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shorty488

Kitchen Backsplash?

12 years ago
We are currently building our dream home right now, and have not decided what exactly to do in the kitchen. It is a narrow galley kitchen with not a lot of wall color visible as is. The floor is a porcelain slate tile called Ivetta Black Stone from Lowe's, and it is already pretty appealing and busy with the different colors, textures, and patterns. What do you think - should we put a tile backsplash up? We were considering the tile picture below. Thanks for your input!

Comments (52)

  • 12 years ago
    With the slate floor, I'd look at a larger scale tile that's glossy. The shown choices certainly will work, but don't rule out other options without bringing home some samples.
    ellice thanked User
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Nice choice..here is another idea with the same kind of slate flooring: (don't look at the reflections, it is not purple nor pink, more like blue-grey, black, clear and stone mixed together)
    Kitchen remodeling · More Info

    Stainless, blue & white kitchen · More Info
    ellice thanked Studio NOO Design
  • 12 years ago
    I also like the one you've chosen yourself. Very similar to one I just did in my bathroom.
    ellice thanked bobcaygeon70
  • 12 years ago
    It's nice and it is also conservative. If that's your style then go for it. You could also consider something with a bit more pop too. Either way, nice job!
  • 12 years ago
    I like it. Yes!
    ellice thanked happyleg
  • 12 years ago
    I came across these and think they are stunning:

    Miraflores Collection by Paul Schatz

    Not sure of cost, but there are lots of different styles.
    ellice thanked mumdogmillionaire
  • 12 years ago
    It looks beautiful, but is it practical? By definition backsplashes get dirty and greasy. The more grouting there is, the harder the surface is to clean.
  • 12 years ago
    I went with the same granite as the countertop for the backsplash because I love to look at it and can't see it when it's only on the counter. And because it's easy to care for. We aren't finished yet, but here's the during picture.
  • 12 years ago
    Beautiful start and great basic tile. I suggest adding to your basic color scheme such as the tile photo added by "sph137"above. It builds on your neutrals and adds some rust and green tones. I think you'll be happy by adding to your color range with class shades.
  • 12 years ago
    Ads great texture but agree overall effect is nonetheless monochrome. Suggest utilizing something with more color that perhaps coordinates with your lighting fixtures, appliances or a drip mat.
  • 12 years ago
    Too busy. Have you thought about something like a tavertine basket weave mosaic? It is a little more subtle, but still has some pattern.
  • 12 years ago
    i could use some of your ideas, i think!My kitchen need chances urgent, but i dont have any idea! it have a great view,
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You mentioned that "...it is already pretty appealing and busy with the different colors, textures, and patterns" but your choice also has a lot going on with it. I cannot see the stone pattern on the floor, but how about matching that same pattern using either a tile choices similar in color, but two different shades, or larger tiles that pick up some of that floor color. Fireclay in Los Angeles has some great larger tiles.
    Fireclay Tile - Claymonde Ceramic Sheets · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Do you try to complement the cabinets or the counter top when choosing tile backsplashes? I am torn when trying to decide.
  • 12 years ago
    If you think the kitchen already has enough busy visual interest in the floor, counters and textures, then I would not choose that backsplash. It is very busy and its pattern will "date" faster than a more minimalist one in a single color or subtle variations on a color.
  • 12 years ago
    Hello---I think that tile might be a bit busy for the space. You do need something to reflect/bounce light around. I've attached a photo of a possible tile-one I think would coordinate well with your selections. Good Luck!
    [houzz=
    Kitchen hoods · More Info
    ]
  • 12 years ago
    I like the selected backsplash, but would like the colors to compliment each other-not be a large contrast. (light floor, light-patterned back splash.)
  • 12 years ago
    If you have a busy floor and contrasting counter, as you do, I think you want the back splash to mostly match the cabinets to give your walls height and let the other patterns pop. Don't over do. Look at the beauty of the kitchen Natalie shows, if your floor is patterned, you don't need any more than this (or Vida Flora designs).
  • 12 years ago
    I like your choice of tile because the grey will co-ordinate nicely with the slate black/grey floor. I wonder though if you might like a glass splashback (kitchen glass made to be sited safely near heat source), you could introduce another colour like red or tangerine and then match it with kitchen applicances to give it a more modern look.
  • 12 years ago
    I prefer a granite backsplash - easyto clean and not in conflict with anthing in the kitchen - simple design.
  • 12 years ago
    You did not mention the age f your house which could factor into your choice. In remodeling my 100+ year old house, we found the original beadboard. We were able to remove some from from the area where the fridge would be going to use as the backsplash around the counter. I really like the effect----old beadboard works well with the new cabinetry and helps to keep some of the integrity of the old home.
  • 12 years ago
    When remodeling my kitchen, one of the best decorating tips I got was that the backsplash colors should pick up and use the other colors in the kitchen. The new glass mosaic tile has the white of the walls, the tan and brown of bamboo cabinets, and the black of the granite countertops.
  • 12 years ago
    When it comes to a backsplash, I think you should wait until you have lived in the house a little while. You'll have a better idea of the "feel" that you want to use for the backsplash.

    I also think that you should fall in love with your backsplash. Like barbjmark loves her solid granite backsplash, I love my pebble backsplash. Keep looking at ideas until you find one that sinks its teeth into you and won't let go!
  • 12 years ago
    I have just finished my reno - kitchen, bathroom & laundry - went for a stunning but simple smoked mirror splash back - my area is smallish and just adds size and style
  • 12 years ago
    Photo?
  • 12 years ago
    Kitchen photo
  • 12 years ago
    How about 3X6 ceramic tile with a faint marble veining? Easy to maintain and adds a little interest and color. I found mine at the Tile Shop.
  • 12 years ago
    When we built our home we opted for painting the backsplash and covering it with clear glass, it is so easy to clean and can be painted in any matching or contrast colour, we get so many comments on how beautiful it looks, sorry but I could not upload a photo to demonstrate.
  • 12 years ago
    Why not just use the same paint that you have on the wall, but of a slightly different finish so that you can wipe it clean.
  • 12 years ago
    Billie G - you obviously have not seen the effect of the clear glass over the painted background and this will last for the life of the home instead of having to paint the backsplash area every 5 or so years, hence saving time and money.
  • 12 years ago
    These are standard tiles that have worked sheet copper adhered to them. You can work the copper any way you like for a custom look (I laid out the border design to size on graph paper. For this project, the copper was flamed with a small blow torch. The copper adheres with two sided sheet adhesive, then they are applied as per a normal tile job, but no grout. You could do an accent piece like this at the range, and/or intersperse accent tiles throughout your field tile arrangement.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Thank you to everyone for your suggestions and discussion!! I have attached three photos of my flooring that we used in both the powder room and laundry room. It is hard to see the textures and patterns in the actual kitchen, so I attached pictures of the laundry room, too, that better define what's happening in the floor tile. Let me know what you think!! The herringbone pattern is in the powder room while the staggered pattern is in the kitchen.
  • 12 years ago
    Backsplash pix
    ellice thanked sleex
  • 12 years ago
    The floor tile might work as backsplash too. I am using the new "pebble" look cut rock tile from Lowe's for my new kitchen back splash.
    ellice thanked ticvaa
  • 12 years ago
    I agree with Advira. I would look at a glossy backsplash tile. I think a backsplash with a matte finish like your floor tile would just kind of blend in. What color did you paint your walls? Love everything you have done so far!
    ellice thanked jdvincent
  • 12 years ago
    Please read "Colour Me Happy" blog article regarding tile backsplash choices and how to avoid expensive mistakes when choosing surface finishes. You only need one focal point in a room. It appears you have chosen a unique floor tile. Stop there. If you wanted a patterned backsplash you should have chosen that first and then your choices would have flowed from there. Since you have chosen the floor tile first and it is patterned then you have reached your pattern quota and now need to choose solid colour surfaces to coordinate with it. You have chosen a nice solid colour counter top, find an assortment of solid colour tile to bring home to try out in various shades pulled from your floor tile. Your room will then come together beautifully. Read Colour me Happy blog. She says it better than I ever could.
    ellice thanked curlygirl
  • 12 years ago
    Maybe stainless steel tiles?
    ellice thanked brown987
  • 12 years ago
    Not sure of the exact shade of your tile/counter, but a marble such as this basketweave might pick up the colours nicely. You could also get a similar marble without the smaller coloured accents.
    ellice thanked oleigh
  • 12 years ago
    Hi again. I read your comment. If you prefer dark, then I suggest this tile---[houzz=
    UP05 · More Info
    ]
    Cheers!
    ellice thanked Natalie
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I try and buy a sample and put it up and see how I have to clean it.
    ellice thanked User
  • 12 years ago
    Here is a better image of marble in a traditional brick pattern
    ellice thanked oleigh
  • 12 years ago
    Please take the advice of curlygirl above. Read Maria Killam's blog or visit her on Pinterest. Or buy her e-book about the undertones of colors. She has lots of blog posts and several on choosing tile and back splashes. I'd consider a white or off-white or cream subway tile that will be timeless. I never thought I liked subway tile because it seemed boring and overused. Until I talked to Maria and decided to take her advice and put it in my master bathroom shower remodel instead of carrying the gray floor onto the walls. I'm so happy I did. It looks clean and fresh and modern and will never need to be changed because it looks "dated"!
    ellice thanked Norma Fournier
  • 12 years ago
    @jdvincent - we painted them "Sea Salt" from Sherwin Williams - color number SW6204. Thanks!
  • 12 years ago
    For several reasons I would actually go with a backsplash done in the same material as the bench top. If you like it and it looks good then great! Also, much easier to clean as there is no grout. Then the floor or whatever aspects you want to highlight will shine as the eyes will not be drawn over much to the backsplash. Have fun, and in the end, do what you love :)
    ellice thanked Anna Claessens
  • 12 years ago
    Keep it simple. A nice option is glass subway tile. Your kitchen has a fairly traditional farm house feel, so this might work nicely.
    ellice thanked Chris
  • 12 years ago
    Glass. It comes in all colors and looks fresh. Easy to keep clean. No grout to get splattered with food and grease.
    ellice thanked Carole Harting
  • 12 years ago
    ... I am think White Subway Tile; I think it would look great!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would definitely do a back splash. I really like your choice as it picks up both the floor and the cabinet colors. I really love the idea of the painted wall with the glass over it!
  • 11 years ago
    just wanted to thank everyone for your suggestions! we ended up choosing glass subway tile in a smoke color. the end product is perfect!