I like the mix of materials in the option with the glass. It is more interesting.

I much prefer the splash material in photo 1. It shows better color definition.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Glass and slate. Remember to seal the tile after grouting to minimize stains.

Definitely a blend... [houzz=][houzz=][houzz=][houzz= http://www.houzz.com[houzz=]/photos/1635815/W16-Rustic-Stone-Brick-Glass-Mosaic-contemporary-kitchen-tile-los-angeles][houzz=]

I like the glass/slate combo as well.

You win..cuz you stacked the deck. : ) The colors in the glass/slate combo looks best but a darker slate may have helped your husband's choice. But, I too like the mix of glass and slate because it's just more interesting looking. Congrats on your remodel. Lookin good!

You win. Sorry DH

I agree with pjtime.

Not a lonely opinion, pjtime, as I agree with you too. I prefer the lower contrast slate backsplash, though I too would like it just a tad darker. But I have to admit I am already bored to death with the ubiquity of the high contrast glass mosaic backsplashes and think in a few years they are going to look dated. I might very well be wrong about this, of course. But I prefer to go with a more timeless, low-contrast backsplash, either slate or glass or a combination. It's the busy high-contrast ones that have, IMO, worn out their welcome. But please note I am not a professional designer, just a homeowner old enough to have seen many design fads come and go.

Thanks so much for the feedback so far. I think many of you are right, I think maybe this is an unfair battle as the slate that was available at our local big box store was this lighter colour. We are going to go to a speciality store today and get some darker slate to compare to my choice. I will repost photos. Thanks for pointing that out! :)

feeny, my husband just read your response and said "Yes Exactly- This is what I was trying to tell you!!!" hahaha I think you have a new friend!

Yes, feeny, I tend to agree with you. I'll be making a backsplash choice soon, after I find a new counter material (either granite or quartz) and I know it is not going to be easy. I'll probably be needing some help later.

@chonnie,
I'm sure you know you can just post a design dilemma when it is time for your backsplash and get tons of input. It's often conflicting input, but even that is useful--hearing the reasoning behind each person's preference.

Glad to hear you're going to a specialty tile store where there is a much better selection. I'd suggest using a 6x6" slate tile with a border of slate/glass linear mosaics. It will give a more open feel yet you will still have the accent of slate/glass. You should be able to find the same slate in the field tiles that are in the mosaics. The best part is you both win.

Thanks Fenny. I did post my kitchen this week for some help in deciding on the type of counter tops to select. As you mentioned, hearing the reasoning does help a lot. What's your feeling on subway tiles for a backsplash? I was thinking of getting them once I choose a counter top. They've been around forever and have that "timeless" look. A couple of my friends had them installed last year in their kitchens and they look great. Nonetheless, since I'm freshly retired and possible thinking a selling in perhaps five years, I have to take into consideration the future-buyers who tend to be quite "trendy" in their tastes, especially here in a popular city neighborhood.

@chonnie: I am biased on the subway tile question. I adore them and used them in our recently renovated kitchen (below). Our house was built in the 1920's so we were trying to do a kitchen that would be classic and simple and go with the period of the house. But I also love subway tiles in many different contexts, in different colors, different shapes and patterns, etc., not just in a more "period" kitchen like ours.

Your kitchen is beautiful, feeny. I, too, have white subway tile in our kitchen. It's a wonderful classic, and very well priced.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Wow! You did a fantastic job! I simply love it! I would feel really at home in your kitchen. My kitchen has shaker cabinets too which I had put in five years ago, but I choose maple wood.I think I will go with the subway tiles too. I also really like the drawer pulls you chose. Two summers ago, I helped my sister in Halifax update her first house's kitchen (1950s) with new hardware (Lee Valley Store) door pulls, knobs, and hinges, plus I painted her wood cabinets a light greenish color (her choice) and it made such a difference. When I get down there again, I'd like to add some wood moldings at the top. (Pictures attached). By the way, what is your counter top? It looks like soapstone, is it? I am jealous of your gas range. A friend of mine almost bought a Wolf, but purchased an American range instead which he adores and has enjoyed for three years now. I'd love to more of your kitchen. Perhaps it's already posted under another topic.

Yes, our counter is soapstone, chonnie. Good eye. And thank you so much for your kind words about our kitchen, both chonnie and Carolyn. But now I'm feeling self-concious that we've hijacked kennedysmama's thread to discuss our respective kitchens and subway tile, so I'm going to move over to your own kitchen counter post, chonnie, to continue the conversation there. But I'll just add that your renovation of your sister's kitchen is great! She must be very happy with it. I don't quite see the light green of the cabinets however. They look white to me. Must be the computer.

Yes, fenny, you're right. Sorry to kennandysmama! I'm new to this.

No, no, not your fault at all. I just got self-conscious about making my answers too long.

Read this article before you go to the tile store. The best advice is every surface can't be vying for the most attention. I work with so many real estate agents on homes that installed the latest and greatest that are now woefully outdated. Go with classic and you won't have a kitchen that screams 2012. The busy backsplashes are already dating themselves so I would hestiate to do it unless you absolutely LOVE it but be prepared to question that descision later. Builders tend to make the mistake that they feel they must do everything that has lots of personality when the house his empty but then it all feels too much when the homeowners move in their accessories. http://www.mariakillam.com/2012/08/my-sisters-fresh-new-backsplash-before-after.html

Lisa Lucas has given us all wise advice. Well stated, Lisa!

you can probably think about shell tiles as kitchen back splash. really natural and luxury and bring the nature to your kitchen. visit www.dintin.com and we have 50+ designs for you.