I think a nice glass tile large foramt in a color from the couter would be my choice with matching grout. I think quartzite is the star and never 2 stars in a kitchen

Hi Patricia..the Calcutta gold teardrop, and arabesque are recycled glass. Do you mean a smoky glass? Maybe something like this

^I agree. You have pattern in the quartz; let it take the focus.

So stay solid color not the Calcutta Gold. Is the ceramic antique white the better choice? I totally agree with the quartzite being the STAR. I want a soft, elegant, monochromatic look. What do you think of the arabesque?

I have leathered taj mahal with a polished tile backsplash. I think your choices compete with the counter rather than complement it This is what I have.

I think what Patricia is talking about is a square or rectangular shaped glass tile to pick up a colour from the counter rather than adding an arabesque or teardrop shaped tile which would add another "star" to the kitchen and detract from the counter.

Something like this but maybe a different sizing or colour

“…rather than adding an arabesque or teardrop shaped tile which would add another "star" …”

Right…either of those would add more pattern even in a solid color. However, opinions vary all over the place with this. Just needs to look good to your eye.

My sister has this glass arabesque backsplash in her kitchen. (In skylight) It is beautiful. Maybe one of the other colors would work for your kitchen.

https://buildmyplace.com/products/arabesque-element-mist-glass-mosaic/?variant=39756889096285

That is beautiful. Was it hard to match the grout color for the glass?

My quartzite is called Sky Gold.

I like it. It's warmer than the cold-toned marble everyone seems to want these days.

I love the shape of arabesque and teardrop.

Agree. They're lovely and classic -- but not so overdone as subway. However, I do share the concern of others who say it might be "too much" with your fancy-star quartzite. As someone else said, don't throw two stars together and expect them not to compete for dominance. If you're forced to go with something too simple vs. too complex, go simple every time -- overly complex will draw your ire as time goes on, whereas simple can always be "dolled up" or changed with accessories.

If you were going to use one of these tiles, I think the best is the tall, thin arabesque. Being a bit more streamlined, having no hard corners, it seems to be a little less "bossy".

If you're afraid of "too much", don't discount plain old 4x4 squares. They're simple and will allow the countertops to shine.

Take a minute, too, to consider your electrical outlets in the grand scheme of things.

I think a nice glass tile large foramt in a color from the couter

Agree except for the large format. A backsplash isn't all that big (well, I personally, being quite short, would like my uppers a little lower /therefore, a smaller backsplash -- if you were doing, say, a full wall, I might change my opinion) and I'd rather see a medium-sized tile.

As for glass tile -- oh, be still my heart! Lovely stuff -- in the right place. Pop for excellent installation though. Glass tile probably isn't a DIY item.

Again, be careful about the two stars competing thing.

I have leathered taj mahal with a polished tile backsplash. I think your choices compete with the counter rather than complement it This is what I have.

Like it, but it doesn't seem like the "look" the OP is describing.

@HU-61201358 It wasn't hard to match the grout color. The installer used the wrong grout and it had to be redone. Honestly, both grouts looked great. I would suggest grouting a tile prior to installation to make sure you achieve the look you want. The tile store can also recommend the appropriate grout color.

counter - gorgeous

arabesque - no, just too overwhelming for the counter, that counter needs to be the star

there are other shapes other than subway. i would do a solid tile, no variation

go on Tilebar, they send samples for free

Cle, fireclay, go there to get ideas.

what's your budget??

Sample Sample Sample

these samples have other colors. Tilebar is now doing bundle samples for $5, and they get them out fast!

I would go with less busy tile.

I would run the slab up the wall for your backsplash.

BPMBA Not an option. We purchased 2 slabs and they were installed a month ago.

The Arabesque is a nice tile, but I think it's much too traditional and busy for your countertop. Keep it simple.

I do not see a problem with using the Arabesque tile, which I also love, and I also hate subway tile - that would be a big mistake to use. I think the teardrop could also work. Try looking at some Moroccan interiors for inspiration.

If you have a problem with glare from your window, get some sheer curtains, roller blinds, or Roman shades to use when the light is too bright.

I guess i have to agree with some of the comments that the arabesque might be too much with those beautiful counter tops. i think the teardrop could be beautiful if you closely match the grout to the tile color.

I think the picket style mentioned by sprtphntc7a at https://www.tilebar.com/aliante-light-gray-4x12-porcelain-tile.html would be a happy median between the rather ornate arabesque and the overly used rectangular subway tile.

Look for a man made matt solid color 2x6 ceramic, installed in a herrignbone pattern is also another option to create interest without steeling the show. i like to combine natural stone with imperfect tile products

What people seem to be saying here is this: that it takes a very keen eye to be able to mix patterns…in tile/countertop an in clothing! Think of your counter as a beautiful plaid. Your backsplash should compliment it, not compete with it. In other words, I would put a plaid with a plaid. (Maybe Alexander McQueen could pull that off, but not not many other designers could!) So, look for a solid color, no marbled effect, for your backsplash. Laying it in a pattern, perhaps. Think of a tweed jacket with a plaid kilt. Even if you paired a ruffled white blouse with that kilt, it would be in a solid color. I would save that lovely marbled fancy tile for another application. Keep the backsplash simple to let your countertop take center stage.

(I would NOT put a plaid with a plaid! CORRECTION!)

Not

liking either, for the long run. any chance u csn use counter material on backsplash as its quite lovelyvery.

Although I’m not a prof designer, I love the teardrop using a black or dark grout. It would make it pop in my opinion.

Dear blfenton, who commented above:
Could you give source of the glass tile photo your provided with your comment? I am having same problem and would love to find that one as it looks like the perfect accent without competing with my countertops! Thanks

Your counters are gorgeous. Please pick something very simple and clean (ie solid color and maybe simpler shape even though I love your choices and also don’t “go” for subway) with grout blending not popping, so they get the focus they deserve!

It’s hard to see mine, but I wanted something to accentuate my countertop rather than compete with it.
Keep it simple. There is an elegance in simplicity.

It looks soft and beautiful

Thank you❤️

I used the arabesque in a Moroccan style house i did. I havent used the tear drop but love it for a more modern asthetic. I think the main thing throwing me off is rhe stark white against your natural stone. If you’re set on one of those two patterns i woukd fine more of the light cream tone in your stone so they harmonzie together better. But the shape ultimately depends upon the over all style of your house.

My house is Mediterranean. Dover White walls. Dark espresso island with Olivia turn legs. I was going for a Modern West Indies look. Monochromatic and soft cabinets in Dove White.

I disagree that your counter is busy, therefore you can't pick something that would compete with it's "star" status. I think your counter choice is soft, natural, and lovely, which would pair well with something that took the stage even more. I can think of FAR more busy countertop choices. I love the idea of an arabesque or other organic shapes for your backsplash. I actually think it calls for it as you have simple shaker cabinets. I think the most important choice in this is getting the hues/undertones right so it harmonizes well with the counter, and secondarily getting the finish/sheen of the backsplash right. My 2 cents. Given that, of your 3 picks in your original post, I would select the tile in the 3rd photo down, based on how colors appear on my monitor. (P.S. I'm in your camp--I prefer warm to cool tones on quartz and have an aversion to subway tile.)

Try to find a better tile store that has more of the large grouted sample boards. Much easier to see how a tile will look once installed when you can test them in your space with the grouted sample boards.

I also disagree with the whole "only one star" thing! There are plenty of more interesting tile shapes and/or colors that can be paired successfully with your counters.

Look at Sonoma Tile. Lots of colors and shapes, also available in glossy, crackle or matte.

Here is an example of that tile with Taj Mahal quartzite.

Cedarbrush - Spanish Modern · More Info

I LOVE ❤️ that!! My hood is similar but more of an elongated chimney with tile to the ceiling. Thank You 😊 I will check them out. Not finding much in Floor & Decor, Tile Outlet, Tilebar. ProSource Is where I got the samples posted.

If you're after a Mediterranean look, check zellige tiles from Cletile https://www.cletile.com/collections/cle-zellige

also Virginia tile https://virginiatile.com/tiles/mestizaje-zellige-white-5x5-field-tile-matte/ available in several colors matte and gloss

good luck!

Check out local independent tile store. They carry different product lines than the big national big box chains and will have the grouted sample boards that you can borrow for a day or two.

For Mediterranean/Spanish inspired tiles, also check out Encore Tile, Pratt & Larson and Tabarka. Jeffrey Court also had a nice selection of tiles. Check their websites to see which local tile stores carry those brands. These brands will be more expensive, but you don't have a huge area to cover.

I used this marble mosaic from Jeffrey Court. I was getting too much glare with the glossy tiles I tested, so I narrowed my search to honed/matte tiles. The white marble is honed and the small brown marble is polished so it has just a touch of shine.

Use the backsplash you said you prefer (except for its gloss). THEN avoid the glare, add sheers or some filtering treatment to the window that reduces the brightness from your sun exposure.

I like arabesque as well and have it in my own kitchen but love the the more vertical teardrop! It is so different. Even though is has veining I don’t think it would be too busy with the countertop since it is lighter and more subtle.