I think the glass-tile back splash will tie in excellent with the tiled floors. Maybe a gray-tone.

Actually, the end wall (window wall) of your kitchen is what is asking me for "special treatment." I think the back splash areas will be important, too. But whenever you enter this room, it is your window wall that will greet you. Why not make it be a greeting that says "come on in here!"

I'd tile this entire wall with some boldly colored, glistening textured material that surrounds and features your window - with minimal, if any, window covering treatment. Then let this material follow through as your back splash.

Your crisp black and white cabinetry, counters, and floor are waiting for a bright companion, splashed with directional light, if possible.

A couple of practical notes. I don't quite understand the $700 of work needed on your walls. They look sound to me. ...at least from this distance. And I don't find a bit of irregularity to be a big deal behind smaller mosaic tile. (It could be a big deal behind larger tile panels.) Also, is there enough clearance against the window wall for cabinetry to operate - past window trim, past possible tile on this wall. Have Fun! Mark

Hi there, I did have similar size/shape kitchen and I had put in a bronze/copper mirror as the splash back and it look awesome made the room appears bigger, the only drawback is not stir fry friendly. Cheers andy

Painted glass backsplash? You could even use a textured glass for more interest if wanted.

Someone's in the kitchen - cabinetry is sufficiently operational although a bit of care is needed when opening the left hand door of the lower cabinet on the right side of the kitchen....the other cabinet has drawers and there is sufficient clearance. I'm using the countertop quartz to top the sill as well. You make an excellent point about the window wall being a focal point - it's what is seen when one enters the front door of my apartment as well, across a small dining area. Wow, something else to think about! I might go with a variegated gray rather than bold color, though....though curious what you would choose....

Concerned about painted glass backsplash because I am not the most careful cook and am concerned about breakage....

One more thing - under the window is a radiator, which right now just has a spare piece of shelving in front of it. Have been looking at perforated stainless grilles, but they are running into money. I really don't need to use the radiator - can keep it turned off. Neighbors have just plastered and painted over it. Any other ideas? (please be budget sensitive....)

Andrew Au - might you be able to post a photo?

Good morning, hyl - I still like finding a way to celebrate your window wall. To manage cost, how about a striking wall paper? In my vision, it has a doninant horizontal pattern - to widen your space. Maybe something bold and contemporary, or maybe more textured, industrial or earthy - as a contrasting companion to your crisp cabinetry-countertop look.

I put some examples for you in a "walls" ideabook on our Houzz page. All should run horizontally, even if they are shown vertically. Then choose your backsplash and floor appropriately - letting this wall key the ensemble. ...I'd just uncover and paint the radiator. Happy Sunday! Mark

Someone's in the Kitchen - thanks so much for your suggestions! Please note, floor is already chosen and installed - it's 12"x 12" shiny black porcelain tiles. And the radiator opening is pretty hideous. But I like your wallpaper idea and will give great consideration!

Ok, I see floor now. That's great, actually. While it's dark, it reflects a lot of light, and the black is a nice grounding for your cabinets - and it will pop your eye right up to whatever you choose to do on the window wall. I, too, would like to see a radiator photo, if available.

White glass tile. Keep it clean, and let those nice countertops pop. The glass tile will add depth, but the white will keep it simple.

see attachment for tile mural idea. It can be glass or ceramic

http://www.AliciatappDesigns.com
Any image on tile

I would go with a grey back splash. The countertop is the star here. And you can bring in some blue accessories. I don't see a problem with the wall finish and would question the $700 prep.

Go gray subway tile. $700. To prep walls? Sounds high. And not sure if needed. Get a 2 nd quote. Glass would be nice. Stainless subway would give you some shiny, which would look good.

Travis - I will definitely get a 2nd quote, though in fairness to my contractor the photo doesn't show the problem with the wall at all....I happen to dislike subway tile, but would consider small stacked gray glass tile , or a random mini-brick pattern, or a small mosaic...I'm concerned about adding more shine, though - both the floor and the cabs are very glossy....don't want to have to wear sunglasses indoors!

I vote subway tile- either in white or stainless. Adorable kitchen!

Attached is photo of the hideous radiator...and what the heck, I added a couple of before pictures as well....sill has now been prepped for quartz application...

I like solid glass backsplash idea, a bit lighter than the grey counter top and floor. Your kitchen is narrow, so I would keep it simple. It would also reflect the light coming in. Glass backsplash is made of tempered glass, so it would be hard to break. I Like Nest Oak Park's idea too.

Here is a photo.

Thanks for the ideas - good to know that glass backsplash is not very breakable - will see if it's significantly less than say, mosaic or stacked tile....which I'm a bit more partial to...

White subway tiles with grey grout

white tiles with grey grout, maybe - but not SUBWAY tiles - I do not like them!!!

Bright white glass tile in a small mosaic pattern. If it ties into the white of the cabinets it will make your room larger and not so linear. You have nice contrast with floor, cabs, counter tops already.

Berno Designs, thanks for the suggestion - will consider... like the idea but concerned about the expense - and do I need to be concerned about 4 different kinds of whites? (fridge, cabs, wall paint, and tiles....)

Glazzio Tile makes some very affordable glass options.....make sure if you go glass that white thinset is used to install.

Hey hly, why not just paint the kitchen a great color? I don't see what adding glass would accomplish. There are some wonderful looking backsplashes but not every situation needs a backsplach. Before going to that more permanent and expensive option why don't you paint your walls in an oil based enamel paint. It's no problem to wipe clean. Trust me.

Use baskets or platters on wire hangers to decorate the space. Easy to change and way less expensive than a backsplash.

Daltile makes an affordable tile...not glass...but comes in a huge variety of colors...Natural Hues 3x9 oval. I would stick with white or grey (and no, you don't have to worry about the different whites) and then paint the window wall a more vibrant color.

leelee - enamel paint, interesting idea - colors throughout the apartment are a sky blue (entire living room and foyer between living room and bedroom); cream with chocolate brown trim (panels on closet doors and door frames, and one accent wall) in bedroom; dining room is a pale beigy yellow with brown trim. I like bold colors in other people's homes (and in other people's wardrobes) but it's too outside my comfort zone to live with - curious what color you would suggest....also thinking if I leave the walls white I can play with art and objet's d'art....

I really like Nest Oak's idea. Very clean and classy looking.

You could look at a "Instant Mosaic" model #EKB-03-108SL at Lowes. Looks like it would pop both the cabinets and floor you have. Cost is probably managable.

Sorry, there is no "SL" at end of the Lowes model number.