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psaag

Which kitchen backsplash for white cabinets and white and grey quartz

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Hi! I would love your help with finishing this kitchen project. I need to pick a backsplash for a kitchen in a traditional house. Hoping to add something to the kitchen backsplash to tie everything together, while giving a transitional look and feel, and not making it ALL white . I’m in the homestretch and fear messing this whole thing up! Thank you for any suggestions - either about what I chose or if you have other ideas - you can give!!!

The kitchen currently has the following finishes:

Cabinets: Shaker white Chantilly Lace

Countertops: Vicostone Misterio

Floors: Natural Red Oak

Walls: Agreeable Grey

Pulls: Either Black/Oil Rubbed Bronze or Brushed Silver?

Appliances and hood: Stainless Steel

3” X 12” The Tile Shop Retro Perla (https://www.tileshop.com/products/retro-perla-ceramic-subway-wall-tile-3-x-12-in-494440)



4” X 12” Marble



4” X 12” MSI Portico Pearl (https://www.msisurfaces.com/ceramic-collection/highland-park/portico-pearl/)



3” X 9” MSI Dove Grey (https://www.msisurfaces.com/ceramic-collection/highland-park/dove-gray/)



Wall and Floors


Counter



All Tiles together




Comments (37)

  • 7 years ago
    I like the look of the marble backsplash!
    psaag thanked debbynjerry
  • 7 years ago

    I have the same wall color. we did our backsplash the same as the counters. in the bathroom, we used small stone tiles. just some other options.

    psaag thanked Judy Higelin
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Any of the glazed tiles are OK; pick the one you like best. I'm not a fan of putting real stone next to a faux version of same; it makes the quartz look fake.

    psaag thanked Skippack Tile & Stone
  • 7 years ago

    Any advice on how to lay this larger tile? Regular brick pattern, herringbone, or other?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Brick style, it's likely best; that tile size is too big for a good herringbone layout. You'll only have about 3 full tiles on the diagonal in the 18" space.

    psaag thanked Skippack Tile & Stone
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    To my eye/screen, out of the tiles you have, the dove grey looks to be the closest match to the veining in the countertop, if that’s what you’re going for. However, in the picture with all the tiles it looks like it has a very subtle mushroom color to it? Could be the lighting, my screen, or the color in the rug that it’s on that’s throwing me off, though. I don’t care for the marble tile - too much going on and it clashes with the quartz. The lighter solid color tiles look taupe to me.

    Aside from all that, the dove grey tile looks too similar to the paint on your walls. I think a lot of people get confused here - there’s a tendency to think that choosing colors/finishes that compliment each other means the colors/finishes must be apart of the same color family. It doesn’t. The palette should be complimenting but not overly matchy. Contrast can be good.

    Furthermore, it also appears that each picture of each tile was taken under different lighting. I see natural sunlight in one photo, post-sunset in another, and total darkness in the photo with the quartz by itself. This makes it difficult to compare them, as some are reflecting sunlight and some are reflecting artificial light. Obviously it’s always a good idea to see a single product in different lighting conditions, but when multiple products are presented each under different lighting conditions, it‘s difficult to make a true comparison between them as the variables have changed.

    IMO, I think there are better options to explore. If you’re determined to go with one of those colors, a textured tile will help to mix it up and add more interest. If it’s the flat subway tile and shape you want to keep and aren’t set on any color, white subway tile is a classic and timeless look that works well with a wide variety of different elements; and you can change things, like paint color for example, without having to worry about it clashing with your backsplash. A plain glass subway tile can also lend a hand to a classic look. If you’re feeling bold, a glass subway tile with some color (think blue, green, or teal) will add some contrast and interest. You can go transitional with a brick pattern or you can go more modern with a straight grid pattern. This is all variable depending on your style, of course, but gives you some ideas.

    psaag thanked lindsey_9002
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    We think, out of the tiles posted, the dove grey looks to be the best option. However there are plenty of other options. You might want to continue looking to see what you can find.

    Chicago Condo On Kingsbury St. · More Info


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    psaag thanked Chi Renovation & Design
  • 7 years ago

    Out of those choices #1. But it seems kinda muddy,

    psaag thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    Hoping to get some more backsplash ideas As I am really struggling with this. The caninets are now painted and the countertop is in. Here is a picture Of the current kitchen.



  • 7 years ago

    Grabbed some new tiles. What do you all think of these? Any better? Is the patterned one too small/overwhelming or Ok for the space? The brick too dark?




  • 7 years ago
    I love the small tiles. get a few sheets, tape them up and see if you like them.
    psaag thanked Judy Higelin
  • 7 years ago
    if you want some brick to lessen the business, I'd try white that matches counters. then do the mixed colors jyst behind the stove as a focul point. go all the way th o the ceiling
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    That room is dying for some real COLOR. Pick your favorite, and find a shiny glass in it. Turquoise. Sea foam green. Sunny yellow. Lavender. COLOR! The gray is killing it.

    psaag thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    We used Crossville Market Collection Ashbury Fleece Crackle. Very nuetral. They have a nice selection of nuetrals. However, that same collection has some very beautiful subtle colors in matte, glassy or crackle and is offered in lots of shapes and sizes. If you're open to adding a subtle color, some of the really pretty ones are Vermouth, RIo, Biscayne Bay, and Breakwater. I tried to get some images online but they were all blurry.

    http://crossvillestudios.com/wp-content/uploads/MC-Ashbury.pdf?welcome=crossville


    psaag thanked AJCN
  • 7 years ago

    The colors all go, but I’m just not a fan of busy backslashes. Your countertop has a pattern. But it is a pretty tile.

  • 7 years ago

    Dove Gray is stunning and really pops. It would look great as a brick pattern. I also like the small hexagon tiles you have in the most recent post. they look like they tie in the colors of the countertop, and wall. since your kitchen is not too big, i think the small tiles will work well. it will add a lot of visual interest. it really depends on which shape you like...subway or hexagon. the ones you chose are both excellent so go with the one that makes you happy to look at.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Pretty kitchen so far. Can you post a picture of all the gray tiles next to your wall color?

  • 7 years ago
    two things would help us: lay the brick tile on the counter and take a picture, cuz it looks too beige next to the unpainted wall; slap some agreeable gray on the wall so we can see how the tiles look against it.
  • 7 years ago

    Just getting back to this, had to take a break! I will include a picture of the contenders. The 2 x 6 mosaic is from Dalle tile. The 3 x 6 beveled is Delray silver seas This One also comes in a 2 x 8 flat tile. The color seemty good So considering the other size too. the 3rd is MSI from above Will the daltile be too busy? Will MSI too dark? The Delray too boring? UGH!


  • 7 years ago

    I agree with Live_wire_oak’s comment above. It’s all monotone, monotone. Her comment was a week ago, but you still came back today with more gray choices. There MUST be another color you like in the vast color wheel. All that gray is not something I’d want to see first thing on a winter morning.

    psaag thanked M Miller
  • 7 years ago

    I think gray is a fine choice but it needs to go with the wall too. take a picture of the samples with your wall color.

    psaag thanked kariyava
  • 7 years ago

    THey are all close, but the tile with the bevel is closest. I like the bevel on its own, just not sure the look on a full wall. They do have this one in a 2 x 8, which would give it interest. I can take a pic later. Thanks!

  • 7 years ago

    I totally get what you are saying about color, and I do like it :-) however, on something as permanent as a backsplash, I’d rather have something neutral (and pretty) that I can layer onto or in front of. For instance with flowers pictures paint and other accessories.

  • 7 years ago

    3” X 12” The Tile Shop Retro Perla is my fave!

  • 7 years ago

    Let me post a picture of my white cabinets with my backsplash.

  • 7 years ago
    I had a heck of a time choosing my backsplash. Don’t make the same mistake I did. I wanted subway tile on the perimeter but a wavy interesting tile behind the stove. It didn’t work so I’m having the tiler come back and take out the wavy tile and put the same subway in though I’m not sure if she could get it to match right. $$
    Anyway, back to your kitchen. I have Cambria Brittanica and I used a soft gray tile with white grout. I love the combination and I plan to use colorful linens, vases, fruit to bring some color in.
    We still need to switch to cooler under cabinet lights. We are still in the kitchen Reno stage and painters just started today painting Agreeable Gray! Our kitchen was so dark and I needed some light in my life!!
  • 7 years ago
    Here is a board painted Agreeable Gray. Here is the picture of my mistake over the stove.
    psaag thanked Sue
  • 7 years ago

    Sue your kitchen looks great! But I see what you mean about the tile above the stove. I really like the agreeable gray, even the way it changes throughout the day in the house. What size and brand is your tile? What color is your tile? Thanks

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    a little pattern or color wouldn't hurt. You have a small area to tile so make it something good. (otherwise I like your very first gray tile in a herringbone)

    ann sacks Hive






    Dolomite Clipped diamond



    CleTile Modern Farmhouse brick



    I just used this in a clients bathroom remodel. it's beautiful




    Nabi Harlequin-white Tilebar



    calacatta 1x3 above, and below is the linear bar calacatta from Tilebar. another poster on here went with it after I advised her to order some samples from them. she has a similar countertop to yours

    hasn't been grouted yet

  • 7 years ago
    Floor and Decor
  • 7 years ago

    Wow, what a transformation! And your herringbone is lovely. Whew, you must be relieved.

    psaag thanked D N
  • 7 years ago

    Gorgeous!! You did an amazing job of pulling everything together. LOVE the backsplash choice. Brings so much visual interest to the room. The wall color is so soothing and warm too! Congratulations and enjoy your new kitchen. I just finished my kitchen so I know how challenging it is for us non designers to get this done!

    psaag thanked St561 W
  • 4 years ago

    now that your kitchen has some wear and tear, any regrets using marble as for staining or maintenance keeping clean?


  • 4 years ago

    I would use the same matching material for the counter and backsplash.

  • 4 years ago

    No regrets on the marble backsplash! No staining, still looks new. I do wipe down behind the stove if we cook something that could be an issue like red sauce. But, I would wipe down that area regardless of material. Also for anyone wondering sbout the Vicostone quartz, just get it! It has jeld up perfectly!

  • 6 months ago

    @psaag could you share what the name of your countertops are?