Need major backsplash guidance!

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

We are moving right along with our kitchen remodel and I need to make a decision about my backsplash. Cabinets are white inset shaker with soapstone counters. Island is gray with white quartzite and there will be a quartzite slab attached to the back of the island at table height. Sink is ss farmhouse and hood is ss barrel hood with polished ss accents. Fridge is integrated and dw paneled. I'm using chrome bar pulls and my faucet is chrome. The overall look I'm going for is transitional with quite a few contemporary elements.

Templating was done yesterday and it was suggested that I run a soapstone backsplash behind the length of the window and on the sill/ledge. I agreed to it, but can still change my mind and just put it on the sill. My worry is that it will look heavy/dark/choppy/traditional.

my sink wall:

This is an example of what I agreed to:

For the backsplash I was originally thinking of large format marble tile, but am now considering these:

Do you think these are too busy to use everywhere? To complicate things more, I am planning a narrow shelf behind the range like this:

I worry about everything looking busy, which is the exact opposite of what I have been planning. I think I need to be reined in and put on a much clearer path.

Featured Answer

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

10 years ago

I do like the soap stone splash and ledge it just brings it all together I think. I think a Carrara marble tile would look very good with the combination.

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Comments (7)

herbflavor
10 years ago
white inset shaker doors, along with detail at window and island...I would stick with a warm white ceramic tile backsplash. Whatever your fancy as far as size/shape...etc. You have rich details and a classic backsplash will be best. Spend a little more time on cabinet hardware against the nice inset doors. I think I might omit the soapstone beneath the window.....I just don't think it's really complementary...altho nothing actually wrong with it.
brdrl
10 years ago
I really like the stone splash and windowsill look in some kitchens but I was afraid of it looking choppy. We have grey shaker cabinets and soapstone. We went with narrow white subway tile for backsplash and ran it under the window. I like the shape of those tiles you pictured but is there room for a full length of tile under the window?
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Melissa Kroger
Original Author
10 years ago
brdrl, how do you like your soapstone? It is so beautiful! I love your runnells! I just checked and the tiles are too large for behind the sink. I could do a large format marble subway, but then should the window ledge be soapstone or either quartzite or marble? What about the shelf behind the range? DH just shrugs and I'm really stuck on this...
brdrl
10 years ago
Thank you. We love the soapstone (stormy black variety). We just painted the sill instead of a piece of soapstone. I don't know what advice to give you about the shelf but I like your inspiration photo. We ran the tile up to the ceiling behind the stove with a ss hood.
eam44
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I don't think you need to be reigned in at all. You've done a wonderful job so far! What is your tile budget in $/SF?

Soapstone and marble are a classic, traditional combo, but given that you also have a sizable quartzite slab in the space adding a third stone might make it a little Stonehenge-y. It will certainly look less contemporary and more traditional.

If you want something more contemporary, absolutely consider glazed ceramic tile. Feel free to add color, but if you prefer the grey and black theme, by all means continue it with tile of an interesting shape or pattern.

I love Fireclay tile, and they have some beautiful shapes that might interest you, like the wave tile below, available in, I think, all of their glazes.

One of my favorite patterns is in the Fireclay handpainted Starburst tile. They are 8" squares that cost $35 a piece, and they are totally cool, very modern. You could use them above the sink, and behind the range, using coordinating field tiles elsewhere.

You have a wonderful, calm backdrop that can accommodate some truly extraordinary tile. Find something you LOVE!
vpierce
10 years ago
Our kitchen has a soapstone countertop with only about 3 inches between the back of the sink and the wall. We have a subway tile backsplash behind the sink. It is such a pain to clean the grout/caulk behind the faucet. If I had to do it again, I would put in a soapstone backsplash behind the sink--no grout lines and so much easier to clean. The sill of our window behind the sink is the same as the one in your photo of the kitchen with the white subway tile backsplash (picture frame, I think it's called), because that's all we had room for. Make sure you have enough room if you decide to go with the soapstone window ledge.....