When I was shopping for a back splash, one store owner recommended that you take some playing cards (or pieces of colored paper), and tape them to the wall where you think you might want inserts. That way you can get an idea of how many or how close you want them. I ended up getting mosaic glass, so I didn't try this method, but I have a feeling it would be really helpful. Can't help you with the outlets. Good installers can cut around anything.

fran
wow..clever! that is a great idea! Thanks so much .. Your glass mosaic sounds beautiful, it's a gorgeous tile!
You were a great help. I really appreciate it :)
Ree

You can also get outlets in different colors, not just white, almond and black. Look at Lutron. They make colors called "Goldstone" and "Desert Stone" that might blend in better.

My inserts are 2" x 3" mixed with 3" x 6" subways. My designer recommended using 3 inserts (2" x 3" each) per square foot. I laid out each wall on the floor, starting with her suggested spacing, then just moved tiles around until I liked the look. Then I took a digital photo and printed it for the installers to use. Since your inserts are square, I assume you will mount them on the diagonal.

I also used the Lutron plugs and switchplates in Mocha Stone. It is possible to order switchplate covers made from your marble, but they are way pricey!

Here's a photo:


{{!gwi}}

native Tx, I LOVE that combination of colors, textures and sized in your backsplash! Lovely!

Mine may not be that helpful, but here is a pic: I spaced out the glass tiles sort of randomly, planning that none of them would end up where a switch/outlet needed to be, and that none would end up invisible behind countertop appliances, etc. My spacing was predetermined by the fact that I bought 33 glass tiles total, and wanted to space them mostly evenly. I laid it all out on the floor first.

native & muscat
wow! wow! wow! Just beautiful!! you both have gorgeous tile and kitchens. Thanks so much for sharing, it has been a great help for me visually. I can only hope mine will look as good :) our kitchen window comes all the way down 4 inches above the counter, so it will not have that smooth flow. The outlets are right smack in the middle of both walls on either side of the window, so I have a lot to deal with. ( we didn't install the kitchen, trying to give it a new face lift) keep your fingers crossed for me :)

astridh..thanks for the switch plate ideas..

Ree

I agree, those ARE very nice! Native, I love your counter and backsplash, and Muscat, a new set of people must be taking notes about your stove wall every time you post a picture.

Reeree, since you don't have a large area, have you thought of switching your large insets to small ones, perhaps a larger number? They might offer more opportunities for good placement, including below your window. ?

rosie
I actually did buy a few small ones, (2x2) same as the larger ones and I do like them..the only thing is I am not sure if they would be too 'lost' and may create a "polka dot" effect. I even thought about leaving the inserts out, but they are so pretty it will off set the tile..plus I just ordered all new cabinet hard ware in antique brass to match them. Our cabinets are cherry.

in our first house, we did the kitchen and tiled the back splash with out inserts, I didn't even know they existed 10 years ago... so this is my first experience with them.

I am on my way to cut out squares the size of the inserts and play around..( great idea) hopefully I can figure this out.....????

Thanks to all of you, you are a great bunch!
Ree

Ree,

"The outlets are right smack in the middle of both walls on either side of the window, so I have a lot to deal with. (we didn't install the kitchen, trying to give it a new face lift)"

Ours was also a minor update. I had our electrician move all the outlets / switches. Most he just rotated 90 degrees so they fit in a row of subways, but a few were in awkward places and I had him move those to more convenient locations. I also removed the disposer switch (replaced with an air switch - LOVE IT) and added an extra plug on one wall. The cost was minimal and looks and functionality much improved, IMO.

muscat & rosie: thanks for the compliments! I'm really enjoying it after a very long search for just the right look.

muscat: I really like your finished look! I've followed your posts re the splash transition to the hood area and the balance issues with the rack on one side and think you made some excellent decisions.

Carolyn

This is one of the decisions I had to make that, frankly, scared the begeebers out of me! We were going with the tumbled marble 4x4" field tiles in a creamy white color and I wanted something in an accent tile that would add some interest but not "take over" the entire area. As much as I loved the glass accent tiles, my kitchen is more Spanish Colonial/Old World, so I couldn't use them. I finally found some 2x2" metal accent tiles and ended up taping up paper mock-ups to figure out where I wanted them to go. As for the lightswitch covers, I didn't know about the Lutron ones when I ordered our (too) pricey ones from the tile place. They do blend with in with our tiles, though. Because most of my backsplash is only two field tiles high, I ended up putting our accent tiles in a row, every 3 courses of field tile. It works well for the look I was going for. They hadn't added the switch plate cover yet in this pic, though. If this area had been larger, though, I'd have gone with a more random pattern, as you all have shown above here.
{{!gwi}}">

{{gwi:1596009}}">

My DH has just finished with my tile backsplash, except for grouting, which he plans to start on today. I have 4x4 mexican mocha tiles with 2x2 rust inserts around the perimeter. I wished I would have gotten him to move my receptacles horizontal at the countertops. e-mail me for pictures.....I do not know how to post pictures yet! jlbtiger@bellsouth.net

We just started our DIY back splash project this last weekend. As first time tilers we got a lot of advice from our neighbor (and even borrowed his wet tile saw)! He suggested that we put our decorative tile inserts at the midway point between the counter and the bottom of the light rail. We did a mock up of our design using paper cut-outs taped to the wall and were able to easily play around with the spacing. We are using 4x4" tumbled travertine (Durango cream) with a 2x2" gold leaf glass tile insert. Our pattern is a 2x4 bottom row, then a 1/2" Noce pencil rail, then the rest of the rows on the diagonal. The inserts will be placed every third intersection of the diagonals in a row around the kitchen. We will have one 4x4 gold leaf tile insert above the stove. We'll let you know how it turns out after the next couple of weekends, we just got the bottom row and pencil row done this weekend. Good Luck!

reeree- I missed your statement about using subway tiles the first time around. Are the accent tiles going to fit in like native Tx's, or are they larger?

I dont know how to link you there, but if you go to the FKB, and then into "inspirational backsplashes", and scroll about 1/2 way through them (there are a LOT!) There is one with what look like 3x6 subways and accent tiles placed on point. It is a nice effect.

carolyn,
your switch plates blend great..I see what you mean ..turning them around..good idea..! That would be a good "fix" for me also and will solve a major problem for sure. Your tiles are beautiful..it was put together perfectly.. Thanks again and again!

muscat
I have to say..that is a great design..very beautiful!

Lynn
Beautiful!! your tile is the look I am going for.. our tile is very much alike in color, and my insert has that old world type of look also, yours is very pretty!!. I like the 2x2 insert a lot, does not look lost at all. Now that I actually see it, maybe I will bring the larger ones back and get more smaller ones. I do not know if I am off on this, but I was going to have it installed 'square' but I do like yours as a diamond shape....hmmm..you have me thinking. Actually..I am really confused in what to do, geez..not as simple as I thought..lol
Thank you also for showing me..it truly is a great help!
ps..did your guy grout over the tumbled marble? My guy thought all the nooks and crannies should not be filled in..I told him it was suppose to be..?? (thanks)

Julie
awh, it sounds so beautiful! I will email you..can't wait to see it
Thanks!!!

Ree

muscat
unfortunately no..I wish.. the inserts are 31/2x 31/2 , the sub-way is 2 1/2 x 6.. I am getting worried that I really messed up..what is FKB?
thanks for the info..I would love to take a look
thanks so much!
Ree

ngng
wow...DIY! It sounds just gorgeous! I would love to see pictures when it is finished..good luck to you too!
Ree

native tx- what is the brand and color of your tile? Lovely.

reeree- sorry- the FKB is the "finished kitchens blog" and it has sections in it, one being "inspirational backsplashes."

Try this:

http://finishedbacksplashes2.blogspot.com/

and scroll down to ' Servertile's Backsplash#1.' There are plenty of gorgeous backsplashes, but this was one of the few that had subway rather than square tiles with inserts.

Once you are in the FKB, there is a LOT to look at!!!!!!

:)

muscat
wow.. a lot to see! Thanks so much!
Ree

More inserts

Closeup

kristi
love you tile and inserts..very pretty!! The more tile I see on here, the more I am leaning towards exchanging mine for square instead of using the sub-way.. you would think after months of thinking about what I wanted, I would know by now..it's just a back splash and I am making my self crazy over it!
thanks for sharing..it's beautiful!
Ree

ps... I just talked to the tile store, they told me square inserts usually go in 'diamond'..I do notice all of your inserts are 'diamond' shape..geezz..I would have really screwed that up too! I guess by now you can tell I have never done this before!
Ree

Hye, a big no to the screw-up idea. Have fun while you're playing with the many different setups that can look good. Look again--a lot of the inserts are squares and rectangles set square. Personally, I love square tile set diagonally and it would be the background that way, with inserts horizontal. Many many great options.

And specifically--beware of that "everyone does it" advice from retailers, who all too often lack the talent, expertise, and taste needed to give good advice but do at least know what the average customer, who also lacks talent and expertise, is doing.

iwantakitchen:

marble subways are by Akdo, Ashlar polished bricks (3" x 6") in Moresko.

Akdo subways

Inserts are by Syzygy, Random Blend using about 12 colors (custom but similar to what is pictured).

Syzygy Random Blend

The border is Syzygy, Speed Bump, in Lichen. Here's a better view of the Random Blend.


Cooktop with random blend

{{!gwi}}

native
what creativity! beautiful!
Ree

Since I do not have a digital camara (it's broken) I found my inserts on the web site..this is the larger one, the smaller one looks exactly the same but in 2x2.. they are nicer IRL... the subway is called 'golden walnut' but it's really on the 'whiter' side with very pale tan/grey veining. You do see color variations when it's all up..
what do you think??
Thanks!
Ree

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Hi Ree-- sorry I'm so late getting into this thread. I haven't had time to get on line over the last couple of days. Rather than post a bunch of pics, I'll just give you a link to the backsplash section of my site's gallery:

Here is a link that might be useful: my gallery's backsplash section

Hi Bill
Thank you so much! Are you the pro behind the beautiful backsplashes? beautiful work!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ree

reeree - are your subways 3" x 6" or something else? Are you planning to install them in a brick pattern or herringbone or have you not decided yet?

native tx
yes, they are 3"x6".. we are installing them in a brick pattern..did I mess up with the inserts? I wouldn't be surprised..lol I am leaning towards the 2" x 2" instead.. it may be a better "fit"..what do you think?

the inserts are really pretty in real life, that picture does not do them justice at all.. I posted just to give an idea what they looked like.. what do you think???
Thanks!
Ree

I like your inserts, and though it would be a bit more challenging to put them on a field of subways than on square tile, I also think it would be more interesting. LOTS of backsplashes have square tiles with diamond inserts, or square tiles set on point with accent tiles placed squarely, but not too many people put diamond accents in subway tiles! If your accents are 3.5x3.5, then they are about 5" on the diagonal, and though this is just in my head, those proportions might look pretty good set on point amongst 3x6 subways!

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, though, because I often want to having things look "different than everyone else" and that may not be good for resale value! :)

muscat
lol!! I like your thinking!

I measured the insert and it was 3 3/4 inch.. the tile store told me they were 4x4's... a little off..

I have two days to figure this out..so you think I should stick with the larger ones? I have to make a trip back to the tile store tomorrow, I forgot pencil molding..want to have a rectangle shape in front of the range and put the smaller insets in the corners..very simple..thats about the only thing I have a grip on.

I do have one more question..how did you end your tile? The guy told me the sell a plastic strip to end it ( haven't seen it, but can't even imagine what the heck he is talking about..I was going to use the pencil molding, they do not carry a regular bull nose to match my tile...

Ree

The pencil molding should work fine for an edge to your backsplash so long as it is finished on the edge. If not, I think your installer can grind the marble to make a bullnose as needed. Perhaps Bill V. can comment?

FYI - most tile sizes are stated to include an average grout joint. So the 4x4 you were told is really 3 3/4 plus a 1/4" grout joint. The diagonal is 5.3" plus grout joint (say 5.55") and, as you've noted, your installer will need to make a lot of cuts to use them. I don't think you should try to cut the inserts smaller. However, a good installer can make this work.

If you switch to the 2" x 2" inserts, the diagonal is 2.8" plus grout joint, which should fit just about perfectly in a row of 3" subways. But is this the look you want? The 2" inserts will be more understated versus more drama (with the 4" inserts) and this is a personal choice.

A couple of questions arise: what is involved in switching the 4x4 inserts for 2x2 inserts? If these tiles are locally available, then you have lots of options.

Second, can you get samples of all your tiles to play with these next few days? With installation scheduled this Friday, your tile must be already in stock locally or en route? Ask your installer (or whoever ordered the tile) to give you a box of the subways and both insert sizes (several of each). Then you can play with layouts of the actual tile. That's so much easier than just looking at other people's designs. Next best is to ask someone on GW to do a mockup for you. You will need to provide links to your subway tile, in addition to the photo of your inserts shown above.

Just some random thoughts at this late hour. I know your time is short to make a final decision. HTH.

Carolyn

reeree- I totally agree with native tx about getting some sample tiles and laying them out. There is nothing like really seeing them together to decide what looks best. Without seeing anything, the larger inserts seem better to me, since they'll be more visible and less polka-dotish.

Personally, I ended my tile with just the tumbled edge, but I wanted really a minimal look, both for the sides and top. The bullnose ends that matched my tile were way too heavy/thick, and I think the plastic pieces are made more for smooth ceramic tile than tumbled stone. Just my aesthetics, though. You can see one wall ending on the photo I posted earlier.

Good luck!

Carolyn & muscat
...I have the tile and inserts here.. I have been playing with them a lot! It looks beautiful when I lay them out on the floor and I do favor the larger size, but on the wall is a different story. with the space I have due to the obstructions of outlets, the window breaking up the space and the size difference of the insert to the sub way took me into the state of 'what to do' which is why I first posted to see your back splashes. when you have visuals, it helps a lot even though mine will not be the same as anyone elses, I thought it would help by seeing how you placed inserts to give me ideas. My 'installer' is good with tile. He did our down stairs bathroom and did a great job..but he is not a 'professional' tile guy, he does a little bit of everything. I asked him what he thought about placement, he said he was not a decorator, to lay it out how I want it and he will install it. I was going to have them installed just 'square' but now I do see why a lot of inserts are placed diamond..much easier cuts for one..

so yes, the clock is ticking and I am really out of time.. I will be forced to make a decision by tomorrow ..

I will post pictures when it's finished (need to borrow a digital, ours broke)
I do appreciate all your time and help!!!
Ree

native tx, I am not a big fan of subway tile, but your backsplash is one of my all time favorites!! It has the shape of subway tile (which I like) but not the gloss (which I dislike) and those wonderful colorful accents that perfectly coordinate with your countertops. Excellent!!

ccombs1: thanks, my subways are actually polished (and glossy) but I guess the busy veining mutes the effect more than the plain white ones.

Carolyn
I am off to the tile store..I think I have it down pat.. or the best I can do with my space anyway. I actually taped the inserts to the wall and played around with it..It helped a lot to actually see the tile it's self up. I am going to stick with the 4"x4"..I think it will be a better effect than a few smaller ones scattered around..
Thanks for all your help, to you and everyone who shared and took the time for me ..it is very much appreciated!!!!
Ree