And the like?

I am uploading some images to my dropbox now so I can post them for you...shouldn't be longer then 5 minutes :)

thank you! cannot wait...

So here's what I pulled together for you. This set of images is "outside" the box thinking, in the sense that I chose a porcelain 8x16 to go with a Glass "accent" piece (I would suggest about 3" or so for a border) that incorporates three colours to go with your cabinets and black countertop. The porcelain 8x16 is made by Ceratec and is called Imola Pegaso 24G and can be viewed here http://www.ceratec.com/SKU.aspx?Language=En&CollectionId=2&ProdId=IMLPEGA0816000024G00 . The accent piece is called Miki Bamboo Black MBG57BR made by Centura and can be viewed here http://centura.ca/residential/bamboo-glass-porcelain-ceramic-tile/?lang=en. I would suggest a silver/grey grout to go with this design should you choose it.

The second design idea I thought would also work well for your kitchen is a "fun" option. Think 70's meets modern design! It's simply tiny porcelain squares set onto a mesh sheet for a mosaic. It incorporates the black, white and grey which is what you're achieving in your kitchen. It is made by Olympia and is called "Boutique", Light and Dark Grey Blend and can be viewed here http://olympiatile.com/products/glazed_wall/boutique_collection_angie_.html, again I would suggest a silver or grey grout for this.

Wow! They look beautiful!!! Let me take a look at their website. Thank you so much!!!

The third option I chose for you is very simple like the previous Boutique mosaic I posted, however this one is all glass with again three colours. It's more light and "airy" in my mind, because it is glass and semi-opaque. This particular piece is made my Gemstone and is called Arctic Mix (but there are many many variations made by other companies) and can be viewed here http://homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Building-Supplies/Flooring/Ceramic-Tiles-Acc/Wall/Borders/1-x-2-Mosaic-12-x-12-Gemstone-Arctic-Glass-Wall-Tile/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I2778483?Ntt=2778483 .

One last option for you, this is more on the traditional design side, but could pair nicely with your modern cabinets. Very simple, but also the richest looking and the highest price point. It's Bianco Carrara marble in a subway size (3x6) this particular one is made by Faberstone and Tile, I couldn't find representation on their website, although I have the sample in our showroom, strange I know, but again, there are many many variations to it from other suppliers and can be viewed here at Olympia http://olympiatile.com/products/natural_stone/marble/bianco_carrara.html. There you have it, I'm done! Have fun, and let us know how you make out... :)

I wish you had uploaded a picture of your kitchen for better reference and comparison but I'll lay out the pros and cons of the color choices for you. The darker colors--stains won't be too obvious looking through time, it's a practical choice; white ones--looks cleaner but as time goes, there's more tendency for staining and looking dirty--you'd have to constantly keep it sparkling clean. As for the butter colored one, yellow tends to enhance the appetite so it can be a good choice for a backsplash color. But personally, I want tiles with a little bit more personality like this http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/roman-glass/roman-collection-burnt-russet-1x1-glass-tile.html

What makes a huge difference is the grout you choose!!!!

I think I just got carried away in looking at so many choices of tiles...I love the Bianco Carrara marble the best among the four options. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and post these pictures. My contractor just told me I'll have to get them by next Tuesday.

Question for Glass Tile Store. Which Buttery colour are you speaking of? Another question, have you honestly had experience with lighter colours of Glass tile staining? I would agree with the grout staining if it's not sealed (which any good installer should do anyways, likewise a good salesperson should be quoting for it automatically anyway.) Just wanted to clarify that's all :)

I like the carrera subway best with your white cabinets and black marble! Fresh, but still classic. Neutral, but plenty of contrast. I have also used white subway with light gray grout for clients who have white cabinets and a strict budget. The white tiles keep everything clean and fresh, but the gray grout ties everything together, especially with dark counters and a gray slate floor.

You will always love the Carrara marble ( use honed and seal it well and regularly) and be happy you made that investment in the long run. It's classic, elegant ,simple and perfect for the black and white colors cheme.
Also I am thinking that the subway style is better than the stacked for this. The stacked is very trendy right now, and lends itself best to handmade tile ( like Heath ) . Go with the classic is my advise.

it the tile is on order, great. move ahead and use white grout. The dirty comment is unfounded as the tile should only appear dirty with dirt on it.....truly

I don't agree, white subway tile with a pale grey grout is the way to go!
White gets yellow over time, pale grey is classic, pulls the look together and lasts ( the green way to go: build to last)

with the black counter tops the white/brown/black is a stong look, it seems you are going the "safe" route. Not always the best! you do have a great deal of 'solid' going for you....consider a blend as shown above, might select one of the tile patterns that has "white/black/brown

Do yourself and your budget a favor, use a simple white subway tile and add a neutral border of glass tile 2/3 up from the countertop (mosaic sheets cut into borders are least expensive). You can add color at your painted walls, kitchen accessories, and textiles.

the green way to go would be best served to never change anything!!! we are talking decorative here. yellowing groute is not a concern I have.

no no the point is to blend things as it is there are major areas of solid...............stainless/ white/ black......here once again kitchens are planned the the very last item to be considered is the black splash....amazing.....it's not more difficult to plan it all at once.....it's actually easier.

Again I don't agree, backsplash is something you will live with for a long time. The other decorative elements in the space can then go anywhere,

I always thought Carrara marble tiles were a little bit too extravagant for my little iKea kitchen, but since so many of you recommended it, I think I'll get them! I actually looked at some Carrara marble subway tiles at Lowe's last night and really liked them! They do look and feel classic and elegant!

back splash/ cabinet/ counter tops.......all long term.

If you purchase inexpensive ones that are not honed you can hone them by washing them over with vinegar, HOWEVER: experiment with 1 first and then do it before you install! Also, if you can hand pick them, so you don't get the very grey ones. Good luck......

careful with the carrara, the white in the carrara is sometimes gray and not white....just to know ahead, it's all about expectations

I had ordered glazed gray porcelain subway tiles to go with my white cabinets and gray slate floor, but was told only last weekend that the manufacturer couldn't fill my order in time as they were out of stock too. That's why I got panicked and ordered the chocolate ones.

and do know that the lighter the stone and the softer the finish (as with white honed) the more absorbent the stone is so be certain to seal it well if you go with a light honed material

Did you try Dal tile, they should have a nice grey 3x6 in stock. They have the standadrd air port tile, and I believe also a more handmade (homey) one.

wait then .....whats the rush If you found what you liked hang with it ....PS: there are other sources for glased gray porcelain subway tiles!

Definitely seal the marble. I don't know about honing the natural marble with vinegar, I personally wouldn't do it. I've been working in the industry for 8 years and have had many a mishap with substances on natural tile eating holes through the stone. If you like the marble, go with honed/polished, and seal (or have your installer seal them, which they should be doing anyways) along with a grout with either built in sealer or boost that gets used instead of water to mix the grout. With every order I do for tile, I price in the boost automatically, there's nothing worse then building yourself a beautiful backsplash only to have it ruined, and quite quickly I may add. Also a word of advise for you too. To lend a more modern look to this classic stone, don't do traditional half brick, install in a 1/3rd staggered pattern. I suggested the carrara for the fact that some of it is grey, with grey veining. You have gray floors, I think it'd be beautiful!

Bilgart I cannot believe it...I pass that store everyday and never noticed it!! I will stop by today after work! Thank you!!!

I love Daltile.. do you have an Emser tile place?nice tiles at booth places good luck

... We 2nd the marble subway suggestions.

a good copy is worth a 1000 bad originals

Not sure what that means, Gary! I think the gray and white of the Carrara would be a perfect transition from white cabinets to black countertops. Honed marble is beautiful, but it is absorbent, so sealing is important. But application on a backsplash is not nearly as difficult to keep clean as a countertop, and I have used it on countertops with no complaints. No substitute for natural products, really.

just saying .......safe is often better than risking

On that subject I do have a comparible "colour" match rendition of the carrara in a subway size, however...and I can't make this clear enough because it's a giant pet peeve of mine and the reason why I asked the question way back... it's not glossy! I seriously can't envision in my mind nor can I stand to look at glossy cabinets with a muted matte tile backsplash.... it's making my eye twitch as we speak, lol

lol
however to the honed point for a back splash the under cabinet lighting from the upper cabinets often reflect in a glossy back splash more than with honed

I have to say more:
Glossy and matte is gorgeous, contrasting textures are subtle and amazing!
Just look at all the high end magazines!
They all do it. And don't do imitation "stone" looking tile. yes, they are cheap and yes, they look it. They can be fine for and other applications, but your backsplash is in your face all the time everyday, make it real, either tile or stone, and make it yummy!

If you are interested in something a little different, that is actually easy to replace if you want a change but very bold, I used click-lock laminate flooring for a backsplash. Not for everyone, of course. It was part of a 1.5 week, $1k makeover of the kitchen in my new house so our choices are limited. If you have white cabinets, black counter, slate floors a nice wood backsplash might be a welcome softness and again, you can pull it down and replace it in a weekend if you like and your house won't look like anything you see in a catalog. We couldn't afford to totally redo our kitchen so a few new cabinets, a few gallons of Breakthrough paint, a spray gun, sink, etc and we were able to change the look drastically! The backsplash (and vintage stove) are the standouts. If you want to go traditional, I think white subway tiles are awesome. Pardon the messy photo, it was the only one I had nearby.

Bilgart...yes I frequently see the images in magazines you speak of, but one of the reason's there are so many designers in the world is that it's just not my thing, that's all I was saying. Also the matte renditions of marble that I was speaking of, in my mind, just don't do justice in portraying the marble, whereas other companies may have a "glossy" rendition of the marble that can be compared.

@ Mike... what happens when the laminate gets wet?

@Midland -- I rarely get my backsplash wet but when I do, I dry it off just like I would my floor. It's made to last 25 years walking on at least so I figure it's durable enough for 4-10 years on a wall. Not sure how long mine will make it but it's easy to change out with a weekend, some liquid nails and a saw. It's definitely unconventional and maybe a little riskier but ours cost a total of $200, including saw blades, so again easy to change out. Our choice was bold, and I am sure is offputting for a lot of people, which is why we chose something easy to swap out. I am sure our tastes will move past it in a short amount of time! I would say if you are going for timeless tile or stone would make more sense. Experiment with a large scale I would say, or something that doesn't look like you got it out of DirectBuy and you will have a showcase rather than a background for your red pitcher with spatulas in it just like everyone else.

Mike, it looks great!!! I cook a lot, so wood might not be an option for me, but your backsplash definitely looks cool and original! Cool countertop too. Congratulations on your new kitchen!

Thanks! And good luck with your kitchen remodel. So stressful for sure but sounds like you have a great vision. And all that being said if you love the tile, get the tile. If you never thought it looked dirty before then who cares?! Unless that seed has taken root then you can start exacting your revenge on your sister :)

@Mike -- LOL... I have to admit she got me nervous and I do think it might be too dark against my black countertop. She's a strong advocate for white subway tiles too, but I think I'll go with the Carrara marble, if I can find something in stock near me. If not, then white subway tiles and with the money I save, I'll buy a nice lamp.

Dal tile is a very reasonable outlet. they may have cerera in subway shape. I advise against cutting the shape yourselves, because if u are not VERY precise, it will be a lot of trouble to make it look good. The groutline should be no larger than a 1/16"

Thanks Bilgart!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed.

A glass tile in a similar color may look 'cleaner' but give you the same look you are going for! Feel free to contact us with any questions. We would love to help you with your project!

Hi! Where did you find the subway tile in your original post?