I guess ceramic subways are out of the question? Maybe with a line of glass mosaics in yellow a row or two from the bottom? I think that would give a nod to the nostalgia/age of the home but bring in some pop and the color that you've incorporated into your kitchen with the wall color. The ceramic subways are generally cheaper than slate (I think?), and with only a little bit of the pricy tile interspersed, it wouldn't be all that expensive. I think Bill V. usually says that Dal-Tile is perfectly acceptable tile to use--and I take what he says like the gospel!!

I'm (personally) not a big fan of the tin ceiling tile backsplash look. Can't really tell you why--no real rationale. I know some people really like it. For a real budget makeover for the backsplash in an old country home, I prefer painted beadboard.

(oh, and do you have pictures of the rest of your kitchen and/or house? I have an 1870's Victorian farmhouse and rarely get to sneak a peek at other homes of the same age!!)

Looks great--and I love the stainless/white combo on your appliances!!

:)
Sarah

Here's what I was thinking--I have saved these in my inspiration folder for two years. I think they're from kgwlisa's kitchen, maybe? Imagine yellow (or whatever color you'd want) in place of the green:

:)sarah

I found the tile thread ;-) though it's probably out of the budget - it's meredith tiles iron gate

http://meredithtile.com/irongate/

I was going to suggest bead board, but i'd think it would be a pain to keep clean behind the stove. Daltile subways are only a few dollars per sq ft. We're doing subways (but with a crackle) for our backsplash in our 1850s victorian.

You can find ceramic tile at a Re-store for really cheap. Also, closeouts at a tile store or even plain white intalled with a little creativity from HD or Lowes. Even try craigslist. I know Lowes/HD sells the slate mosaic for about $10 a sq. ft. They come on a mesh sheet. If you picked up some plain tile, you could always cut them into 2" strips and use them as an accent. This can be done very inexpensively. I do think it would give it a more finished look and work with the feel your going for.

Thanks all! I love the subways with a little glass or other sort of "interest" tile. I'll have to go look and see what's out there.

SarahandBray, thanks, you can see more pics of our house here. It's not big (1900 SF or so?) and never had a ton of detail, but it has been well cared for in its past years so we feel really lucky to have found it.

Mary

Here is a link that might be useful: House

I wanna see the outside. ;-) I adore your balusters. I'm trying to recreate a victorian staircase in our home (remodel) - I love seeing pics of originals. (Ours had been killed by some PO.)

Hi
I have tin, on my ceiling, I think it would be difficult to keep clean as a backsplash. I think I would go to a tile of some sort.