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jean1967_gw

please help with tile backsplash

14 years ago

Returned the taupe tile and came back with this. I liked it on the sample board but could only bring home a couple of tiles which I think loses the effect

The photos are taken on the island across from where tile will be, black stone is soapstone perimeter that tile will meet white is perimeter cabinets, gray is island.

Rixi mandorla-has more variation than indicated in photo and a slightly greenish tint, crackle finish

with flash

without flash

Selecting tile is stressing me out, I want it done but nothing seems quite right. Or they seem right in the tile store but then I bring it home and I waiver.

I'd like a neutral back drop but with white of the cabinets, sink and marble I'm having trouble with the right white. I'd like something with some variation, maybe a hint of green because the marble, sopastone and island have a hint of it and a handmade look without the handmade price, I'm willing to go up to $30/sq ft but would like something for less. I waiver between a gloss and matte or satin finish.

Any suggestions, thoughts on the Rixi or other guidance appreciated...

Comments (11)

  • 14 years ago

    I think you need a hint more green because it is looking like an off white.

  • 14 years ago

    I didn't get to see the other tile. I like this one, especially in the photo without flash. Monitors can be deceiving. You say it has a bit more green to it IRL than in the photos? Then I'd say you've found it. It looks good with the soapstone that it'll be next to. It won't be sitting on the marble.

    If you're not sure, any chance you can wait until the cabs and soapstone go in so you have a larger sample of the stone to work with?

  • 14 years ago

    The counters are in and I thought I would bring a few samples home and just know which one was right. I've been bringing samples home for over a month and I'm just more confused. They always look so dofferent at home and a full wall looks a lot different from a few tiles so I panic and don't make any selection.

    It's not like paint, easy to replace...

  • 14 years ago

    Hi jean...

    I think the mandorla is very pretty. I like your color combination.

    What is it about the tile that makes you unsure/hesitant? Lighting in the store is usually really different than in one's kitchen, so it does make it harder.

    Are you going to just do the one tile or have an accent?

    This isn't your style/color kitchen, but jillsee used the Rixi mandorla. I think it turned out great. There are some nice close-ups in the thread below. Maybe it will give you more confidence?

    Also, has remodelfla chimed in on your other thread? She's good at this stuff! :)

    Here is a link that might be useful: jillsee's kitchen with Rixi mandorla backsplash

  • 14 years ago

    Just tossing this link your way because the colors seemed a nice complement to your samples on my monitor... maybe as an accent?

    Also, did you already decide against marble subways?

    Here is a link that might be useful: Ming Green Polished Mini Brick Mosaic

  • 14 years ago

    Hi Jean,

    I think this tile looks beautiful with your cabinet and countertops. The "hint of green" in the crackles doesn't show up on my computer, but I think it would work nicely with your kitchen.

    The backsplash is very visible - so a little bit of color and pattern goes a long way. Only you can decide if this is "the one", but I think it looks terrific.

  • 14 years ago

    I think it looks really pretty. With your lovely finishes a subtle tile like this one is what I'd choose.

  • 14 years ago

    It doesn't look green on my screen, but it looks very pretty.

  • 14 years ago

    I'd say that if you have doubts about this tile, then it isn't the right tile, and to keep looking. I too brought home samples I liked in the store, but didn't seem quite right when I got them home. Pretty tiles, but just not 'the one'.

    My preference is for a satin or matte finish on the tile with the SS and honed marble counters being a matte finish. I ended up with Trikeenan Modulus tiles in Dochronic Grey crackle in a larger subway size and layout like Remodelfla's. Once I brought home the sample, I knew that was the one, it didn't matter what anyone else might have thought.

  • 14 years ago

    Gorgeous tiles.

  • 14 years ago

    What about something like this from Encore Ceramics (don't know the pricing but I'm guessign $$).


    I kinda like the heavier grazing in this tile to tie into the marble veining, gray island, and SS. They have all sorts of sizes and colors.