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nancy_kennedy18

kitchen backsplash. Need help with decision

9 years ago
We are very excited about our kitchen and how things have turned out. We have light grey shaker perimeter cabinets with a thunder white granite. it's white with grey and a light burgundy through it. We have a large gray island with a beautiful leathered granite top. I would say it's the show stopper of the room. the room is open concept and includes living room, entry and dining area. just in case that matters. Flooring is urban grey red oak hardwood floor. I'm considering three different tiles. a marble lantern shape with a darker gray grout. or a glass tile in the same shape. I like both white and the dark gray tile. and I'm struggling if this is too much. I also like just a plain rectangular marble tile in the grey or the whiter one would do. kind of like the grey one best. added a picture of the kitchen from the back to give a better feel for it.

Comments (20)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I like the marble lantern or the white glass lantern the best. The gray appears a bit dark to me and adds a third shade of gray to the mix.

  • 9 years ago
    Also do you think the lantern is ok with my industrial style lighting. I'm definitely not an interior designer and always worried about my choices.
  • 9 years ago

    The lantern is lovely but I remember how quickly pencil glass backsplashes went out of style. And they went WAY out of style

    I know it's boring but I'd go with subway tile. It's been used 100+ years and survived swings in trends.

    Then use cool accessories to add in current trends.

    The more conservative you are in hard finishes, the longer they last.

  • 9 years ago
    I guess my thought is how trendy is lantern tile. is it as trendy as the glass pencil tiles. I'm definitely not an expert but they are very modern and these have a more old fashioned look. Our home is a country home and I want something that suits that. I like Subway tiles and put them in the bathroom shower. I think my favourite is the marble lantern. I like the way it reflects the light and how it goes with the cabinets but without struggle with confidence that it goes with the island and lighting. Also maybe there is something else I haven't considered.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Great Kitchen! Have you thought about using your favorite subway tile for the backsplash then framing out the matching arabesque (lantern) tile in a square behind the range? I'd go with the same color for each to keep it subtle but the change in patter will make it more interesting.

    Don't know if this photo will appear below, but do a photo search on houzz for "arabesque backsplash" for even more ideas.

    Good luck!


    <div><a href='https://www.houzz.com/photos/lincoln-square-family-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-chicago-phvw-vp~99288' target='_blank'><img src='https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/bd219ac10d20e06b_3-1883/traditional-kitchen.jpg' alt='' border=0 width='320' height='212' nopin='nopin' ondragstart='return false;' onselectstart='return false;' oncontextmenu='return false;'/></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/studiominteriors/claudia-martin-asid"; target="_blank">Photo by Claudia Martin, ASID</a> - <a style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_709"; target="_blank">Discover kitchen design ideas</a></small></div>

  • 9 years ago

    I'd also argue that you should use a matching grout, rather than contrasting, with whatever tile you choose. You already have two patterned counter surfaces, and your tile will have a shape, and there's no need to make the grout a big additional feature with a lot of harsh pattern. Pick a white for the white or a gray for the gray and let your counters shine.

  • 9 years ago
    I like the arabesque ide. I think doing something special behind the range was my initial idea. Then I was thinking of going more simple.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Good luck in whatever you choose. Your Kitchen is beautiful and I love that island. I agree with acm that a grout close in tone and intensity to the tile will work well.

  • 9 years ago
    ACM, thanks for your comment. I think you are right about the matching grey. I did white grout with my white Subway tile in my bathroom. I had seen it done with darker grout and I just wanted a nice clean look. I was thinking in this case it night highlight the shape of the tile more but we do have a lot going on. picture of how nice that looked in bathroom attached.
  • 9 years ago

    nice!

    I think that the arabesque shape of the tiles will be hard to miss.


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  • 9 years ago
    Place stainless steel from stove top to vent hood. It will mirror the verticality of the fridge. Paint everything else.
  • 9 years ago
    Yes ACM it's such a pretty shape.
  • 9 years ago
    Actually I did think of stainless at one point. but I'm really wanting tile.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    We agree with Glo European Windows & Doors. The white marble lantern style tile will stay on trend and remain classic for a lifetime. The additional texture of the marble is an added bonus. Subway tile is always classic as well, it has remained timeless for so many years.

    You said you want your island to be a show stopper. The grey tiles may blend everything in. The white will create a lighter space, truly making the island the show stopper of your design.

    Here you can see the white backslash does not over power the design. The island is clearly the centerpiece.

    I hope our advice helps you choose! :)


  • 9 years ago
    I think weighing all the feedback given I can safely order the marble lantern style tile. thanks so much for your help.
  • 9 years ago

    My lantern tile is due to arrive at the tile store tomorrow. She has both silver and gray grout. The gray is quite white as well. I know there was several comments as to how the grout should be the same colour. The lady at the tile store thought the gray would be better and I told her the advice that I received. I think she just felt silver might give a little definition. It matches some of the tones in the marble arabesque tile. Any thoughts before I pick up my tile?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I think the light gray grout

  • 8 years ago

    Hi Beverly. This post is from 6-7 months ago.

  • 3 years ago

    I hope your kitchen has continued to be a beautiful and welcoming space for you and your family.