I don't see why you couldn't make them even. Just extend the tile higher on the sink side. Or, you could stairstep it down next to the stove.

Thanks sandra12, that's an idea I hadn't thought of. Does anyone else have thoughts on if it's better to be even or uneven?

I love it! I think it will look good to do the tile on both sides. It's up to you if you prefer to have the same height then you can extend it like sandra12 said-or if you leave it uneven I think it would be fine that way too! It will be so beautiful! Post them when he is done doing the tile again!

My vote would be to extend the tile to the height of the stove wall -- kitchen looks great - can't wait to see it all together

I think you need to borrow a page out of of Francy's tile backsplash book, and do a mockup! Should be easy enough to find construction paper in a sage green color, cut squares the size of your tile and start gluing! If you tape the rows in question, you can move them around till it please the eye- cud even post pics here for more opinions.

After looking at this more, you could use just one (height) of tile on each end. I don't know what kind of tiles you are using, but, when we did our kitchen, we just used one tile (high) when we came around the corner. It is sort of hard to see in this picture, but, it is where the canisters are.
{{!gwi}}

I think running them to different heights and doing the stair step down on each side would look nice.

Mocking it up, as suggested is an excellant idea to "really" get a feel for what you like.

Thanks everyone for your advice.
The tile installer was just here and he thought
#1 should definitely do tile to the left of the range
#2 we could either chose to keep tile low, just under window
#3 OR we could bring tile up to cabinet height around the window and onto the wall to match the other side

He is very experienced (w/ design background) and felt that it would be best for the tile to match in height all around the kitchen. I'm a little worried about so much tile. He did bring the tile and I just love it so that's good news.

Any thoughts?

pic of window and wall (tile would go about 6 inches up from the the base of the window corners)

Tile (photo taken by my 3 year old :-))

Definitely bring it up to the height of the stove side of the room.

Hi Casey -
I am in complete agreement that you should use some construction paper, a create a mock up.... even if it isn't using the small squares, it will give you a feel for the coverage. We were in a similar predicament where we had different things happening at the ends of our counters... one with upper cabinets, and one going to an open wall. They were on opposite walls (as there was a 'U') from one side of the counter to the other.

I pulled out construction paper & tried a variety of things. I decided that by going to the full cabinet height on my wall without a cabinet, it looked too massive, and I didn't want to draw attention to that area. Instead, I went lower (above the light switches/plates). It's a tough decision... but remember, there is "technically" no right or wrong answer. The answer is what you like.

Good luck!

I love your tiles. What brand/style are they?

What about no tile at all on either side walls? Then hang a great picture on the wall next to sink.

paddytc - that was our plan all along but then we started thinking that it would be much better to have tile next to the range b/c of splashing.

annes arbor - the tiles are Craftsman Series in "cypress"(see link below) There's also a link to photos on the web page

Think we're leaning toward doing the same height all around after holding up the tile sheets. I'm hoping it looks great. Will share pictures with everyone when it's done. Thanks for your advice. All of these decisions are so overwhelming!

Here is a link that might be useful: craftsman series tiles

paddytc - that was our plan all along but then we started thinking that it would be much better to have tile next to the range b/c of splashing.

annes arbor - thanks! the tiles are Craftsman Series in "cypress"(see link below) There's also a link to photos on the web page

Think we're leaning toward doing the same height all around after holding up the tile sheets. I'm hoping it looks great. Will share pictures with everyone when it's done. Thanks for your advice. All of these decisions are so overwhelming!

Here is a link that might be useful: craftsman series tiles

I like the idea of doing it cabinet height on the sink wall too. Would look nice!

Not good at this, but, did a little mock up for you. Hope this helps!
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Sandra12 - thank you so much! Really helps to see it in different ways. I feel like the stair step is too busy for me and wondered if still the same height makes it look complete. But perhaps too much tile?

I prefer just the single tiles coming out the edge, but that is me. I don't think the tiles all the way up will look bad though.

Hi Casey,
What a pretty timeless kitchen! You say your countertops are "AB Silk" -sorry for my ignorance, but what in the world is that? It's gorgeous!
Lynn

Thanks bestyears. The countertops are Absolute Black honed granite, but instead of smooth they're a bit textured/bumpy. This is called "silk" or "satin" finish from what my granite guy says. We really like the look of it -- tiny little "rice" grains so it's not flat black and the textured feel makes it seem a bit more natural/organic to me.

Very nice kitchen! I would not do stairstep because it completely clashes with the lines of your kitchen. I think not tiling the side wall for the sink is the best -- just do under the windows.

I too am curious about the counters!

Casey,

I still vote to tile behind sink and stove area and no tile on either side wall. I don't think you are going to have too much splashing on the side wall by the stove. Plus you can always wipe down painted wall if you get something on it. If you want tile I vote for the single tiles to edge.

Beautiful tiles.
Thanks, sandra 12 for the mock-ups. Much easier than imagining.

For me, the first mock-up with the stair stepping gives some "movement" to the kitchen, which I like.

The second one with the three rows of tile seems too crowded and boxy to me. Too much of a good thing!

The third picture of just one tile is has a nice simplicity to it. This would be my first choice, but I like things simple, rather than showy. With one tile, I think it might look more complete to tile on the side walls.

The question is (as always): Do you want the tiles be a focal point, or to play nicely with the other elements/colors in the kitchen?

(Your three-year-old is a good photographer!)

Here is what we did on the end.