http://www.louisebody.com/shop/Wallpaper/Paper_Tiles/Dahlia

They make wallpapers that look like tile. Way less mess and not such an expense if you tire of it.

This is one of the wallpapers they make.

I would go with a glass sheet backsplash. click to enlarge

604 Acacia - Brandon Architects - Patterson Construction http://www.brandonarch · More Info

You have a very nice modern kitchen. I would not use other colors than white possibly a little gray in the backsplash to keep the simple look and not date the kitchen. Colors can be introduced through items on the counter and table.

I would use matte tile here to contrast the glossy cabinets and counter. To me simple white matte subway tile would be enough to bring interest and warmth to the kitchen, but the very subtle variations in texture and color of handmade tiles could add to that even more.

I would definitely use a matte or textured backsplash tile. The cabinets already present in the kitchen have a high sheen so it would be nice to counteract that. Also, you don't want the kitchen to feel sterile.

With everything being single toned and a stark contrast, I think having a pattern would be very successful in the space. Personally I think a Blue Arabesque Tile will give you the Moroccan feel you want but with a modern take so it can be a little more timeless.

You can see what I am talking about here.

As you may be aware there is paint-able wallpaper. Given some basic skills and an artist brush you can add additional colors to it to suit your preferences. It can be painted over as your tastes change. Or removed in favor of tile. You can incorporate different patterns and frame out the alternate pattern for the stove area too.

This will allow you to go with the choice of Moroccan and see how it sits with you in a year.

Here is a photo of one of our designs. Perhaps it will inspire you?

Saturated FourSquare · More Info

Thank you all for your replies (and for the visualiser picture, Nancy). I have come to the conclusion that tiling is definitely the way I want to go. I had considered a glass splashback but I am not that keen on any I have seen in situ, I find them too one-dimensional and cold somehow. As for wallpaper, It was a strong contender for a while as it is so versatile (like the tiled or textured paintable ones suggested) but as I plan to remove the stainless steel splashback behind the cooker, I would have to protect it with glass, again not so keen on that. I will definitely go for the matte tiles as suggested, I want to add texture and colour, I feel the kitchen is unfinished the way it is. I will be ordering samples of arabesque tiles (I considered white ones with coloured grout but worried it would look outdated very quickly), and the humble metro tile, both flat and bevelled. I might try a herringbone pattern with smaller tiles, too (white, grey-veined ones are so pretty). However much I love patterned tiles, I think it might give them a miss, I think I might get bored of them too quickly. Again, thank you for all the suggestions, I am still very conflicted (colour, texture) but feel a little closer to making a decision ;)

Have a lovely Sunday,

Stephanie

A lot of people change their mind about these things. Paint is the easiest and cheapest to deal with in this case. You can even have a mural artist paint a faux look tile. If you are artistic yourself, you can do it!

Yes, Elaine, you're right. This is what worries me and why I haven't made a decision yet. I change my mind a lot, I keep tweaking things from one day to the next! I even considered using stick-on vinyl tiles. I found a company that does beautiful, realistic ones but I worried it might look tacky. Paint would be easier and was my first choice but I want to add texture, hence the tiles....I have been undecisive about this for over a year, which is unusual for me but I don't want to make costly mistakes. Not to mention my partner, who has no interest in interior design, has a "if it's not broken, don't fix it" approach, which means I'd have to live with whatever I choose for a long time!

Consider a vertical accent behind the range.

New wave enterprise- that's gorgeous, exactly what I had in mind!

Peel and press vinyl mosaic for a short term solution

you are welcome stephanie.... if you would like to receive our factory prices please drop us an email at info@mosaics-tiles.com

i love the colour combinations ..truly beautiful!