Sorry, but I'm not feeling any of them. I agree with some of the others to keep looking. Gorgeous counter, by the way.

Dissenting opinion: I really, really like the big one. I'm guessing that the aqua serveware is very important to you since it's in the pix, and the big sample ties in beautifully with the aqua without actually being aqua. There's just enough warm amber stone (at the bottom two rows) to pick up the color of the mystery countertop that we all admire. JMO.

First of all... don't get discouraged that you thought you found something perfect and the feedback isn't all that positive. I can't tell you how many times I thought I came up with the perfect layout and was so excited to post it thinking I'd hear... "You got it". Instead, people were straightforward and honest; out of the desire to be helpful. And... my hard work was all wrong. So, I'd go at it again... and again, WRONG. It took 40 layouts to get where I needed to be. My initial reaction would be sad and discouraged, then I'd go to PO'd then determined to get it right. And I'd go immediately back to work for another 4 hours.

That being said... I found this on the Jeffrey Court site that I thought might give you can idea how you use some slate like tile with glass inserts that would highlight your spectacular granite and tie into your rich cabinets.

Here is a link that might be useful: just an idea

I think I have seen this stone and really do think there'd be enough gold to tie in with the counters. I'm pretty sure it's the same stone, or very close to the one in the Fallingwater style of the same color range. Carters5 have you seen more samples or see in this sample enough of the gold to satisfy you that it'll coordinate well?

The counter is SensaStone by Cosentino and the color is called Yellow Indala. It's supposedly the ONLY marble that is sealed in a way that is guaranteed not to stain. I love it for that reason.
I think my ultimate goal is to have the countertops be the focus and make the backsplash indiscriminate but still flow with the vibe of the entire space. The stone really isn't green, just appears that way. I think overall there will be enough gold/yellow and warm amber as you say to pull it off without screaming backsplash. I wish you could see in within the context of the entire kitchen and looking out through the french doors and kitchen window to get a better feel for it in its entirity. Outside surrounding my pool in natural stone with these natural colors with blue/aqua tiles. Remember, I have light travertine floors as well. Here's another picture of my kitchen but the green teapot, microwave and all other counter items are gone. Does this help you visualize better?

Can you put the backsplash stone in one of the pictures taken from a distance? I still think it would be nice from what I see and what you describe.

Is there a possibility of ordering 2 or 3 sq ft of it to really get a good look at the color variation and so you can get a better look at it in the room?

what about using the Jeffrey court Fire and Ice that Jodi in So CA. used.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jodi's backsplash

Here's a mockup with the slate. I really don't think it works. It think it looks better now than that.

Stunning kitchen BTW! I LOVE your choices so far. I think this coloration might work a bit better with your other elements.

If your goal is to have the countertops shine and the backsplash play more of a supporting role, I think you may want to keep looking.

We have the Falling Water tile in moss green. I absolutely love it, and it totally makes our kitchen. However, it most definitely is the star of the kitchen!

We have Uba Tuba granite, and what DH loves the most is the reflection of the tiles onto the granite. Again, though, that backsplash is very much the star of the kitchen.

Just my 2 cents.

Have you checked out Oceanside Tile? You can create your own color match on the site with the different tiles and grouts to see how it looks. Might find something in there. It might be difficult to make your counters the star since people will initially see the backsplash before they see the counter. You didn't want to do the backsplash in the countertop material? Too much of a good thing? Your kitchen is beautiful BTW....

Here is a link that might be useful: oceanside tile

Your kitchen is gorgeous, really, gorgeous...that backsplash is lovely, but not for your kitchen. Your stone is beyond fabulous and unusual....keep it the star with a less ummm well less that tile :o)

From your mockup it does appear to have alot more gray but I think the scale is off. I don't know if that helps but it seems to me it might. I do like the second mock up better, what did you do, change the tones or did you use another stone that I am unaware of? I do agree that I don't want so much gray but I am not sure if enhanced that it will be that way since the enhancing will bring out the amber and yellow tones as well. The Jeffrey Court seems to have alot of those gray/green tones as well, not quite the "look" I see and the red squares are a little bold for me.
Could you possibly bring the scale down a bit?

I have checked out Oceanside Tile. Spent almost $100. on samples but everything blended way too much, no contrast or interest at all.

I will post another pic tomorrow as requested.

gangreen, do you have any pictures of your falling water tile? I'm curious to see how it looks installed. How is it to clean?

I don't know if they're the same, but I like the middle backsplash and the 2nd mockup blondelle did. I couldn't tell from your original post which one you were so excited about. Was it the one on the right?

Laurie

I like the second mockup as well!

I did not read thru all the above posts so this may have been mentioned. I think you should remove the aqua cups and misc stuff becuase it alters the look of the cabinets and countertop. I actually like the large tile. Good luck!

The tile is from the link I gave you on my first post. I don't have the original file any more where I had that area selected. Remember that enhancing slate will usually make it much darker besides bringing out the gold, as slate is absorbent.

Have you considered something simpler such as sheet glass, or a smaller scale mosaic in Jerusalem Gold, or tumbled Honey Onyx to match the counter? I also think a whole kitchen of that might be too much. Maybe slate in a 1 X 2 mini brisk instead, or a 1 X 1 square.

Sorry about hijacking- but remodelfla that backsplash combo you posted is m-a-g-n-i-f-c-e-n-t!!!!! I already decided on mine (ordered and everything:) but that one is breathtaking. I dont know that it would have worked in my kitchen anyway, but had to mention how fantastic that one is. very inspiring.
Carter- I like the big one but when I saw the mock up I thought it was a bit too overpowering. I am wondering how the one on the right(the more subdued one) might actually work. Your countertop is so unique, and your cabs are also lovely but strong so I think the backsplash really needs to take a quiet back seat.I think blondelle's suggestion about jersualem gold or a natural type looking stone with some variation but not as much as a pattern- would work well? I feel your pain. You really have selected some extraordinarily gorgeous features.

This may sound goofy but seeing the tea kettle in the pic makes me want your walls to be green. Compliments the cabinets and the counter, imo. I personally don't like the entire wall backsplashed. No matter what you do with that, the splash will be the focus, unless it is a solid color and even then, the eye may dwell on it. I would paint green and then use a stainless splash, just behind the cooktop. Sounds like you want a certain feel and texture and this goes against that so, sorry!

Your kitchen came out so beautiful!!

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for tile,
but I would go with something more understated
...best of luck!

Positano: Sorry it's not a better pic. As for cleaning, um, well I haven't really yet.

Over on the island, there is a small area of tile that runs behind the range. I've done more baking recently than cooking on the range. I suspect I'll need to be careful when cooking spaghetti sauce and other things that are likely to stain.

I think that all three choices you have pictured are too much for your beautiful countertop. I'd think about something that is very minimalist - like the sheet glass idea or even a plain engineered stone that blends with the color of your marble - perhaps something from the Zen series in Silestone. Because the lines in your marble are so prominent any tile would be a distraction in my opinion.

I agree with jb. I wrote a post along similar lines this morning and promptly lost it while opening other windows looking for tile.

I was thinking a mini brick with matching grout and just a few insets or a very subtle mosaic. I think your counters are spectacular. Right now, the splash is the focal point and I'd really like to see your counters be the focal point.

Your kitchen is the one that convinced me to put in a tiled backsplash. I has just goined this forum and hadn't even thought that far yet and you had your pics up and Robin did your mockups with these great warm tiles that picked up the color of the countertop and the cabinets and I was sold! I don't remember exactly what it looked like but it was about 8 weeks ago or so and it looked stunning.

Good God Rod,

I think you've been at this too long! I agree with Inkycrab, the tiles Robin mocked up for you were breathtaking (though if I remember correctly, those tiles were too expensive).

As someone else suggested, maybe you're heading in the wrong direction trying to find coordinating colours, maybe complementary would be better. Instead of $100 on tile samples, what about a few $5 pots of paint samples from BM? Use one of their colour consultants and see what input they have. I'd try painting a BS and walking away from the tile stores to take a break. I love slate myself, and when I posted a ledgestone sample that I thought looked great, the honest but less than enthusiastic responses helped me get over that!

I think right now, putting that slate backsplash against that marble countertop would be like wearing a polka dot blouse with plaid pants- no matter how well the colours coordinate- just ain't gonna work!

Here's a pic of the desert sands stone, enhanced and up close, the sample I went into the store to get when I found the falling water one. Below that another close up of the same stone in its natural state. Here is another picture of the same stone only honed. At first the honed one was my first choice but after I got it home I thought it was too dull and too matchy with the travertine floor. The bottom picture is taken a little further back, I don't think that helps because the cabinets keep coming up much darker than they are. Any opinions on these stones? Seems some are too busy and some are just too plain. Maybe we can see a mockup of these. I like the minibrick as well. I do not like the 1 x 1 tiles. Way too busy and just don't like the design. I think it is a better application in a bathroom.

I too thought a very subtle splash was the way to go. I have tried so many things and have yet to get that perfect one. You all have great ideas, do you also have any other pics or links that you have found for me to see? I try and try, get discouraged, stop looking, and then start running again only to run into a dead end.

The last picture is looking out our french doors. See my inspiration? Can anyone find anything for this splash that captures the look and goes with the counter and does not overwhelm the kitchen?? AHHHHH!

Your kitchen is beautiful!

my humble vote is for the tiles on the far right in your first picture.

your gorgeous countertop is already quite variegated in a low key way; i think the two pattern choices to the left in your first photo would compete with the countertop and also be too busy. but that's just me.

I think I agree more and more with you spotted_towhee. I think in a large space it will be bold enough. Now to get a mock up...anyone interested?

I like the 1st one best out of the last set of pictures you posted. That's the same as the middle one above, right? Even though your countertop is very unusual, it comes across as a solid color from a distance and I really like the idea of a colorful backsplash.

Laurie

I actually like the first large choice -- and the mockups aren't really indicative since the scale of the tile is off. Look at Ganggreen's backsplash.

But I do like the idea of using honey onyx -- that would be stunning.

So here we go again. Take a look and tell me what you all think. Does anyone have any pictures of either of these installed or have you seen anything similar in magazines where I can get a good look at them in a much larger scale.
I know these are busy but am I headed in the right direction? Can anyone visualize them all over? If not, what about the small glass tiles surrounding the hood and cooktop and just painting the rest?

Now, I like both of these much better than the first three. Do you have a pic of the fabulous glass tiles from months ago? I'd like to compare these last two with those. Totally different affect of going total BS on all your counters with one of these or just the cooktop BS with the glass tiles and painting the rest. I can see that the stone one above gets closer to tieing in with your landscaping which you get to see, we don't!

I think the shiny small glass tiles, gorgeous as they are are too busy. I think the second one of the more subdued ones look great with your kitchen/
your kitchen has a very organic type of feel and I think that the more subdued tiles compliment it and let the granite and beautiful view out of your window take the stage without fighting them. I really like it.:)

I would like to see the glass mosiac paired with a very light almost natural glass with a slight green tint subway tile. Guess it would be easier to find what I'm talking about then to try and describe it...

Anyway, the mosaic in a border with something a "little more" above the range.
But then again, I"m a glass tile fan.

Something kinda like this but I'm not sure the shade is exact.

Here is a link that might be useful: soft light greenish glass

Now, you're making it hard. I still like the middle one above, but I also like the newer ones. I may like the more subdued one better than the shiny one. It just depends on what look you're going for.

Laurie

The bottom two pics of your last posting is very nice IMHO. With your kitchen I agree w/your choice to go with the varied tiles vs. the glass tile route. I like the glass tiles, just think it's not the look you want in your kitchen. I'm not crazy about the shiny tiles in your last post, agree they're too busy. I also liked the middle one in your first posting on this thread, but probably prefer your most recent posting the best.

With your nature-based, almost Japanese mid-modern inspirations, have you given thought to something random-patterned rather than the subways or bricks, something like solistone's green gobos:

So this is what I am thinking. I love the small tiles but I think they will be way too busy. In keeping with the flow of the outdoors, I think I should go with the larger more natural stone, which is Walker Zanger by the way and the other is Lunada Bay. I am thinking I will do the entire kitchen and I have included a picture of the living area which is adjacent to the kitchen but separated by french doors. If you look closely to the right of the picture you can see the old white ovens which were in the kitchen through the opening that used to be there. So from this room to the right is the kitchen and then another set of french doors open to the pool area in the picture above. This pic was taken when we were looking to buy so it doesn't quite look the same right now, but I think if I do the entire kitchen, I am also going to do the wall surrounding the fireplace and wrap it around the wall to the right of the fireplace. Then I will paint the living room a lighter gray which I will love with the white trim and doors. Does that sound like a good plan? I am excited once again.

I'm not exacty sure I understand. Are you saying you've changed the location of the walls and doorways? Can you take a current picture from that room?

Laurie

totally get it!

I think the last one will work in your LR too, perhaps even in a bigger format.

I'll be doing something similar (I think) only with craftsman type tiles- the neat thing is that you can get materials in different sizes to suit the situation best.

Isn't it great to get some closure???

Must run, DH is working from home today and pestering to get on the computer...

Ok now I think I get it too- you are just showing as a point of reference how the rooms play off of each other, and are thinking that in addition to doing the kitchen, you would also do the fireplace wall and the wall perpendicular to it(facing the kitchen).... I think that sounds good, but being the cautious type, I think maybe have that in mind but first just do the kitchen - I do think that will look great. And, chances are doing it in the family room will be nice as well, but you might just decide that it could be too much... so I would wait and do one step at a time. Of course , that is my bias because I frequently don't see the obvious and need time to "digest".
To repeat though, I do think the larger tiles in the latest rendition will be wonderful in your kitchen.
(I believe we have a winner!)
:)

I absolutely adore the glass tiles in the last selection. And I don't think they're too busy. The bring in the colors you like, but also include the countertop color. I think they're fabulous. The others, they're ok, but the glass sing :)

I like the last choice posted, not the glass ones (too busy). It compliments your beautiful counter. Good luck!

Yes, I am just showing the rooms as a point of reference where the outdoors, kitchen and living space should all tie in together. As far as "stoning" the living room, I am only considering doing the fireplace wall, not two walls. I think that would be way too much.

I think the small tiles are gorgeous and would totally love to use them somewhere, but I agree the size of the actual tile is tiny and since I don't like the look of the 1 x 1's, I am thinking this will feel the same way.

Thanks for your opinions. Next time, I will either choose a countertop and backsplash at the same time or choose a neutral countertop. This has been an exhausting trip!

Have you looked at a simple glass backsplash? If your goal is to have your countertops be the centerpiece and attention-getter, I would think you would want to minimize the backsplash as much as possible (particularly given the very white walls of the rest of your house, and your very simple fireplace). This would also make the splash very easy maintenance. You can either go with a clear glass and your white walls or, clear glass with paint underneath, or a colored glass that blends with your counters. I think the problem with the stone 'splashes you are looking at is all the grout lines and natural colors -- makes for a very busy appearance compared with the rest of your space.

Here is a link that might be useful: Glasskote

Hey there carters5! Sorry I didn't see your thread sooner, but it's summer and kids are home. I've been driving them all over the dang place...from tennis camp to basketball camp to digital photography camp to horseback riding lessons, to sleepovers and ball games and you name it, we've been there!

anyway, sorry you're having so much trouble deciding. I just played around with that last tile you posted and here it is...
{{!gwi}}
If you want me to do any of the others, let me know...I should be around most of the weekend preparing for yet another trip!
Robin

Hi Robin, I was wondering if you were going to chime in somewhere along the vast posts. Glad you are back. Thanks for the mockup. It looks very very dark and yellow to me on here and the actual stone is very light, but it gives me somewhat of an idea and I appreciate it. If you really want to play around with this, maybe you could lighten it up. Even the counter on the left is very dark but maybe that is lighting. If you really want to work hard, go ahead and do the small tiles as well. They really are gorgeous in person.
Sounds like you are having a fabulous summer with your children. Mine are 24, 20 and 18 and those days are gone...oh how I miss them. Life is just not as fun just remodeling a kitchen. I am waiting on grandchildren now.

Yes, we're having a lot of fun with the kids this summer. But next week DH and I are dumping them at the grandparent's house and taking off for 10 days...now THAT will be FUN!!!

I thought it seemed dark and yellowy, too, but I didn't change the image from the pic above at all, just cropped it out. But here it is lightened a bit, I'll work on the others tonight...
{{!gwi}}