More pics I wasn't able to add several pics in one post

More pics

Window

Your counter tops are beautiful. Very nice cabinets too. It is just my opinion but, I think your backsplash is going to compete with your granite. Your counter tops have a lot of movement in them. I would go with a less busy backsplash.

Since the hood range is open I think I would take the backsplash all the way up to the top of the cabinets.

I would frame your window with moulding.

Another

The colors work but too much competing pattern. Famously voiced by GWer Linelle as wearing paisley with plaid.

Its too late to change the backsplash... I already purchased 50sq feet :( I hope it still looks nice :(.

Thank you autumncolor5 I've been working very hard in this kitchen from the design to the installation and contractors.. I'm starting to enjoy it more and more every day. So you are saying not to use the stainless steel piece but to use the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling? I just came back from the lumbar store and picked up molding to frame the window :) thank you

Thank you May_flowers for you feedback as well.. hearing feedback helps me to decide what my next steps will be.

So I should not try to incorporate the stainless steel wall piece at all?

If you are worried about tile and counter clashing...it''s probably not too late for a different tile if you are willing to pay a restocking fee on the original tile.

I think that you will be unhappy with the backsplash. It will compete with the countertop and I would not place the tile in the window frame. If you can't return the tile or don't want to then I would consider placing the stainless steel behind the stove so it will break up that busy tile.
Good luck!

Great feedback. I guess I need to find another backsplash :( I just didn't want to go with subway tiles I wanted something unique; I thought the stainless steel in that tile would play nice with the stainless steel appliances.

I will check if I can return the tile :( and back to the drawing board.

I appreciate all the honest feedback, thank you.

I wouldn't rush to return the backsplash yet. I would consider using it as an accent stripe with a more simple tile. Take the glass mosaic (I love it, but agree that it will be busy with the beautiful counter) to the tile store and ask for assistance in choosing something to coordinate with it. Bring a few different samples home to view in the space. Take pics and post again.

I do like the backsplash tile, its pretty but I agree for the entire backsplash its probably a bit busy for that lovely granite. The general consensus seems to be, either the granite or the backsplash take center stage, not both. But of course, if you really have your heart set on both, then go for it. It is your kitchen after all, we are here to offer opinions but the final choice is yours.

"I just didn't want to go with subway tiles I wanted something unique; I thought the stainless steel in that tile would play nice with the stainless steel appliances. "

It does, but the granite doesn't want to share any diva time.

One way to have that paisley counter and plaid backsplash might be to separate them a bit of neutral color, like your stainless steel range.

Use boring, drab, inconspicuous cream subway tiles (which BTW can cost as little as $1 sq ft) in most of the kitchen, installed in the meekly inconspicuous subway tile manner.

Then. behind the range, all the way to the ceiling, put the mosaic, running with the long tiles vertical ... a single block of mosaic goodness with the hood floating in front of it.

Tape some sheets of mosaic up, and some cream subway tiles up, and see how it looks.

Your kitchen is small, cute, and cottagey. You have several strong elements already (your raised cabinet doors add pattern to the mix), and the contemporary mosaic doesn't work with the other elements. I would keep it simple but colorful with a beautiful blue ceramic tile. Crackle tile will give you some depth of color and texture without competing with the granite. Then use bright yellow accessories like your teapot.

I would frame the window with wood and paint it white. Paint the walls tan like you said and I would use the tile straight up to the vent hood. I think it will make that area pop and won't be to busy to compete with the counters because it's only above the stove. Remember it's your vision.

I think you need some type of range hood. I like the one you posted a link to. What I meant was if you use the one you posted, I would fill in with the backsplash tiles around the range hood and take the tiles to the ceiling.

Have you looked at pillow tiles? ( I think that it what they call them) They have more of a rounded edge and look like they puff out somewhat.

Another thought might be to get a different range hood and do an accent section between the hood and range with the glass tiles that you bought if room allows.

Let us know what you decide to do about the backsplash.

Awesome I'm totally loving the suggestions... I really like the backsplash.. and I would love to use it.. but don't want it to compete with the granite

I like the idea of putting a few pieces of the mosiac up on the wall as well as a few neutral pieces to see how it looks. I also like the idea of adding the mosiac in the area behind the hood, take it all the way to the ceiling I think the little pieces of stainless steel in the mosiac would compliment the hood and the range nicely without competing.

So off to the tile stores for me to look for some neutral tiles :) I love the suggestions, each and every one provides a different perspective so I truly thank you for responding.. and I will post again once I have the "neutral" tiles :)

I'm excited again.. I went to bed last night worried and even had a dream about the backsplash. It was weighing heavy on my mind. I should sleep well tonight :)

Thanks everyone again.

I also wanted something unique but caved to GW to some degree. I didn't want subway, thought about back painted glass, fell in love with a mosaic and in the end went with 5x5 tiles. One straight row, then the border, on top I went diagonal.

Also check out Badgergal's behind the range mosaic

{{gwi:2136320}}

Your kitchen is beautiful a2gemini... I really like the layout of your backsplash.

I attempted to find Badgergal's behind the range mosaic but was not able to.. could you give me a hint of where I may be able to find the picture?

Hey a2, thanks for continuing to be a fan of my kitchen.

Emajination, love your granite and love the mosaic too. Mosaics don't get a lot of love on this forum. It seems that the majority of GWers think that mosaics are too busy and/ or that they will look dated. There would be nothing wrong with doing something simple, plain, and neutral but if it doesn't make your heart sing then you may want to just go with what does.

As a2gemini mentioned above, I have a mosaic behind my cooktop. It is a mix of glass, stone and stainless. While my countertop does not have flowing veins in it, it does have lots of splotches of blue/green, black and gold in it. I opted to put the mosaic just behind the cooktop and vent hood all the way to the ceiling. I wanted it to be a focal point in my kitchen. I thought that having the mosaic between the rest of my countertop and cabinet areas would be too much of a good thing. My sink is in my island (another thing frowned upon by many GWers), so no need for a backsplash there.

I think that the mosaic you have would look great behind your range and hood but would be mosaic overload if you put it everywhere. If you think you need protection behind your sink maybe could you get another piece of you granite to put in the location. I would make it just the width of the window and have it go up to the window trim. If you can't get more granite maybe you could use a piece of clear glass or back painted glass in that area.

Can't wait to see what you decide to do. In the meantime here is a shot of my mosaic.

Thank you Badgergal for you comments and that gorgeous kitchen... I love your backsplash. That is exactly how I was thinking of using the mosiac, behind the range hood all the way to the ceiling.

I actually have enough granite to place it on the entire wall by the sink all the way up to cabinet, and right under the kitchen sink.. but wouldn't that be an overkill of granite.

I also like the idea of highlighting my mosiac behind the stove up to the ceiling.

I have alot of suggestions, lots of granite and mosiac (50sq ft) lol and I think that I need to visit more tile stores.

GW is awesome.. and I have realized that mosiac is not a favorite here lol

Emajination- love your handle and shows your creativity.
Badger chirped in as you can see.
I think it would be great to do the mosaic behind your range. For the rest- how about finding glass tile that coordinates with the mosaic. I think it could be very emajinative!

Badger- I wish I was close enough to use your cabinet maker for our bathrooms. Someday, I am sure we will meet in person!

Note that Badgergirl has a contemporary style -- door style, crown, hood, bar pulls. She also has some cool curved cabinetry. Her kitchen is open concept. That's why her mosaic works.

Just looked at the hood you selected. It's really contemporary. Is your home contemporary?

This post was edited by may_flowers on Sat, Jan 10, 15 at 16:16

Ok so I have decided to change the backsplash to a grey glass subway tile
http://tiledaily.com/2014/06/23/grey-glass-subway-mosaic/

with this grey color paint for the wall

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7641-collonade-gray/

@may_flowers I really don't know what I consider my kitchen to be maybe modern contemporary????

Im thinking these choice are a little more calm right?

Here is a link that might be useful: Tile

This post was edited by emajination on Wed, Jan 14, 15 at 23:27

Or the cracked, not sure of the pros/cons with glass vs crackled subway tile

Here is a link that might be useful: Crackled tile

I believe the crackle tile you have chosen from Tile Daily is the same tile that
Lcskaisgir used in her kitchen. It turned out beautifully. I'm linking to a post which discusses her tile search.
I'll also post a pic of her backsplash & a link to her reveal, one of my favorite kitchens & backsplash choices.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lcskaisgir's gray crackle tile

This is the second time this week I've linked to Lcskaisgir's kitchen. I love the gray crackle. Full disclosure: I have a gray crackle tile in my kitchen also & am biased toward all crackle tile. it has depth.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lcskaisgir's kitchen reveal

Beautiful lcskaisgir's kitchen is beautiful. That kitchen reminds me of several kitchens I saw on Houzz.

I love how the granite is placed under the window and on the sides as well. Beautiful

I just wonder what the pro and cons are glass vs crackled subway tile. Is it basically the glass gives a shiny texture and the crackled is more depth? The durability and simplicity of cleaning is the same?

This post was edited by emajination on Wed, Jan 14, 15 at 23:22

Crackle tiles do need to be sealed. I haven't had any staining issues. The glass are going to be a consistent color, the crackle will have some variation in color. Glass tiles seem more contemporary to me but I've seen them used in more traditional kitchens with success.
Have you ordered samples of these two tiles? I believe Lcskaisgir asked them to send her a variety of gray tiles. You might also ask for gray tile samples with a hint of blue.