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ryansmother

Please! Backsplash help for contemporary white/grey kitchen

11 years ago



Hello Houzz Fans - I could really use your advice. We designed a new kitchen without including our decision on backsplash! :(. Now, we want to add backsplash tile on one wall--the one with the range/fridge only, and are conflicted on what to do. Should we stick with white? Or should we go with something that picks up the grey (earthy) in the bottom cabinets? You can see in the bottom photo two colors that we were looking at. (Afraid the color on left could be too dark). Really I just need any feedback suggestions I can get! We were looking at large subway tile, but thought we should get away from the vertical pattern theme that already exists in the bottom cabinets and wood floors. I have an example of a new design concept that I can share as well. Would love your suggestions!


Comments (32)

  • 11 years ago

    Hi, RyansMom again - Adding to my initial post/story, this a tile design we were thinking of using, instead of large subway tile...

  • 11 years ago

    Yeah, that would be great -- not adding another color (other than via grout) but adding some pattern to bounce off all the planes. Overall, I'd stay away from the dark, so if you decide against the above, I'd either look for a very pale gray (or a white with gray or sea glass overtones) or go for some texture rather than color -- a little sparkle or some 3-dimensionality -- this one is from Daltile:

    Lisa Wolford thanked acm
  • 11 years ago

    I like your idea of mixing up the linear and I like the tile you are considering. I also like this one as it looks organic. But what does "bother" me a bit is the brick wall. I'm not sure the fun pattern backsplash will look good with the linear, rustic brick wall? I'd consider painting the brick white too, It seems a bit out of place with your modern kitchen (but may work with the rest of the home??)

    Frost White 12"x12" Natural Interlocking Pebbles Tile, 10 Sq.Ft. · More Info

    Lisa Wolford thanked Darzy
  • 11 years ago

    BTW...if you are going for an industrial modern look, I like the brick and then install industrial pendants/lighting to bring it all together. But, then, it may change your backsplash thoughts.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Darzy
  • 11 years ago

    I'd suggest either the subway tile in white with grey grout but have it laid in a chevron pattern or a tumbled white marble with grey veining.


    Lisa Wolford thanked faceforpam
  • 11 years ago

    Hi Darzy - I have had the same thoughts about the brick, am so happy you mentioned something. The Pebbles are interesting!

  • 11 years ago

    If he brick wall is staying then I wouldn't do the chevron pattern. Too busy with the brick pattern. The tumbled marble set in the same pattern as the brick would tie them together,

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    What exactly are you covering in backsplash? How do you plan to deal with the window? A more contemporary look would be larger format rectangle tiles either horizontal or vertical, but stacked, with a color match grout.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Washington Marble Works
  • 11 years ago
    I would do the white in a stacked design, and go all the way to the ceiling behind the range.
    Lisa Wolford thanked ritting28
  • 11 years ago

    Hi Wash marble works - We are covering a plain flat wall. (If that's what you mean?) The window will get finished off and I may add a modern blind but haven't gotten that far. I am also considering painting that window wall, (which connects to a living area) depending upon what is done with the backsplash. I will also likely paint the brick white. I really appreciate your thoughts!

  • 11 years ago

    Wash Marble Works - oh, again, regarding window, will expect to paint it...some color!

  • 11 years ago
    I like the brick. Maybe wait to paint it till the rest is done. It adds visual interest.
    Lisa Wolford thanked ritting28
  • 11 years ago

    I like the stacked linear tile idea a lot.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Darzy
  • 11 years ago

    So appreciative of this feedback! I am surprised by the linear tile appeal... direction we were going as well, but fearing to many vertical lines between flooring, cabinetry, etc.. (As you can, we've been all over the place!). But thank you!

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    So just the large wall will need backsplash, none on the wall with the window/sink? That is what i meant. Those walls with windows and no cabinets above can be tricky, because backsplash can look unfinished if it doesnt cover the whole wall. People will tell you all sorts of reasons to pick this or that, but in the end you have to look at it every day! I would browse Houzz pictures for contemporary kitchens.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Washington Marble Works
  • 11 years ago

    Thanks Washington Marble Works! I have browsed a lot. The plan is to leave that wall painted, but I certainly agree that it could look unfinished. I think we figured we could add later if what you are saying is correct... :)

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    You sure could! I would probably only do it just under the window, if you decide to do that wall at all. I think that leaving it painted would look nice as well.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Washington Marble Works
  • PRO
    11 years ago


    Walnut · More Info
    I personally think glass tile back splash is the way to go with this one. Blacks and greys would really compliment the nicely white cabinets.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Regal Construction & Remodeling Inc.
  • 11 years ago

    Hi---

    I really like your kitchen-very nice...

    I think something organic and elegant would be perfect for your space. I've attached a photo of unique marble and mother of pearl mosaics from the Tilebar.com Cassie Chapman collection...

    Hope you find them inspiring. Good Luck!


    Lisa Wolford thanked Natalie
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Hey,

    Get what you want, a custom made backsplash we can make for you! We design and manufacture tile for kitchens like yours all over the country. Check out my Houzz page or website at www.bontondesigns.com

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I would personally try to pull some colors from the brick fireplace to pull the area together as your white counter top is neutral and the dark cabinets are fairly neutral also. If you plan to face the fireplace eventually, then I would use that product color to bring it into the space.

    Lisa Wolford thanked Johnbuildsv LLC
  • 11 years ago

    Johnbuilds, you are right on! Love that. Gotta work with what you have.


  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I am with you John I was thinking with this design you could pull colors from other design elements in the room using the circles. Could be installed horizontally as well

    Lisa Wolford thanked BonTon Tile
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Choosing a backsplash can be overwhelming! Here
    is a great article: A
    Backsplash Guide

    Lisa Wolford thanked Cabinets 4U, Inc.
  • 10 years ago

    Codes in some areas require a backsplash, often just minimum of 4". So maybe tile up to a line even with bottom of window all along that wall?

    Lisa Wolford thanked momjk
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Hi,

    If you are looking for unique lighting ideas for the breakfast bar, we invite you to visit our Houzz page or www.GalileeLighting.com.

    To receive our lighting catalog by email, contact Sales@GalileeLighting.com


    TURQUOISE GLASS CHANDELIER, RAIN DROPS MODERN KITCHEN LIGHTING by GALILEE LIGHTI · More Info

    Galilee Lighting · More Info

    Drops of light · More Info


  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    :) a one

    Lisa Wolford thanked DECORATIVA
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    a two

    Lisa Wolford thanked DECORATIVA
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    or a three :)

    Lisa Wolford thanked DECORATIVA
  • 10 years ago
    I really think you should consider white or marble penny tiles for your space....it would look amazing!
    I agree with adding some industrial element....maybe in your lighting.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Hi

    My two cents are a white subway tile backsplash. This kitchen has the glossy beveled glass subway tile which would look very nice in your kitchen too. Add color and interest with a nice glass tile over the stove

    Linda Paul

    artist
    lindapaul.com