Yes, maybe a backsplash that would work with your floors and something that isn't busy. Are you keeping the color of the countertop? Looking at the accessories in your kitchen like shade and rug, retro black and white does not seem like the style you are going for.

Thank you Junee. The absolute black granite countertops are staying. What style does this come across to you? I was looking at the Carrara marble backsplash. Do you think that would work?

The checkerboard design is a classic style.
The questions is, do you like it? If so, try to remove the counters without damaging the tiles and save yourself some money.

I was just about to post a pic of one with white cabinets and black countertops and it had carrarra marble backsplash, my point exactly! since you have grays on the floors that I assume are staying too.

Could you please post that pic for me. Thanks.

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The first one is just white subway tiles, cheaper alternative to the carrara but will still do the job of making your cabinets and countertop work

That's beautiful. I love the simplicity of it. I've been looking at that checkerboard for 8 years and I think I've talked myself into the fact that I like it but I actually never have. I appreciate all you comments. If anyone has the ability, I would love to see my kitchen photoshopped with a light grey background to give me an idea what the marble would look like in my kitchen. Thanks.

the checker board is always good, it just doesnt go with your flooring.

Both of juneg's houzz examples are lovely. Is your favorite style more traditional or country?

I like the backsplash; it's funky and you can use it to your advantage. Put a black and white rug on the floor in place of the one shown. Add black hardware to your cabinet. Add red accents such as place mats, dish towels, or decorative plates on the wall. These are suggestions if you don't want to spend money redoing. I'm a believer is using what you have before you go ripping things out.

I think the checkerboard is a very specific taste. If it's in the budget I would switch it out and go with something like white subway tile to keep it simple. I love the two examples above as well.

Checkerboard is always fun and has a bit of a 1950's Diner flair to it. But I agree it isn't great with your current floor.

legalette sorry to disapointed public but your backsplash has to go, along with clock, rag, fan and window treatment. Dont you feel like you step into someone else's house when you move from Living room to kitchen. Clean look that what you are after. Subway tiles will work as mentioned above, they also could be a white glass tiles.

Checkerboard is usually associated with classic design. Like the photo attached.
The shaker doors with the checkerboard will pull the kitchen towards a classic feel.
Where the rest of your apartment is contemporary. I suggest that you change your tiles to contemporary style so it flow with the rest of your space.


with

Thanks for all the feedback. I was leaning toward carrara marble but the general consensus is that I need something more contemporary. I have two ideas attached (mixed materials and stainless). Any input?

Now that I look at your living room I see what other are saying about changing the kitchen. But wait, I say. Add to the kitchen some of that brown color from your living room wall instead of red accents. Black, white and brown would look really cool and create more of a flow.

Okay. I see you want to spend a few bucks so I vote for the mixed design.

I'm sorry, but I think that the high contrast skinny tile mosaic is both too busy and an over-used look that is on the way out of style. If you want to use a skinny tile mosaic, use one with a very low contrast or all one color. That will look more timeless and less busy in your kitchen.

Feeny - I was leaning towards the skinny tile stainless. Would that have some staying power as far as style in your opinion?

More so, I think, than the high contrast skinny tile mosaic. It isn't as overdone and isn't as busy. But I don't know about the pros and cons of a stainless backsplash like that--keeping it clean, too much shiny reflection, etc. You might consider, as well, a more minimalist mosaic in that skinny modern style. Examples:

The mixed materials you posted is similar to what I put in my kitchen!:) I got mine from Lowe's. I also used the same pattern but different mix for my master bath, same color tone but no stainless steel as it will get wet more vs just being on backsplash.

Yea yu do , a glass mosaic will look great

How about black subway tile?

Consider large tiles or a single piece splash back, as small tiles with grout can create busy feel even if one colour. A single colour is better than a busy look, since your floor is granite. To me colour options would be: Black (cheap option: have the tiles painted if this is possible in black) or exact match with a one of the granite speck colours in your floor.
The rug and clock make the kitchen look dated.

I agree with Feeny, the mosaic tile you show has been overdone.
I suggest the attached image. It's modern but not too busy and different.