I don't know that I'd bother with the different style above the range. You have alot of pretty detailing and moulding around your range hood. For me, it might all be too much. I really like the tile you chose. I think using all one tile would elongated the range run and look really elegant.

belladom...our kitchen's are almost identical!! Even my 16 yr old son was amazed. We went with the beige subway tile throughout without a decorative center above the stove. We do have a pot filler to add a little color though. If you're really wanting the decorative element, then my vote is for something like the green tile in the kitchen pic you provided. You'll know ahead of time what it's going to look like! I'm not the gambling type...I want to see it!! Good Luck and post a pic when it's done!!

boymomx2 can you please post a photo, or tell me where to look? I'd love to see your kitchen and the backsplash... I can't find it here anywhere... .Thx

Belladom,

I like the marble in the lighter cream color. Right side.
I know that was not an option, but I just love it with
your cabs.

~boxerpups

Hello again, I am just in the pits of backsplashdom.. can't decide. my husband, and a tile installer says the crackled tile won't hold up (crackles more), I could do plain tile, but it's so plain... They recommend travertine, which is inconsistent, and maybe too rustic for the kitchen... there is crema marfil which is nice, but marble can be cold (and expensive)... Jerusalem gold is warmer, but yellow.... Chiarra travertine is lighter? Help?

I really like the cream beveled subway tile...it really ties in nicely with your cabinets. You could have them do a tile cut-in shelf in the area above the range to add some interest. If you don't mind me asking, what color are your cabinets. They are really beautiful! :o)Keep thinking and searching and it will come to you. It is amazing how hard these decisions can be.

Belladom,

What look are you going for? I would ignore advice from
tile sales or the installer. Keep in mind tile installers
want the job to be fast and easy. Their focus is on the
price per job not always what will look good. Unless your
tile guy/girl is a designer I would ignore comments
like Crackle won't hold up, they crackle more. DUH!! You
want the crackle look and they are wrong about it not
holding up. If you were concerned about a tile holding
up you would skip any tile and put up ugly gray cement.

Tile is a way to express yourself in your kitchen.
What is YOU? What do you like? DO you want a signature
theme, a bit of whimsy, flash, joy, fun, silly, wild,
happy, warm, inviting, color, texture, reflection....

Describe your favorite item with words.
( friendly, exciting, exotic, pure, rough, crazy, hot,
chic, simple, gentle, blue, earthy, puritan...)

Meanwhile here are some backsplashes in warm creamy kitchens
that might help you figure out what you like. Once you
know what you like then lets look for the specific tiles.
Brand of tile or maker of tiles.

Here goes...

I like this, it is simple and yet has texture and
whimsy because the tiles are long ways

Subway mixed with a little style behind the range

I love this crackle with a bit of the owner to express
the beautiful treasures.

Shelf. I love this idea from capegirl

These three below are all simple staying to a similar
shade as the cabs but the soft shiny look is gorgeous.
Simple, classic yet elegant.

Wow... lots to ponder... Capegirl, what is the cut in shelf above the range? Do you have a pic? The cabinets are mascarpone, Benjamin Moore, satin; which I found out about here! Boxerpups... thanks again... you're always so helpful! I love the ideas... And while I love the designs above the oven, mosaics, etc. I think I want to keep it simple since as my granite is rather busy, and the cabinets have a lot of detail already and it's an open floor plan... need to tie in a lot... I'm told if I do the subway all around and then a picture frame above the oven with the diamonds (which is I think simple and elegant) in the same or similar tile that it's too much grout and cutting for my 36" area above the stove, and looks less interesting then just sticking with the field tile... what do you think?
busy granite:

You will think I am crazy but the pattern in your
fireplace would be awesome on your wall with a light
crackle tile to match the cabs. I love your granite too.

Your inspiration but in a color to match the cabs.

I think capegirl means a shelf like this.. I could be
worng but maybe this is what she means.

Hi, Love the shelf idea, but no room behind the wall !... the herring bone idea is also great, to match the fireplace... what do you think in in the honey onyx...with subway cracked, crema marfil, travertine field surround?
honey onyx herringbone:

Dddddrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllll worthy.

YEs, YEs, YEs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I am excited because I just love Onyx.
I think this is the one. Do you love it? I wish we could
wave a magic wand and it would be instantly installed.
Can't wait to see the art work.
~bp

Well, I'm having second thoughts; I'm told not to mix stone, as in granite and onyx... or I could place the onyx just above the oven in the pattern above, frame it with the cracked cream subway and then field subway all around.... ... or just the cracked cream and put a diamond shaped 4x4 in matching cracked cream to be safe above the oven, or just do the subway cracked cream everywhere to keep it simple .... decisions....

I think I've narrowed it down to a cream (probably crackled, maybe beveled, maybe subway) field tile with something n a harlequin-type (diamond) design in the same color tile above the range. My husband doesn't like the hand-painted Old Mexico look; I think I do... what is a nice compromise.... I've been to Ann Saks (gorgeous, takes weeks and is pricey) Sonoma Mission, also nice, a little more reasonable prices, and times; Going to Heath still and have been to the local discount tile shop. But I can see the quality is not the same; there seem to be way too many obvious cracks. Any recommendations?? ? I don't really want to go to too many more stores, as I've found these from you guys, just trying to hone down for quality but practicality.