backsplash opinions, please.....

14 years ago

I'm almost done with a bathroom remodel, and having a hard time making final decisions about the backsplash. The vanity top is botticino marble, and the backsplash will be rainforest green marble, but I cant decide what size tiles, and how to finish the top edge, and how tall to make the whole splash. As I write this, I dont have any samples of the rainforest green in tile form, but it is the same marble as in the pencil liners pictured below, and looks like this:

http://www.stonemartindia.net/pcat-gifs/products-small/4rain-forest-green-marble.jpg

I've ordered 12x12 tiles, and will cut them to size, so the possibilities are (too) endless. I have tiled before, but I'm no expert, and I'm not good at tedious, so I wont be cutting the 12x12's into 1x1's, but other than that, I'm up for anything!

I had planned to just finish the top of the splash with bullnosed tile, but now I'm thinking about using the dome/pencil liner on top, or something like the ceramic liner in the picture. I have had a much harder time finding liners that go with the rainforest green marble than I expected, but I have a few more tile stores to hit up today.

Maybe 2x2 squares, and then a 12x2 bullnosed piece on top and on the sides? or a random assortment like I did in my kitchen? (see below) Or keep it REALLY simple, and cut the 12x12's in half, and have a 6" tall splash? I hate to cut the tiles up too much, as part of the beauty of this stone is the big pattern.

any ideas? Thanks!!!!!!

The vanity and marble:

{{gwi:1449181}}

rainforest green in dome liner/pencil liner form:

{{gwi:1449185}}

another liner that looks ok with the rainforest green:

{{gwi:1449186}}

And finally, my kitchen backsplash.....2x2, 2x4 and 4x4:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

User
14 years ago
That's some interesting choices, I like how you're thinking outside of the box. It's going to look beautiful no matter what you do, but I love what you did with your kitchen backsplash would think something similar would be great.
muscat
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks.

I'll try to ask the question again when I get my tile in. Maybe I need more specific photos?
Related Discussions
It worked in my head... Backsplash opinions, please
Q
Comments (30)
isabel, my backsplash is Sonoma Creamy Crackle. The UCLs are not on, so you can't see the lippage. Of course, it's hard to get a true rendering of the color in a photograph. It's a nice creamy white, slightly darker than my cabs. Depending on the light, sometimes they can look the exact same color. I was a little apprehensive about the crackle, but in reality, you don't really see it unless you get in close. It tends to give the surface a little life, without being obvious. I looked at umpteen white -> beige tiles. I like quiet and neutral and don't regret not getting something with pizzazz. It's entirely possible, had I known about the quirky corners, a discussion with the tilesetter could have avoided the problem. Who knows? p.s. I hated the original grout (tan) the minute it was done and had them take it out. I loved how the gray grout looked before it dried and wished I'd gone with a darker color. Now I'm over it and it's probably a good thing the grout is not more prominent.
...See More
Backsplash layout opinions please
Q
Comments (16)
Ok after looking at a bunch of full herringbone BS, I think that's the way I'm going to go. (Thanks EAM44) will still do a focal point above range. So any special considerations or things to discuss with tile person? With the concerns on other threads about floor tile layout, I just want to make sure I go over everything inadvance, and with sufficient detail.
...See More
Backsplash Opinions, Please
Q
Comments (39)
That is a very curved wall you will not be able to use any kind of large tile, in fact my guess is that you will need very small tile on mesh sheets to be able to flex to follow that curve. So the main consideration immediately is to find out exactly what kind of tile you can use. Then you can start thinking about color choices in that size and style. This is not at all a normal install. Subway tiles don't Bend or flex they lay flat or break. Has your installer or contractor not discussed the curved wall with you? For color I would lean toward a matching small travertine like the floor and pick up some of the darker brown and gold of the slab, definitely stay away from those pink undertones. Something more along these lines for color. Here is a link that might be useful: Mosaic
...See More
Backsplash options: opinions please?
Q
Comments (33)
Looking back at your options, the most pleasing looking to me is the painted wood. Something about a different backsplash only behind the stove, and actually only visible just above the stove back, seems like an abrupt pattern change. I think the simplicity of the wood all around is very pleasant especially with your wood hood. I think the different backsplash interrupts the eye. Since I mentioned about the back of the peninsula, can you share a little about that feature, like the material and design. Is that a definite feature in your plan? If so, it would be nice to bring that in somewhere else - not sure I'm liking the option I posted above, it was just to spur an idea. If anything make it smaller and more like a frame for something, like that pretty green tile you posted. I like the way the SS panel looks in the renderings in that it coordinates well with the refrigerator and DW but those are new appliances. I imagine your vintage range has shiny chrome? Are there colored knobs? If anything I would tie those in to backsplash. A couple ideas in pics below - the painted wood all around with some copper pots (or could be utensils) hanging above your stove. Or a tile/art piece - it's difficult to tell in my pic but the green in there is actually your tiles . Again with the wood, I just think that really goes with the vintage feel in your kitchen. Paint it with durable washable paint, always a good idea in a kitchen anyway. And if wood is too scary for the cleaning aspect, what about those composite-type products, something that looks like wood - I don't have suggestions but think there are options. Looking forward to more of your plans. I am contemplating what to do behind my stove too - am thinking either all tile and I also considered shiplap wood too.
...See More
hudsonleigh
14 years ago
Muscat, how much space do you have between the countertop and the mirror, and how muc space do you actually want to cover? I agree that the beauty in the rainforest green is in the bigger pieces, and I'd be a little cautious about having a lot of pattern going on when there's so much movement in the tiles. What if you did simple 6x6's (straight or maybe diamond pattern) then the pencil around the edge. Like this, but with bigger tiles...
muscat
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, hudsonleigh! Glad you made that suggestion, since that is pretty much the direction I think I'll go, but I need reassurance.

The plan for now is to cut the 12x12's down to 12x8ish, and lay them out side by side for a 7-8" tall splash, and then use pencil liner around it. This would maximize the patterns inherent in the tile, but I think I'd prefer rectangular to sqaure tiles, so 8" tall seemed a good idea. I was going to do 6", but 6x12 tiles seem too symmetrically assymmetrical, whereas 12x8 seem better: more golden ratio-ish. :) Will it look weird to have such a simple layout? I almost feel lazy doing it this way, as I assumed I'd be doing lots of cutting and arranging, but sometimes KISS is the best. :)

Her are the tiles in their 12x12 size, and a couple pieces of pencil liner:

{{gwi:1449188}}
User
14 years ago
Wow muscat, those are beautiful! I'm sure whatever you end up doing, 6 or 8 it will look great!
jmcn608
13 years ago
I know this thread is REALLY old, but I LOVE the tile in your kitchen. Do you know the name/color/manufacturer? I hope your bathroom turned out as nice!

backsplash opinions, please.....

Comments (6)

User

muscat
Original Author

Related Discussions

hudsonleigh

muscat
Original Author

User

jmcn608

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

backsplash opinions, please.....

Comments (6)

User

muscatOriginal Author

Related Discussions

hudsonleigh

muscatOriginal Author

User

jmcn608

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

muscat
Original Author

muscat
Original Author