I actually saved that image to show the difference undercabinet lighting can make. Here are three modestly priced slate backsplash tiles and a border piece, similar to what was in the example.... Although similar doesn't always "cut it", sometimes they actually work out better.... I like to go to www.lampsplus.com to look for lighting, they carry 1000's of items and in a huge variety of styles and price ranges.

The center countertop, pendant lighting, or backsplash is an opportunity to add a theme color. The cool blue gray rug is an appealing contrast to the warmer tones of the wood and would make a nice tone for the tile in the backsplash or go with a bolder tone. But bring the backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets. Good luck!

I have seen a few stainless steel backsplashes that look really cool, so I think I may either go with that or natural stone like shown above. I am leaning towards going more contemporary/industrial style. Will start looking at tile places next weekend. Thanks for everyone's input; I'll post a picture when it's completed.

You're back! I like the idea of colorful pendants. Re: backsplash - can you remove the 4" piece? Otherwise it may look rather odd to have tile on top of it

I was definitely planning on having it removed. I don't think that should be a problem.

Here's what I did with my kitchen: http://funideastoshare.blogspot.com/2014/11/kitchen-remodel.html I have similar cabinets. I just found my backsplash from Home Depot.

I noticed you have gray couches too. I took a blue/gray paint (Aloof Gray by Sherwin Williams) throughout my kitchen and family room and used blue and gray décor to go with my gray couches. http://funideastoshare.blogspot.com/2014/10/family-room-remodel.html

I think Gray tones will look great, the kitchen is a great space.

bhnielsen, I really love how it all came together and how you were able to bring in some more color and contrast with the backsplash and the hardware. Really nice job!

If I had thought it out longer, I probably would have chosen a more greyish color for my walls. Instead, we chose Sierra Hills by BM in most of the rooms and it will be a huge project to change out the color now. It was only painted a year ago. Since the rooms are all connected, painting them a different color is challenging.

I commissioned the Decorist to help me with this. Let's see what they come up with. http://www.houzz.com/pro/decorist/decorist

How about a mirrored splash back? No problem then with colour coordination and it visually expands the space wonderfully.

Cobalt blue tile would look great with maple and gray.

I like your rug and stools and this reminds me of my Vermont Kitchen with custom woods.
I would since you have narrow backsplash in counter material Paint splashy teal walls backsplash under cabinets.
you can brighten and change color when you want.Especially since you already have lights do modern high gloss paint in teal or even chartreuse lime green.
down the line you might alter island but Kitchen looks great.

Also you maybe able to switch out pendant glass with new globes from Lowes in jazzy colorful glass.

Or cobalt blue...?That is the beauty of paint vs tile,tile changes subways will soon look dated.Paint is easy to change.

Beautiful maple cabinets. They look terrific with your wood floor. So glad you decided not to paint them white. Lots of advice here on color choices for your backsplash and lighting. Please post photos on your final choices.

Hi, Another idea is to paint the island cabinetry rather than change the top to carry through with that pop of color. Will be fun to see what you decide. Good luck with your project. :)

I saw a gorgeous kitchen on Garden web about 6 weeks ago, and the cabinets remind me of yours. Let me see if I can post a photo...

Whatever backsplash you choose ( I would suggest a white mini subway),

Be sure to get rid of all your outlets by installing a " plug mold", which fits right under your wall cabinets and gives you multi outlets without showing...

Also, I would use a larger crown mold on the wall cabinets, have it stained to match.... Paint the island and replace the wooden corbels with some pretty

Iron ones... Replace hardware with pewter finish hardware.

I'd recommend going with something neutral for your backsplash: white, gray, clear glass this lends you the opportunity to get creative with other areas in your kitchen that are easily interchangeable as your tastes change. However I read above it sounds like you're leaning toward natural stone or stainless which would lend you the same changes. If you go stainless check out aspectideas.com they have some stainless peel and stick tiles that look so easy to install. They come in subway, honeycomb, square, hex patterns. If you have a Menards in your area they sell them there and you can take a package or two home to look at them. I wanted to use them in my own home at first, but I've moved on to their peel and stick glass tiles.

If you pick something neutral you could easily pick some fun pendants to match the lighting in your dining room, accessories and bar stools. Since it sounds like you were open to painting the cabinets at one time you might consider painting the island and making it a focal point. You mentioned you have some teal in other areas of your open floorplan so maybe this could be a color you'd want to paint the island? Or maybe this is a place where you could incorporate some more gray?

Whatever you decide good luck!

I'd concentrate on texture on the backsplash. Diamonds? and match the dark streak in your floors in solid color (dark brown? espresso?). I'd match that light yellow in your countertop in an off white for the walls. I think that would look very rich next to those black appliances. the counter is very light, it can handle the dark backsplash. the yellow is already there so this works with that. might come off as a bit "Beidmier" but I like that look.

Now I'm thinking the appliances aren't black?

I like the colour of your bar stools in the room. I would use those as inspiration and maybe do a teal glass or ceramic backsplash.

I am so glad to hear someone else is not painting their wood cabinets! I love our light oak cabinets. An ice dam on our roof in feb. has created damage to 3 rooms. As long as the kitchen wall is going to be torn apart, I really want to replace the aqua formica countertops from 1980s. Everyone says you can't sell your house unless you have granite counter tops, but we are not selling for at least 10 years. By then granite may be out. People with granite seem to either love it or hate it. I am hesitant to spend so much and wondering if I will be sorry I did not jump in. What are my other options? Do they still sell quality formica? Something that looks like granite in pattern? Would that be cheesey?

yes quality Formica/laminate is still sold, and some of it is really nice. Granite is nice too, but not just any granite. Many people are putting in some really, cheap ugly crap, just because it's "granite." Don't do that. There are many solid surfaces out there to choose from. No need to follow the sheep. Do what you like. But in my opinion, anything fake, is yes, cheesy. Go to a design center, you'll be amazed, don't limit yourself to the big box stores. And don't be afraid to spend a few hundred on getting some expert advice - it will be the best $$ you can spend. Good luck and have fun!

Chambermusicgal - get a list of stone yards near you, go visit, and look at slabs. I didn't think I liked granite (though, all I'd really seen was the stuff at the big box), but there are some incredible looking stones out there. Just take an afternoon (or two) and browse - it's actually a lot of fun!

I like your cabinets, but the walls are too beige. Have you considered repainting the walls a light grey and bringing in the yellow/cream with grey or metallic specks in the quartz countertops along with complimentary tiles in the backsplash. Yellow and gray with cream 2x2" or smaller tiles would coordinate with the stainless steel appliances too. Enjoy and have fun.

If you want to do something a little bit modern and different for your backsplash, I absolutely love this tile: http://www.islandstone.com/product-detail.php?id=13

I was hoping my mom would choose that for her backsplash but I think she's going to stick with subway tile. I think it's a great alternative to other types of glass tile that are really popular right now, but it's not trendy, so I think it will stand the test of time a bit better. And it's got a warmer feeling than stainless. The smoke color could be a great way to bring in the gray.

soft travertine backsplash with intermittent colorful tile

also...Tiffany style pendants for color

Thanks. I need to visit some places

When I found my tile at BestTile, everything clicked. This has the teal/blue you mentioned, and it goes beautifully with browns. First image is close up before grout, second image is the completed tile, with maple cabinet and Costa Smerelda granite.

what style do you like? Think about that first..,.. Craftsman, Cape cod, modern, rustic? Then if you may paint your cabinets down the road, make sure there are other elements in the room that will tie your tile choice together, such as wood floors if your tile has any brown in it.... something light in color, such as cream, for your sink or the cream in the countertops. Next, have something like glass or metallic mixed in with the tile to lighten up the room, and add a wow factor. But remember to keep your choices going in the direction of your favorite style. Tile backsplash makes a huge difference in a kitchen! Happy choosing!

And what about one of those tiles ?

Mosaic glass or stone tile in a light color!

I agree with other Houzzers that a glass backsplash in teal colour will look great. I also love the teal pendant posted by Barbara Almandarz - it will look lovely with your maple kitchen. In order to tie the dining room with the kitchen, I would add a big, teal coloured, fruit bowl on the dining table.

Use the same Quartz as counters for backsplash .

Your kitchen reminds me of mine and one of the features I've obsessed over is the backsplash. Go to the United Tile website, products, ceramic and Sonoma Tileworks, the Star-Tribeca. The field tile in person is gorgeous. It's the creamy crackle. Not a stark white, but soft. Looks great with your color cabinets. You can also find kitchen pics of it here on Houzz. Gray tiles and such would really darken up your kitchen, give these a look.

We have a similar kitchen color scheme and we used a dark brown glass tile back splash. It makes the cabinets pop.

I hated my maple cabinets when we bought our house. They were paired with a bland white Formica countertop, white appliances, & an ugly sheet of off-white (undoubtedly due to wear & not the fact it was originally that color) vinyl floor, all against a pale yellow paint. My solution was to paint my kitchen a great, deep red, recognizing it didn't help the cabinets, but figuring nothing could make them better. Besides I knew I'd just eventually paint or replace them. Yet, after a few years living with them & acknowledging our kitchen budget wouldn't include allow for the latter, we moved forward with improving around them. Now I actually LOVE the warmth the cabinets offer. I think a large part of this is the travertine mosaic backsplash we choose & how it tied a more modern feel with it all. Hope you are able to find something you love too!

I really love how it turned out!! I think I wouls consider doing the same if I weren't restricted by the yellowish countertops that I have! Black goes so well with the maple cabinets!

Perhaps something like these backsplash tiles, with grey and tan tones that capture the colors in your decor, could work with your cabinets and countertop.

here is a backsplash that I just had done with my maple cabinets and Laneshaw quartz countertop.

Personally I'd go with a black glass and matching granite worktop - and I'd hang copper pendants over the island. It would be really striking and bring your kitchen completely up to date without having to change too much. Admittedly these are not cheap options but really worth the outlay in my opinion.

Yah I would pull blue and grey backsplash with some cream in it also I think some thing blue in lights above counter highlight with black

Hi there! Before you decide on a backsplash, I would suggest you go with your original instinct and paint your cabinets. Right now they blend with the floor, rather than creating needed contrast. The color you use should be chosen in conjunction with the tile. I can't tell from the photo how much light the room gets, or what the adjacent room looks like, but since it's an open space, consider the overall style and color palette you're after. There are so many great options, so a little time spent on the plan will save you lots of money in the long run and can take your room from nice to fantastic! Good luck!

I think a backsplash in a lighter shade of blue will give you the statement you are looking for.

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betty1233. Would you please post a pic of your kitchen tile backsplash?

Help! My kitchen walls are a light terracotta with black marinachi granite counter tops. My cabinets are cream with a dark glaze. What color backslash?