Kitchen backsplash help

8 years ago

Cabinets, granite countertop and under cabinets lights installed. For backsplash we initially picked the one on the right hand side. After reading discussions here about backsplashes with various colors would make a small kitchen look too busy, we bought the other two sam

ples. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

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Featured Answer

Beth H. :

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I realize not everyone is into the 'white subway tile' that seems to be in every other kitchen! I'm so tired of seeing, "oh,,you have busy granite, you must do a plain subway'. There are plenty of other choices.

Your granite, while busy, isn't a 'show piece' type of stone. it's just a piece of granite in different colors. by show piece, I mean something w/very unique veining and coloring. In this case, I think you're allowed to have the tile compliment it rather than 'hide in the background', if that makes sense. The photo above that Rawket girl posted (1st one) is an extreme example of a show piece granite and a show piece backsplash. as you can see, they clash. your picks aren't quite that drastic. But she's showing you the effect it could have.

While I love the Esplanade, on the left, I've seen it on a wall and it can be very, 'in your face'. I believe you would need a solid counter for that one. The one on the right is way too busy because of all the different colors. The one in the middle would be best suited, but I think you can do better.

If you like random linear bar look, then I would suggest you go with a solid color.

glass or stone, as long as it's one color. The pic above has a busy granite like yours, but this linear glass tile works because it's all one neutral color

yes you can have a pattern,,,as long as it's a color in the stone and one color.

this one is Walker Zanger, 6th ave. comes in many shapes and colors.

here is 6th Ave in a kitchen w/a busy granite, similar to yours. It's looks fine

this one is Loft glass subway in a frosted Sand. tilebar.

Highland Park arabesque tile in white w/a tan grout.

this last one is a tumbled silver travertine in a 1x2 herringbone

white onyx, vein cut, 3x6 tile

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Comments (13)

Selena Ingram
8 years ago
not super crazy about either of those choices but if forced I would use the second one.
jhmarie
8 years ago
I have a hard time visually with the small mosaic tile backsplash. What looks pretty in a 12 x 12 sample can overwhelm when it is throughout the kitchen.
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herbflavor
8 years ago
You have a display cab in corner...no need for anything besides basic subway ceramic tile.
smitrovich
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
None of those... your granite is busy, so you need something subtle for your backsplash.
Rawketgrl
8 years ago
Lovely kitchen, I enjoy seeing white appliances coming back! Your cabinets and granite have a lot of detail. They work great together. However if you pick a busy backsplash the eye wont know where to look and the detail in the cabinets will be washed out and the granite will clash with the backsplash for attention.

You want the granite to be the star. Pick a solid color backsplash. No mosaic please.

This is a cautionary tale, where the backsplash fights with the counter for your attention & you completely miss the lovely detail of the cabinets:

Ahhhh, this is much better, I know who the star is here and the other surfaces play supporting roles, reducing visual clutter:
PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
8 years ago
The mosaics one the far side must have been from your first go-a-round; if you notice those colors, they are a better match tone wise to the space. Go shop for tiles/mosaics in the deeper tones; it will be a better design scheme. It you're thinking subway look at dark colors, not cream or whites.
Steve G
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks all! This site has been very helpful!
PRO
MARGARITA BRAVO
8 years ago
We think something a little less busy might work best with your granite selection.
PRO
Niche Interiors
8 years ago
I'd advise to stick to a white or ivory tile without any color variation. If you don't like rectangular subway tiles, you could opt for a herringbone or more transitional shape depending on your style. Good luck!
janedoe2012
8 years ago
Absolutely agree with Beth that “white subway tile” shouldn’t be the default. But, if it’s not already obvious from all the other comments, the correct choice is a solid in the white family.
Carrie B
8 years ago
Agree with the others. Here's my tile backsplash.
Stacey
8 years ago
A penny tile would be beautiful too.