It sounds like it could work. Initially, I thought it would look busy but you said you checked that. Can you buy a sample, hold it up there, see how it looks. If too busy, try a larger hex style.

I'd love to see a sample, too, but I think it sounds very cool. And basically, if you like it, go for it!

I think this kind of tile is only found in turn of the century bathroom floors for a reason: Given its shape and grout lines, it's very busy for most walls applications. This is not to say that it absolutely can't work in your kitchen, but I don't think the best visual check is to lay the soapstone against against your bathroom floor. Can you get a sample sheet of the tile, stand it upright against the wall, and next to the cab and the soapstone? If so, please share a photo of that arrangement with us.

Very bathroomy, especially in white. Historically appropriate for you house, but with a twist in this application, which would be interesting. Maybe you could use them in larger than 1" size, or in marble?

little:

2" found on ebay linked below. I think it would look unique. I like it!

Here is a link that might be useful: 2

Hmm, I agree with the poster who said it looks very bathroomy. What about going to something like a penny round? Same idea but more up-to-date. These come in white and white marble as well as colors; I believe Walker Zanger even has a mix of them in white, black & gray.

I think that would look great. Why does it seem bathroomy. I considered using penny tile for my backsplash - kind of wish I had. Go with what you like, you're the only one who has to like it. That with soapstone - beautiful.

I think it is a good idea. I even think I recall seeing white hex on both kitchen counters and backsplash somewhere before... maybe in the photos in a Rejuvenation lighting catalog a while back? If you like it, go for it!

Thank you for all of your thoughtful comments. I am so torn between being very traditional and just going with the white subway vs.trying something a little different. What backsplashes have you seen with soapstone that you have really liked?

I had a childhood friend who had an old house with original tile like that on her kitchen counter...which isn't too far from the backspalsh (as opposed to bathroom)! I agree it's mostly found on bathroom floors (including mine) but I've seen it on countertops more than once and I know someone on this forum has it or is about to have it on his or her countertop too. I think it's fun to combine tradition with being unique. :)

my soapstone has alot of green in it, so I have a green subway tile. It's bit more green than it shows in the pics.
It's Winchester tile called Sudbury.

Sounds nice to me.

Two traditional materials, you tried them together and liked them. Sounds like a solution!

And I think some old home people think "bathroom". But not everyone has that frame of reference. The vast majority of people have never seen a hex bathroom. I have them in my 1950's pink bathroom shower, and I wouldn't think -- ew, bathroom. I love them.

People put granites, which are busy by nature, and those little 1" square glass tiles together all the time. This is DEFINITELY more peaceful.

You might consider, though, that I believe most hexes are floor tile, and the surface is unglazed so people don't slip. This may mean it would need to be sealed or otherwise treated, or it might be hard to clean.

Good luck!

I like. With white grout, I don't see a problem. They make 4" hex tiles, as well, if you want to go even bigger.

I think using traditional materials in a non-traditional way could look very cool. I would get a sample board of the hex tile and see both the tile and soapstone in their proper planes. Love the idea of pennyrounds too. I saw some absolutely gorgeous ones in the tile stores.

Well, Growlery, is right on that frame of reference. Since 1" hex tile is the flooring for 3 of the bathrooms in my old house, that's the association I have with it!:-) At any rate, if this tile is really the one that pleases you most, I say go for it! No point in having a bunch of "what ifs" after the fact, only because you didn't follow your heart as you were making critical decisions.

In the meantime, and since you asked, here's are a few photos of my calacatta d'oro mosaic backsplash. It's really very similar to the hex tiles of your fancy but, of course, the differences are in coloring and shape. These tiles are 5/8" x 1.25" in size and typical Calacatta colors -- cream white /gray/goldish. I believe the grout is silver shadow. The soapstone is Green Mountain Original PA -- primarily dark black when oiled with only very random non-white veining.

if it isn't too late, I love the idea. I found one pic that might help?

Here is a link that might be useful: hex backsplash on kohler site - click on kitchen tab