skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design DilemmaPollsKitchens
aesherrard44

herringbone vs star and cross kitchen backsplash

6 years ago

Hello! Looking for opinions on a herringbone vs star and cross backsplash for our kitchen remodel. The floor is a dark walnut shade, the cabinets are all white shaker, the countertop is polished black granite, and we know we want Fireclay's Crater Lake as our tile color. Our home is a 1930s California bungalow that leans craftsman (plaster walls in living space, cove ceilings, hearth fireplace). What I can't decide is whether I want to buy slim subway tile and lay it out in a herringbone, like this blue in the kitchen below from Young House Love, or if I want to pay more for the star and cross, like the green (which would, of course, be blue in our kitchen) in the kitchen from Rottmayer Design:





Any and all feedback would be deeply appreciated!

Herringbone
Star and Cross
Featured Answer
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago



    Realized I never posted a finished photo for everyone interested! (Excuse the Halloween dish towel; we finished the kitchen in October haha.) Couldn't love it more!


    @eam44 @Sue Wulff @megs1030 @Jj J @Sarah R

    Comments (17)

    • 6 years ago

      @Beth H. :Thank you so much! trying to stick to tile that's less than $40/sf and we don't like zellige, but really appreciate the feedback!

    • PRO
      6 years ago

      No to the star and cross for a 1930's bungalow. Your choices so far from the flooring to the cabinet are embracing the home's style. Stick with it. The Fireclay herringbone will be beautiful. Love Young house Love.

    • Related Professionals

      Alpena Interior Designers & Decorators · Sedalia Architects & Building Designers · Alexandria Design-Build Firms · Temecula Design-Build Firms · Santa Fe Design-Build Firms · Eau Claire General Contractors · Florence Flooring Contractors · Twin Falls Flooring Contractors · Cincinnati Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Kalamazoo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Concord Kitchen Remodelers · Bloomington Custom Countertops · Lake Havasu City Custom Countertops · Murrieta Custom Countertops · Lagrange Custom Countertops
    • 6 years ago

      Not a pro but a life long Californian and lover of architecture. Star and cross is much more California bungalow to me-- a lot of the Spanish style architecture (popular early 20th C) throughout L.A. used it and other Moorish elements. My experience in the Bay Area is that there is more fusion of early 20th C styles in the bungalows. For example, our house has original Spanish style, craftsman, and art deco elements. So, I think star and cross could compliment craftsman, especially with Fireclay's handmade element and thicker grout lines.

      Amy S thanked Sarah R
    • 6 years ago
      last modified: 6 years ago

      Star and cross any day! And Crater Lake is gorgeous. If you don’t have a lot of space between your uppers and counter, consider using the mini-star and cross.



      PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come back and show us when you’re done. Good luck!

    • 6 years ago

      @Sarah R Hi! that's what I was thinking too. The plaster arch between our living and dining rooms and the fact that we're in CA make me feel like something a touch Spanish might work well!

    • 6 years ago

      Following.

    • 6 years ago

      We used stars and crosses (from mission tile west’s Malibu revival line) for our hearth in our 1931 Spanish. It’s a beautiful tile but it doesn’t feel very bungalow or craftsman to me. Of the two, I’d say herringbone is more correct but stars and crosses are more special and fun.

    • 6 years ago

      I've never seen herringbone in a 1930s craftsman. The star and cross will work better with California style.

    • PRO
      6 years ago

      Star and Cross all day. Has more of a craftsman vibe.

    • 6 years ago

      Star and Cross. Please show us when you're finished!

    • 5 years ago

      Amy S. Did you ever decide?

    • 5 years ago

      Hi! I did! We went for the star and cross. It’s not been delivered yet but should be installed by Halloween! I’ll post some photos when it’s done :)

    • 5 years ago

      Amy S. Great I can’t wait to see it!

    • PRO
      5 years ago

      Herringbone is timeless, always go timeless. Especially if this is not your forever home.

    • 5 years ago

      Love it!

      Amy S thanked Jj J
    • 4 years ago

      Perfect!

    Related Stories
    BEFORE AND AFTERSReinvent It: Street Signs Become a Lively Kitchen Backsplash
    By Becky Harris
    City surplus as unique decor? A Seattle family said sure, and now it's the star of their remodeled kitchen
    Full Story
    44
    KITCHEN DESIGN8 Top Tile Types for Your Kitchen Backsplash
    By The Inman Company
    Backsplash designs don't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaic tiles can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles
    Full Story
    112
    KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Add a Kitchen Backsplash
    By Mitchell Parker
    Great project: Install glass, tile or another decorative material for a gorgeous and protective backsplash
    Full Story
    358
    KITCHEN DESIGNBleached White Oak Cabinets Star in This Two-Tone Kitchen
    By Jeannie Matteucci
    The cabinets and a new layout transform a once-dark New Jersey kitchen into a light and bright space
    Full Story
    28
    KITCHEN DESIGNBehold These Bold Kitchen Backsplashes
    By Erin Carlyle
    See how these 62 backsplashes bring beauty, personality and style to their kitchens
    Full Story
    167
    KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash That Wows
    By Vanessa Brunner
    Design your ideal backsplash with help from these Houzz guides and inspiring ideas for every kitchen style
    Full Story
    154
    KITCHEN DESIGNYour Kitchen: Great Backsplashes For Wood Cabinets
    By Debbie Snider
    Full Story
    71
    KITCHEN BACKSPLASHESThis Kitchen’s Geometric Blue Tile Steals the Show
    By Karen Egly-Thompson
    An Asian-inspired island, newly stained floors and white cabinets complete the look
    Full Story
    28
    INSIDE HOUZZTop Kitchen and Cabinet Styles in Kitchen Remodels
    By Erin Carlyle
    Transitional is the No. 1 kitchen style and Shaker leads for cabinets, the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study finds
    Full Story
    34
    KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: A Designer’s Dream Kitchen Becomes Reality
    By Mitchell Parker
    See what 10 years of professional design planning creates. Hint: smart storage, lots of light and beautiful materials
    Full Story
    152
    Sponsored
    High Point Cabinets
    Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars21 Reviews
    Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner
    More Discussions
    New door for Tudor Revival home
    15
    Tudor - Exterior update
    29
    Rift and quarter oak (white or red)
    9
    backsplash help
    7
    Kitchen layout issues
    5