need to coordinate countertops with a backsplash

Joanne

8 years ago

I bought this granite slab today but have no idea what type of backsplash will work.

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Premier Cabinets of Virginia, LLC

8 years ago

Beautiful slab. Assume cabinets and floor will remain as-is. If so, you might want to consider asking to cancel the transaction. I don't mean to be critical when I say that. But the picture you posted suggests not much natural light in the space. Borne out by current light counter top and back splash, plus track light. The slab you chose will only add to the darkness. I tell my clients they need to look at all elements simultaneously. If floors are in, you can pick cabinets, and coordinate tops, splash, and paint(s). Or you can pick tops and coordinate cabinets, splash and paint(s). If floors AND cabinets will remain, then you need to look at counter top and splash to coordinate with both. Lighting plays a huge role in the appearance and feel of any space. Moreover, kitchen lighting becomes a functional aspect. Darkness needs to be minimized. My suggestion would be to upgrade lighting in there prior to making any choices. Ceiling cans with warm white or neutral white LEDs are effective. I would also include under-cabinet dimmable LEDs, preferably with variable color temperature. Then, once your lighting is determined, bring home some samples of lighter color counter top and lighter splash materials to see how they'll work with the existing cabinets and floors. It's very important to view these materials in your own space with its own lighting. You'd be surprised how different lighting can change the appearance of the same material. If you opt for variable color temperature LEDs to light the counters, you can decide whether warm, neutral, or cool white will work best. And by varying the color of the "white" light, you'll begin to see what I mean when I say lighting has a huge role in the appearance of your finishes.

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Comments (6)

User
8 years ago
Grey glass subway tile. That's a very pretty slab!
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Beth H. :
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
totally agree w/Premier cabinets. Is there any way you could remove that track lighting and do proper recessed lighting? With some retrofit LED housing/bulbs? It would really make quite a difference in how everything looks. You have dark wood cabinets and somewhat dark granite, having proper overhead and under cabinet lighting is a must.

I would also consider changing out your hardware to a polished nickel. It will help to coordinate the gray in the stone. The current ones are a bit dark and really do nothing for your space.

Is there any way you could remove the scallop valance over the sink? It would allow more light and you could also install an over the sink pendant lighting. I would also advise you to take your tile all the way up around the window as well.

stand back in the dining area and take another shot of the kitchen so we can see the entire space.

your granite is very nice. I would suggest picking one of the neutral colors in the slab and doing a glass or a ceramic. Any preference?

I know someone will bring up white subway tiles, so here they are in a 3x12. somewhat of a handmade look. however, with your flooring, I don't think white is the best choice. I do like the other glazed brick in this photo. the gray/blue tone is perfect w/your stone and looks very nice w/your wood. It's BajaDune, Cadenza line from Tilebar.com.

It's worth ordering a sample

baja dunes.

the other choice is this off white, 3x12 subway tile from Tilebar. Byzantine Bianco. Someone else mentioned gray, so here are two gray options.

(above) chevron is a dark gray, 2x9, discountglasstilestore.

or a gray subway (below) tile done in a herringbone. the gray should be more of a warm gray rather than a cool toned, blue-gray.

OK,,,last two. an ivory glass in a herringbone, and a glazed thin brick tile in Parchment (bottom) and Weld (top corner) from CleTile. size is 2.5X8 subways. many colors.

they have this Tweed color as well
https://www.cletile.com/collections/brick-tile-glazed-glazed-thin-brick
jhmarie
8 years ago
I have older style cabinets, and to me, they work best with surfaces that can help refresh without making the cabinets look out of place - blend with the old. I used ordinary cream subway tile. White works best with some cabinets, cream with others. Since subway tile is an old look that is back in style, it works well with older cabinets.

My backsplash:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

I would not make a firm decision on backsplash till the countertop is in. Seeing the big picture can change how you feel about color or style. Do not do a small tile mosaic - that would be way too much movement. Your countertop is the star, do not distract from that.
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Premier Cabinets and Beth nailed it. Colors on monitors are not reliable, but it appears there is some green in that slab. However, it looks really dark for your kitchen. It is beautiful, but you will need a quiet backsplash with that much movement in your countertops. Loads of layered lighting as well. So many choices!
User
8 years ago
Ditch the clashing attention hog that will force you to change everything in your house to coordinate. Find a nice calm cream quartz and let those gorgeous cabinets stay center stage.