I cannot help you with the mock-ups; I am thrilled with my ability to post a photo... but I did see your previous post and thought that those were very good solutions. However, honestly, after seeing this one I prefer this one. I am having some difficulty figuring out what the material of the background tile is though.At first I think it is a mixture of brown-tan-trey tiles, but a little bit looks metallic? Overall, though I think it is very harmonious and less contemporary which I like. I think it really would compliment your kitchen in a more soothing way. -

They are stainless steel and copper. Do you really think it's less contemporary? Is it too modern? I am telling you, I have just about had it with this counter. AHHHHHHH! I am truly ready to break it into pieces and lay them on the ground as a path and start over. I guess if I just keep searching, eventually I'll have to come up with something.

OMG carters5 - those are GORGEOUS.

I think those would look great in your kitchen!

I would classify it as contemporary, not modern. But who cares about classifications? That there's some kitchen bling - love it!

Otay-- well that is why I asked what the material was because at first glance I thought it was some sort ot tile with copper insets. Then it did have a metallic sheen so I was not sure. (gotta love computer monitors huh?).Anyway I do still like it and I think its more the pattern that I prefer to the more severe look of the other predecessors. Honestly they were lovely as well and color wise they worked, but I do think this one is more interesting, and to me, seems like it would be easier to live with.
(and I totally can relate to your frustration in finding something. I have not started the backsplash quest yet but I can only imagine)

Okay then. Here are a few more I found on mglasstile.com. I think some of these might be overwhelming for the overall backsplash but what about just behind the cooktop? I didn't post the picture but I have the other end of the kitchen has a separate counter area I need to consider as well as the sides attached to the cooktop area. Keep in mind that idea of instead of blending and boring I think it needs that bit of focus at the cooktop area so it should stand out a little, preferably towards contemporary and not a traditional or country feel.
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Yowza, that's a lot of gorgeous stuff to work with! Hey everyone, I'm around! Carters5, I'll work on it tonight. I'm trying to finish up my neighbor's tattoo design (don't ask!:0) and I promised DH I'd wax his car this afternoon (he waxed mine and our "fun" car yesterday so it's only fair!). But I'll play with it tonight.

Robin

The possibilities with backsplashes are limitless and so are the frustrations in choosing one. Have you searched the FKB backsplash slideshow to see what appeals to you most? I ask that because I'm thinking that a combination of a couple of the different styles might work; especially behind the hood. You could create a border or design something more intricate in that location making it a true focal point. I personally would try to incorporate some of the glass because it pulls in the darker color of your cabs. I'd like to see that mixed in with one of the ligher color larger tiles. I do love the bamboo style one as that is a personal fav style of mine. However, it does bring in some blue/grays which you would then have to be open to in accessories. The metal would give you a nice clean look and matches beautifully but I would question how/if the copper will "patina". That wouldn't work in a backsplash for me.

Robin----Thanks so much! I thought maybe I was working you too hard and you took a break from GW. So happy to see you are here! I think I am really interested in the first one. Although it does seem to have the blue/gray I am wondering just how strong they are. I might have to bite the bullet again and order some large sheets of each. I am afraid the latter ones will come out much too yellow and since the counter is already that tone, I want to stay away from them, but I couldn't help how beautiful they are and thought I would give them a try. At least the top one has all of the kitchen colors and should make a nice blend. As far as bordering something, I think it will be too busy for me. I like the simplicity of just lines.

Thanks Robin. Can't wait to see them. Don't kill yourself getting this done. I see between your husband and children, you already have your hands full. I can wait patiently.

can somebody stop this ride? i want to get off....

carters...put DOWN the credit card....slowly step AWAY from the tile store.

That's EXACTLY how I feel edlakin. How would you like to come by and do this for me? You just wouldn't believe how hard it is to find something for this particular countertop. I am NOT that picky, honest. It's just that without the perfect backsplash, the kitchen is ruined and we all know that once we do it, it's a done deal, (unless you are rich enough to yank it out)!!

Here ya go, I'll work on some of the others and load them up, too.
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Robin

I fiddled with this a few hours ago and then got busy and forgot to post it (duh). Sorry.
I also didn't resize the tile pic so it's likely off, in scale, to the cabinets etc.
Here goes anyway :)

Dawn

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Here's the pearly one. Don't know why I chose that one to do next other than the fact that it's pretty. I think it may be too yellow for your kitchen but here it is anyway...
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Here is a mockup I threw together.

Note to anyone asking for mockups:

- It is much easier to mock up using manufacturer's photos than ones taken in your home because too many shadows are thrown by the camera, making the mockup look like a patchwork quilt.

- Removing stuff on the counter and other surfaces will help speed up the process considerably.

- Taking a nice straight on shot (like Carters5 photo) works best.

- Mentioning the tile size (i.e., 1"x2" subway) helps properly proportion the mockup to your kitchen.

Jodi-

okay, the second mock up I did was tile #2 in the batch of tile photos you posted. These are #1 and #3...I don't really like either one, but it's hard to get a real feel for it when all the tiles are exactly the same, ya know? Not so much variation as there would be if you bought multiples of the same tile. But here they are anyway.

Tile #1
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Tile #3
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I see I cross posted with a couple of other people doing mock ups. Jodi's right, the shadows make it look like a patchwork quilt and like I said, the lack of variation in the tile makes it difficult. Also, lighting is a factor. I try to flip the tile and work it in to give it more of a random pattern sometimes. I assumed these are 12x12 sheets of tile and scaled them all the same. Still not to scale in your kitchen, but figuring the normal space between countertop and cabinets is 18", I have two tile sheets (24") in that space. So they are smaller than they would really be. Didn't think about that while I was actually doing the mock-ups! DUH! LOL!

Anyway, I'll let others take over for a while if they want to.

Robin

Wow, it sure is amazing to see them up. My computer shows them a little more green overall than the actual picture I posted. I have to say though, I think I will actually like the design of the very first sample I posted. I think the straight design will be the best choice in keeping it contemporary. I am going to order a few samples and take a look in person. Thank you both for helping and to everyone else for their opinions!

That pearly one is pretty but agreed that it's probably too yellow. I like the first sample a lot.

I think the first choice is beautiful and goes well with the floor. I think the others fight the lines of the floor too much.