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Backsplash tile suggestions needed

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago



White shaker style cabinets, cool white countertops with gray veining, white cast iron farmhouse sink. Walls are light gray. Looking to do a handmade tile with some character to it-stuck on what color will look good. Any suggestions appreciated.

Comments (31)

  • 7 years ago

    Check out Sonoma Tilemakers

    Kate thanked Sue Wulff
  • 7 years ago

    Almost anything can work with your other options. But if you are looking at something with color, make sure it relates to colors in your adjacent areas. I would start with that to narrow down your options. You could use pastels, strong geometrics, or anything in between. I would also take into account the overall style of your home.

    Kate thanked calidesign
  • 7 years ago

    Thanks. Kitchen opens into living room which has same wall color as kitchen with some blue accents. Casual coastal style.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    What colors are in the floor?

    Kate thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    white gray and some tan

  • 7 years ago

    I would avoid anything with blue in it. Your cabs already look a little warm next to your counter, and too much blue could skew them yellow.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I would stick with gray and white (more gray than white to break up all the white in the cabinets & counter).

  • 7 years ago

    Can we see a photo of kitchen with your floors?


  • 7 years ago



    Picture with flooring and close up of countertop. Flooring is original and has to stay for now due to budget. Flooring reads more tan in photos.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    My monitor shows the floors as more beige. Are they gray or beige? .

  • 7 years ago

    Floor is more beige with white and gray in it.

  • 7 years ago

    You need a backsplash only behind the cooking surface. You also need a string of LED lights in the dust catchers. Light on the ceiling improves the feeling of the space, and you get to eliminate the gloom above the cabinets.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I would stick with white tile then unless you can find something with white, gray and beige in it to pull all the colors together.

  • 7 years ago

    Thanks so much for all the advise!

  • 7 years ago

    I think that because of the cool counters with the grey veining and the warmer beige floor with the grey accents, I would probably do grey to try to tie it together. Something like this:
    https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/msi-morning-fog-3-x-6-ceramic-subway-tile-mvp2924.html

    Kate thanked Momofthree Ma
  • 7 years ago

    Are you installing the tile yourself? If so, look for a faux handmade look unless you are an experienced tiler. The only tile I wouldn’t use is marble. It will clash with your counter.


    How would you feel about white tile with grey grout, possibly in an interesting shape? You can get the blues you love in there in other ways. Gosh, you’re almost done. You must be thrilled.





    Kate thanked eam44
  • 7 years ago

    if i you are gonna replace floors eventually i wouldnt worry about tying into them now. the floor already kinda clashes with everything. so think about the ultimate future of the space and pick something for that! i think something with the grey of the veining would be nice. you need something to break up the white.

    Kate thanked st5330
  • 7 years ago

    I do like the white with gray grout it has a different look to it. I ordered some white and gray sample tiles today. We will be hiring out for the tile work. I'm excited to move along with this project. Almost done!

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    If you are using the white tiles, I would strongly consider using a taupe or at least very light warm gray for the grout, or it will look bad with your floors. The gray tiles will clash badly with your floors. White tiles will match now and later on if you do change the floors.

    Kate thanked calidesign
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Great! Consider an unusual shape, like the mini lantern tiles above, or go with the herringbone layout. It’ll be beautiful.

    If you are sure you want a handmade look, consider the faux handmade tiles for far less money, like the Ivy Hill tile in Catalina at Home Depot (below).



    If you want the real deal, I’m a sucker for Fireclay Tile, and you’ll get to choose the look (matte or shiny, crazing or none) and the exact shade of white that you want. I think Sugar might be a good glaze for you (below). They also have great shapes.



    Kate thanked eam44
  • 7 years ago

    @eam44, I love the look of the fire lay tiles. Are they pricey? Good quality?

  • 7 years ago

    Oops, Fireclay

  • 7 years ago

    They are expensive, and they are beautifully made. Visit the web site and take a look. Calculate your square footage for pricing, and then read up on the shipping which is also expensive. They are completely gorgeous and they require an experienced installer.

  • 7 years ago
    Kate thanked luvcolor10b
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Check out zellige tiles (also known as Moroccan tiles). They definatly have the handmade look you are going for. You could get some In a range of neutrals that will tie in all of the whites and light greys you have going on.

    Kate thanked DETAILS design studio LLC
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    And I really like luvcolor's suggestion. It adds texture and the color brings in the warmth of the floor tile.

    Kate thanked DETAILS design studio LLC
  • 7 years ago

    How about those small hexagon tiles in marble? Would go with your countertop, but would have some texture and color variations. Add color with the accessories you put on the counter.

    Kate thanked sarasvati1
  • 7 years ago

    You have white white counters, sink and dishwasher, and creamy white cabinetry. I would plan to replace the dishwasher with a stainless one in the future because its color clashes with the cabinets on both sides. The backsplash should have some white, some cream and should also relate to the wall and flooring colors (if you will keep the current flooring).

    Kate thanked felizlady
  • 7 years ago

    Some if the zellige tiles are beautiful. I looked at a few fireclay ones too. Since my square footage is small I can splurge a little. I like the suggestion to look at something with texture too.

  • 7 years ago

    It sounds like you’re really not sure what you want and that’s fine. Take your time, look at kitchens in your idea book or online. When you have an idea of the looks you like, come back. We’ll be here. Check out Heath ceramics as well for inspiration.

    Kate thanked eam44