I actually really love your #2 backsplash, but if you going to change I would go with the blackish color- goes great with the knobs and black in granite.

you have a gorgeous kitchen!

I'm with Skatermom on this one - #2 is gorgeous! Is there any way of VERY randomly introducing another color in the existing backsplash? Just to give your eye something to look at momentarily and then come back to your lovely countertop. I like the green and deep blue, maybe too much on the other side of the pendulum swing? Good luck:)

I would also keep the existing backsplash (#2) and keep the stainless behind the AGA. You have a lovely granite that is the star, so let it be. You don't want the backsplash to fight your granite.

HTH, Petra

I actually like your existing backsplash color and you seem to have done a good job of matching the AGA color. If you want to get another color, I would get a cream color that is richer and deeper than the AGA in the same hue. This will create more contrast with the white cabinets, and bring out the creams in the AGA and the granite even more.

I think what you need to do is to replace the SS with tile so that wall has a continuity of view. The SS does not relate to anything else in that kitchen and breaks up the back wall in a way that seem too utilitarian in that particular space. It is out of character with everything else used in there and introduces an element that has no design value unlike the other items, ie custom hood with decorative glass, old fashioned AGA, farm sink etc.

I like how you used paint to bring up the matching brown color on the short wall from the brown cabinets. You could try the same theme on the white wall and try creating a continuity of color on the AGA wall. Since you matched the AGA color rather than the cabinet color, you should carry the color across the entire wall by eliminating the SS. You might add a subtle framed design on the backsplash of the range that echoes the decorative glass on the custom hood. This could be where you can add some color to the background of "ivory/cream", ie a border in another color.....

If you like the brown tile as the backsplash, I think you need to make sure it works with the browns in the cabinets well. The particular tile looks too orangy compared to the cabinets. I would look for more brown and less orangey, if you want to use brown, not what I would pick, however.

I think the dark bluish tile will clash/compete too much with the brown cabinets. I think you have to let brown carry the theme in that kitchen since you have chosen to highlight the brown rather than the blue from the granite by using brown cabs.

The light grey may be neutral enough to work. Again, visually, not as coordinated as the AGA matched color backsplash.

Very long winded but I try to give you some rationale why I like/not favor certain choices.

I am with Kaismom and am for getting rid of the stainless behind the stove. It doesn't seem to go with the aesthetic of the stove and kitchen style, or connect to other elements, and detracts from everything for me.

I really like the suggestion for something a little deeper than the color on the stove for the tile.

I also agree about the rusty brown tile when you already have another brown. And I can't really tell what color the darkest tile is, but it looks like it might clash with the Aga's black as well as the brown of the sink cabinets. Besides, I think it'd make your kitchen very dark. I like the gray a lot, but can't tell for sure if it's connecting with the granite.

IMHO there is nothing wrong with "playing it safe" with the backsplash. I too agree that the backplash you have now works well with all the other elements. That said, I also agree that the stainless steel backsplash does not relate to anything in your kitchen. I think you seem to want more WOW. My feeling is that you already have it with the stove and the granite. But, this is your kitchen. So, my suggestion is to remove the SS and create a designer backsplash using your field tile and some other colors from the granite. Have you looked at the backsplash slide show? Also there was a thread entitiled something like "show your backsplash for a good cause" and many have posted theirs.

I love your current backsplash. I think it fits perfectly with the other elements in your kitchen. I agree with what ellendi said. The SS behind the AGA doesn't relate to anything. If you could remove it and come up with a beautiful design incorporating the current tile color, I think that would be ideal.

I have to agree with the others.. #2, your current backsplash is beautiful

I like #2 as well. What about the black tile behind the AGA instead of the stainless? I think it would give the AGA even more presence since it would be continuing the black top.

I like your #2 backsplash but, like others, think the problem is with the SS behind the stove. Think that I'd like to see the diamond pattern from the leaded glass in the cabinet above introduced into tile behind the range. In an understated way so's not to take away from the cooker too much but enough to be interesting & related to something else in the room.

I forgot to tell you that your kitchen looks great! You did a wonderful job!

If you were to only remove the SS behind the AGA, there are lots of different design choices for accenting that area. Like palimpsest said, you could do a contrasting color to the current tile and draw the eye from the black of the AGA upwards. That would be really striking and neat looking. It would lend drama to that area.

If it were my kitchen, I would like to see more of a tonal interesting pattern there. Your granite is so interesting and pretty. Part of me would be hesitant to detract or compete with it, which is why I mention the tonal pattern.

You have a lot of choices in that space, but I would hate to see you take out that beautiful subway tile you have now. It will take longer to figure out the accent backsplash, if you decide to go that way, but I think it could be a stellar solution!

While I like this backsplash, I hear that you don't.

I'd dig out the second row up from the counter only and replace with either shell tiles (sample) or glass or something small, but special like this from Artistic Tile or somthing like Cusp plus a liner from trikeenan. It will add personality to the backsplash and add a design element without killing the really nice color palette you've done.

I think there is some risk in undoing the stainless - it seems to be behind at least some of the trim and might run behind the hood. It doesn't bother me at all, but my tendancy would run towards adding a pot rail with nice coppery pots on it.

I'm a little surprised how many of you like the current backsplash. I wouldn't say we don't like it, we just feel something is not quite right. DW feels it's the stainless and would like the tile to continue behind the AGA. I installed the stainless and the tile and the stainless does go behind the cabinets slightly. It wouldn't be impossible to remove but wouldn't be easy either. Either way I'll have to redo the entire backsplash. The stainless was not chosen by us, the designer chose it and it looked great in the rendering with the onyx tile. It had a modern element to it but now that we've changed the tile, I see how it has no place being there.

I agree with those who are inclined to remove the stainless and replace it. I can see why you feel the cream crackle is too bland, but I'm not sure that replacing with another plain color subway is the answer. I fear it would look like just another block of solid color, when what I think is needed is pattern. I don't necessarily mean a tile with pattern, but some sort of pattern within the whole backsplash...something like adding a row of color or accent tiles sprinkled throughout.

My guess is that the onyx competed too much with the marble because the "pattern" on it was too close to the same small scale as the granite. Something which acts as a large scale pattern should do the trick this time. Although I think I'd like to integrate it both behind the AGA and in the backsplash, I would guess that something just behind the backsplash would do the trick.
FWIW...

I also like your current bs but think it needs a semi dark grout to make it look right. Right now, it reminds me of sneakers that are "too new". You may want to try photoshopping it.
I'd ditch the ss if it were not a huge deal, but it is fine as is.

Here's 2 tonal backsplashes from Brittany & Coggs:

I don't necessarily think this bee motif would work for you, but just giving you an idea about the change in relief.

And a link to some more from another company...

Here is a link that might be useful: Anderson Ceramics

I agree with Dianalo on the grout. I would select a grey grout that picks up on the grey tones in the granite.

Another vote for ditching the stainless steel as being too modern in feel for the overall look of your kitchen.

{{!gwi}}

I like #2. I wonder how copper behind the stove would look. Would it be possible to apply it over the stainless so that taking it out wouldn't be such a job?

My first thought before I read any of the responses was that the stainless did not go. I'd remove it. My next thought was that a contrasting grout (even just a slight contrast) might make a huge difference. I then read other responses and see that others agree. I can't tell but are the tiles matte or shiny? If they're matte, would you feel better with a glass tile in the same shade? I do think your existing tile would look great but might need to have a slightly darker tinted grout (perhaps with a gray undertone) to work better.

My second thought after seeing the example kitchens in doonie's reply...I wonder if, in matching the tile to the stove that the tile is too dark for the cabinets. To my eye it looks like you have the cabinets being the lightest thing in the kitchen, then the backsplash and then the oven, so three tones plus the granite. The tile isn't dark enough to contrast but not light enough to completely blend. If the backsplash was lightened a bit to where it blended more with the cabinetry, your stove would be more of a focal point. Maybe if you went with a just barely off-white tile instead of cream it will work better for you?

Your kitchen is lovely BTW. Whatever you choose - even if you use the existing tile - it will still be lovely.

I think in some kitchens the backsplash is meant to be a showstopper.

In this kitchen you have the AGA, and cabinets with nicely detailed door, and a granite with some movement with an ogee edge. With a stove such as that, and the other details, I think the backsplash can be subdued...I think if you try to do an accent, a feature, or add yet another detail-- it is going to veer toward backsplash #1. That was a perfectly nice tile in isolation but "too much" in that kitchen.

I went on a house tour today and one thing I felt about a number of kitchens was that they suffered from the "trying to stuff 10 lbs. of 5#17 into a 5 lb. bag" syndrome. This might be the time to follow Chanel's advice and take off one accessory before leaving the house.

I think the mildly contrasting grout is a great idea...it would give you the "pattern" I think the backsplash needs without going overboard. It's even possible that with a light gray grout, the stainless will seem to blend in more.

When I installed the tiles but hadn't grouted yet, the backsplash definitely looked better because you could see the grout lines. Now the grout is too close of a match to the tile. It's hard to tell from the pics but the tile color is nearly a perfect match to the AGA.

I'm pretty sure DW will want me to remove the stainless ( she hates cleaning it ).

I'm away on business right now but I'll keep checking back to see all your suggestions.

having same problem as you Have you seen the honey onyx.Love it but only see it in small pieces.

missed that you already tried the onyx. i found a great tile that matches the tone perfectly. it isEpro inc.from a co. in ohio. all tiles are handmade and glazed. Installation almost complete. still needs grout but i love it because the tones matck. Will send you a picture if youhave email address.Not sure how to attach it to this