Backsplash

12 years ago

The backsplash looks awesome...I understand you went for the smoke colored subway glass tile..what is the tile in between the rows? It gives a unique look to the backsplash.

Marinwood Kitchen · More Info

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PRO

Barbra Bright Design

12 years ago

Hi evkarthik, the tile will bring a nice transitional design element to your kitchen--which I like! But I disagree with using white grout. It might provide too much contrast and give your kitchen a busy feel. Consider a light to medium grey if you want contrast. Ultimately, you want the tile to shine and not the grout.

You'll also want to change your white outlets to grey ones by Lutron, otherwise they will be the focus of your beautiful backsplash and kitchen. Please check out my blog post on this topic:
http://kitchendesignmusings.tumblr.com/post/38233944100/white-electrical-outlets-oh-no

Your current wall color may not work well with the grey tile, if you decide to go in that direction. Paint can always be changed!

I hope I've been helpful. Please send me a photo when you're done. So far, great!

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Comments (23)

PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
Hi there, the tile is called Boulevard and is by Island Stone. The tile comes exactly as shown--honed glass subway tiles with a thin row of polished glass tile in between. Here's the link: http://www.islandstone.com/product-detail.php?id=16&keywords=Boulevard
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you. Is the color called 'Smoke'? I tried their website, it doesn't let me buy a sample or the tile..I will call them tomorrow..thank you for the info..your design looks awesome.
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
Hi evkarthik, the color is Smoke. By the way, I like Boulevard a lot and I've used once before in Cement.
Alamo · More Info

And I'm glad you like the design. Thank you!
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi - I spoke to a local tile shop and got a sample of the smoke tile from Island Stone. Would you mind if I ask your opinion on whether the 'smoke' color would go well with the choice of cabinet color (white) + granite countertop (black) in our new kitchen? I've attached some pictures but my wife and I are unsure how it would go with the overall kitchen. We would like to use a white grout so the lines show up.
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you so much! I appreciate your attention to detail :)

I agree with you regarding the grout...we will have to switch to a grey shade.

I will take a look at the Lutron accessories.

We were actually planning to get the kitchen painted white or light grey to match our theme. We were also planning to get the island painted 'smoke' to match the backsplash. I hope it will turn out to be nice after we get the lighting + pendants done. (keeping fingers crossed)..

Thank you so much once again!
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
Hi evkarthik, If you want the kitchen to have a warmer feel and the cabinets to pop a bit choose light grey paint for the walls. If you're looking for a more neutral backdrop choose white paint.

And if you haven't selected pendants--I've used these before: http://davidscottlighting.com/belvedere/
They are quite pretty, especially if you don't wan't to add another "color" element. They are by Tech Lighting.
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi..we finally got the backsplash done and working on the pendant fixtures. The tile is awesome, but I am not entirely happy with the installer. The tile lacks the shine I see from your project. I don't know if it's from poor grouting or the haze from the grout. Is there anything I can do to make the tiles catch the eye?
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh, by the way, you will notice that I got all my electrical outlets changed to gray :)
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
Hi evkarthik, photos can be so misleading, but it does seem that your tile doesn't "pop". I doubt it is the grout, but what the installer used to attach the tile to the backing. The polished area of the tile seems to to be hazy from the photo. Ask your installer what he used and I will do some research for you.
Grey outlets--yea!!
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
Hi evkarthik, ask your installer if he used white or grey thinset to attach the tile to the wall.
evkarthik
Original Author
12 years ago
I think he used white.. I was there when he installed..it looked almost white or very light grey.
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Mmm, that seems right. I'm not sure why it doesn't pop then. My only other thought is that your counters are dark and perhaps the glossy glass doesn't reflect as well as on white counters.
Don't be dishearted, kitchens are about function as well as form. Your kitchen is lovely whether the tile "pops" or not. Once your walls are painted and your pendants are up, you'll be cooking great meals for family and friends. Now that's what a kitchen remodel is truly all about! All my best!
Rebecca
12 years ago
These are beautiful tiles. I tried to do the same pattern but my tiler walked out. The ones I bought were single tiles and the cost for him to come back was high. I ended up going with the same type of tile but on a backing. He comes back tomorrow. Hopefully, he stays this time.
Victoria Mulvey Watson
12 years ago
What is the price on the tile?
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
12 years ago
It's about $22 per sf.
Victoria Mulvey Watson
12 years ago
Thank you for getting back to me. I love your kitchen design
sgiles66
11 years ago
Where did you find this file for $22 sq ft?
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
11 years ago
I bought it from Aldrich at Global Tile Design in San Francisco
sgiles66
11 years ago
Thank you very much - love your designs!
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
11 years ago
You're welcome!!
vkurian
8 years ago
Can you please tell me where you backsplash tile from? It is beautiful.
PRO
Barbra Bright Design
8 years ago
Hi vkurian, the tile is by Island Stone and it’s called Boulevard. The color is smoke. Island stone is available at many tile showrooms.