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Procrastinating.... need backsplash ideas.

13 years ago

So the demo begins in approximately one hour. I need to call my fabricator/stone guy and order my soapstone. I also need to continue researching appliances, since I need all new ones and the GC will need to know measurements soon. I also need to decide banquette or no banquette so I can tell my lighting guy where to hang my lights-- which brings me to another item, I need to be picking out lights! So what am I doing instead of all of these other things? Worrying about my backsplash!! I know, it goes in last and many people do not decide until months or years after their remodel. This I know. But for some reason I cannot seem to pull the trigger on the soapstone which I love and adore until I can find a backsplash. My kitchen has red oak natural stained floors, white lidingo ikea cabinets and black soapstone counters with light white veining. I was going to do white or marble subways, but someone mentioned that for my 1957s ranch.. it might be the right look. Thoughts?

I really would like something white-ish since I do not want to commit to a color, nothing busy, flashy or trendy. Ideas? Or should I just stick with the subways?

Also I have not picked a paint color and my kitchen/dining area will open up to living room which has the same redoak floors. No color help from that room so to speak since we are moving all that furniture into the basement soon and getting new once the kitchen remodel is over. All of it is too large for the smallish space. Thanks in advance.

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Comments (10)

francoise47
13 years ago
What about subway tiles in a longer, narrower profile like a 2" x 8"?
Daltile "Modern Dimensions" has a tile in that size that is readily available, even at HD on special order, I believe.

I've been seeing those a lot and really like the look on 2" by 8" tiles in the traditional and transitional kitchens I've been seeing lately. I'm even thinking of using them in my "1920s" kitchen instead of the classic 3" by 6" subway tiles.
cplover
Original Author
13 years ago
Francoise47-Those are really nice! Could you still do a running bond pattern or would you just stack them (I don't know the term for that)?
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didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )
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Thanks mayflowers. I am sure people are tired of looking at my kitchen at this point, but this is such a hard decision, because it is so permanent! The two ideas I am now considering are: (1) your idea of cream tile matching the wall color (though I cannot really find one that truly comes close to the wall color) and (2) still considering a sage green tile, but I feel like that may take away from my green shelves. I am considering square, rectangular sizes/ different layouts of tiles at this point at this point. as for area, I am just considering doing the area under the wall from the cabinet to the left of the stove to under the microwave. May or may not run it up in the corner to the first green shelf. I am also going to leave the area in the third picture without a backsplash (the pic with the glass cabinets).
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Are you changing the lighting in the next phase of your project? One center fixture is not the best way to light a kitchen. You will want to get samples of several different tiles that you think might work and look at them in your kitchen. If you are planning on changing the lighting, you shouldn't evaluate tile samples until you have the final lighting in place. Look at the samples on both walls and at different times of the day and under artificial lighting to make sure you're seeing them in all conditions before you pick one. Lighting has a tremendous impact on how we see color. That's why no one can recommend a specific tile to you online.
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I agree, with everything white and black, with very neutral floor, you could choose any color. Pick one that you love. I would probably do the normal sea glass color that I often see with back painted glass. I am always drawn to that color. A rich teal blue would be pretty. An apple green is very cheerful and inviting to me. A vase full of sunflowers would look really nice too! Blues are very soothing. I have been seeing tons of purple kitchens lately. This is another teal, but with more green. I like this one too! Here is a grey with a hint of green. Much too safe and very blah to me. Anyways, I just randomly picked colors from the color wheel on my ipad app. Have fun with it! Enjoy your new kitchen!
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francoise47
13 years ago
I am going to do a brick, subway-style running bond. It creates a nice blend of modern and traditional that way.
cplover
Original Author
13 years ago
Francoise47- I AGREE COMPLETELY!! :) Have you ordered or seen a sample in white? From what I have read my Lidingo Ikea cabinets are BM Simply White. So I am wondering how the whites will compare.
cplover
Original Author
13 years ago
Francoise47- I also noticed that the Daltile Natural Hues collection, which has more choices in neutral and colors, also comes in 2x8s.

Here is a link that might be useful: Daltile - Natural Hues
lavender_lass
13 years ago
Newbie- I know this isn't the size tile you're looking for, but I really like the pale gray grout, rather than the white. The first few pictures are really pretty. Would something like that, work for your kitchen?

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to backsplash pictures
cplover
Original Author
13 years ago
I do like the pale gray/silvery grout--especially with the gray veining from the marble. Would have to see it with dark countertops to see if I like it as much. Thanks for the photos!
rosie
13 years ago
Newbie, white's a great choice for your kitchen. You know that and always wanted it and want it now, so...settled, right? You've explored shapes, but it really sounds like you did and do want subways, or another horizontal shape, so...almost home there too? As for "appropriateness," the one thing more time-honored than anything else in decor is a melding of the various styles and materials available during the life of a home. :)
cplover
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Rosie! I was hoping to find other options that white and subway-ish tiles. But I have looked at tons of photos and have not found something new. I was hoping some GW'ers might have other ideas.
Jody
13 years ago
Have you thought of using the 4x8 subway tiles??? I have seen a few pics of these and they look lovely. I think they would look great with your soapstone.

jody

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