have you seen that picture of the kitchen with the tall hood with the marble hex tiles going up the whole wall?

Woo-that patterned tile really makes a statement. But, I would be worried that I would get tired of it and it is sort of permanent. Of course it could be changed, I know but it's not a paint color that is easily changed.

I sort of like the white gloss/frosted tiles you posted first. I actually saw something similar on my famous tile hunt. But I found them with various sizes on the sheet. Including some 2x6's. I wish for the life of me I could remember the name....hang on--I'll call them and get it!

I called--she said AC or Architecture Collection. I googled it, can't find anything.

Have you looked on Mission Stone & Tiles' site for some ideas? I'll put a link to one that is kind of neat, it is a white chain.

I've always thought this was really cool too:
{{!gwi}}

Here's where I found it:
http://www.missionstonetile.com/gallery/gallery/kitchens/contemporary-backsplash-tile

Here is a link that might be useful: bianco chain

One thing that you could do is a backsplash in a tile that was the same size and bond pattern as the brick fireplace wall, and with a slighly larger than normal (for a backsplash) grout line. (It would be a tile about the width of Segbrown's but narrower. That may be one way to link the spaces.

Where did you find the arabesque tile? I like that shape, and its a little less common,

Looking again, I think the pattern is too dark to do the whole wall. (Not bad in the angled photo, but the straight on shot makes it look too much.)

I think I saw that glass tile you show in the top 2 photos on a TV show last night! I thought it looked cool and realized it would look great on your whole wall. I like it running horizontally, but I tend toward the classic. I think it will be more timeless.

I like Segbrown's tile style, but is that a taupey color? Not one I'd thought about for your kitchen.

The photo beekeeperswife shows is cool...Another idea you'd considered.

You have a lot of good options...

Oooh, I like Palimpsest's idea!

I like the glass mosaic a lot. I prefer horizontal on your wall (it's a horizontal wall) but vertical looks good too.

The mini-bricks are fine. They'll make the wall disappear.

Segbrown's is lovely. The glass has more tension. Segbrown's ceramic is cozier.

If you're trying to introduce an organic, curvy element, either the arabesques or the pattern will do, assuming pale gray. With all the linearity of the rest of your design, I'd prefer to reinforce that and let the view of the organic organics (the trees) speak for itself and keep to a rectilinear tile treatment, but that's a choice you'll have to make about what you want to see.

I think the glass mosaic might has enough interest, intricacy and variation for your desire not to have a single, flat plane, but it reads as the solid that the wall demands, so I'll vote for that, horizontal.

I can share your pain. I went to a bigger tile store over the weekend. The thing I liked the best was over $300 sqft.

Ha, ha, ha! Not that tile for me!

Casa dolce casa.

Here is a link that might be useful: Maiolica line pdf

$300? Do the artisans come to your house and make the tiles onsite???

Oh my.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooohhhh. If I'd seen those circley tiles in the link from Bmore, I don't think I could've looked at anything else...Just the type of 'whimsy' I'd originally had in mind for my backsplash...way back when. Also love some of the others, including their simpler subways. Some looks in there that would be nice in your kitchen, Malhgold, and possible with tile somewhat under $300/sf.

Have you seen cat_mom's backsplash?

Here is a link that might be useful:

At this point, I'm leaning towards the glass mosaic I posted in the first pic. I like the way it ties into the glass pendants and glassware on my shelves. I also like the "lightness" of the glass with the "heaviness" of the brick fireplace wall(if that makes any sense). I would run them horizontally. I'd get more continuity in the pattern that way and IRL the frosted doesn't seem to show when the tiles are sitting vertically. I just hope the "pattern" doesn't come across as busy. I guess my hesitation on using ceramic is that for some reason, it just feels "heavy" to me in my space.

beekeeperswife - I've looked at those Heath Ceramics oval tiles. They are stunning and would love to use them, but at $80 sq/ft, they're out of my budget. Maybe they're in Bmore's budget since she's looking at tiles for $300 sq/ft.

Rhome - segbrown's tiles are actually white, although they do look like a champagne color in the pic. This was sort of the look I was considering(would like the whole kitchen-especially the frig)

First one, vertical. Definitely. The whole entire wall right? siiiiiiiiiiiigh. Let me know when you're done so I can move in.

LOVE it!

Malhgold, I think that's going to look exactly like you said! The small pieces and different textures give it a wispyness. Remember there's going to be grout too, so consider how the grout lines will add another texture and more lines. It's going to be awesome. I don't think it'll be busy. More mottled and/or "bumpy".

As soon as I first opened the thread I was thinking, "That's it!!"

Can't wait to see it installed.

That last photo is the look I'd imagined for you all along, so I still like that. I remember a layout we did for you that was very like that kitchen. The frig is wonderful. One of the things I forgot to list on Plllog's 'if money was no object' thread. ;-)

But the glass is cool, too, and not too busy, I don't think, with it being basically colorless. (Is it painted white on the back?)

I would've never guessed from the above picture that Segbrown's tile is white! But I probably knew that at some point.

Malhgold--$80? Really? geez, sorry about that. I had seen them awhile ago, and then during my recent trips to that website, they were there too. I also noticed on that site that they have the tile Bmore posted too.

I don't want to put any thoughts in your head, about that big tile, cause gosh knows I like the unique sizes, but I kind of think they can look like cinderblocks. Maybe something like a 4x12. If you want to go with a non fancy big subway--what about the Daltile Modern Dimensions collection? They had that big subway, and you could do either gloss or matte.

Did you get information about the arabesque from Mason tile? Before I won that other tile, I had sent them an email, and it was forwarded to "Glenn" with the comment "here's another one for overruns", so I was wondering if you contacted him too. His price was excellent. Did you get a sample?

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern Dimensions Collection

In seeing the arabesque and black&white tiles in your mockups, I think that a large scale pattern will work better than a small scale one. Your hood is big and grand and you need a large pattern to go with it.

I really like your clear and frosted glass tiles run horizontallly but think they should be a larger format tile. I like them run vertically in Cat Mom's kitchen but somehow I think they won't work vertically in your kitchen. Like it will draw the eye down, when what you want to do is accentuate the horizontalness of your kitchen. I like the glass a lot because it plays off the glass bubble pendants that hang in a fabulous way over your island.

The scale of the arabesque pattern works, but I just think the feel of it doesn't work with the modern feel of your kitchen. I really like the black and white tile and how it almost looks like wallpaper, and how the dark of it ties into your dark lower cabinets, but somehow I feel the pattern is a bit Spanish in feel? If you like that then go for it, otherwise are there any other b&w patterns that are a tad bit more modern? If that's what you're going for?

Tricky, I can see why you're struggling with this one Malhgold.

Yes. After reconsideration, I also prefer it horizontally......

The round pendants made me think of this backsplash.

{{!gwi}}

Oops! sorry for the double post.

Oh gosh, I unintentionally mislead. Casa Dolce Casa is somewhat affordable and widely available. I loved the small damask on white.

This is $300!
{{!gwi}}

My second choice was $160 per sq ft. Now I'm thinking zinc sheeting for $100 total!

Here is a link that might be useful: Ken Mason Tile

Well, that's pretty, too, Bmore. :-)

I don't think I agree that the glass tiles should be larger format to work. These small ones will create an all-over look, rather than a 'separate tile' look. Like using a textured wall paper or textile instead of separate pieces? Not the greatest description, but I hope it explains.

I just have to jump in and say I like the first tile on the horizontal. I think it would be beautiful!

I do love the white ovals, too. I saw these when out shopping tile stores. They weren't right for my house, but they made me wonder if I could find a home for them at my office (mid-century mod design). They sure are fun...but not sure I'd want to clean them behind the cooktop!

Bmore - I was a little surprised when you said that the Casa dolce Casa product was $300 sq/ft. I've loved quite a few of their tiles, and while some of them are on the pricier side, I didn't think they went that high.

beekeeperswife - unfortunately by the time I contacted Ken Mason for the arabesque tile they didn't have any white left. I was so disappointed, especially since they were selling the overstock for $7.50 sq/ft!!

beekeeperswife - could this be the website that you asked the salesperson about? www.archceramics.com

The b/w tiles and arabesque tile pictured above are from a tile place in NY called Mosaic House. The best part is that they'll do the tile renderings if you send them a pic of your kitchen.

honeysucklevine - do you have a source for those hex's? There intriguing. I'd like to see what other colors they come in. Maybe those are too creamy??

Here is a link that might be useful: Mosaic House

I'm getting all my tiles through Mosaic House. They're really great to work with. Nothing is installed yet, but I have all the tiles in my foyer. The cement tiles are really stainy. You'll have to seal the heck out of them behind your range. That kitchen with the pro48 is in my inspiration file, too, though I didn't ultimately go that direction. I do think the giant tiles would look great on your wall. You have a lot going on already. I'm kind of wanting something simple and large scale on that wall.

malhgold--that could be it, but my antivirus software won't let me view the link to "their private collection". If you get in there and see something like I was describing, let me know. You can tell, it is a variety of white glass tiles--frosted, clear, different lengths, and sizes, like I said there was even a 2x6 in the mix. Really nice. The name of the white is snow. And I think they might call it a blend.

I love that PRO48, it's my "dream" frig! My son saw the pic today and said he loved that refrigerator and asked why we didn't get that one. I told him $12,000 is why we didn't get it.

That large white subway looks to be a 6X12. I don't think I've come across that size anywhere. Guess I could cut a 12X12 white tile in half? Would that work?

NOt surprising coming from me, but I really love the first frosted glass tile run horizontally. I think it'll look perfect.

I too picture something large in scale ... but even though I love my own tiles, not sure about ceramic. I think some shine would be awfully cool. Like glass blocks, but flat. Maybe that's too much shine. I am not so good at picturing, which is why I have plain white. :-)

Large scale glass tiles are interesting sounding. Hmm. I agree with segbrown about the shiny.

ps I have a pro48 coming this week. I found a floor model, so it was about what other 48" fridges were.

I think I like the first tiles, run horizontal. Not sure why I prefer the horizontal to the vertical but I just do =) Those arabesque tiles are probably my second pick. The heavily patterned ones get a kudos for impact, but I think I would tire of them quickly if it was my kitchen.

Backsplashes are so darn hard!! Guess I should post mine and ask for opinions soon too. Good luck, I love seeing your kitchen 'in real life' after seeing the progression of layout planning etc. Great job!

The glass tile (mosaic) we used is very similar to the one mahlgold showed, but the pattern repeats less often. I like that one (definitely horizontal in your kitchen), the 1x2 glass tile, the arabesque, and the ovals posted by beekeeperswife--not in any particular order.

I know, this doesn't help at all, but I did want to say which choices I like! :-)

malhgold, I have loved your kitchen since you first showed it, and I cannot wait to see it with your backsplash in place. I personally really like tile #1, not sure of horizontal or vertical though. You have a very sharp, clean space, and I think glass tile # one would fit perfectly. Of course, I am impartial as I love glass tile, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Out of all of your choices I like it the best, but I look forward to the final result.

Best of luck and make sure to show us all what you do!

i don't know if you've reached a decision yet ...can't read through the whole thread! BUT i love the 1st choice of the clear & frosted glass, vertical ...AND THEN i saw the arabesque shaped glass, wow! i love it, but i don't like the scale of those tiles with your pendants. i think that would be my first choice if they were smaller ...about half the size. nice choices!

I like the glass Adko horizontal and I love the patterned tile but you might get tired of that, but it makes a beautiful statement.

Did you happen to see the backsplash tiles posted by Pickle2 on Amberley's thread? Combos of whites and light gray...Looked like they could also be good options for you, if you like them. I really like the Sharkskin and Milk White Mix she shows by Trikeenan. The other is gorgeous, too, but kind of small.

Here is a link that might be useful: Amberley's thread...Tiles way down the page

I am partial to keeping the more monochromatic color range...white, off white or grayish white. I think it's a fabulous look (with your FABULOUS kitchen). I do like the first pic with the frosted and non-frosted tiles, but wonder if it will seem busy. It will probably blend because of the color.

I like your idea of something similar to Segbrown's, using the larger tile to give it a more modern feel. It reminds me more of your dream kitchen pic.

While not at all in your color range, you can see how a larger glass tile can also be stacked and shiny:
{{!gwi}}From Misc photos

I too am a huge fan of your kitchen and think the busier patterns might overwhelm the beautiful modern clean lines.

malhgold-yes, that's it. It took me awhile to look through and try to find it. I'll link the pdf I found that shows a drawing of the blend.

Here is a link that might be useful: cadence brochure

histokitch - I am SOOOOO jealous of your frig purchase. Can't wait to see it in action.

kitchenconfidential - thanks for figuring out who the manufacturer is of that stacked glass tile. They just had it set on the board without a name.

Rhome- I've always like the Trikeenan tiles, but I don't really think I want a color mix on this wall because of the "mixed" brick tiles on the fireplace.

firsthouse - those glass tiles look fabulous!! Can you tell me who makes them? That might be a perfect fit and I'm liking them stacked.

kateskourous - the arabesque aren't glass, they're actually cement. I've seen smaller ones, but I didn't think the smaller scale worked. I'm actually not feeling the arabesque so much anymore. While I love the pattern, I think it could get old. I'd be much better off doing it in a rug, or a wallpaper on a focal wall, where there is much less of a commitment.

Seems that "glass" in some form is the way to go. Now I just need to decide between the mosaic, 1X2's or larger tile. Should be easy!!! LOL!!

beekeeperswife - i must have missed your post when I was posting. Thanks for linking the pdf. I'm still undecided on a mosaic on the wall, but I might call their NY showroom and request a sample of their 6X12 tile. Their colors look so crisp!!

firsthouse - what size is the tile in you kitchen? where did you purchase it from?

Thanks!

Mahlgold: That's my SIL's new kitchen. Just finished at Holidays. Mine is no where near done (boo hiss!)....I emailed her about the tiles. Stay tuned.

Mahlgold: The backsplash is from Artistic Tile, opera glass, 6"x12" (ovation color). You can look online at "www.artistictile.com" The colors are difficult to tell online. You can check to see where the distributor is in your area.

Thanks so much. Earlier today I had received a recommendation on this board for a designer from Artistic Tile so I'll be heading there next week. When i was looking around on their website I noticed they had the 6X12 size and was very excited. Thanks again!!!

I can't get any pictures to load, but have you seen the Studio Moderne collection from Walker Zanger? Some really nice patterned tiles, in large format, large patterns (patterns are in texture, not color). I will work on getting a picture

Thanks petepie- i have seen the studio moderne line and really like a couple of the patterns!! The ones I really like I think are too big of a scale for the space. Plus, with the windows and hood, I think it would be difficult to really get the full impact of the patterns.