I know people will tell you to remove the granite backsplash before you tile but I would keep the granite backsplash. The grout between the granite and the bottom of the tile crumbles and washes away and is a mess in our kitchen. Maybe that transition should have been caulked instead of grouted?

Hi Nicole, the 4x12 glass would look fine. I have photos of what a 3x6 tile would look like to give you an idea though.

And I would absolutely remove the granite splash before before tiling.

I guess my biggest dilemma is should I add some colored tiles throughout to add more depth or with the business of the granite just stick with one color maybe just add a row of 2x12 waved tile?

These are what we are looking at... Cream colored as the main and the other as accent colors but thinking that might be too much?

Unfortunately the backsplash cannot be removed.... We have a feeling that may open a can of worms .... Don't think the original owners did things quite the way they should have.... So we aren't sure what's under it?

If you can’t remove the 4” backsplash that you already have, then don’t add tile. Paint the area above the existing granite backsplash.

Why is it that the current backsplash needs removed? Out of curiosity... Thank you

I think maybe it's not fashionable to have a backsplash in the same piece as the countertop. To me, it seems way more practical and cost effective.

I think Nicole's is really cute with the extra touch of a countertop piece for a windowsill.

Nicole, save the tile backsplash $$ and get lighting for under the cabinets?

Agree with Angel. 1 tile (not glass) because the counter is busy and I would definitely remove the 4" piece

Here is an example of "with" and "without". See how much "sleeker" it looks.

I completely agree... Just don't think we can remove it without additional issues but I will discuss it with the installer... The color tile we have chosen is very light so perhaps it won't be as bad... It's nearly the same Color as the paint?

I have a wood kitchen idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens. Many have ordinary subway tile. Subway tile works well with pretty countertops because it does not fight for attention, and it blends well with wood tones.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

You can pop off the granite splash to see what is there - you can always replace it. My subway tile is 1/4" thick, which was enough to cover an area were the countertop did not quite meet the wall.

I agree that the under cabinet lighting is more important then a tile backsplash.

I have a wood kitchen idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens. Many have ordinary subway tile. Subway tile works well with pretty countertops because it does not fight for attention, and it blends well with wood tones.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

You can pop off the granite splash to see what is there - you can always replace it. My subway tile is 1/4" thick, which was enough to cover an area were the countertop did not quite meet the wall.

I agree that the under cabinet lighting is more important then a tile backsplash.

How about just tiling where the stove is?
My kitchen is much the same size, footprint as yours with a 3-4" splash included with formica counters that hubby says we don't need to replace. I was thinking of adding a backsplash just behind the stove since I cant add it above the small backsplash (agree it doesn't look good). I'm interested in your thoughts and anyone else's.

My area behind my stove isn't large enough... If so I would consider a mosaic behind the stove ..... I may be reconsidering this whole thing after this discussion..... I am also curious why of I do decide to move forward why glass isn't a good choice? Using larger tile to cut down on amount of grout lines...

Some people think that glass tile is too modern for a traditional kitchen, or only looks right in a "beachy" décor. I dunno, I like it -- I think it adds depth and shine to a plainer kitchen -- could be your counter just is too busy to work best with glass though, because glass tile is like jewelry for the kitchen.

nicole, that 4" piece can be scored and pried off the wall w/o too much damage. are you afraid the gap will be too big between the cabs and wall if removed?

the issue is, w/your busy granite, and the tiles you want, it's just going to look odd, too much, and you don't put a backsplash on top of the 4" backsplash. it's one or the other.

and don't you dare use more than one tile! you don't need an 'accent' tile. oh heck no.

be aware that any white, glass tile, will take on a greenish hue once installed. it's the iron content in the glass that does it. colored tiles won't. so stick w/the tan or beige.

you see much less fussy it looks w/o that piece? scroll through backsplash pictures and tell me how many you see w/that 4" piece attached. not many. take it off. if you have to fill a gap, then pick a tile like this, (they are 3/4") or some other type of glazed brick, or thicker tile.

or a ceramic like this one

something in once of these colors would also work. try doing a vertical layout

Okay so if we can't remove it .... We won't do the backsplash... You all educated me.. I didn't even think about it but it definitely makes sense so thank you! The rest of our house is somewhat beachy not overly but we live in a coastal area and I do like the glass but I will reconsider my options.....

The money that you saved could be spent on under cabinet lighting and that would lighten things up!!

I want to do the backsplash to dress up the kitchen a bit and to hide the walls... Previous owners didn't do the best on the kitchen remodel.... So as I do agree with lighting it's not going to accomplish my goal Alone...

it can be removed. not a big deal. at the most you might have to patch in the drywall or put up green board. you guys can do it yourself. again, not a big deal.

also, your bulbs look very warm. have you thought about switching them out to something in the 4000K range to bring in more of a cleaner white light?

I think it looks sleeker, because it does not match the counter(in the above photos) and you cannot tell that because it is a vertical vision to a horizontal surface with it removed. If the backsplash tile that is added would be a perfect match to the counters, the exact middle shade or lighter shade of the counter(not darker, that would look nice but it would require MORE lighting for certain), and it was not a mini tile with too many grout lines, but a larger tile with visually no or only very small exact matching grout lines, it would be the best case outcome...But there is also this item that not too many think of. It looks so nice! with the black and white and gray, granite counter in my friends home, in silver. I don't know in person, but on the pics I would first look at the creamy options, and if you want to go more of a change, perhaps this one is good, or other of the bronze etc they offer. ...If you scroll down you find many more patterns are available to look at in many color options..https://www.americantinceilings.com/pattern3/ --

Yes... I have actually used that in my previous home. Just won't match the rest over my home here... I am still considering glass and I will definitely remove the piece I have there if we move forward

I don't think this tile will look bad at all it will actually pull some of the shimmering tones from the granite

i like that one. (if you take off that back piece!) the tan tones will be a nice complement.

Agree with Beth, that tile should work.

Mirrored backsplash would enlarge and brighten the room. Just a thought.

following- like the last Tan backsplash

I would run a stainless steel panel behind the stove up to the microwave and leave the rest alone. Kind of refreshing to see a non tiled to the max kitchen.