Updating a 2002 kitchen with new backsplash

last year

last modified: last year

I am updated our 2002 Maple kitchen (with Brazilian cherry floors). So far I have changed out the hardware from SS to black. New pendants (black and glass are going up next. Can't afford to change out the granite and there is NOTHING wrong with it (it is bullet proof). I would however, love suggestions for a new backsplash. I have no idea what's in style now (is it still subway tile?)

Sidenote: Also looking for any ideas to change up the back of this 9' island to something interesting. Right now, it is just that thin laminate.

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Nova

last year

For the back of your island, you could put bead board or tongue and groove planks that are stained to match. Or maybe hang a large black iron decoration on it? You could also put a very shallow, cute bench or cabinet there.

I find octagonal and other tile shapes interesting. Subway tile is still in style. You could paint your island a color than goes with the new tile you choose, like a green or blue. At that point you could add batten strips to the back of your island for interest.

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Comments (6)

Lyn Nielson
last year
a lighter green subway tile (glass green or white with a sage hint) would compliment the cabinets and all the black and brighten the countertop.
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just_janni
last year
My brother and sister in law have a fab long rectangular glass tile in a muted olive - stacked - that brings a contemporary element to their kitchen that has withstood the test of time, and is reflective. Below is the only pic I have and the tile is in the alcove / coffee bar. I could see a similar tile for you - maybe a little more sagey - but it's a fun tile that isn't the glass mosaic or "just" subway tile.

Coffee station · More Info
Kendrah
last year
It doesn't matter what is in style. Speckled granite counters and diagonal Brazilian cherry are not in style, but who cares? Your black hardware and black lights are really going to make the space have a lot more movement and punctuation. For that reason, I'd go subtle on the backsplash shape and color.

Are you intending to paint the room or leave it the sage grey? You might want to consider that same wall color as a backsplash color. I'd get some samples and play around with them in the space.

I would not touch the back of the island. Having it the exact same color as the cabinets lets it disappear. If you have a feature on the back of the island, it will narrow the room a lot and look pretty busy with the new black being added.

Wait until your hardware and lights are in place to consider the back of the island. You notice it so much now but when the pops of black are in your eye is going to be drawn up to the lights and cabinet hardware and you won't notice the back of the island it is my guess.
chloebud
last year
“…I'd go subtle on the backsplash shape and color.”

Agree…keep it simple without too much pattern going on.
eam44
last year
last modified: last year
You’ve got a heavy looking, dark backsplash, a busy granite, and a busy floor, and you are adding black hardware and lighting. Consider making the backsplash delicate and simple as you have enough other eye-grabbing elements. This leaves you with:
- traditional ceramic tile — stone over stone will look heavy, so I wouldn’t recommend that. I’d go for ceramic tile in a single glaze color, shape honestly doesn’t matter that much
- sheet glass — this is a delicate, cleaner option with no grout lines
- metal — if you hadn’t already gotten black hardware this would be an option in stainless steel or copper. With black cabinet hardware and lighting, I’d forget about this.