Software
Houzz Logo Print
youngmickey

Backsplash Design Expert Needed!

13 years ago
Ok, after 5 months of our "completed" kitchen, we're ready. Any ideas for a backsplash? Granite is Santa Cecilia (brownish/gray tones), floor is Chesapeake Hardwoods Rosewood. Thanks!!

Comments (40)

  • 13 years ago
    Gorgeous!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    You could so a glass mosaic pulling in the colors of the granite, or a glass mosaic blend with some stone mixed in.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks for the tips! I'll check out some creamy subways. We were considering Fire And Ice at one point because we do like the natural stone look and the glass accents are nice as well. (See pic)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I recently saw glass tile that ran vertically rather than horizontally. ( glass tile was in rectangular, multi size and mixed with a bit of marble and/or metal). It was fresh, clean and packed a "wow".
  • 13 years ago
    Go simple and minimalist so that your granite takes center stage rather than competing with a busy backsplash.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I just saw youngmickey's post. I like the look. The tiles I referenced were in the same colors, however each piece was thinner. The tiles are matted together and easy to work with however instead of pla ing them horizontally, the designer ran them vertically. I have travertine and the backsplash is okay, but oldish looking. You could use the cream subway tile, but I think I would prop them up against the wall to live with before doing the backsplash - they make be a bit "bland".
  • 13 years ago
    I also think you should keep it calm since the granite is fairly active. I don't think I'd choose Fire and Ice (a little busy) but if you like the natural stone look, maybe something like houssaon kitchen 2 picture, but I'd keep it uniform without the cooktop accent. Very nice kitchen!!!!
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks again. I see what you mean about going too busy given our granite. What about these travertines with a glass mosaic accent? Perhaps half this strip and do 3 row instead of 6.
  • 13 years ago
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Pull it all together
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I like the gray you have going there, and with the busy of the granite, perhaps a glass tile either stacked or brick, but a single color...

    [houzz=
    Contemporary Bathroom Tile · More Info
    ]

    [houzz=
    Sheep's Wool Beige Strip Glass Mosaic Tiles · More Info
    ]

    [houzz=
    Beach Brown Strip Glass Mosaic Tiles · More Info
    ]
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Here are some designs that would look lovely with your colours. Each has it's own specific look and it's difficult to make specific suggestions without being in the room, seeing the rest of the house and getting to know you and your style. These might help you narrow down your search.
  • 13 years ago
    Nice Aggie! Would you vary the tile behind the stove or keep it uniform? I like those glass tiles!

    Carolyn, thanks! We always loved that natural stone look. We'll have go get some samples.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks, yougmickey, definitely uniform!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Thanks youngmickey. With the natural stone you have lots of options. The rough split fact in the 1 x 2 or 3 x 4 is very textural and the 2 x 4 polished or tumbled is very classic. Either those or the Glass AggieDesigns indicated would look lovely.

    Good luck.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I'm a huge fan of the herringbone backsplashes. My favorite is the white marble, but I've seen it done in several different materials successfully. And it seems "classic" to me, not trendy.
    [houzz=
    No 1 · More Info
    ]
    [houzz=
    Kitchen · More Info
    ]
  • 13 years ago
    In daylight...
  • 13 years ago
    I would not choose the busy glass mosaic, even as an accent. Much too busy with your lovely granite, which needs to take center stage rather than competing for attention.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks Feeny. I guess I just think I'm missing an opportunity to "add" something. But, that's why I'm here...to hear from the experts. So is everyone in agreement, less is more this time, a monotone backsplash with no accent? (Just adding a photo I just found of the idea I mentioned earlier) thanks again for all the help!!!
  • 13 years ago
    I think the kitchen above would be better without the accents.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I agree, Ann. That example is competing with the granite IMO. The photo below is about the furthest limit of busy backsplash patterns I would consider with St. Cecilia granite (and personally, I would go even simpler with a single shade of glass or ceramic subway tile). Note that the visual interest in the photo below is in the different sized tiles, but that the color range in the mosaic is very low contrast and minimal (unlike the ones above):
    Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    I would think gold or green glass tiles..lighter in color.
    White subway tiles...always timeless.
  • 13 years ago
    OK, we're sold on no accent. Feeny, we really like the effect of the tile you just posted. Do you know what it's called? Thanks!!
  • 13 years ago
    I don't know the exact specs for it, but if you click on the title beneath the picture you can find the name of the designer to contact. There are also a list of questions others have asked. There isn't an official answer, but another designer posted this tentative answer: "I'm pretty sure you get this at Maestro Mosaics or Materials Marketing. It's a random plank offset pattern in a travertine."
  • 13 years ago
    OK, I know I'm late to the party for this discussion, but what about a mirrored backsplash? I'm attaching a picture of how mine turned out - LOVE IT, and it isn't any harder to clean than a bathroom mirror. And you wouldn't believe how inexpensive it is to do;-)
  • 13 years ago
    Ok, the search is on. Found this, but there seem to be a very limited # of authorized dealers which says $$ to me. Keep ya posted.

    http://www.walkerzanger.com/catalog/popimage.php?mat=Mosaic&coll=Moda+Mosaic&tab=Products&page=1
  • 13 years ago
    I like the idea of not competing with the granite and am a fan of the more creamy and neutral back splashes for this space. Would love to see pics once you decide. Either that or maybe you can have us all over for dinner? Good luck! Love the kitchen.
  • 13 years ago
    How are you making out @youngmickey?
  • 13 years ago
    Youngmickey, your kitchen is so-o-o-o dark, please go with something light, whatever you do. There is an opinion for every person out there, just remember everyone has got one!
  • 13 years ago
    I would not use anything heavy looking for your backsplash. Use 1 color, not multi, and for a more timeless look, use the subway style. A more trendy look is glass, and I love Maggie's suggestions!!
  • 13 years ago
    Aggie's not Maggie's. ;)
  • 13 years ago
    That's right, the word is trendy.
  • 13 years ago
    Brenda's Number one picture.. HERRING BONE ALL THE WAY!!! Seriously all the way to the ceiling behind the hood. I love Taupe Glass.. NO TILE RUG.. you don't have enough space. If you sold your free standing oven and bought a slide in range..Then! you would have a spot to do a tile runner.
  • 10 years ago
    Show us what you finally decided on!
  • 10 years ago

    I went with the glass accent. It looks like my granite is similar, though I have black cabinets....

  • 5 years ago

    would love to see the finished product.

  • 4 years ago

    I would love to see your finished backsplash!!!

  • 3 years ago

    Love this kitchen!!! Can you post an update with the chosen splash!!!!