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jasmine0

Need help with backsplash. Have Kashmir White countertop and Java color cabinets

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I am having an extremely hard time finding backsplash that won't make the kitchen look busy. I don't want the backsplash greyish looking since there is enough grey in the Kashmire White counter top. Every sample I bring looks grey since have no light valance and the light from the potlights give an amber light. Therefore have shadows under the Java cabinets. There is lots of natural light coming from windows at the pillar near the dinette area. White glass tiles give too much glare. Maybe offset glossy/matte white backsplash would do? Can't find the right off beige glass tiles. Would off white/warm beige ceramic tiles with 3 rows of mosaic tile look okay with the countertop. Or any other suggestions please.

Comments (43)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Subway slate,,just an idea
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks. Looks greyish though
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    there are different colours
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks tamara682. Ceramic tiles? Can't find the right ivory glass tiles - the samples I found were too yellowy
  • 13 years ago
    Yes, I would use ceramic ones. I found one for my kitchen at a little tile store down the street, but there's actually nice ones at Lowes that you can find!!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I really think that white is not the way to go in your kitchen. You could do a back painted glass back splash. You have a glass company measure and cut the glass to fit. Then pick a color you like it could even be a metallic like silver. You then paint the glass do 3 coats and let dry. Attach them to the wall paint side back using a clear latex silicone. It really looks great.
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    Or this could work too.
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  • 13 years ago
    I agree with Int Inc, in saying a glass splash back would be great . You can customise your colour.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I think a modern "green-tinged/frosted" glass subway tile in a color similar to one shown in Waikiki chic 2 would look great. Neutral, contemporary and understated but elegant. I think custom anything costs a whole lot more than buying tiles and putting them on. With the dark cabinets and the beautiful Kashmir granite you don't want anything too busy for the backsplash.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Something like this one would be nice and neutral...with the right lighting it can make for a beautiful backsplash esp set against your dark cabinets. Some undercabinet lighting would make it really gorgeous to avoid those shadows

    http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202919796/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=glass+subway+tile&storeId=10051#.URYOf6uA4_s
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you for your comments Interiors International Inc.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    @jasmine0 your are very welcome.
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you Designs by Kav. i live in Toronto, Canada. Home Depot doesn't carry glass tiles like this over here. But i am going to check if any other stores carry it. I was looking at lot examples on this site and was thinking of light beige/ off white ceramic 3x6 subway tile with 3 rows of mosaic tile like the one in the following image. Any thoughts?
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Hi Designs by Kav. I went to MSI International since they are close to me. I found the Arctic Ice - too cool for my kitchen. Saw marble calcutta with the browny and slight grey streaks but wasn't sure if too much for my kitchen. Thanks for your input.
  • 13 years ago
    Please any comments on of these tiles. I am also considering the middle columns of light brown in the in 2 x 2 tiles. The pic with the 2 ceramic tiles was taken in the slightly sunny morning. Considering ceramic tiles with the mosaic from yeserday. Thanks
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I,ll leave the comments to the professionals,,,i,ve found as an installer its personal preference anyways. If you need someone to install this Jasmine,,,inbox me,,i,ll give you a good deal :)
  • 13 years ago
    I was leaning toward a white subway tile, until I saw your last 4 pics. Something about the 3rd one really jumps out at me. The one with rectangles with a brown and maybe greenish color? That matches perfectly with the cabinets without being too dark. I personally find the squares and the mosaics to be too busy. They look great as just a square, but when you do the whole kitchen I think it's overpowering. In the last pic on the right, the multi sized rectangles looks like it would go well too, without being too busy.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I like your choices from the photos, it's difficult to get a real sense of the color but you seem to have a good grasp of the light etc., however, I would consider a horizontal tile rather than a square tile, it lengthens the span visually, accentuating the cupboards. Love your choices though!
  • 13 years ago
    We have a similar granite and went with a 3x6" subway glass tile in a subtle shade of green. Every day I am so glad we did not busy it up with mosaic accent tiles. The backsplash recedes but elegantly envelopes the granite, and helps it remain the focal point. I was concerned with glare and have undercounter lights, but no problem...
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I like something white grey based to keep it light. I have dark expresso cabinets and they rob you of natural light sometimes and to keep it fresh looking, lighter colors are better and better for resale.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks carrd 2. The tiles you are talking has brown and greyish color. while it looks nice - i am concerned about the wavyiness of each rectangle. Please see attached pics.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Thanks mshine. What is the name of the color and from where can I get them? I am thinking of getting under cabinet led lights.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks G. Elizabeth Designs
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Will keep your opinion in my mind.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I like tile, small tile in picture no.1 tile 2 to right. It may, the metal be a little too splashy, too reflective and too bright.

    I like tile no. 4 pic 4, but I think you might go with marble, because of depth of colors.

    I like these ideas, below. Please consider: you may want to consider white marble tiles, they are elegant and really bring out the dark wood cabinet color.

    1. Small subway tile, light color

    BY HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION · More Info


    2. large thin tile, thin cut but light color. (it is similar to photo 7, post, by Interiors International

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    4. This is glass and marble tile, elongated with tones of white marble, and marblized grey marble.

    pic 1:
    Palos Park Kitchen Renovation · More Info


    5. This is another pic, glass and marble tile, pic 2, with tones of white marble, and marblized grey marble.

    pic 2: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2395003/thumbs/Kitchen-backsplashes
  • 13 years ago
    I recently saw a kitchen backsplash made of mirror (pieces cut to the space not lots of mirrors) I loved the effect it had of moving the light around in the area (natural and under cabinet lighting at night). Not something I would have thought of on my own but it looked great. Plus it was easy to clean too.
  • 13 years ago
    I would go with a larger subway tile in a cream color. When you install your under cabinet lighting you will be amazed at the difference of your entire kitchen as it will really help soften the dark cabinets (which are beautiful). Many granite countertops have too busy a pattern (IMO), so I think a softer, neutral backsplash is the way to go. The other designs shown above are the fad right now and you may tire of them quickly.
  • 13 years ago
    I would go with a3"x6" subway tile in a beige that goes with the counter tops. The others are to busy because you have such a contrast between your cabinets and counters. It would be very up to date and you will still like it in 10 years. Do some large accessories in a bright color you love.
  • 13 years ago
    My granite has more green in it and my tiles were custom. There are great sources for glass subway tile. I found this photo on houzz of white or off white tiles with Kashmir granite.i don't think they are 3x6 but the combo of tile and granite is so elegant.
  • 13 years ago
    I have similar cabinets and counters...just did a brushed stainless tile...2x2 squares....looks AMAZING
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I'm by no means a tile guy, but I do lint a lot of it up. This is a kitchen that we just finished and a tile like this would fit nicely. Also, the LED under cabinet lights are made by a company called DiodeLED. They are dimmable and color changing. This allows you to blend the color just right to accent both your backsplash and your countertops.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    *light
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Thanks. Pertaining to hb miller, heidigreta and tamara682 answers' -
    I found the beige ceramic 3 x 6 ceramic tiles(debating between matte and glossy) that I like but can I still do it with my floors having off white matte ceramic tiles?
  • 13 years ago
    I also have similar cabinet and countertop and we went with something with both glass and stone in it.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Thank you so much for all your great suggestions!!! I have narrowed to 2 choices - 3 x 6 glossy warm white ceramic tiles which looks like beige/ alabaster color with mosaic accent tiles or 2 x 4 honed dolomite tiles ( both tiles from Olympia). ( The pic shows 1 x 1 polished carrara marble just for example). Will I will mess up the kitchen if I go for the glossy ceramic tiles since my floor is 8 x 8 off white matte tiles? The glossy warm white and matte off white tiles do look different white color.
  • 13 years ago
    I think you picked a winner with the 3x6 beige/alabaster. You already have a beautiful kitchen and this finishing touch will really look wonderful. Have you decided to go ahead with the under cabinet lights? We didn't install ours at the time we put in our cabinets, but we didn't have any trouble installing them after the fact and were able to hard wire them so no cords were visible. Good luck with your new kitchen, please let us see how it turns out!
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design for your comment. In pic 1 of the 4 pics, the mosaic tiles are actually 1 x 0.5 beige glass tiles. I guess it does look metallic.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks heidigreta!! I haven't looked for lights yet since have been so wrapped up looking at the tiles, but I do intend to do it. I have the wiring there since there was under cabinet lights before when I tore down the ugly grey cabinets. Is it okay to have the glossy beige ceramic tiles with off white matte ceramic tiled floor?
  • 13 years ago
    I would say go for it! IMO (and I'm no expert!) I would think since you have the lower cabinets as your separation between the floor and backsplash it really shouldn't matter. What everyone's eye will go toward now is your new, beautiful cabinets and backsplash and any touches of color you add on the countertops, etc. Good luck!
  • 13 years ago
    heidgreta - Thank you so much for your encouragement!! i will definately post pics when all done.
  • 12 years ago
    Jasmine .... can you post a pic of your new backsplash?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Some light colored glass in a 2x8 would be pretty.