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crismelo31

backsplash dilema - help!

7 years ago
Hello! Which backsplash do you think it goes better with my brittanica counter tops? I really like the herringbone with the gray but I’m afraid it will be too busy - I’m looking for a cleaner look. Here are the pics of the two options

Comments (26)

  • 7 years ago
    what about the herringbone pattern but with white?
  • 7 years ago
    Thank you! I thought about that but all the ones I like are too expensive, the only other one would be this
    11.63"x11.63" Greecian White Herringbone Honed Marble Tile, Set of 10 · More Info
    but I’m not sure about it...

    I also tried this one but it looks cheap to me...
  • 7 years ago

    I think the first picture is fine. Once it's up you'd be surprised how "not busy" or conflicting with the counter top it is. The second picture is too close in the design to the counter and highlights not only the difference, but looks more confusing and busy to me.

  • 7 years ago
    Thank you! You have no idea how much I appreciate all your opinions! I just picked this up ( my contractor is coming to install the backsplash tomorrow at 7am so I’m tuning against the clock here) I do think the white one might be the winner!
  • 7 years ago

    I think you will regret any of those options. What is the rush? We see so many instances of, Help, I Hate My Backsplash on this forum. Take your time choosing what you really like that looks good. Some people wait almost a year to do the blacksplash.

  • 7 years ago

    If you really have to do this in a rush, then my choice would either be the white on the left or the smaller grey in the middle of the 3. If you are able to put your tiler off for a few days, you might consider taking a bit more time with your decision. I love herringbone and I think it is very classic styling and a good choice. You just need to find the right one for your space. As someone else posted, if you go with the white, I'd consider a light grey grout colour. Make up a sample board and try some different grouts to help you visualize the finished product.


  • 7 years ago

    None of the above. A plain light gray ceramic. None of that patterned pattern.

  • 7 years ago
    I agree with other posters, plain white would look best. I think the small tile in the herringbone pattern will actually look busy, and be more difficult to clean, why not do a larger subway tile in a herringbone pattern, you might even save some money!
  • 7 years ago
    It's ultimately your kitchen, pick what you love.
    However I vote for the white herringbone.
    Do not try to match your countertops unless you use the slab as your backsplash for an allover look.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    If you have to rush, the white is the best of the choices. But it's real marble? and you have a faux-marble stone, so it's not the best combo IMHO. I would not rush your backsplash....

    Your counters are really busy, so I'd suggest very simple. If you have a way to post pic of your entire kitchen, we could get a better idea of how much space you have to work with.

    Perhaps a simple herringbone layout with a larger format white porcelain crackle or in 3x12 or 4x12....

    https://www.flooranddecor.com/search?q=white%20subway

    https://www.flooranddecor.com/porcelain-ceramic-decoratives/artisan-frost-porcelain-tile-100185792.html#q=white+subway&start=9

    This hex is nice too....

    https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-decoratives/white-hexagon-white-body-ceramic-tile-100301712.html#start=2

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I am sorry but I don't think a herringbone pattern, regardless of its color, works with your chosen counters. Either the counters are the attention-getter or the backsplash is. You need to pick ONE as the wow item, not both. Having the herringbone pattern, or a competing marble-like pattern tile, with the counter pattern will make you uneasy. I think Sophie's recommendation above is the best one.

  • 7 years ago

    What color is your wall paint? I love it!

  • 7 years ago

    Miranda, we can all agree to disagree. I happen to love herringbone in white or light gray in a 3x12 or 4x12 pattern! It's gorgeous!

  • 7 years ago

    I also agree with Sophie. A gray subway would be gorgeous and classic. The counters have a lot of movement. I'd let them be the star.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    If it were us we would choose a plain white subway or a light grey because all of the other options you have posted are much too busy for backsplash options.

    White Kitchen · More Info


    Artistic Urban Remodel · More Info


  • 7 years ago
    Thank you everyone! I really appreciate every opinion - here is the final picture, it does look as busy in real life :)
  • 7 years ago
    Thank you everyone! I really appreciate every opinion - here is the final picture, it does look as busy in real life :)
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Btw, your light bulbs are giving off a yellow glow. Switch them to daylight bulbs for a brighter, white kitchen.






  • 7 years ago

    Looks very nice. Do you have more pictures to share? I like the herringbone. Are you happy with it? That is the key thing - it doesn't matter what the rest of us thought at all....it has to make you happy. I hope that is the case. It looks like a lovely job. Well done.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    ^^^”That is the key thing - it doesn't matter what the rest of us thought at all....it has to make you happy.”

    So why bother giving advice at all or coming here for advice?

  • 7 years ago
    White herringbone.
  • 7 years ago
    Tooooo busy.
  • 7 years ago

    Hi Anna (6B/7A in MD),

    The OP obviously made her decision, with or without any input from those of us who posted. Maybe we helped solidify her decision or maybe she made her final choice based on advice she received here. But, the really important thing is that she is happy with her choice as she paid for it and she is the one who will be looking at it daily.

  • 7 years ago
    Neither of your suggestions actually has the correct white to work with the counter. If the whites don't match, you will always be aware and bothered by the mismatch.
  • 7 years ago

    Looks great!