I agree with you; it's a nice twist from what we see all the time. I wonder if there is a way to find out who makes it from the ad agency who handles the La Cornue account....I also considered glass tiles but they didn't have the right warmth factor-I may use them in my laundry room instead because they are pretty and wanted to try to find a way to include them somewhere. Maybe someone else will recognize these.

redroze,
that is a very nice look. a quick internet search came up with Ann Sacks having a 2" x 8" subway tile (although I am sure you can find it cheaper somewhere else). It comes in lots of colors and there are other decorative pieces you could choose if need be.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ann Sacks tile

Blakey - That's a good idea. I'll see if I can get in touch with someone...there's a website url at the bottom for Purcell Murray. I know what you mean about the lack of warmth for glass tiles. They have an icy look that while nice, somehow doesn't match the warmth of our kitchen and feels much more modern. I realized it wasn't just the shapes that glass tile comes in, but the material itself, that wasn't jiving with my kitchen. I agree, bathrooms would be a great place to do glass tile. I've also seen some pretty foxy fireplace surrounds in the 1x1 mosaic glass tiles.

Check the Daltile site. There's one called Ceramic "Natural Hues". If you scroll down the page, you'll see the various sizes available. They have it in a 2 x 8...not sure if it's matte. See link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Daltile

Those are lovely, redroze.

Just to let you know, we looked at the Daltile laurie_2008 mentions and while is is much less expensive than Ann Sacks (in Colorado I was quoted $7 something per foot, not installed), it has both a slight sheen (not glossy, but not matte either) and a pillow (not a flat surface like the tile pictured above).

Purcell Murray is a showroom (no selling, only demonstrating) in California.

I love edlakin's suggestion of using "brick veneer" as a search phrase ... I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Hmm, they definitely look like the 2x8. I like the Ann Sacks ones...I read a recent post about crazy frieght charges though. I also live in Toronto, Canada whereas the only Canadian city that sells them is Vancouver. I'm going to contact other tile stores to see if they have anything similar.

Redroze --

I think that link to the Ann Sacks tile is actually tile from Heath Ceramics (which Ann Sacks carries). You can order directly from Heath (which is in California, Sausalito, I think). You have to order 25 square feet and the shipping's not cheap but it is the most lovely tile. I included the Heath URL below.

If you get the Heath tile I will have to live vicariously through you. I'd love to have some of it in our kitchen but it's just a bit out of our price range.

Here is a link that might be useful: Heath Ceramics

Thanks a million SW!!

Edlakin and RMKitchen - what makes this style like a brick veneer? Is it the shape of it?

Just today, saw a Daltile tile series that might work for you--Modern Dimensions. Comes in Matte and Semi Gloss (which seemed pretty glossy, BTW), and in a 2x8-ish size.

We're actually considering that series for our downstairs shower walls (in the "gloss" finish, in white)....!

Here is a link that might be useful: Daltile MD

well, it looks like a brick veneer to me because of the size and the finish. the finish of the tile in that picture looks even more matte than matte, if that makes any sense. it's looks like a raw unfinished product. like a brick.

brick veneers are, quite literally, just thinly-sliced bricks. they're pretty common, actually. we considered using them for our backsplash early on in our design phase, but never even got to the point of sourcing.

if you do end up using brick veneer (the real deal, that is, not just something that's 'brick-looking') remember, they're porous and will absorb liquids, splatters, grease...unless you can seal them somehow.

Thanks for the clarity Edlakin! Based on your description, I think that brick veneer would be out of the running because I definitely don't want anything porous and high-maintenance. A matte ceramic would be a much better choice.

Cat_mom - Hello!! You know my backsplash quest very well, since you have that gorgeous glass tile that I have been lusting after!!! As you can see, I decided to go the ceramic tile route. I actually saw the Daltile in person and thought the matte one was perfect, and the perfect size, BUT they didn't have a pure white. On the website, you can see the whitest white they have is Arctic White which is more of a yellowish-white. Argh. I don't understand why they couldn't carry it in a plain white! Our cabinets are matched to Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace which is very white, and I wanted our backsplash to be similar so it doesn't look dirty or stand out weird. Thanks for the lead though!!

Oh wow, now I'll have to go look at the tile again, because it looked pretty white to us on the sample board. Now you have me a little spooked :-(

I think we'd want a "real" white because the shower pan (Kohler acrylic), vanity top/sink, and Toto toilet are all white. Although, I guess a mix of whites would work, too.

A slightly cheaper (than the Daltile) tile we'd looked at was pretty white, but it doesn't come in the size/shape we'd want and I doubt it did in your preferred size or even the matte finish.

Villeroy and Boch makes a flat tile, which appeared to be a good white, and probably comes in matte, might or might not come in the right size/shape (for either of us!), but it's definitely pricier than the Daltile!

redroze:
Believe it or not, I heard back from someone at La Cornue's ad agency(spent way too much time on the computer yesterday finding it) and it is in fact from Heath Ceramics in Sausalito. He didn't give me the specifics but I sent a follow-up request asking for them...very politely! If I learn more, I'll let you know. I think Mamapapapaige may have called it right as an Ann Sacks though.

Blakey - YOU ROCK!!! Thank you so much. Please keep me updated on the details as I'm waiting with abated breath. It if is Ann Sacks, I'm going to call the Vancouver store for a quote. Yesterday, I also got a tile place to quote for a custom-cut tile which I had no idea they could do!

Cat_mom - Didn't mean to spook you! I could swear I saw the Modern Dimensions in person and the whitest white was not very white. BUT I could be wrong and I wouldn't challenge your observation. You've got my hopes up actually. I'll make a trip back to that tile store to do a second look, as I've looked at so much tile lately that my mind's a big foggy. Your bathroom sounds like it's going to be a beauty, as I love white in bathrooms!!

Looks like all signs are pointing to Heath Ceramics. According to the pricing sheet on the Heath website, if I'm reading it correctly, I believe the 2x8 is $28.75/sq feet and you have to order minimum of 25 sq ft. Does that sound right to you, SW_In_Austin?

That would be within our price range, given the glass tile we were looking at was I think $42/sq feet!!

This one looks a lot like the style I want, although this is 3x9 rather than 2x8 (although they do carry 2x8). Just wondering, what do you think of this pattern? It is more of the standard brick style, rather than the "running" style of the ad above.
{{!gwi}}

Here's the 2x8 done vertically (Half-naked guy sold separately...LOL):
{{!gwi}}

I'd most likely go with the Stone White in Matte of course. I'd ask them for a sample first as it's hard to tell on computer.
{{!gwi}}

I think that would go best with our cabinets as they are pretty white.

I think I prefer the set-up of the tile in the LaCornue ad than the shower: the shower picture reads as too ... expected. Does that make sense? It could also be the coloring of the tile in that photo, but as I keep scrolling up-and-down, down-and-up, I like the way the LaCornue picture is just a little "off," meaning it's not super-traditional. It doesn't interrupt the eye (at least my eye isn't thrown off by its pattern), but it also doesn't completely fade away (as the shower pattern does for me).

My fingers are crossed you like the color! This could be really exciting.

I saw the owners of Heath Ceramics on a (US) HGTV Landscapers' Challenge episode, and I appreciated that they are modest and in fact live in a twee house with a crappy yard. I mean, formerly crappy! They used some of their tiles in their landscape.

Oh by the way...I wouldn't do the "variation" tile in the pics above, meaning it would be all the same colour as in the La Cornue ad. Our granite is busy with different colours, so I want the backsplash to be all one colour. I just wanted to show the sizes of the tiles. It would look more like this, which is also 2x8, although I want in matte not glossy:
{{!gwi}}

I am a little more partial to the running brick pattern in the ad above... seems just a little more unique.

do you need 25 sq. ft.? the cost/sq. ft. does not seem unreasonable to me. We paid about that for Walker Zanger tile (although I only needed 14 sq. ft and didn't have a minimum order stipulation).

I am so impressed with all the sleuthing to get to the bottom of this - Blakey - you're amazing.

also, re: cutting tile. We did that for our fireplace hearth tiles (slate). We took a 12" x 12" tile and had the tile guy cut it in thirds so that each piece is 4" x 12". Now this would not have worked for our backspash tile as the glaze wrapped around the sides of the tiles... if they were cut some sides would have the glaze and others wouldn't and it may or may not have been apparent to the eye.

here is a pic of the cut pieces in our hearth

Mamadadapaige - You're right, Blakey is awesome! I agree with you and RmKitchen, the running pattern (or whatever you call it) just gives that unexpectedness that I have been really looking for! Traditional with a twist.

How do I actually calculate the square footage I need? Here are the two walls where I need it...we are re-engaging with our designer next month (due to paying off some kitchen expenses first) so I'd normally ask her to calculate.

Also wondering...you know how the "running pattern" zigs to the right, then zigs to the left? Since I only have so much wall, where do you think the natural point would be to zig, then zag? Somewhere in the midway point between my upper cabs and the countertop? I hope I'm making sense here, tell me if I'm not!!

Without accounting for waste, I calculate you needing about 30 sq. ft (not counting under the window / over the sink).

as far as the pattern goes, a good tile setter will work out the spacing prior to getting started to make sure there won't be any awkward "strips" of tile and also to make sure that visually the side pieces are equal (particularly in the area over the range between the cabinets).

when my tile guy got started he worked it all out first and it turned out beautifully. I have a herringbone pattern above my range bordered by 1/2" x 6" strips. Prior to his arrival, I laid out the pattern on the countertop for him to copy. you might play with it a little on your own first.

my tiles were 2" tall which lent themselves nicely to the project as the space was an even number (18" or so under the cabinets and another even number between hood and range). With taller tiles you'd be more likely to have to make unsightly cuts.

I am so happy for you that after a long search you are finding something that you really like and that is within your budget. way to go!

ps: your kitchen plan looks fabulous

I will double check at the store this week if I can, as well. Unless the guy at the store was mistaken, the Daltile goes for $5/sq ft (?) which would go a long way towards keeping the cost down for that particular bathroom (which would then leave a few more $ to play with for the upstairs baths--LOL).

Big diff in cost between the Daltile (as well as the Heath tile) and the Opera Glass tile, huh? :-)

I think the Heath tile will look nice in your kitchen and give you that "twisted" (ha, ha!) look you want!

I have really enjoyed this thread. I have been wondering what to use for my bs, now I think I may choose similar tile. We, unfortunately, will not be starting our kitchen as soon as planned (damn crappy economy)- but that just means I have more time to plan and search for deals!

My tile guy calls the brick pattern "offset"- I totally prefer that. Even with square tile.

Thank you so much for your kind words about my investigative abilities! I get a little obsessive about certain things, and I have to admit it was somewhat selfish on my part because I really like the tile that redroze found in that photo! Seeing something in a setting is the only way I can make a decision if I will like it in reality so it's worth tracking it down. Redroze-I am so happy that the cost of the tile is not exorbitant and it will be beautiful in your kitchen...simple, elegant but with that casual chic touch.

Mamadadapaige - Thank you for the sq footage estimate!! We are loving the plan too and are also very excited that we found something.

Catmom - Yes, those extra dollars of savings are not something I'm complaining about. ;-) I can just gaze at your kitchen photos whenever I feel a longing for that gorgeous Opera tile.

Remodelqueen - I'm glad this thread has inspired you! Offset sounds about right to me, as the traditional subway stile is smack in the center, whereas "offset" is a twist on the subway layout. Bill V referred to it as follows: "I've always known it as a 3/4 brick joint. To tell you the truth, I don't know the proper name for it."

Blakey - No problemo. We all hang out on this forum due to a personal, "selfish" common goal of loving kitchen remodelling and design in general. But for you to go out of your way to investigate, even if it was facillitated by your own interest, was totally admirable and awesome.

I'm off to the tile store to return some samples, and hopefuly find something similar to this. If not, I will be contacting Heath and/or Ann Sacks to see if I can get those lovely 2x8s!! Onwards and off I go!!!

I was actually talking about the traditional way subway is set- I even confused myself when I re-read my post!!! I've heard it called brick pattern, off set, and running bond. I like it much better than the pattern in the La Cornue ad. This has inspired me, though. And I hope we can start sometime soon. The bs is last on my list, so I have lots of time to research my options!!! I'll just live vicariously through all of you!

Oh I see, so you want a similar size tile but done in a brick pattern? Good choice.

redroze- please make sure you post your findings. I too am possibly interested in this tile and pattern. Thanks!

Redroze -- That price you mentioned above is about what I had calculated from the Heath site (I know there's a 25% upcharge for some sizes; don't know if 2x8 is included in that). Check the shipping though. That might make it a better deal to get through Ann Sacks if you have an Ann Sacks dealer nearby.

Histokitch said the pattern is as follows:

It's called a raking stretcher bond in bricklaying. Running bond is the name of the traditional subway tile look. In raking stretcher bond, each brick overlaps the one below (or above) by 1/4. It makes sense that Bill knows it as a 3/4 brick joint, which is an apt description.

Malhgold - Will do!!

SW - I will definitely check pricing through Heath directly, and through the Ann Sacks dealer in Vancouver. I live in Canada which makes things trickier.

I just emailed the Ann Sacks dealer in Vancouver regarding the Heath tile. Will let you know the price quote when I hear back from them.

I went a bit looney and decided to do (some really haphazard) mockups. Can you tell how eager I am to get our kitchen finished? =)

I was worried that the raking stretcher bond would look too waterfally, as the pattern runs from top left to bottom right in the original photo.

This isn't exact of course, as the scale is all wrong, and there will be more of that diagonal movement from top left to bottom right. But gives an overall idea and I think it looks pretty good.

And just in case I needed more reassurance, here is how my kitchen would have looked with the Opera Glass tile. As you can all see, a major design no-no. Would not work at all!

I got a quote for the Ann Sacks Heath 2x8 tile! It's $28.71/sq feet (US). I'm ordering from a Detroit store so there will be freight charges, which I hear will be high given the current economy. I am SO excited though, the pricing is really good in my opinion since I know it will be high-qualtity tile.

I ordered two samples for the Chalk White (yellow undertone) and Stone White (grey undertone). Will post pics of the samples once I receive them!

redroze: excellent idea to do that mock-up. now you can feel confident about the choice. can't wait to see the samples. I may pop into the Ann Sacks showroom in New York this week, just to check things out and get some prices. I'll report back with any news or pictures that are relevant. I can't help thinking that when I actually have a new kitchen I will always think about the gardenweb community who inspired so many things in it!

Can't wait to see the samples. Did they say how long it would take? Did they charge for the samples, or just shippping of the samples. Did you have to go to the Ann Sacks showroom or you just did it over the phone? Do you happen to know which white is in the ad? Sorry for all the questions.....

They didn't say how long it would take. The woman was really nice, she did not charge for samples or the shiping of the samples. I did it over the phone - I called the 1-800 numbe ron the Ann Sacks website, and they directed me to a Detroit contact who is familiar in dealing iwth Canadian clients. I don't know which white is in the ad.

Hope that helps!

I'm so excited that you'll probably be using the Heath tile. Excited and envious. I'm eagerly awaiting photos!!

Have you ever seen Heath's pottery? It's quite wonderful as well.

No, I haven't seen the Heath pottery. We got our samples in today though - and the quality looks amazing!! Have a look at my other post, and help me choose between the two whites! Thanks SW_in_Austin!