Software
Houzz Logo Print
bere

Another backsplash dilemma

9 years ago
My style is minimalist modern/contemporary.
Countertops are plain white Quartz.
Backsplash is going
•All the way up till under the upper cabinets on the range wall.
•Up till the widow ledge on the sink wall.
Planning on adding three ledge shelves starting at the same level as the window on the empty wall space.

Wandering if I should go with
_A marble backsplash 1.5"x6". Or another shape.
My fear is that the white in the marble might make the countertop and cabinets look yellow.
_A regular ceramic tile? Shape?
_A solid surface?
Or do you have other suggestion.
FYI: not a fan of glass tile.
Thank you

Comments (27)

  • 9 years ago
    Bar pulls have been ordered and the appliances will be stainless next year.
    Here is another picture to give you an idea about the shelf.
  • 9 years ago

    Marble definitely but there are so many choices for marble - you can find one that doesn't have a yellow undertone. Have a look at a good tile store. Here are some examples Saltillo Tile - marble mosaics

    Some marbles are very white, others are predominantly grey but there are many choices. Here is a good article that highlights the differences between Statuario, Carrara and Calacatta marbles.Types of Marble

    Any of those three might work for you and really look lovely in your space. Once you've chosen your backsplash I think you might want to consider a new window treatment as well. Look at this lovely fabric and see if you like it. With white tile and grey veining in it along with your appliances and other choices I think it could be lovely as a roman blind to replace those blinds in your window.

    Designer Fabrics - Toronto

    Would you consider changing out your white bar chairs for something with a little more colour?

    Good luck with all of it. Enjoy your lovely kitchen.



  • 9 years ago
    Thank you all. I am going to look closely to the marble. @m v thanks for the article.
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Going for a minimalist look we would proposed you check into subway tiles in a bigger format , maybe a glossy white making sure it is the same white as your cabinet . Marble is a great choice but so many variance in the colors and texture can confuse the eyes when against white cabinet and make them look either greyish or yellowish depending on the marble, unless you go for a totally different color of marble like grey or black would look sharp too . hope that helps good luck !

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    True! Marble is a very nice high-end material. And yes, there are so many options with this natural stone. And not only in color... Mosaic pattern, subway tile, finish, etc.

    To cut long story short, what would you think of gray marble? How would it go with the white Quartz counter-tops? Or as an option, you can play with Carrara, which has white background and gray veining running through it.

    Carrara collection is right here, and Bardiglio Gray tiles and mosaic are here.

    Best,

    Carrara Marble Tiles.

  • 9 years ago
    I don't think the marble going to the window ledge will look right. We extended ours to match the height on the counter wall and used a schulter edge.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I have to agree with the other professionals here. Marble would look great and a white high gloss subway tile would look nice as well. Maybe even using a white grout to give everything a clean look.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Beautiful space. Might want to consider a larger format calacatta marble like this (not our work) but I believe would work well with your space and vision : https://www.houzz.com/photos/claremont-park-transitional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~174421

  • 9 years ago

    The marble is a slam dunk IMO. You could also try some tiles from Heath ceramics.

  • 9 years ago

    I love marble. If you can find a very subdued marble it would look great in your kitchen. Since your floors are very busy, I wouldn't go for a marble with heavy veining and contrast and I wouldn't do busy pattern. You could consider a silver ceramic like this. It would look great with your new pulls and appliances.


    Lake Minnetonka Tailored White Kitchen · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    How about a silvery ceramic tile like this? I love marble, but with your busy floor I'd go simple.


    Lake Minnetonka Tailored White Kitchen · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    Oops! It didn't post the first time I thought.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    suzyq, nice option as well.

  • 9 years ago
    Have you considered continuing your solid white quartz for backsplash?

    Or, since you'll be getting SS appliances soon what about a solid SS backsplash?
  • 9 years ago
    Thank you all for the reply.
    @leemiller
    Regarding the tile on the sink wall, If i match the same height as the range wall then I have one shelf with backsplash and then two with drywall. So by compromise I was stopping right under the window ledge. I think it keeps the minimalist look too.
    I might add a plant in the corner to soften/hide the transition.
  • 9 years ago
    @suzyq53

    Haha
    I guess since I am used to the floors I don't see them as busy.
    They have a satin water based finish no stain
    on them so they are not as crazy as the picture may make it look.
    But you are right they need to be considered in the backsplash decision.
  • 9 years ago
    @Steven
    I haven't considered using the same Quartz as the countertop. Some how my first idea was marble. I have thought about a marble slab or Quartz look alike but was told it was a bad idea. Good point though. I will try to get quote for that.
  • 9 years ago
    So for now I think
    1_shiny white ceramic tile 1 1/5"x6 with white grout.
    $ Adds texture, contemporary.

    2_marble/white grout
    $$$ classic, sophisticated, adds texture and some color. Must be careful about the type of marble.

    3_$$$ solide surface, contemporary. No difference compared to now.

    Hope it sums it well.
    I will go back to the tile shop tomorrow.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Here is one of our gorgeous designs. Take note of the marble.

    Lady's Retreat · More Info

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    Be sure to dampen the marble to see what it will look like once it has been sealed. White marbles do have some subtle beige hues to them depending on what region they were quarried from. There are a menagerie of white porcelain and ceramic tiles with beveled edge detail that would fit your design objective as well. Take a peek at the imperial Bianco from the tileshop.com
  • 9 years ago

    What are your kitchen dimensions please? Does it work well for you or would you make it bigger/smaller if you could?

  • 9 years ago
    @Rhythmic Remodeling
    Thank you for the tip. That is so true. We did a fireplace surround in marble. Loved the tile uninstalled. Hated it installed. The only reason it stayed up is because it was a Christmas "gift" from my in laws.
    It grew on me after 3 months. lol

    For now I eliminated the marble option all together (slab or tile). It is a bit too risky color/design wise (too many variations that might clash with the countertop or the cabinets and may take the style of the kitchen on a traditional path)

    Waiting on a quote for a Quartz backsplash just like the counters.
  • 9 years ago
    @bgs990
    The kitchen is about 14'1/2" by 13' 1/2"
    I think it is a nice size.
    Hope this helps.
  • 9 years ago
    If you wanted to go ultra modern monochromatic but with texture, Royal Mosa has some very modern cool relief tiles. I know they make many shades of white. Just a thought.
  • 9 years ago

    Thank you!

  • 9 years ago
    Little update.
    So I finally settled on 2x8 white ceramic tiles.
    Because the wall is over 10´ I would have needed a super Quartz slab= more money.
    Hubby also liked the idea of the added texture from the tile.
    So tile it is.
    Install will happen next week.
    My question is, would it be worth it to tilt the plugs horizontally so they follow the tile?
    Or not?
    The only ones that would be turned horizontally would be the ones on the wall with the range.