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lladuke27

Kitchen renovation is almost done...still can’t figure out backsplash

8 years ago

My kitchen/family room renovstion is almost done. Stainless appliances are being delivered next week. I was hoping to have backsplash installed first, but am just so stumped with what to do! Cabinets are custom shaker painted BM White Dove, counters are Hanstone Italian Waves. Paint On one small section of wall in kitchen and into attached family room is BM Barren Plain.


Here is a photo of the space where backsplash will go




And closeup of counter





backsplash is about 30 sq. Feet total so a small area. Counters have some movement So I don’t want anything to busy to compete.


Here is what I have for backsplash options...sorry for shadow. From L To R: Studio3 3x12 handcrafted in Silver, Zen Pearl 3x6, Equevo Pumice 3x6 (also comes in 2 x8), Daltile Ice Gray (sample is square, but I can order in 3x6 or 2x8 - will take 6 weeks) Daltile Desert Gray (3x6 or 2x8 are in stock)




With under-cabinet lighting on




I like the color And shape of the Studio3 but really think the size is too big for the small space -especially under the window area. I worry about a lot of cuts that will take away from the feel of the tile)


otherwise i am stumped. Do I go lighter (like the Equevo) or darker (the Zen). Originally I was going with the Zen but once the counters were installed I worried it was too dark. Everyone I have asked of my friends picks a different tile. I like the ice gray daltile but if I tell my contractor I won’t have tile for 6 weeks he will flip.


are there any other options you would recommend (that won’t take forecer to order?). Thoughts on 3x6 vs 2 x8


this decision is honestly driving me nuts. I get more confused every day.

Comments (28)

  • 8 years ago
    I am over the white tile. Soon all kitchens here will look the same. I like the light gray third from left with that counter.
    Lori LaDuke thanked tiggerlgh
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I like the Equevo Pumice - I think that s the lighter one

    Lori LaDuke thanked Chisos
  • 8 years ago

    I’d start a process of elimination. The darkest out. Biggest out. If I look at what’s left I’d do the lightest. Keeping it fresher, and lighter. Less of a flat grey look. Backsplash usually ends up looking darker just because it’s in a shadow.

    Lori LaDuke thanked User
  • 8 years ago
    I like the daltile desert gray. I think the glass tile would add some interest and look pretty with the under cabinet lighting.
    Lori LaDuke thanked bwlng166
  • 8 years ago

    tigger, I'm over the gray subway tile too! At least with the white, it isn't dictating what colors you can paint your kitchen for the next 20 years.

    Lori, if you really want gray, how about something a bit more interesting.


    Kenwood Cottage · More Info

    Lori LaDuke thanked chispa
  • 8 years ago

    I'm posting a picture of my gray backsplash so you can see it in my new build. Similar counters and cabinets. I'll let you be the judge as to whether you want to go that direction.

    New Home · More Info

    Lori LaDuke thanked pink_peony
  • 8 years ago

    Another idea:


    Fresh Classic Clean White Kitchen · More Info

    Lori LaDuke thanked chispa
  • 8 years ago

    Some ideas

    New Home · More Info

    New Home · More Info

    New Home · More Info

    New Home · More Info

    New Home · More Info

    Lori LaDuke thanked pink_peony
  • 8 years ago

    Pink_peony, your backsplash is very pretty. Where are the tiles from? I am not a big fan of white subway as I think it’s overdone even more than gray. I think it would be too much white in the kitchen if I did a white backsplash, as there are no painted walls in the kitchen except for the small area above the window. I thought a soft gray would add a little subtle color and go with the countertop ( and coordinate with our family room which has grays and blues. The equevo tile I have is the lightest of all of them, but I am not sure it’s that soft gray vibe I was hoping for. I am not opposed to another shape tile as long as it doesn’t compete with the counters. Maybe I need to go to another tile store?

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Lori mine are Dahl Rittenhaus Dessert Gray. My builder did gray grout (I chose white) but won't correct it. I think they would look nicer with white grout. I'm disappointed but will replace sometime after we move in to something else.

  • 8 years ago

    That’s so funny...they look like totally different tile than what I have, are yours matte or gloss?

  • 8 years ago

    Gloss. They looked different when I chose them in the showroom as well.


    Lori LaDuke thanked pink_peony
  • 8 years ago

    I would use the lightest gray, in a 2x8, with white grout. I think it would look pretty laid in a herringbone pattern.

  • 8 years ago
    U am also looking at the Italian Waves. Are you happy with it so far?
  • 8 years ago
    Sorry about the typo I meant I'm not U!
    Lori LaDuke thanked celeste223
  • 8 years ago

    Celeste, I LOVE them! they are so pretty and cleanup is a breeze!

  • 8 years ago

    how about pulling in some blue to coordinate with the FR with a blue gray tile. b/s doesn't have to be gray or white. you could do green/gray, blue gray.... with your counters, i would stick with a solid although i love the second one that chispa posted. would have to see it with your counters.

    if u stick with your samples, i like the darkest one....

  • 8 years ago

    This is what I ended up with...I went with daltile Desert Gray traditional subway with a slightly lighter grout for contrast (which doesn’t show in the picture). I know some said gray and white was old news, but I am very happy with the end result.



  • 8 years ago

    Lori It looks great! We are twins ;-).

    Ignore the clutter as we are in the middle of moving in but mine are still up. They are looking a little brighter with stuff on the counter . I still want to change them but i need to prioritize my budget. I plan on trying grout renew to see if lightening the grout helps.

  • 8 years ago

    @ Lori, all that matters is that you liked your end result. Enjoy the kitchen. It is beautiful!

  • 8 years ago

    pink_peony I think my grout color was a little lighter. I went with Laticrete Smoke Gray and was happy with it. There is contrast but it’s not harsh or busy. I think your kitchen (and entire home) is amazing! I wish I could have you help me finish the rest of mine!

  • 8 years ago

    Awe thanks Lori that’s so sweet. I think the tiles look much better in your kitchen than mine! Well we can all help you finish yours! That’s what this forum is for! So ask anytime. I have lots of opinions , not all of them the best LOL! But I’m always willing to try to help :-)

  • 8 years ago
    I would choose the lightest gray backsplash tile which matches the gray in the counter.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Great choice, Lori. We love it!

  • PRO
    8 years ago



    Lori-

    Choosing a backsplash tile can be a tricky task! There are so many options to choose from. Above is a photo of a completed kitchen project with Bailey's Cabinets. Featured in the photo are Haas cabinets in maple with a bistro finish. This customer chose a combination of gray and neutral colors to complete their backsplash, creating more depth and texture. It may be a possibility with the tile you selected to create a similar effect. Hopefully, this photo has proven helpful! Best of luck

    -Bailey's Cabinets

  • 8 years ago
    Lori
    So happy to hear that! I am watching your kitchen (which is beautiful) closely as our colors are very similar! I will look forward to seeing what you choose for your backsplash!
  • 6 years ago

    I think our kitchens will look very similar. I have the same cabinets and countertop. I just bought Equevo Old White Matte 2x9 for the backsplash. I love it. I don't have a pic yet or I would send it.