much Amy - I'd love a sample. Can I ask where you ordered yours from? Maybe I could have them send me a sample? Do you have any pics of your kitchen?

Honey, your link didn't work, but I'm curious!

Anybody else - any comments?

OK here is a page with all the concept boards and scroll down to number 88. If this doesn't work then the only way to get to it is to go into the website and find the concept boards and then scroll to 88.

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Here's the picture of the 18 x 18 that honeysucklevine was talking about.

{{!gwi}}
dura tile concept #88

Squigs, my kitchen reno hasn't started yet -- not till mid April. I've just been collecting materials.

I got the tile at Casto Tile in Charleston, WV (where I live). They had a Grazi Rixi display board that I saw(and fell in love with) , but I had to order and pay for a full box of both the 5x5s and the subways to get "samples" -- with a no return policy. But I was fairly certain I would be using them, so I didn't mind.

Let me know if you want me to send you one: amyswparker@juno.com
(I guess if you want more than one, I could send a few, if you would send them back to me.)

I like the second option, with the greenish square tile in the middle. The first option make the kitchen look all the same. The walls, floors and cabinetry are all in the neutral pallete. A touch of color and texture would be nice to add interest and liven the space. I think it takes it from an ordianry space to a more sophisticated space.

thanks so much Amy - I'm emailing you.

Chrisny- thanks for posting the pic. I coudln't get it.

Honeysucklevine - wow, that's quite an interesting tile. Do you think that would look good in my kitchen? I just don't think I'm that brave!!

Sheila, I know what you mean about the neutral. Actually, the square tile is metal, not greenish, but definitely adds texture.

The small tiles look nice, but could be a little too modern for your cabinets. The square tile in the second option does not look like good quality tile. The "veins" look fake. The metal detail looks good, but look for a better tile as background.

Does it have to be cream or are you looking at other colors?

Steff - I get your point about the tile not looking good quality. This is exactly why I'm asking for honest opinions! Even though this isn't a high end kitchen remodel, I definitely don't want the backsplash to cheapen the look of the kitchen. In fact, I think that's why I'm having so much trouble deciding; I feel that the backsplash is going to literally either make or break the kitchen. Clergychick is being kind enough to send me samples of the Rixi tile in the crema color, so I'm not going to make any decisions till I see how that looks. And I'm sure I'll be posting pics for opinions when I get them!

As far as color, no, I am not stuck on cream. It's just I can't really picture anything else. I know what I like, but I always seem to go to the safety of beige :(

Yes, I really think you can find a better quality tile for similar or not much more cost. From what we can see your kitchen looks quite nice and you don't want to drop down a notch on the backsplash. Find something you love within your budget and negotiate the best price.

Cream colors look nice with your combinations. It really depends on counters and other colors you have already in.

Here are some cream glass modern backsplashes.

http://www.mglasstile.com/catalog/item/4870888/4904235.htm
http://www.mglasstile.com/catalog/item/4918438/4948505.htm

I think the stacked subway tiles are too modern for your kitchen. But done in a brick pattern, they could be nice.