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a2gemini_gw

Backsplash Brainstorm

14 years ago

I am t-3 weeks until our counter top is installed.

I keep staring at backsplash tile and keep gagging. I also don't want to make the mistake the CK did (she hates hers and our colors are similar)

So, I started to think about a remodel I saw in the spring that used back painted glass. My first foray into this put way out of price range - so looking at less expansive options.

There are a couple of older GW threads - so wanted to know if anyone has used this recently. Also, what if I have a local glass store cut glass and use the special paint on the back (large subway or squares, so minimal grout)

There are a couple companies that make full template glass (very expensive) - Here is one that looks more reasonable - but probably missing something

http://www.backpaintedglass.com/

What are your thoughts on my idea? Thanks!!!

Early preview our our new kitchen. We will need 45-50 square feet of backsplash. Note the countertop, sink, faucet, appliances have not been installed yet. Also no pulls and the doors have not been aligned and the moulding has not been done yet. (But making progress!!!)

Cabinets are really all the same color - just love iPhoto but not the best for true color. Brookhaven Autumn Cherry with a black glaze.

Countertop is Cambria Buckingham.

{{!gwi}}

Wall color will be Benjamin Moore AF380 Coastal Path - you can see little bits of it next to a few of the cabinets.

I was thinking of using the other color I considered under the glass - but might be too dark. BM AF 355 Etruscan



The lighter color is Coastal Path and the darker color is etruscan

Thanks again - hope you like my early preview..

PS - The microwave goes away - but the GC put in back so we can use our kitchen until the appliances are installed. We had all appliances until this week and now are down to just the microwave (but I have a countertop oven and an induction cooktop to use in the dining room)

Comments (19)

  • 14 years ago

    Got nothin' for you as far as backsplash suggestions go (I've completely stalled -- BS fatigue), but I'm SO EXCITED to see the preview of your kitchen. I love your cabinetry. :)

  • 14 years ago

    Four - thanks!! Hopefully someone will have insight into my Kaizan! I totally understand BS freeze - I have it also. I have looked and looked and nothing popped.

    I will post more downstream but just itching to come up with ideas for backsplash - even though GW says not to order until the counter is in.....

    Catch you on the rebound.

  • 14 years ago

    I love your cabinets, and the glass backsplash with your chosen color underneath looks like it will complement your granite, while adding its own sparkle.

    Yes, i am BS exhausted! Here's a preview of the first 6" of our metal tile backsplash. I assembled these sheets, and then the rest will be a pattern of various black aluminum tiles already premade. We'll see how it all comes together...

    Looking forward to your pics.
    {{!gwi}}

  • 14 years ago

    A2gemini- if you can swing it, that sounds like a great idea. I have to admit that as more details are added to my kitchen I am growing to like my backsplash more. I still would have done it differently (plainer) and now I am finding issues with installation now that I look at it closer(grout is not consistent in color and it drives me nuts) but honestly the kitchen as a whole is looking great so the backsplash is not as important.
    I am telling you- go with a simple option- off white tile in a larger format if you are grout shy but just keep it simple! Those cabs are simply gorgeous!!!! I adore them! Just wait until those countertops are in, and you will see you really don't need another design element.

  • 14 years ago

    I am so glad that u were the first 2 to respond!

    Anna, Stunning! I think you were my inspiration that led to my idea. After seeing your post, I looked up metal bs but pulled back the reigns I kept hearing the GW (and ck saying. "one diva per kitchen and your countertop is it!)
    From there, my idea progressed to find a way to decrease grout lines. I was even tempted to use the ct as bs, but KD convinced me"no!
    Did you replace some of the SS tiles with copper?
    PS love those cabinets! Can't wait to see the final results!!

    CK, so glad to hear that you are making friends with ur backsplash! You are part 2 of my inspiration. I am still considering the plain tiles. My problem with tiles are the grout lines. I started to look at bigger tiles to decrease grout lines but with bigger tile comes bigger grout lines! The glass would minimize grout lines and I can tone down the color(one diva)

    Now to figure out how to minimize cost or convince DH that we really don't need a new furnace and AC!
    (typos and text errors no extra charge as I am texting from phone and hard to focus on fine print when I first wake up)
    Heading out for a long run to reflect on possibilities.

  • 14 years ago

    I really like that idea!

    Is it possible to just paint the backsplash area and have glass cut to mount over it? Or maybe find a local glass company to cut the glass and buy the paint directly from them to do it yourself?

    I found one DIYer when I was trying to see what was different about the paint.

    What color are you thinking about?
    It will be beautiful!

    Here is a link that might be useful: DIY glass backsplash

  • 14 years ago

    Ayerg
    I don't know the answer as I had the brainstorm last night and was hoping GW users might know some options.
    Not sure on color either. Suggestions welcome.
    Thanks

  • 14 years ago

    when I was hunting for metal tiles, I ran across so many beautiful glass tiles, some with backing that looked like wallpaper / scrapbook design paper. I bet you will have fun with a bunch of samples to place against your countertops once installed.

    I gathered 5 different types of tile, ripped them off of their mesh, and reassembled / glued them in my own pattern. Still have splinters and cuts from the ordeal, but it was fun, just them same.

    Can't wait to see your creation!

  • 14 years ago

    Gemini, don't worry too much about grout lines, esp. if they're 1/16" or even 1/8". Depending on the color you choose, they will recede more than you imagine. My old counters were white tile with dark gray grout, so I didn't think I wanted to notice grout ever again. But I really wish the grout for my new b/s was darker. If you have something simple, like subway, you don't so much see the lines as it just adds texture to the surface.

    CKGM, glad to hear you're making peace with your b/s. The difference in color might have something to do with drying time. I had a couple of tiles that were soaked before cutting that darkened so much I thought they'd used the wrong tile. It took the tiles and the grout surrounding them a full week to lighten to the right shade. Have you sealed the grout yet? You might find that it evens things out.

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks Anna - I kept looking at your backsplash and could not figure out where you found such a gorgeous BS with the coppers and other colors. I hunted everywhere - but most were SS or Copper or glass. Hope your hands mend soon!

    Linelle- Thanks for your support. When I look at subway tiles, they remind me of my old high school. Smaller tiles remind me of bathrooms - so hoping my glass idea doesn't fall flat. If I go tile, most likely will go larger subway or larger square....

    Stay tuned and thanks!!

    Still looking for GW input on the painting the backs of glass. If you template the whole thing, it is very expensive. I was thinking of large pieces but some joints in it - not sure it is possible.

  • 14 years ago

    I like the Ikea idea! How does the sizing work?

  • 14 years ago

    Total hijacking here but thanks Linelle- I haven't sealed the grout so I will. There is one spot on the end that the tile shifted when he grouted it so its uneven and the grout line is much wider and for some reason darker in that spot so the mistake really stands out:(

  • 14 years ago

    CK - no problem - just glad you are making friends with your backsplash. Hijack away!!
    Did I miss something on the IKEA piece?

  • 14 years ago

    See the link Ayerg73 posted. Great $$$ saving idea!

  • 14 years ago

    No help here a2gemini... the concept of backpainting glass is new to me. I checked the link you provided and just wasn't impressed by what I saw on their website (just my two cents worth). Then again, I haven't see it in person so feel free to discount my opinion :)

    Your cabinets look beautiful, love the color! Have you considered using your wall color here and doing a 3/4 backsplash of some sort? Good luck!

  • 14 years ago

    Old bat - help me understand your concept. Tonight, I hope to post a few better pictures.
    Thanks

  • 14 years ago

    Here are a few more pictures taken from a camera vs iPhone. We will need about 50 sq feet of backsplash, so everything is expensive!! I really like the look of the back painted glass but so expensive. Help me find something more reasonable.

    We have 4 big east windows, 3 large south windows, and a garden window on the south also. Some light enters from DR from the west.

    Countertop and wall paint - photo color is not totally true - more copper in the countertop.

    {{!gwi}}

    West wall - goes into DR

    North wall - fridge goes to the left and a pull out pantry on the other side of the fridge. Holes are for the ovens

    South wall - right side will have sink - the MW goes away

    East wall - no backsplash but a pair of cabinets (his/her) with a bench between(and drawers under the bench) - The cabinet has pocket doors and a pull out work surface (and power inside for charging toys!) Had to include even if nothing to do with backsplash!

  • 14 years ago

    Just a thought, but I'm loving the white, black, and caramel to copper browns in your granite. Your cabinets pick up the browns. A soft black tile might pick up the veins of black in the stain, and accent the black in the granite. Or a white tile might pick up the bright tones in the granite?

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks Anna for the suggestions. I will look closer at the counter sample but the black might be camera artifact