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How do you chose the Backsplash?

11 years ago

Hi,

I'm new to this board and I see too many interesting discussions here. We are upgrading our kitchen and so far we have:

Ceramic Tiles on the floor (we did not change these), kind of beige. (square 12x12)

Maple Kitchen cabinets, in dark color

Ivory Island Cabinets

Quartzite Countertop for both, kitchen and island. The color is close to floor tiles, it's called Taj Mahal

The only thing we have not selected yet is the backsplash. My question is, you select the backsplash that goes with countertop, or with floor? Our floor is cheap and there are just regular square tiles, and I don't know how it will look if we chose 45 degree tiles for backsplash, or subway tiles?

Please advise:)

Thank you

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Comments (3)

peonybush
11 years ago
I would select the backsplash to coordinate with the countertop. Start with inspiration pictures. What look catches your eye? Bring lots and lots and lots of samples home. They will look different in your space than they do in the store. Think outside the box a bit...what you think you're unsure about may actually look great. Sometimes plain, simple and classy is best with a busy pattern. I had samples sitting all over the counters. Post pics here for advice.
Sounds like you are not crazy about the flooring. Perhaps with the right countertop and backsplash, that will steal the show and the floor won't be so noticeable.
Good luck with your search.
Annie Deighnaugh
11 years ago
welcome to the board.

it would be most helpful if you could post pictures.

There are lots of ways to approach a backsplash. One way is to use it to tie all the colors together in the kitchen.

Google kitchen backsplash and select images and you will find many pictures to give you inspiration.

For example, you may use a mosaic and cut it into strips or dots to use as accents in the backsplash against a solid field to tie the look together

Most important though is the backsplash needs to look excellent with the counter top as those two materials end up touching each other...it only needs to blend with the flooring.
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All great suggestions! Boxerpups - Your images are very helpful, thank you. Do you mind my asking where you got the photo you posted at the link below? (I'd like to know what countertop material that is, and where I can get that same backsplash. This is exactly what I want to do with my kitchen. Thanks again!) http://s620.photobucket.com/albums/tt283/boxerpups22/Kitchens%20three/?action=viewÃÂ¤t=e51b22e4.jpg
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I told my husband that my friends on my forum are recommending a floor that is not so blue/gray as this, and he was surprised because it seemed more warm than gray to him. (Although I should say that he is leaving all the choices to me.) So, instead of depending on my poor photography skills, I'm posting internet images of it that are better renditions. And this is the door, although this looks pinker and less golden than the samples I've seen (including the sample I artificially aged in the sun for weeks!) And the Corian glacier white counter: Cpartist asks: What are the colors in the rest of your house? I am redoing everything and have not chosen a paint color or furniture. The owner of the flooring shop suggested a mustard yellow with this floor, which thought would look awesome with the white and blue backsplash I posted. I was envisioning something like wall color in the picture showcasing the corian counter top but a bit lighter. Cpartist also says: Also there is a tile similar to your last one that also picks up touches of the Browns from the cabinets. Can't think of its name right now If you think of it, please let me know, since this was the first backsplash that I really felt right about. Thank you!!!
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Fori, and you could even take that expensive backsplash with you when you move! Stick and peel! Seriously, the Quake putty is great for putting up samples. My designer and GC kind of laughed when I first started using it, but I think they have both bought their own supply now! You do need to figure out how much you need to use, specially for a heavier tile, so just start out placing it right above the counter so that if it falls it doesn't have far to go. It it falls use more putty at each corner and press harder. Since I do have the potential of earthquakes here, I have also started using some for vases and other stuff that would not survive a fall.
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It sounds like the grout wasn't washed off well during installation. Be careful because you could damage the porcelain trying to get this off. I would consult with a tile specialist. You'll likely need some special cleaning agent.
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cawaps
11 years ago
I really think that backsplash choice is an area where people would benefit from creating a mood board. There have been a few people on this board who were so unhappy with the look of their new backsplash that the tore it out and replaced it, and I think the problem is the people just can't visualize the effect of pattern and color from a small sample to the actual proportions and orientations of the finished kitchen.

I don't know if you've checked out the Design Around This threads, but they are basically an exercise in creating mood boards around specific themes. There is a thread that has tips and tools for how to do one yourself (see link). You don't need to have Photoshop or be a professional graphic designer to mock up something that will help you visualize how your kitchen will look with different choices.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to do a mood board

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