Need help choosing a backsplash

12 years ago

Just had gorgeous Golden Cayman granite installed. Our cabinets are cognac color. What simple, subtle backsplash color would work best? I want the granite to be the focus, not the backsplash.

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PRO

Design With Distinction, LLC

12 years ago

Beautiful granite! When our design studio specifies a rather neutral backsplash we usually use travertine either Ankara or Mexican Noce. The dye lots vary A LOT so it is wise to get a sample of the current dye lot. Both are very timeless and provide subtle interest. But that being said it depends on if you are going towards a more contemporary feel (in which case subway tile is a great compliment) or transitional.

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Comments (29)

PRO
amydutton Home
12 years ago
You are right! The counter top should be the focus and the cabinetry second with the backsplash blending into the background. I would actually recommend a very simple off-white subway tile installed vertically to work with your pulls and give visual height. It should be a sub-conscious effect not something that your eye focuses on.
Think compliment not compete!
PRO
amydutton Home
12 years ago
Similar to this installation technique.
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dclostboy
12 years ago
I would go cameo colored glass in vertical layout.
saratogaswizzlestick
12 years ago
I think Amy Dutton and dclosboy both have great suggestions although I am leaning towards dclostboy's pick. Very pretty granite.
lynseytippitt
12 years ago
I love your countertops! I think a tumbled marble always looks updated and beautiful but not the main focal point!
PRO
Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
12 years ago
Maybe something with some muted gray and tan with a silver accent tile to pick up the grays in the granite as well as the cabinet hardware.
indianpatti
12 years ago
an off white glass tile ... or a white/cream back painted glass would look nice.
Ed
12 years ago
Hi LeeDeem, Congrats on your kitchen remodel ! Something subtle…
My Houzz: Fisher Residence · More Info
User
12 years ago
All I can say is gods is that gorgeous ... I am in major envy of your counters.
toshas
12 years ago
is this hard to clean as it is pitted
PRO
Design Connection, Inc.
12 years ago
I love all the ideas above. They are all great. I have used a the same granite before and I choose travertine brick pattern and it worked beautifully. It gave the backsplash a timeless look and added a different element of texture. Good luck.
PRO
Design With Distinction, LLC
12 years ago
Not really. The holes are filled with grout then the entire backsplash is sealed. It needs to be re-sealed about once a year. I use this travertine as a backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms. Also in showers and around bathtubs. I've specified it for about 10 years and my clients absolutely love it. No negative comments from any of them.
Nancy Travisinteriors
12 years ago
Go stainless, subway. it's timeless. And would go with pulls.
toshas
12 years ago
what does the travetine brick pattern look like-i have only see the square type
leedeemcd
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for all the ideas. I am going to look at the Ankara travertine backsplash and also the cameo subway tiles today if I can find a local store that carries them. I looked on line but it is hard for me to conceptualize without having the actual product to hold against the granite. The Houzz community is the best! Here is the latest picture in my ongoing remodel as the appliances were put in yesterday.
PRO
NYKB
12 years ago
I always recommend going into showrooms to really see what you're getting online is great for ideas but there is nothing like the real thing - good luckbe careful not to overdo the backsplash and take away from the countertop - there is a world of ideas out there for backsplashes and you could veer from the standard and try different materials - check out articles on houzz on backsplashes.
leedeemcd
Original Author
12 years ago
Houzzers I saw a really unusual artisan glass backsplash yesterday. It is made of stained glass and has all the colors of the granite. The designer in the store had a granite similar to mine in the store and highly recommended it. She called it the "jewel of the kitchen". I looked at the simple cream subway tile in glass as well as ceramic. What do you think? Should I go bold or subtle?
PRO
Julie Smart Koob, REALTOR
12 years ago
Personal opinion is when the granite has a lot of movement/variations, the backsplash needs to be simple. It took me over a year to pick my backsplash once the remodel was done. Ended up with a solid glass subway tile installed in the running bond pattern. Hope the picture helps!
PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
12 years ago
We have pretty dramatic granite, I used the mexican noce tiles ( as in an above post), then, under my wine/stem rack, I used distressed galvanized sheet, hammered copper, and a painting overlay. I can't see what space you have, but glass backlit is also nice.
PRO
INTERIORS BY MARLA
12 years ago
Simple, simple, simple!! The granite is stunning. Go with a simple backsplash so as not to overwhelm it or compete. I love the travertine idea stated earlier.
leedeemcd
Original Author
12 years ago
Good morning, Houzzers. I think I finally found a backsplash that does not compete with my granite. I need to make a decision on Monday as this will be a special order. I have placed the sample all over the counters to see how it looks in all the areas since the granite color varies and has so much movement. What do you think?
indianpatti
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I think it works! Does it come in a larger size? Do you love it?
dclostboy
12 years ago
I really like the simple glass subway tiles in your previous pic...this may be a case where sample doesn't allow you to completely visualize. With this new one, you're going to have an awful lot of pattern and texture going on. An option may be to use this one as stripe accent.
printesa
12 years ago
I like the color of this glass, but I would try to find it in a larger size. The small strips will create a lot of movement .
PRO
User
12 years ago
Pull the color from the granite. I would recommend one of the lighter colors.
PRO
Julie Smart Koob, REALTOR
12 years ago
I agree that the tiles are a little small....
reolee
12 years ago
If you want your countertops to stand out, the simple cream glass tiles look best to me. I agree with the others about there being a lot of movement with the smaller tile, but each to his/her own. Good luck! It's beautiful!
Lynne Brewer
12 years ago
What is the difference in crema marfil and Ankara?