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B/S help needed - do I do design over range wall?

15 years ago

Counter is in!! Now I need to pick backsplash. Was thinking of simple subway tiles. Do I stop at range and do a frame with design or harlequin tiles, can I do a ledge or shelf above range or do I keep it crisp and only do subway? Thanks

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Comments (6)

sailormann
15 years ago
My vote would be plain subway. The range area is part of the general workspace. The design or motif might look a bit misplaced.
fran1523
15 years ago
I think it's a very personal decision. If you've always wanted a design over your range, do one. If not don't.
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Okay, just focusing on the size of range vs wall question, I don't think it matters unless the range is a the main feature of the kitchen. YOUR kitchen's focal point is not the range. It's the windows. Even if you wanted it to be THE FEATURE, there's an island in front of it. So get a range that works for your cooking, keeping old fashioned things like efficiency in mind. Perhaps a 48" range makes more sense because it has smaller ovens than a 36" range and you'll heat up the kitchen less when you bake brownies, even if you never use more than one burner at a time. Maybe a 30" range actually makes the most sense. Get a bigger hood than range whatever you do, especially if you want to make a statement. But in your plan (and if you're having budget issues, reconsidering things is good), I'd be tempted to go with a sleek cooktop, unobtrusive modern hood that you barely notice, and wall oven(s). Downplay all the cooking stuff (without being silly about it) and just let the windows be the room.
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lascatx
15 years ago
Whatever you do, consider that you have a similar area, but shorter, over your sink. I think the treatments needs to stay in balance, and that may be hard to do with a frame. You may be able to do an inset, same color/different size or contrast, or a border if you want some textural variation or a touch of color. My subways have a border at about 2/3 height running all the way. I thought I might do something more at the cooktop, but just kept it straight, and I like it. We did go with a pot filler, so that adds another horizontal line in that area.

You have a nice finish and interest details with the valance and the glass front cabinet. Is there a reason you feel like you need more? If it is only because you think you are supposed to -- don't. If it ois something you really want, I'd say go with a light hand. Keep it simple.
Do you plan to put a plate/platter or something decorative on the ledge of the hood? If so, anything you did in the BS would have to compliment the items displayed there and in the glass cabinet without fighting or distracting.
raehelen
15 years ago
Would it be possible to have some type of trim the same shape as the curve on your hood valance?

My kitchen's been functional for over a year, and still no BS, I haven't found what I want yet. (Cuz I really don't know what I want)

But, BS can make a huge statement. I think you need to decide what you want yours to say. Your 'bones' are simple and neutral, so the sky's the limit!
oruboris
15 years ago
You have a very mono-chrome look going here. White subway would keep that going, but I think it might be a missed opportunity to personalize the space, and make it really shine.

For example, I think copper [plain or pressed] would be wonderful: true to the period you are going for, but a much less common than subway. Would bring some warmth and sparkle to the party.
vicnsb
15 years ago
I finally understood all of the posts about backsplashes when it came
time to choose mine too. Its really a big decision because it takes
the entire look of the kitchen one way or another. You either want to make
a statement with it or not. So I think thats your first decision, think about
your inspiration kitchens and if a focal point backsplash has always appealed
to you or not. Your kitchen is already beautiful, so just continue choosing
things you love! Good luck!
vic

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