skip to main content

Mother of Pearl backsplash?

11 years ago

Getting down to the final stuff- still going back and forth on what ucl I want (led tape strips vs led fixture) but I "think" I've decided what I want for a backsplash- the mother of pearl glass 1" squares. I've got paradisio bash granite- mixture of black/grey/white/peachy brown swirls and waves. After all the samples I've gotten, blacks, whites, greys, stainless steel. etc., the ony things that don't seem to compete are the MOP & stainless steel. I like the idea of a bit of sparkle, which both would do, but SS seems like it would be overload along with SS appliances.

Anyone know any downside to the MOP? I'm guessing white grout. I hate the thought of making a huge mistake that I end up living with for years (ask me about mirrored backsplash sometime).

Comments (5)

live_wire_oak
11 years ago
It's beautiful, but very delicate.
KBH
11 years ago
Ok, so I know nothing about MOB, other than it's beautiful, but one of my options for backsplash is antiqued mirror. Why bad?
Related Discussions
Question for those of you with a Mother-of-Pearl backsplash . . .
Q
Comments (8)
I used Mapei Frost grout, and my tiles were considered "white" in the description, though they still had some yellow and grey in them. I took a sheet to the tile place and put several colors agains it. I picked the one that blended best. The tile lady took one look and said "Frost", but I had to convince myself. I like how it came out, and plan to use the same when I gets redone in a few weeks (no date yet). And while I'm here...for SJG, a pic of the problem I have, three seams highlighted to show the break in pattern...
...See More
does anyone have ornate pulls or knobs? pics?
Q
Comments (46)
Thanks so much Beth. I had to use my computer to make the email changes. I couldn't do it on my ipad. I can get emails now Bechem (Kim)!!!!! Please feel free to get in touch! Can't wait to see your finished project Jenncent. I feel like I'm going to love love love all of your choices. It's so much fun, but every time you make a decision that means you have to NOT choose other things that you love. It's hard, but exciting. Good luck!
...See More
Searching For L-Shape Island Waterall Edge + Feedback On Island Design
Q
Comments (3)
I think you're looking at too many stars. If you choose a waterfall counter you should know that it will add not only extra material cost, but you also will incur extra costs for fabrication as the ends have to be mitered exactly to get that seamless look. You need to ensure that your fabricator is experienced in this area. If you decide on the waterfall counter, I would not do a contrasting island colour, and would probably do a quiet backsplash.
...See More
To grout or not to grout MOP
Q
Comments (24)
"I have no experience with this sort of tile. Can you tell me how the installer should have done it so that the sheets would not be showing in this way?" m2dougherty great question. There will be small random spaces between tiles as they are manufactured. If they don't interlock perfectly you will spend a month of Sundays shifting tiles. You could grout it except a minimum 1/16 joint is needed. Where tiles are butted together grout will just sit on the surface with nothing to hold it in place. Same reason I won't install sheet mounted river stones as some touch and will only leave a void beneath as grout can't be forced through. Creating a void below for mold on a shower floor. Install them one at a time and expect to get paid for it. Many new tiles being produced nowadays without any thought as to installation method. It looks pretty and cost big $$$. Unfortunately the tile setter is the one taking all the risk. I don't like risk. Much easier to say no to the project and go on to the next one. So to answer m2dougherty's question. Contact the manufacturer and follow their instructions if they have any if not don't take the job.
...See More
luckymom
Original Author
11 years ago
Mirrors multiply everything. That glass the kids left next to the sink, the plugs from the coffee maker, toaster, mixer, etc. Constant cleaning. Water streaks, it's worse than stainless steel-even boiling a pot of water for pasta you have steam leaving trails. After a few years, the edge of the mirror near the sink started losing the "silvering"- looked awful. To remove it? Think about all that glass being shattered in the kitchen. They ended up removing the walls altogether with a saws all (sp?) & replaced all the drywall.

I'd thought the mirror would expand the kitchen- just made it seem much more cluttered and I don't keep much on my counters at all.
hobokenkitchen
11 years ago
I ordered samples of Mother of Pearl from GlassTileStore.com and LOVED it!!!! We very seriously considered it for our backsplash but the colored one didn't work and we were trying to steer clear of white.

Kateskouras has A mother of pearl like shell tile in her bathroom and it beyond stunning. If she hadn't gone through such a nightmare to import them I would have ordered the same ones in a heartbeat.

I think it is much thinner than most tile options but other than that it should be fine from what I read when we were considering it.
eieio-5
11 years ago
I am using a MOP penny round for our wet bar bs. I purchased it from Amazon. There are pics of it installed in the link. I am planning on using a white grout.

Here is a link that might be useful: MOP Penny Rounds

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Go for the Glow: Mother-of-Pearl Shines Around the Home

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Illuminate your interior designs with ethereally iridescent mother-of-pearl tiles, flooring, accents and more

Mother of Pearl in Décor

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

Add the warm shimmer of pearl for a luxe surprise in kitchen, bath or the perfect accent piece

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Pearls Come Out of Their Shells at Home

By Leslie Stewart

Scatter these pearl-inspired pieces around for shine, elegance and more than a bit of glam

KITCHEN DESIGN Pearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel

By Samantha Schoech

What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: A Pearl Paradise

Let the stone's elegant, opulent wonder give your home pearly appeal

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Mother-Daughter Budget Remodel

By Vanessa Brunner

Designer Stephanie Norris redesigned her daughter's kitchen with functionality, affordability and color in mind

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: The Allure of Pearl

Elevate your interior with the sophisticated sheen of June’s birthstone, the pearl

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Creative Mother's Day Gifts

By Shannon Berrey Design

20 ways to make Mom feel special long after May

0

TROPICAL STYLE Houzz Tour: Say Aloha to Tropical Beachside Splendor

By Mitchell Parker

Mother-of-pearl walls set the stage for a Hawaiian paradise home that swims with laid-back glamour

KITCHEN DESIGN Countertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match

By Jennifer Ott Design

Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration

Sponsored

Manifesto, Inc.

9 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 2x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Quartzite Veins Turned Pink/Red

35

Kountry Kraft or Omega Kitchen Cabinets?

15

Need help with back splash

1

8 ft ceiling and breadboard on walls, kitchen

2

Kitchen Remodel Finally Finished

4