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jennifer_casey8395

Help pick my backsplash

5 years ago

We are finalizing details of a kitchen remodel. Perimeter cabinets will be soft white inset, island medium rift cut oak, countertops Calcutta Quartz. We will be changing out the kitchen table and lighting with something lighter/warm brass. The rest of my house is coastal. Do I do a traditional subway tile in herringbone pattern or can I go with the chameleon/aqua tile with the counters? The color goes perfectly with the rest of my house but the tile rep said to keep the backsplash neutral since the counters should be the focal point.

Comments (22)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I like the blue it adds a bit of interest but I will say I do not like quartz for counters in kitchens . Before choosing anything else like backspalsh or wall color make sure all the lighting in that space is LED 4000K IMO the only way to keep any color you choose the same all the time. BTW a fixture above a table should light the table just the same as pendants above an island .

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you! Can I ask why you don’t like quartz? We love the calacutta look but can’t afford marble. No pendants but we will have 2 side-swing arm sconces on either side of the hood. Here are my initial lighting thoughts. Do these work or do the same rules apply.

  • 5 years ago

    Good question - why not Quartz countertops? Seems much more practical and less expensive to use the Calcutta quartz - it won’t stain like marble.

  • 5 years ago

    Love quartz don't be talked out of it! I love the wood, blue backsplash and white quartz counters you chose, but the soft white cabinets look yellow next to all of that. Have you thought about going with a more pure white for the cabinets?

  • 5 years ago

    I think the gray/blue tile looks lovely with your other finishes. I must admit that this is one of my favorite colors.

  • 5 years ago

    I recently purchased countertop material, and settled on Calacatta Venato marble. It was about half the price per square foot as the Caesarstone I looked at. Fabrication cost will come into play, of course.
    I assume it depends on your geographic area, and where you are looking,and the specific marble. I found quartz to be more expensive than some marbles.
    I’m well aware of the care marble requires, and that it will etch, stain, and acquire a patina. I still couldn’t bring myself to choose anything else-nothing else is as beautiful to me.

  • 5 years ago

    I like natural stone more than quartz also. In reading posts on Houzz, it seems like more people are happy with a honed marble finish since the etching isn't as noticeable, should you decide to go this way.

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks for all of your comments! I am now leaning toward the colored tile. The counter and the cabinets actually match perfectly in person and here marble is too pricey. The color is a little off in the photo. Here is a picture of the slab. Can I still do a herringbone pattern in the aqua/chameleon tile or should I still stick with a simpler pattern? Thank you!

  • 5 years ago

    Your colors are mainly mellow and warm. I would not use the gray for the backsplash.

  • 5 years ago

    I like this

  • 5 years ago

    I like the gray backsplash! Has much more character IMO.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    the table similar to this


  • 5 years ago

    i like the blue gray tile!! so pretty...

    not sure if i would do it a herringbone.....maybe just a stack vs. herrinbone or brick pattern.

  • 5 years ago

    Use the blue tile, it’s lovely! I wouldn’t do herringbone.


    Dana, your tile is gorgeous!

  • 5 years ago

    Love all these comments, suggestions and pictures. Thank you! @Dana your backsplash is beautiful.

  • 5 years ago

    I also like the blue Gray tile, and agree with others on the layout. No herringbone - it would be too much with the countertop. And the dimension in the tile lends enough interest that it’s not boring.

  • 5 years ago

    Jennifer, you've gotten some great suggestions! I, also, agree and suggest as others did, to not do the herringbone. I think it's too trendy. The classic subway, or the thinner tile, such as the one you posted, will stay the test of time. There was another wonderful thread that discussed pale blue tile. It was also back when I was doing my kitchen and searching the nation for a beautiful tile. I was trying to decide between the pricey waterworks ice water or something cheaper, WOW duck egg mades a stunning 2 x 10 handmade tile and the price is amazingly reasonable. I ended up with the waterworks because I found the store 'luxury bath for less' and they have multiple half off sales for waterworks products. That sealed the deal. Your kitchen choices are beautiful! Here's the thread I mentioned in case you want additional tile ideas in that shade, as I think a few were mentioned: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2975871/can-anyone-id-this-tile-or-know-of-something-similar


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I don't think the blue-grey tile works with the more grey in the countertop. I would choose something to pick up either the creamy tone or grey tone of the countertop.

  • 5 years ago

    I like the idea of a color, but I think the blue grey tile is too cool. You need something slightly warmer, like the veins in your new countertop. I agree that solid white or cream is safe but can get boring. Take the advice @Dana gave you and keep exploring the color range. Also, look at other shapes like your last photo. Liked that shape but in a warmer blue. Your kitchen will be knockout.

  • 5 years ago

    Here are different (warmer) blues. I know they’re not the shape you want.

  • 5 years ago

    Here’s what I mean.