Hi, I dunno where you are in France, but if you're in the northern part of France (Loire valley and farther north), you should be able to find real slate tiles intended for outdoor terrace/patio paving in any DIY store. I do not see why you could not use those as a backsplash. If you're in the south, it is almost impossible to find slate as it is not considered a local material ... If you're looking for a better selection of tiles than the ones at Castorama and Leroy-Merlin, you should look at stores that are specialized in tiles and sanitaryware (here in Paris area, they are called CMR or Espace Aubade). I personnaly think that a slate backsplash would provide too much contrast ... I would look for a white/cream tile with a matte finish but an interesting texture (like the "Clays" series for Casamood) or something that evokes concrete ('Zoom' from Villeroy&Boch, 'Masterplan' from Lea Ceramiche in 'Grigio' shade), or glass mosaic with metallic effects (Vetro Metallico from Casamood). The later would recall the mettalic touch of your countertops ... As a side note, I've never seen a good looking 'wall' tile here, I always use tiles intended for floors ... links : Ceramiche Lea 'Masterplan': http://www.ceramichelea.it/acm-on-line/fr/Home/produits/collections/cardCatmasterplan.33.1.20.2.html Villeroy&Boch Zoom : http://www.villeroy-boch.com/fr/fr/home/produits/carreaux/pieces-a-vivre.html?sid=Zoom Casamood 'Clays' : http://www.casamood.com/serie.asp?id=107&idlv=108&idd=108&idcol=4&num=4

It's funny, but we didn't choose our glass tile backsplash because it was popular, or even trendy (didn't realize it was!). It just "went" with our (contemporary) style and it worked beautifully with all the elements that made up our kitchen--our flat panel/slab door (light cherry) cabinets, our soft black granite, SS appliances and sink, and satin nickel, SS, and chrome accessories. It had a certain something that made it special, without overwhelming everything else we'd chosen, which is exactly what we'd wanted for our backsplash. In fact, when I first saw the sample boards in the store, I thought it had an almost retro, late 60's/70's mod look!

Thanks all for the compliments...camarogranny--interesting ideas about the glass mosaics, and positano, I love the crackle tile too, so I'll keep that in mind. I may post a follow up of some finalists and see what people think. Does anyone have an opinion about the 4" backsplash? Keep it? The lighting, which I feared would be way too big when it arrived, but which everyone seems to think are great (whew!), are from Troy Lighting, "Maidstone" is the style pendant. Found them on line. And Positano, I was so close to getting Costa Esmeralda too--it's a beautiful stone. I made the roman shades in the dining room--if you sew, it's not an advanced project (I really only do remedial sewing) but I now need more shades for the kitchen and I may do what you were thinking too--just add the ribbon. Doesn't sound like there are too many strong opinions about whether to keep the mirrors or the backsplash--my pictures may have been a little far off too. Here are a few tiles I've been staring at! Thanks again people...such fun to get all these opinions! Here is a link that might be useful: pics of tile ideas...

Raehelen, maybe some of us don't want to be finished because then we would have less of an excuse to drop in on GW! My husband thinks addicted. I'm proud to call myself TKO and I love this community! We do have one tiny unfinished business: still trying to get our danged granite people to come out and make a hole for a dishwasher air switch. We've been asking for almost a year. ADVICE TO EVERYONE ON GRANITE: Make sure you know everything you're going to want on your counter (faucets, hot water thing-y, etc.) when you order your granite, cuz they ain't gonna come back for one little thing! We are learning this the hard way. We even tried this weekend to rent a drill to make the hole ourselves -- how hard can it be, we thought? But the rental place didn't have anything suitable. So we're back to groveling with the granite fabricator.