no need to decide on the backsplash now (seems like a lot of grey) - just wait until everything is installed

why the staggered cabinets/open storage on the one wall? Seems like closed storage would be more functional? ETA: Nevermind see that the staggered cabs are from the showroom

Slab as backsplash, too.

No offense intended but the staggered cabinets with the long open shelf above just looks odd.

The cabinets on either side of the range should be drawers.

I don’t think the countertops and the porcelain tile work together. Too much gray. Too much movement.

@la_la Girl: why the staggered cabinets/open storage on the one wall? Seems like closed storage would be more functional? ==> That's because that right next to the staggered cabinets/open storage, it's the opening to the hallway (see blueprint lower-left corner):

This is how it looks like now:

Thanks again everyone!

"Timeless backsplash" is a tough order. That's been the most changeable in kitchen design the last 20 years or so. Tiles of all sizes/shapes/designs...subway was as old material brought back so maybe subway tile? For a clean look that will not scream "Oh I remember when those tile were all the rage" in 10 years, go with a slab of your countertop.

I think if you do that counter, then go with a white tile - but consider some with texture / relief. So many lovely tiles that will still be white, but bring that play on light into the backsplash.

IMO get a better KD since all base cabinets should be drawers to start. Whites are tricky to get right when mixed and backsplash like wall color chosen after all the other elements are in place . In aslo think white granite would be a much better choice for counter but that is me . I aslo think wood look tile is dated so timeless would be wood floor to match all the other floors in the home not fake next ro real for sure . Floor big deal to choose first IMO

Your wife likes the quartz and likes the tile, but I agree with @littlemissdena they’re not going to look great together. The tile is also too dark. Consider a ceramic tile with a grey/white glaze. If she thinks that is too plain, she can look for that tile in a nice shape.

A lot of great suggestions here. Thanks so much!

Seems like a lot of people suggested subway tiles or go with a slab of your countertop.

We got a junior Home Depot kitchen designer who suggested to use creamy (ivory color) "textured" subway tile to go with that countertop. However, we are a bit worried about grout lines. For those of you who has subway tiles as your backsplash, do you find keeping it clean challenging? Thanks!

By the way, not sure if I should create another thread or not. But here is a not-so-successful project that we have before, that I think the backsplash was too "plain". If we get a chance to replace the backsplash later, what kind of backsplash would you choose (color, texture, material, etc.)? Thanks again!

I was inspired by a a recent visit of a nearby open-house, for a brand new remodeled house for sale (asking $1.7M). Here are some photos:

You can see that the coutertop and backsplash are using different materials. My questions:

1. Do you like this kind of marble-look design? Do you think this is considered "timeless," or would people regret such design few years later?

2. It looks like this design put focal point on the backsplash (more "bold" vein like panda) instead of subtle vein or even using the same lightly veined slab as the backsplash. Do you think this worked well?

Thanks so much everyone!

Compare to the previous "panda" type of backsplash, what do you think of these two designs - to use the same lightly veined "marble look" slab for both couter top and backsplash? Do think this looks better? Are there enough contrast? Any thoughts or comments? Thanks again!

Re quartz, I would choose something with the fewest veins possible. Your open-house/ “panda” example is not at all appealing (to me) and I think anything so bold is the polar opposite of timeless. Try to find something subtle that’s NOT grabbing attention- imagine what that panda kitchen will look like when in use! The eye needs a place to rest. Personally, I like to feel relaxed, not overstimulated, but that’s me.

Thanks everyone! So now we are down to two possible choice (both paired with oak wood look floor tiles

1. Use creamy look of subway tiles (with textures) and maybe use (1) Herringbone at 90 Degrees, or (2) Classic Herringbone layout, pair with marble-look coutertop with fewest veins possible, or
2. Use the same marble look of countertop slabs for both countertop and backsplash (with fewest veins possible).

Here are some computer rendering provided by Home Depot:

Any thoughts? Thanks again!

Sorry but all white kitchens need some life in them I have a white and stainless kitchen would never go white counter unless it was afbulous piece of real stone with some real life to it . Waht you show is boring so give us a bit of a hint as to your style in the rest of the house. All those base cabinets should be drawers so not sure who is designing the space but they need to keep up with what is new and better . backsplash can be chosen months after the rest so wait until all the rest is in palce except maybe the hood fan. Then see whay you feeli s missing that will drive the choice for a backsplash or even wall color . This is my kitchen just to give you abit of idea of some color

Thanks everyone for your help! Do you think this kind of blue subway tile would work? Could this be considered as "timeless" kitchen design? Thanks!

I like the blue subway tile, but also agree with those who suggest you wait until flooring, cabinets and countertops are in to choose your backsplash. I’ll go on to suggest, along with many others, that you consider consulting with an interior designer (certainly not a Home Depot salesperson) to help you achieve your comprehensive vision in what appears to be a whole house, down to the studs, home renovation. It’s quite a huge endeavor, and professional design advice may save you money, and likely some remorse.

I agree with Chinacatpeekin. I like the blue one too, but then again blue is my favourite colour.

@chinacatpeekin, @decordummy_gw, Thanks for your advice!

I found another one. This one is yellow (also subway tiles?) backsplash, which I think also looks gorgeous. Thoughts?

So, between the blue and the yellow, which one do you like more?

BTW we will have 24v COB LED tape light (designed by Inspired LED professionally), with 3000K color temp with hardwired dimmer, for under kitchen cabinet lighting.

Our design goal is to make the kitchen appeal to as many people as possible, and to make it as timeless as possible. We did try to find professional designers but that didn't work out (long story). Thanks!

The more important question is which one do YOU like? I like both. As I said I'm partial to blue, but full disclosure I've had yellow cabinets. Do you already have accessories in mind for things on the countertop, tea-towels, etc.? Colours go in and out of fashion, so I would think about a colour that you are drawn to that YOU would love for a long time.

I definitely prefer the blue; I don’t care for the yellow. Thanks for asking :)!

The cabinet to the left of the sink is throwing me. Asymmetrical. I would put open shelves there or art. You need some color.

What you are calling yellow looks to me like beige with warm lights on it. The pic looks to me like a mistake as though someone just had some left over tile from their bathroom and threw it in their kitchen to save money. If you go into the warm beige or yellow territory, you have to do it skillfully to have it look right next to white cabinets.

If your countertop has faint lines in it and you can afford to use it as your backsplash, that’s a good “clean” look. Remember, countertops have “stuff” on them, so the backsplash is not a star in the room. It’s a background player.

The blue is lovely. If you don’t mind having grout lines, you can’t go wrong with those tiles.

The yellow-beige is not a good look at all. It muddies the clean white look you’ve started with white-white cabinets. Blue or same countertop materials are my suggestion.

I wouldn't consider any of the photos you show as timeless! To some extent we are all influenced by our own specific tastes, current trends and the overall design of the house that the kitchen is in.

Is this a flip? If it is, keep the major fixed elements neutral, clean and simple. Decorate with trendy items/colors to attract buyers. Maybe use a trendy wallpaper in a powder room. The trendy decor can easily be changed as the trends change.

Blue and white can be classic and timeless, but I echo chinacatpeekin - wait until flooring, cabinets and countertops are in to choose your backsplash.

Nothing is “timeless”. Everything comes around but in a new form. Buy what you love now.

Just a note about grout (if you end up using backsplash tile) You want waterproof, epoxy grout- UNSANDED if you can get it. This is a relatively new and much improved product over what was used for many years. NO sealer needed.

It will be very stain resistant and easiest to clean/ maintain for the longest time. It's more expensive, and requires some expertise (must apply in 2-3 ft stretches and wipe off fast) so many will try to talk you out of it. DON"T let them.

View the product container yourself, if needed. You will be very happy with the results.

VERY good on shower tiled floors as well- mold and mildew resistant.

I like continuing the countertop on the wall for backsplash - unless you select a very bold faux marble because that will not be timeless.

You really should have all of your other elements installed in the kitchen - and then select your backsplash (unless you decide to run the countertop slab up the wall).

As RedRyder noted above, you should install what you love now - unless this is a flip or you are planning on only living there for a couple years.

For example, if you'd like to add a "bolder" element to your kitchen, your backsplash is a good item to select because replacing a tiled backsplash with a new one isn't very expensive compared to replacing your cabinets/countertop/floor.

There really aren't many "timeless" kitchens - in fact, if you asked everyone to post one photo of what he/she perceives to be the best example of a "timeless" kitchen, you will see that people define "timeless" = various types of materials.

It’s also okay to leave the backsplash painted for now and re-visit it in a year. When we bought a highly neglected colonial, I had so much work to do - read: make thousands of design decisions- that I just gave up when it came to my backsplash. I painted that wall with an easy-to-wipe off paint and let it go.

A year or more later, when the dust (literally) settled and I didn’t have contractors in my house all day, I revisited my backsplash need. It was far more enjoyable later on. If you’re unsure, let it go. And remember what @dani_m08 said. It is a less expensive item to fix or change later on. And a small area to happily go bold with.