WAY too much with red white and blue. Stick with plain white, in a stacked bond, and that is it.

You really need to add photos of your kitchen. You have very colorful cabinets and countertops based upon your description. Try adding photos to a comment instead of your post. You have to wait until the photo is done loading = it's full saturated color - not a muted looking copy (it's still loading if it doesn't look like the actual photo).

This is how the comment box should look - just hit the photo button + select where you are loading the photo from - for example, from your desktop or photos.

I am currently having issues uploading photos from my "photos" and have to save them to my desktop. I don't know why - I used to be able to just load directly from my photos. I am on a MacBook Air - I don't know what you are using to access Houzz.

Try posting pics in the comment section. That should work

Here is a picture. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

Personally, I would use a regular 1/2 offset with a 4x12 tile vs. using 1/3rd offset - 12" wide tiles do not need to be installed with 1/3 offset as they are under 15" (it's usually set in the specs that large format tiles should use a 1/3 offset - but even though 15" tiles are considered LFT - they usually are able to be set with a 1/2 offset).

I set my 4x12" real marble tiles in 1/2 offset running bond pattern. Now, if you prefer 1/3 offset, that's a different story - it seems like most people only select 1/3 offset when the specs require it + their tile professional is unable to do a 1/2 offset. I also think that if you still decide to use a piece of glass between the tiles - 1/2 offset would look better.

I assume that you are using white 4x12 tiles - I would use matte tiles instead of glossy ones.

I've seen tiles that have had something added between the ends of the tiles in order to "dress up" a backsplash. Typically, I've seen a thin metal inlay that was used - mostly with marble. Are the photos below what you are planning to do with glass pieces between your 4x12 tiles?

In this photo below, there are different length tiles with a metal vertical inlay between the tiles.

Below is a marble mosaic where the gold inlay has been used horizontally and vertically:

Here is a silver metal inlay used vertically between ends of tiles in a 1/2 offset (running bond) set tile:

I assume the photo above (and below - a close up of the above) is what you're planning - but with white subway tile and 1" thick glass pieces that are a mix of colors?

Do you have any inspiration photos that use the 1" thick glass inlay pieces between a 4x12 white subway tile? What exact colors do you want to mix?

I think that you really need to think about how busy this will make your backsplash - especially with the red cabinets + your countertops. I think a matte white tile without any inlay is a better idea for your particular kitchen.

Inspiration. Notice dark counter

Jewel-toned Backsplash · More Info

Yeah, well your inspo pic has clear maple cabs. Simple…not in-your-face glossy red, as you have. With clear maple cabs, the backsplash is the star. The glossy red will fight with the busy backsplash, creating disharmony.

Keep the backsplash simple. One color.

I would definitely use a matte/honed tile, because you already have a lot of reflective surfaces and glare from the windows.

It’s such a small space, why not consider a sheet of white or black Corian solid surface? Wall thickness sheets are pretty thin, relatively inexpensive, and can be a calming influence on a very bright space. Also, no grout to clean. I love tile, but no one who walks into that kitchen is going to notice the tile with those cabinets in the room.

Google images of kitchens with red cabinets and black counters and see what looks you like. You need inspiration images.

Eam44, very interesting comments. Had not thought of Corian. Problem with white "anything" is matching to wall paint.

Good advice already - i like the idea of a solid surface (corian, glass, etc) one other thought - the cabs are pretty high impact so anything that could be done to remove clutter or extraneous items on the counter would really help I think

Oh. My. Word. That red is EVERYTHING. And it needs nothing to distract from it. A simple white tile that disappears. I'd use a closer matching grout with this, to not create pattern. Just texture.

https://www.marazziusa.com/products/mosaic/artezen/elegant-white

I think you’ll find a lot of options under the heading of white solid surface (like Corian Designer White), and you don’t have to match your wall paint exactly, just harmonize (cool against cool). If you look closely at the sink area in my first image you may be able to discern that the surface color and wall color are not identical, but the might as well be they look great together.

Are you keeping all that stuff on the counters? If so , then go simple on the backsplash. If the counters will be clear, then have some fun!

Big shoutout and thank you to all who took time to respond!

Yep, the white wall looks just fine with the cabinets. The driver for a backsplash is water from the sink. It's messing up the drywall.

In the process of looking at tile I discovered that the wall outlets/switches are out of horizontal alignment. Not so obvious on a plain white wall, but grout lines.......... not looking forward to that job!

Even with a solid surface like glass (expensive, I hear), or Corian, I feel compelled to have the outlet boxes reset.

I am seriously thinking of running a short strip of the Blue Pearl along the base of the back wall. Seems like that would pose minimal detraction and give me the protection I need. Thoughts?