Just installed a ventilation hood. We are now replacing our backsplash with white subway tile, but I can't decide between glossy white and matte white.

Current countertop is a sand/brown/tan granite.

seems either gloss or matte would be fine. more an issue might be the grout line....to let it show or not. I think a sand tone or light putty would be nice with all your tans/browns......this picture might be an overachiever as far the aesthetic but the color of the grout line w a white tile would play up your space a bit more . somehow all white tile w white grout just leaves it looking a little flat ..the warm tones you have are so nice. Maybe matte then but tweak the grout.

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Do you feel you could use some extra reflective light? If so, go with the glossy. Do you want to highlight and outline each tile? Then go with a darker grout. But, if you go with the darker grout it will also enhance every little error in tile cutting/laying.

If I were you I would be more concerned with how a white backsplash is going to look with your counter. Your inspiration picture shows a counter that is white and gray. Your floor is also close to the color of the counter. White will stick out like a sore thumb.

I agree with kandrewspa, white is going to not look great with your counters and your flooring. You may want to rethink that to another color.

I think the white window trim looks fine with your lovely cabinetry. Either glossy or matte tile will work; the effort will be in finding a white to work with your existing elements - white is not white.

I can't tell if you currently have a short backsplash made of your counter material? If so, maybe think about leaving it and just painting the wall above it. You could also think about changing your blinds, maybe to a woven material, and adding a rug. I think some black might be a sharp accent.

I would choose a light grout to keep focus on those cabinets. I'm not crazy about this look (although this tile is not white, it shows how attention shifts to the tile here) but you may disagree. If you're not sure, spend the money to make up sample boards large enough to give you a feel for the result.

What color backspash would look best with my countertop color? i suppose i could get a new countertop to match…

best thing is to bring in samples of whites/creamy whites/and some with grayish undertones too... and set them up in your space. I would try to leave the counter as it works with your floor. You can always "keep changing" things but its always nice to work with what you have. Prices are elevated. Do you need to change the counter..is it worn? Spend time and bring in tile samples and look at them in your light over a few days...from different angles..We dont have a clue about the lighting in your space....upgrades there are probably more beneficial than changing the counter for no particular reason.

Here is a better image of what I currently have. It's more of a bone/tusk white, and it works w/ what I have. I was thinking bright white might look cleaner and pop more…

We are removing the 4in backsplash (same material as countertop).

I am open to getting a new countertop if there is a color that would work with my current tile floor and a white subway tile backsplash…

I tweaked the colors in my rendering to match a little more to real life. Call me crazy, but I still feel like white works with what I have. The rendering probably looks more like matte white, and I personally feel like it looks okay. Am I off?

I agree that white is not going to work with that floor. look for off-white or cream subway tile. I'd match the grout color. your countertop has enough pattern, so the wall needs to be kind of toned down.

check out this blog that discusses matching different undertones of off-white with their countertop: https://mariakillam.com/creamsubwaytile/

or I've seen beige or greige glass tile look really beautiful:

you don't have to do subway, there are other shapes and ways of setting that look really interesting:

personally I don't like the dark grout on kitchen subway tile, it's just too busy:

I agree..pick the lightest color from countertop for splash…using white will not go with any of the other elements…

Another option would be to change the counter to white as well as the splash…this will tie in better with all the white trim …

Matching lightest color in the countertop…

I like glossy with light grout, I think it looks more classic and timeless. Matte and dark grout both read more trendy to me.

I think with your bright white trim, if you paint the surrounding drywall white the white tile on the backsplash will look great and brighten things up.

Lighter countertop…

in your original photograph, your floor looks brownish beige, way more earthy than they do in the rendering. It's pretty difficult to imagine how that's going to look with a new white counter and white backsplash.

if you're planning on getting new floors sooner or later, then go for it. but if you're keeping the floors, then I think you need to keep the backsplash and counter in the warm category. it doesn't need to be ivory or beige, but I would avoid bright white.

if replacing the floors are not in your budget, look into seeing whether they could be covered with vinyl. there are some types that look very much like real porcelain tile.

This is an off white matte tile…

Off white beveled tile…

Off white beveled w/ dark grout…

off white beveled w darker grout ...the last sketch looks the best. but it all depends on the tile.....search for the right shade tile.......bevel is okay dont get too exaagerated. you would go w bevel if you like it .....its optional .....grout can be light to medium various shades from biscuit to sand to tan etc......pick the tile first/ find one you like.....bring in samples.

Why don't you get some samples?

We have many subway tiles on our website. RocksinStock.com

New Collection: Nomad from Island Stone is very beautiful!

https://rocksinstock.com/collections/ceramic/products/just-white-nomad-12x3-5-glossy-field-tile-island-ceramic-series

Pure Silk, Essentials 12x3,5

https://rocksinstock.com/collections/glass-tile-backsplash-glass-tile-mosaic/products/pure-silk-essentials-12x3-5-matte-field-tile-island-glass-series

https://rocksinstock.com/collections/glass-tile-backsplash-glass-tile-mosaic/collection_essentials-8x2

those off-white renderings look so much better! what is the style you're going for? beveled tile is a more classic look, flat edge is more modern. but I don't think you could go wrong either way.

I'm going to eat my words about matching white grout though, I really like your latest rendering the most. however, it doesn't look like dark grout. your mockup looks more like warm grey or beige. like this:

I still am against dark grout with white tile, it's just too busy.

@User

Originally I wanted flat edge, but for some reason I like the beveled better in off-white; It seems to pop a little more.

Yes, I am thinking the grout could be a dark brown—essentially matching a dark color in my countertop.

This is the color I am considering. It's called "Ivory"

I feel like you're not understanding me correctly. personally I don't recommend any dark color for the grout. not even brown. understand that colors can "read" differently once they're applied. dark brown may appear almost black. too dark and it could look really busy, like the sample pic I posted above.

to be clear: this rendering below-- even though you plugged "dark grout" into the program, on screen, it appears like a lighter grout. if you like the look of this rendering, don't actually choose dark grout, it's not going to look like this image below. I'm just trying to help you manage your expectations. renderings are a helpful tool, but can't really capture how things truly look and feel in real life.

if you like this rendering then what I recommend is light brown or warm grey to give you this look.

I'm not trying to argue with you or die on this hill. if you have seen dark grout in real life and really like that look, go for it!

@User

You're right. I guess the bevel will create a bit of a shadow darkening the grout color anyways. So maybe a color just slightly lighter than the ivory tile, or close to the same color?

Do you like the ivory tile color against my wall color and current countertop?

Yes, I think a light-to-medium color would add just enough contrast and look great! And yes, I do like the ivory color with your counter! (also, for something as small as a backsplash, grout color is not a huge commitment. you can re-color grout, but it will be easier to go darker at a later date if you want.)

Sorry to give you such grief before, I hope I wasn't coming across too pushy. Just trying to pass along how tricky color can be.

I hope you post pics when this is done. I look forward to seeing how this will all shape out! Your cabinets are really beautiful by the way!

I still think you are ignoring the “elephant” in the room…the dominance of all the pure white trims,doors,cabs…adding off white in the middle? the biggest reach is saying white won’t go with the floor 🤷🏼‍♀️….white goes with everything….if you are craving a color change in the backsplash add a little color to grout that goes with cabs…!

@btydrvn

That was my original thought, "white goes with everything".

So you think I could use white if I matched the grout to a color in my countertop?

I think you need a white countertop…but short of that i would not have a contrasting grout…contrasting grout only adds to the ambiance when everything else is perfect…the white splash/ grout/ trims and adjoining cabs will flow and connect …the top will blend with cabs at best…

Basically the counter is the most dated…least attractive feature…so don’t try to incorporate it into the new improvements…

@btydrvn

So you think a white countertop will go with the warm greenish tile floor? I think one commenter said it wouldn't match?

Like a white marble or granite?

Again…white goes with everything!…start with the white counter…choosing a white countertop material that holds up to wear and tear well…probably quartz for best performance qualities…but look at suppliers locally for recommendations to be sure

The flooring is a little dated as well but is perfect for not showing soil..so you are not a slave to sweeping and mopping daily..and it goes well with the cabs

btydrvn no, white does not automatically go with everything. There are about a bajillion shades of white. Even if they seem relatively neutral, you really don't want to place bright white tiles in the same room with yellowy-brown tile floors, they will make that floor look dingy by comparison.

Shea: if you're considering a new countertop that has a grey veined marble look, most of those tend to have cool undertones, which would really clash.

Without seeing the whole room..the wall color is sort of “expected”…but not a good match with flooring…ideally if walls matched the floor better it would be more cohesive..

I usually like to direct my opinions to the poster..but it is very obvious that the room has lots of bright white features…doors trim..windows …cabinetry..so white is a natural choice in this case…

unless you are some extraordinary person this is a small work area of the kitchen and the counters will have items resting ...about like the picture shows. the counter becomes less important with that realization and I wouldnt spend to change them thinking a sweeping expanse of white will suddenly fix everything. Hardly noticeable is the counter you have now and thats just fine. stick w the backsplash project. if you become uncertain you can repair the wall after tile removal and paint with semi gloss durable paint and that would be fine too. Where are your samples from the tile store? Real life observation will help you...they will give you grout colour sample sticks too.

These are all great suggestions! So how this all started…

I wanted ventilation in our kitchen, so we replaced our over-the-range microwave with a hood. The existing tile (installed by previous home owner) was cut around the microwave, so we now need a new backsplash. I'm open to new countertops, however I don't want to do too much without just redoing the entire kitchen. If I can find something to match the current look, that would be cool…

I think the previous owner had well thought out color/texture choices at the time. Though some of it might be considered dated, I don't think it's too bad personally—it has a slight charm and warmth to it imo.

I'm not saying anyone is wrong or right, but I'm leaning towards @User's suggestion (beveled off-white with light grout). I think it'll be a slight makeover without opening the can of worms completely.

Doing it right will add to the value to your home…half way fix…not so much… this is a small kitchen .. small project…the improvements will make a huge impact for the effort if done right …

Here are my colors laid out…

@btydrvn I hear what you're saying. Trust me, I'd love to rip it all out and start from square one, but I've already spent a ton on these two small upgrades. I'm also having the floor repaired and the grout refreshed—it's all adding up! We love our house and do not plan on moving anytime soon, so I'll put in my dream kitchen eventually :-)

Right now I'm just trying to modernize what we have without changing it too much. If I change one thing too drastically, something else sticks out and needs to be replaced. It feels like a slippery slope.