Hi teeka,

Picking the backsplash is the hardest thing, isn't it? And I didn't even know that I needed one until I joined this forum. lol. I have a dark backsplash and I really like it. I don't get alot of natural light but I have undercabinet lights and lots of overhead lighting.

Here are some pics. I think it DOES look like a black hole in the pics and especially at night, but I still am happy with my choice. I also added accent tiles to break it up.

Good luck!

this one is fairly dark. i saved it because it is very similar to colors/tones i want, except i want a white or very light stone color backsplash. i have a galley kitchen and also want to focus more attention on granite than backsplash. if you want the splash to be the focal point, i think a darker one could work.

GW rejected this as a link, but hopefully you can copy/paste
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035533881@N01/1375840017/in/set-72157601995051324/

kitchenkelly .. your kitchen is gorgeous and the dark color sure works!

teeka, I also have light colored cabinets (pistachio green and cream color) w/bordeaux granite. I sweated over backsplash color/design (does anyone not?:) Here's how I made the final decision: I looked at my favorite china and based on that, chose to go w/handmade Portuguese tile (expensive ... but probably not as expensive as it seems).

I did 5 variegated shades of white subway tile w/ borders with colors that picked up one of the aubergine colors in the granite the green to compliment the cabinetry - this a very pretty yellow wash in the background of the border tile. The mural behind the range is multi-colored and the design is copied from an antique (17th century) Dutch tile -- it has greens, yellow, pinks and blues - it's really lovely - flowers and greens and a little yellow bird in the middle of it all (I ordered from Solar antique tiles in NYC). It's almost complete and I simply love it!

My point is not ness. to go w/Solar (although Pedro is a genius) .. but, to take something you love and use everyday (like your china) and let that be your color guide. Maybe you want to consider subway tiles w/a simple band of color (golden?) border to bring it all together? Think of a basketweave china plate w/a simple gold rim / both elements compliment each other. Also, look at the sky high expensive stuff and get inspired. Country floors, imo, has gorgeous tile ... but is so far over the top in price that it's ridiculous. Use them for ideas, not purchase.

Mainly, have fun and don't settle for anything that isn't beautiful.

kitchenkelly-love your backsplash and counter. could you tell us what they are. thx

Hi biner,

Thanks. The backsplash is Oceanic bluestone by Thorntree. The granite is called Aquario (I think it may also be called Surf Green, too.)