What backsplash should I use in kitchen?

10 years ago

I am looking for advice on what backsplash to use in our newly updated kitchen, particularly over the stove. We have new wood floors, dark cabinets and somewhat busy granite countertops. I like things fairly clean, simple and traditional. Our kitchen is visible from our front door/foyer, which adds to why I don't want a busy backsplash. Also, our kitchen is open to the family room. My husband and I like subway tile and found one that matches our paint and color schemes. However, we have a 36" Wolf range and wanted to put some sort of trimmed accent over that area. I found Soci Amaretti Fan pattern for that really brings all the kitchen colors together and printed out the pattern to see if I like it in the area. Do you think that is too busy or takes away from the cabinets? Should I do the same subway tile framed in a herringbone pattern instead? Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated!!

Featured Answer

Kathi Steele

10 years ago

White subway tile. White grout. Running bond pattern. The insert is way too busy and does not go. Your countertops have pattern and movement. Your backsplash should not.

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Comments (20)

emmarene9
10 years ago
Sorry, I do not think the color works and it is too busy.
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grapefruit1_ar
10 years ago
I agree.
newkitchherewecome thanked grapefruit1_ar
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jbtanyderi
10 years ago
The upper cabinets are like lead weights squeezing all the light and sense of space right out of the room. Back-painted glass can be whatever colour you like, and can butt the granite with just a line of silhouette caulking.
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visualizemaven
10 years ago
Are you ok with losing the focal tile over your cook top?

Your kitchen is beautiful plus the way things flow into the other living areas really works! great job!

I'm personally just so tired of subway tile. I don't see how it coordinates well with granite.

Have you spent some time looking for tile for you back splash? You seem to have a very good design sense. What you have done is working well.

I suggest you bring your photos to your tile store and ask them to help you select your back splash.

Best.
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emmarene9
10 years ago
The manufacturer of the stove might supply a backsplash. That is the only place you really need one.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
Use the same tile everywhere without the fancy stuff behind the stove, this kitchen is too small for that ( IMO they are outdated anyway) the pattern and tile you choose for it is not right .I agree the subway tile you found everywhere no accent.
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anniebird
10 years ago
I like the subway tile everywhere option too. I don't think you'll regret keeping things simple:)
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anniebird
10 years ago
Meant to include this idea in my comment - you could do the whole backsplash in a herringbone pattern - still subtle with just a bit of added interest.
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soccerates
10 years ago
How about a stainless steel sheet just behind the stove like this?
Stainless Steel Range · More Info
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soccerates
10 years ago
This one's interesting. It reflects quite a bit of light. Don't know if it's too contemporary though.
erin mills project - kitchen · More Info
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soccerates
10 years ago
This is more traditional. The glass tiles add a nice bit of pizzazz.
Traditional Kitchen · More Info
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newkitchherewecome
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you to all of your for input, insight and ideas. My gut said the accent over the stove was too much, so thank you for confirming. I like stainless steel backsplashes, but they are too contemporary for my kitchen. I do like the herringbone pattern idea, or even just doing it over the range.
newkitchherewecome
Original Author
10 years ago
If I only do a tile backsplash over the range, is there a special caulk or something I should use where my granite meets the wall?
Kathi Steele
10 years ago
Silicone caulk.
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Sandra Morrison
10 years ago
I would use 4 x 4 tumbled marble in a Noche set on point. Or use the counter granite as a backsplash. I've done both. Do something special above the cooktop.
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radar2
10 years ago
yes there is a special caulk for where the backsplash and c/top meet ...not silicone caulk but a grout caulking which does happen to contain silicone..purchase the grout caulking in the same colour and supplier as the grout you will be using. The caulking comes unsanded and sanded. far superior to silicone.
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visualizemaven
10 years ago
Did someone already mention that stainless steel "tile" rectangles can be laid in a herringbone pattern? Is that more to your liking?
radish
10 years ago
I think something shiny/shimmery is what you need here. It's a lovely kitchen, and a light colored mother-of-pearl type rule would be beautiful. The stainless panel posted above also looks good!
Kathi Steele
10 years ago
From a previous post....

"You want to caulk that joint, not grout it. Any change of plane, like counter to backsplash, counter to cabinets, etc. should be caulked to seal it from moisture. Caulk should remain flexible, if there is any movement in either surface. Grout used there could crack over time and you lose your moisture seal.

For our last two backsplashes, I used caulk that was color matched to the grout that we used. Since our grout was sanded in both instances, we got the sanded version of the caulk. This was available at the tile store that we got the grout from. When it is all done, you should not easily notice the difference between the caulk and the grout."

" Home Depot carries Polyblend sanded caulk that should work. Best to look at a color chart and pick from there rather than online or from the tube.

Here is a link that might be useful: Polyblend"

John Bridge has an awesome website...

http://www.johnbridge.com/how-to/tile-backsplash-caulking/