Help Us Choose a Backsplash!

8 years ago

We are remodeling our kitchen and having the hardest time choosing a backsplash! We have white cabinets and white quartz countertops with minimal gray accents. And the island has gray cabinets with same quartz counters. We also will have brushed brass hardware on the cabinets and sink.

We have considered white subway tile for the backsplash but thought it might be too white with not enough contrast in the kitchen. We've also considered white subway tile with a darker gray grout to make it pop more, and/or doing a herringbone design.

Our contractor suggested we do a tile that resembles a marble, which we are not opposed to. I also loved the idea of doing white hexagons to add a little flair. However, my husband prefers a subtle light blue distressed subway tile, but I worry that is a lot of colors since the island is already gray. Plus the tile seems to have a warm beige tone to it instead of gray. We also considered gray hexagons, but the hue of the tile is very different than that of the cabinets. I'd love some advice/suggestions on backsplashes you'd recommend. We've agreed on everything to this point and now we're at a standstill. Please help! (please excuse the poor lighting in the photos.)

Featured Answer

Hillside House

8 years ago

I don't think you should make the decision with just a sample of your countertop. You need to get samples, and take them home with you. Look at them with both cabinet colors, your floor, and in your space with your light.

DEFINITELY NOT the marble hex or subway, though. You have a patterned countertop, so your backsplash should not be.

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Comments (9)

Sue 430
8 years ago
I’m thinking plain light gray to bring out the veining, no dark grout
jessklem thanked Sue 430
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jj610
8 years ago
I like they grey hexagons. I think the white subway would be too much white. Stay away from real marble or marble look alike tile since that's what your counters are.
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eam44
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I agree with hillside, it’s best to wait until your counters are in before choosing, if that’s possible. That said, you will most likely choose a white tile that goes well with the white in your counter material. Re: your contractor’s suggestion, keep in mind that nothing makes the faux marble counter look faux-er than using real marble in the backsplash.

You can do a bit of research in the meantime. Google your quartz and cabinet colors and look at images of other kitchens that have used your materials. See what they used as bs material. Hang onto a few inspiration images that you really like, then hit the shops looking for similar options.
jessklem thanked eam44
mark_rachel
8 years ago
The small hex tiles screams bathroom to me. I agree to wait, BUT I also understand doing lots of research before so you have some options in mind. I LOVE that blue crackle tile!
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User
8 years ago
I strongly suggest not to mix a faux marble look countertop with real stone marble backsplash. Just my opinion though.
jessklem thanked User
pricklypearcactus
8 years ago
Love the gray hex and the blue subway. I think your husband's blue might be my favorite. I strongly agree with the sentiment to avoid mixing real marble tile with the faux marble countertop.
kay kin
8 years ago
The island looks green on my screen.(?) Consider that, if so. I am leery about subway tile and the color gray, personally think these trends have run their course along small glass mosaic definitely. I recently did a kitchen with handmade tile, the price was comparable, the tile is beautiful, helped out a starving artist, and customized the color. Time for us all to go beyond the lines. Good luck! & your kitchen has good bones!!
kariyava
8 years ago
Blue, gray, or white would work. Please take home samples of some of your favorites to see it in your lighting against your cabinets, flooring, wall color, and counter. You would be surprised how much lighting matters, and you have to make sure your backsplash works with everything else you already have.