Need Major Kitchen Backsplash Help!!!

11 years ago

I have these honey color kitchen cabinets and light terracotta floor. I need a backsplash idea. I was initially thinking of a variegated slate subway in a field size b/c I am afraid that a lighter color tile will make the cabinets more pronounced. I was thinking of going in the sage direction for the walls with a grasscloth. Thoughts? Comments? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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JAN MOYER

11 years ago

Kristen, thirty some odd comments later..... just go to a tile store! Ask to see a few tumble marble in various sizes. Take a few others home that also strike your fancy and stand them all on the counter and live with them a few days. Then decide. It really is that simple. If you ask a hundred people you will get that many answers. At some point it comes down to a decision. While you're in the tile store, bear one thing in mind. It is easy to put tile up, and a royal pain to take it down. What appeals to YOU may not appeal to the next person, so consider your planned length of stay in the house. Neutral is NOT boring... it is just easy to live with, and allows for other changes up the road without "tiling" yourself into a corner. If you want more color...PAINT THE WALLS. And that is what I would tell you if you were my client.

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Comments (44)

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Cynthia Taylor-Luce
11 years ago
You really have a nice looking kitchen here!

I don't think you can go wrong with white subway tile. It's a classic treatment that will look fine even if at some point your paint your cabinets. The colour of the wood is the dominant look in your kitchen no matter what you put on the backsplash. White subway tiles will also integrate your window with the scheme as well. I'd continue the tile all the way up to the ceiling over the window.

As far as grasscloth is concerned I would definitely NOT recommend it for a kitchen even though it's beautiful. It absorbs odours and it's not cleanable (you can only gently vacuum it). I would recommend a soft white paint that tones with the subway tiles so your kitchen has a more unified look. Then you can add pizzazz with your table and chairs and light fixture and art on the walls. I would have colourful art with dark frames that would tie in with the dark countertops. Likewise a dark fixture, like oil rubbed bronze, with a white shade or glass globe or whatever, would complement the room beautifully.
ndaruwitanto
11 years ago
obtaining Greetings, sorry to passengers looking for a back link... http://ndaruwitanto.blogspot.com/
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Unfortunately all your options require custom work: It looks like you need an 18" corner cabinet. You will have to modify the last wall cabinet on the left. As I am eyeballing it, you should be able to cut the last cabinet in the middle and then shorten the left section to fit the space of the wall next to the door trim. It's an option that makes the area looks symmetric. Or you can install shelves over the sink. I would not recommend it because it will take the looks away. And the last option will be to remove the last cabinet, shorten it so it fits over the sink and install a single cabinet where the double one was. This will leave a triangle space behind the corner where the two cabinets will meet. You can block the space under it. Hope this helps!
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If you love the marble tile, go for it! You can always buy a stainless or white range hood backsplash like this http://www.wayfair.com/Air-King-Range-Hood-Back-Splash-SP2430-AXK1174.html to slip in place when you are cooking something really messy. I have a travertine backsplash and use a stainless sheet when frying. It works great and no worries about stains ruining the stone.
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PRO
Stewart Construction LLC
11 years ago
Kristen~ A design dream! Blank slate! Have you considered a 4 X 4 bronze or silver rubbed stone? These come in many shades and offer a classy yet simple look. I can see the copper rubbed or graphite rubbed square with foil accents- You could use the same variety under your window but switch to one of the stamped or pressed tiles ( same color and design but with a architectual element). The tiles would tie well with your countertops color, the texture would tie in your terra cotta floor and the period would work well with your cabinets. Good luck to you!
Kristen Thomas
Original Author
11 years ago
I love these ideas. Where would you recommend me looking for these bronze or silver rubbed stones?
michigammemom
11 years ago
You might consider a mini subway tile for textural interest.
Gracie Towhomes · More Info
PRO
JAN MOYER
11 years ago
Try a few samples of a tumbled marble in a subway shape. In fact there are mini versions on 12 x 12 sheets, with multi tones that would look great in beige tones.
PRO
JAN MOYER
11 years ago
and two more!! both Home Depot and the previous two as well
lisaaphi
11 years ago
Tumbled marbled 4 x 4 tiles accented with just hints of the miniature onyx or glass tiles for in sheets as Jan suggests above for trim. (Lowe's). These can be cut to desired size. This is what I did i n my kitchen and I have your same cabinets with granite countertops. Love it!
laspa
11 years ago
I would also go with glass tile that incorporates metallic tiles including copper,silver and bronze.
PRO
Magnolia Interiors
11 years ago
I like the idea above for the subway tile and the glass tile, but in a buff or linen color. I think it would look tailored and classic and would not go out of style when we all look back on glass tile and go 'wow, remember doing that in the early 2000's'. I also like the idea of artwork and lighting being the jewelry of this room. Look for unusual pieces that you like and make you smile everytime you enter the room. You could easily convert the pot light over the sink to a pendant with some pizazz. Great cabinets, love the solid style.
Ginny
11 years ago
Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations if you decide to change the cabinet colors. Its great stuff!!
glorfred
11 years ago
Have you considered mirror? You can have it in many colors, plus it can be cut seamlessly making it a breeze to clean. Plus, it really opens up the area.
jodyrah
11 years ago
Before you buy anything, go to. https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer/
Once you decide what color looks best, selecting the tile will be easier. Personally, I would go with something classic that won't become dated with changing trends.
uhutcal
11 years ago
I love the natural stone--I would use a tumbled honed limestone for the back splash. Keep a neutral tone for background and bring in accent colors that you can change out with seasons or trends.
serryjw
11 years ago
I love the ideas above for your backsplash. I would consider doing a flooring change at the same time. Those two changes and a coordinating window treatment would give you an entirely new kitchen for little money
PRO
Lusso
11 years ago
I would go warm and natural for your color palate. Try a 1x2. A cool update to subway, in a honed limestone look.
jh77
11 years ago
You could also do a classic tile in a unique shape. There are tons of options on-line for moorish-influenced tiles, geometric designs, waves and more. That way you get some unique character and pattern that isn't like every other kitchen while sticking to a color palate and material you like.
zeynep1
11 years ago
even if you paint the backplash to black would increase the look of your kitchen and would be even cheapest way
betsyweisberg
11 years ago
Iron Mountain · More Info

I love adding the sage in this room it add a crispness that is needed.
I agree with the above post you can really have fun with lighting here.
Have fun!
lisajay
11 years ago
Costco currently has tile mosaics very similar to the third one from Jan Moyer. They sell for $25/box of 5-12x12" sheets. Very reasonable.
sylviemay
11 years ago
myroflex
joypet
11 years ago
The new kitchen in my condo is almost finished. We chose champagne Shaker cupboards - a very light version of the honey. I was going to do white but now I love the warmer look. I am also in the market for a backsplash. Our floors are Brazilian cherry The kitchen is 10x10 so quite small and I want to keep the uncluttered look. I like the multi-toned glass tiles in shades of brown, beige, copper etc- but take note of your "trendy" warning. I can't believe some for the fixtures in this place that hadn't been changed since the early 80's - I'm now over 70 - so I can remember how pretty we thought the pastel floral patterns were. Joypet
sylviemay
11 years ago
Check out myrroflex... it's wonderful, easy to install and easy to clean and not expensive...
betsyweisberg
11 years ago
Beveled Arabesque Tile · More Info

If you want to skip glass tiles and the subway with tiles everyone is using
Here's an alternative. I have seen it installed, amazing.
PRO
Judy Stewart Design Consultant
11 years ago
I would choose glass tile. There are many colors and size variations available. It has reflective value and adds interest and texture. I would also take it above your window to the ceiling.
pivoines
11 years ago
go to a classic pattern, I remember when the first mosaic tiles where introduced in the 70s , and I also remember 10 yrs later having to paint them when they became a nono, you can't go wrong with a subway pattern whether normal size , large size , or mini size, they have glass ones in different colors , the metal ones are lovely also. use your favorite color, but not one that will restrict you in wall color if you choose to change it later, stay in a neutral palate. good luck
suedee
11 years ago
We used Honey Onyx, diamond mosaic, for our kitchen backsplash. It can be found in most any shape, including subway. I think shape will influence whether backsplash reads traditional, classic or modern. I like that it has a reflective quality but is organic and bit unique. I think the color would compliment your cabinets. Here's a link, but know it can be had for (much) less $$.
http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=272104&coll=278904&prg=1156204
PRO
Ayala T
11 years ago
I love the look of this backsplash:
Kitchen of my dreams · More Info

It's Wheat by Encore ceramics. I think it would look beautiful with honey cabinetry, because it's mostly neutral but ties in the honey color. I understand it's pricey, but if you find something similar let me know, because I've been eyeing it. Good luck!
PRO
Cynthia Taylor-Luce
11 years ago
I would not recommend mirror because it doubles everything on your counter. Unless you are a strict minimalist I wouldn't go there. Also from the seating area the mirror might reflect the underside of your upper cabinet (and any hidden lighting there). Suggestions above for various glass and marble mosaics are attractive, but sadly getting dated looking already. I think subway tile is the most classic approach whether it's in the typical size or the new smaller scale pieces. Likewise colour is going to be something that you might tire of. I still vote for light and simple: white subway tile for timeless beauty and great function.
laspa
11 years ago
I said glass tiles with metallics not mirror. As for me, subway tiles are so safe and so timeless that they truly are old!
PRO
monalisa stone & tile, inc.
11 years ago
To compensate for the height and "heaviness" of the honey cabinets you might use a diamond shape 4.25 x 6 mexican tile in various colors, white, goldenrod, chiffon, powder blue, slate, and wintergreen right up to the top of the area between the two cabinets. Choose the right combination of colors to blend with you counter top and you will have a very exciting kitchen!
PRO
Cynthia Taylor-Luce
11 years ago
Actually glorfred recommended mirror, laspa, way up above! And subway tiles are old, retro, and modern all at the same time. That's why they never go out of style and you can never go wrong with them! My point exactly! :)
gail88
11 years ago
Be bold and do something different from white or neutrals. So tired of seeing white walls and neutrals in every house I go into. Have some fun with your color pallet.
joypet
11 years ago
Problem is that kitchen renos are so expensive - I could have fun with a couple of cushions - but the chicken in me stays with the basic colours for the long term major investment
zenhome
11 years ago
Well said Jan, couldn't agree more!
lisaaphi
11 years ago
Kristen, I have uploaded 4 photos from my kitchen so you can see your cabinet colors with neutral tumbled marble and onyx that I used...BUT I can't figure out how to get the images to attach! Yes, I clicked "attach images" below and then submit and nothing happened...just my comment...no pics. The pics are showing under "My uploaded photos" in my Houzz account. Can you see them from My Uploaded photos??? LisaAPhi
PRO
jcSelects
11 years ago
Everyone calm down. Kristen, look at Glow series 1 foot by 2 feet fabric embossed tiles. They have a sage color called "Galaxy" that would suit your cabinets. Use grout color #56 Desert Khaki by Laticrete. It will look rich & restrained, but cost about $500 in finish materials. We ship: see KitchenLiberty.com. Have installers in your area also.
10paintedtoes
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
A carved glass back splash was my solution. When we remodeled our kitchen I knew I wanted a sleek, yet colorful back splash, that was easy to clean. I work extensively with glass so I chose seamless glass panels the length of my counter and the height of my back splash area. (For example one piece is 66" X 17" X 1/4".) Then I "carved
(multi level deep etching) fantasy birds from the back of the glass. This bird motif balanced my desire for a classic albeit whimsical kitchen but if peacocks aren't your thing most any design that reflects your taste or interests could be used. Keep in mind that this is not tile so there are no grout lines and no seams. On the top edge of the glass I installed color optional lighting on a rheostat. If you think this is a possibility worth exploring and would like to see a picture, let me know. I will TRY to get the image out of my camera and post it for you. (Creativity is my strong suit, technology is not!)
simplyeclectic
11 years ago
I see three colors in your kitchen. The pretty floor, cabinets, and counter top. I'd go to a tile store and find something that you just drool over in one of those colors. Then to to one of the other colors to use as frames for those, use the third color to fill in that design. You can mix and match in terms of texture and shininess. It will tie your kitchen together in a very personal style that you love. Those fabulous centerpiece tiles will be they eye catcher you hope for and it all ties together to make the kitchen look as if a personal decorator tied it all together for you and got the prettiest accents you've ever seen! (You picked those!!!) Since you don't need a lot of them, it means you can splurge and gorgeous! They'll even help you to create the frame pieces and fill. Hope you have a left over piece of flooring, you can easily take a drawer to match.

Good luck! I have so much fun trying things in a tile store! By taking the colors with you that you are trying to match, your kitchen will go together so well I think you'll love it.
ikwewe
11 years ago
I love little multicolor tiles, but they do tend to stand out. If you want your backsplash to be more moderate and safe, I would go with subway tile in a pale creamy color or if you are really into sage, go with a mix of cream and sage with maybe a medallion or several mixed in. Someone above suggested going all the way to the ceiling alongside and above your window, and I agree with that, it really adds to the luxury look of the tile.
judith195
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
The least expensive way to add colour and shine to your kitchen is to use plain old glass sheets and back paint it the colour of your choice. We did this and it looks great and is so easy to clean - no grout lines no fuss. First try your colour on a small piece of glass and live with it for a while so you don't regret your choice! Have fun! I love your kitchen.
PRO
Stewart Construction LLC
11 years ago
Kristen~ You could find the bronze rubbed tiles at most "tile and stone" stores. Our construction company is located in WA state and we often use Creative Tile in Tacoma. If you are un able to locate the tile, message me and I will find a link and send it over; that way you would have a visual to use when shopping!
PRO
Regal Designs Savannah
8 years ago
This might be the perfect place for some tonal linear mosaic.

Need Major Kitchen Backsplash Help!!!

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