I really like the backsplash design in the below kitchen, with a beadboard accent to add visual interest to basic subway tiles. I think this would look fantastic in our transitional kitchen.

Issues: At this point Crossville only lists a beadboard tile in 12x24. Also, Crossville may be expensive (haven't gotten this quoted yet).

(1) If we did go with Crossville, would it be especially silly of us to specify that tile and ask the tile guys to cut them all down to 4 inches high or so? We are building from the ground up and don't yet have a sense of how onerous/time-intensive that request is.

(2) I have considered doing a similar look with 1x4 or 1x6 tiles (6" might be too tall), but I'm not sure who makes that size as well as a 3x6. Are there any go-to tile manufacturers who are reasonably priced and offer lots of different tile sizes? Our builder uses Daltile for basic applications and of course there isn't a 1x6 in the line he uses...at least not that I can tell from their website.

Advice or words of warning appreciated...