I don't see any conflict-Mediterranean tiles are as traditional as they come. They've been around for centuries and centuries. The only conflict that can arise-is if your house is traditional in a very different sense so to say ..trying to think of an example..I don't know, like a mountain lodge or beach cottage. Location inspires and dictates the design, to a large degree; design dictates the tradition.

Tabarka is absolutely wonderful, I admire them, and would use them myself if budget wasn't an issue.

The only thing-I'd forego marble looking countertops then. Tabarka is amazing because of its authenticity..I'd keep to that feel, let it shine, and go for a milder look in countertops. No strong lines, veining, etc.

Walnut will look super cool with Tabarka tiles, that's for sure.

I think they'd be a perfect compliment to your kitchen. I say go for it.

Agree with april regarding the marble look quartz.

Thank you for the thoughts. I have searched and found some images, but most are more rustic or very grand, at least not in line with where I think my kitchen will end up.

After posting yesterday, I searched high and low for inspiration. I love the Tabarka tile but the price is beyond our budget for a full back splash. I am not sure I can commit to a full Mediterranean back splash either and was thinking perhaps of accenting with a decorative tile- perhaps above the stove. I don't typically love accents but found an inspiration that I do like.

Although this is way more grand than I will have, it's a mix of the tile style I like with a subway tile and a marble countertop.

I do like these tiles from Somertile/Merola. I am ordering a sample of this and a few others to see if the quality is OK as they are easy on the budget.

I found a kitchen that has similar features to what mine will have- white cabinetry, white countertops with walnut countertops mixed in and I did a little photoshop of this tile above the stove. I do like it but I'm not sure if having it in that one area is enough? My hood would be a different style, but my range will only be 30". I am having cabinetry built to look like a hutch off to the side of my kitchen where a desk currently is and I'm wondering if I should pull the tile over there or just leave it in one area?

As far as doing away with the marble like countertops- I will think on that. I was thinking of a subtle quartz, just enough gray throughout for some variation.

I'm going for more of this look in terms of hood style (and cabinet style).

Take a look at cement tile. Lots of great patterns and most come in between $16-$25 a square foot.

How about Mexican tiles? Colorful and inexpensive.

Hi Thanks! I actually did a search on cement tiles and came across this very comprehensive blog post.
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/buy-cement-tiles

Now I'm overwhelmed! I have to order some samples ASAP as a lot of these tiles have a fairly long lead time. I am now intrigued by some of tiles from this site.

https://rusticotile.com/cement-tile/mealu-collection-stock-cement-tile/

It depends..here's Mexican tile I happen to love..wouldn't call it inexpensive

https://www.villaandmissionimports.com/catalina-designes-santa-rosa-sand.html

(there are many other options there of course)

as for cement tiles-great option..just mind the sizes when ordering..most of these are 8 by 8, which is too big for a backsplash usually..look at 4 by 4 options, or 6 by 6 if they have them. Less choice with smaller sizes. At least from what I researched (and I researched them a lot, at certain point)

Check Villa Lagoon Tile and Cement Tile Shop as well-they usually have smaller size patchwork in stock, and different promotions on limited amount of leftover tiles.

Another line I like-https://www.villaandmissionimports.com/hand-painted-tiles/d-arte/d-arte-classic-28.html?p=1

(saw them all IRL...that's how I know I like them more..))

having said that-my instincts tell me Mexican tile is somehow much more style specific than, say, Tabarka..unless it's very subtle like that Santa Rosa I posted and several others

If your kitchen is symmetrical enough-meaning the hood is pretty much in the middle of the wall-I'd do Tabarka(for example) behind the hood, and 3 inch backsplash in all the other places. (or two rows of Tabarka in other places..to save money of course, no other reason)

Mine wasn't symmetrical, and I also didn't think of that brilliant idea(lol) of not putting tile backsplash of the same height everywhere.

And of course I hadn't yet found GW back then..:)

Thanks aprilneverends!

I agree about maybe steering away from true Mexican tiles. I'm really going for some graphic interest and interesting pattern but not wanting to mix up styles too much and my house is definitely not a Mexican style.

I am noting the sizes. The one I photoshopped above is 4 7/8"x4 7/8" so it would be perfect. I have seen some inspiration using 8x8" on a backsplash however- I really like this one.

I have to place some sample orders this week as these could dictate my cabinet color choice. I'll be debating white next- which seems almost as bad as debating back splash.