Very do-able, and if I were doing subways [I'm not], I'd definetly go with a herringbone. I 'get' the running bond look, but I've seen it so much lately it doesn't have much impact anymore. But combining with the tin could be a little tough: tin tiles [I assume we are talking about the embossed ceiling tiles] are generally too large and the wrong size to integrate easily. So I'd do the herringbone with no accent all around the room, then switch to a more 'picture frame' look with subways, chair rail and mitered corners over the range. I'd choose the tin tile [or tiles or medallion] now, and have it glued to a flame proof MDF for mounting. Then I'd screw [using the pattern of the tile to camoflauge the screw heads] the assembly to the wall and have the tile laid to fit around it exactly. This will give you the option of unscrewing the tin tiles at some point down the road and replaceing it with a mosaic or other accent piece without disturbing the subway frame. Since the tin could be painted, you could change it to match your accent color as often as you please. If you wanted to get *really whacky*, you could even buy enough tin now for several different centers, paint/finish them differently, and change them out with the seasons. But choose the tin carefully: it needs to be interesting, but not so textured as to catch grease, and rigid enough to take a good scrubbing without squishing.

Hi Jennifer, I JUST finished my kitchen and have pressed tin as a backsplash. We did it in stainless steel as it is the most durable. Look at my pictures in the post "French Country Kitchen". I think it's still on page 1. You can see some pics in the post, others (closeups of the backsplash) on my photobucket site that is linked. Although it's still new (2 months old maybe), we are finding it really easy to keep clean. Mostly, we just wipe it with a sponge. Hit it with some SS spray once a week or so. I am a frequent and messy cook, so it's getting dirty. Install was not so easy. My GC had never worked with it and neither had any of his guys. The cabinet installer (a real artist) did it and learned as he went - and cut his fingers a lot as it's really sharp. He bought some special blade which helped. Did an excellent job. There are some companies that make a pressed tin "look", without it being cumbersome to work with. I think those are all meant to be painted though. The look is gorgeous and unique - go for it.

I think they are beautiful. I considered it in my old house, but ended up using leftover tile instead since it was "free." Cost varies greatly. I've seen real tin panels and their price ranges from $15-30/panel depending on the finish; copper patina was most expensive. The fake ones, which look pretty darn good IMHO, are usually less about $8-15/panel if you shop around. Another option is embossed wallpaper that you can paint, which is very inexpensive.

The tinning scrubs off real fast, then it rusts. It's OK in an area where you don't need to scrub. Keep looking.