3/4 of the way there! Backsplash help! Pictures included!

12 years ago

Hello all!! We are more than halfway there!! I didn't quite know beforehand how long the weeks would seem - sinkless, dust covered, and often feasting on cup of noodle!! But now -thankfully- we are back up and running! We just have to finish up the details.

My husband made it back (yay) just in time to DIY a backsplash, but now I am at a loss as to what I want. I need help from you all!!

I am considering a subway tile, but I don't know what would be the best finish. I am leaning towards a green glass tile like our hardware, but is that too much green glass? And does anyone know a good site to order that tile.

I am also considering pressed tin with a pale gold finish like the gold that is in the granite? I love the look of pressed tin, but again, I don't know!!

Thanks in advance.

Finishes so far - Heirloom black base cabinets, Moss green wall cabinets, Bamboo Green granite, antique coke bottle green glass knobs and handles, brazilian cherry hardwood floors. We are leaning towards a Pale gold wall paint color, but that can change.

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Comments (9)

mama goose_gw zn6OH
12 years ago
Be still my heart, that is going to be one beautiful kitchen! I don't have any suggestions for a backsplash, but please do something neutral, and let that gorgeous granite be the star!
dianalo
12 years ago
Because of that gorgeous granite and your pretty green hardware, I'd use glass tiles with only a hint of green, like your cabs have. You could also consider a light ceramic in an off white or pale gold (or glass tiles in either of those shades). I'd keep it light on the bs because of your darker lowers and floors. You can always go for a deeper color for paint. If you get subways, I do not think I'd do a running bond pattern. That is too straight and squared off to go with the angled lines of your counter. I think a herringbone would work better. I'd match the grout to the tiles to keep it mellow.

As much as I am a fan of pressed tin, it may be too busy with your stone.
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jnh004
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you thus far! dianalo - you are right, pressed tin is probably too busy for our granite, and I don't want to take away from that. I lean towards pressed tin because it is what we did in our previous kitchen so its what I know! I hadn't even considered pattern yet, but I LOVE the idea of herringbone. And you have me researching a pale gold ceramic subway tile.

mama goose - thanks for your kind words! I came up with the colors and choices so I was a bit nervous. Seeing it come together is just great!!

If anyone knows a great site to buy tiles please share!! Thank you!!
enduring
12 years ago
Hi, interesting & pretty granite, is it green and purple? I bet you had fun finding that. I am putting in a herringbone backsplash and am half way done. I used a somewhat contrasting grout to help the pattern stand out. Here is an image of my almost finished project:

Here is an image of a very neutral herringbone:
ellendi
12 years ago
Stop showing off enduring! :) Getting back to the original topic at hand, I agree with the above poster, a tile with a slight green tinti to match the cabinets. You mention gold, but I don't think it will make a good transition from the cabinets down to the counter.
jnh004
Original Author
12 years ago
enduring - your herringbone is beautiful! thank you for sharing. The granite is green and black, but within that there are several colors- gold, cream, blue

Where did you buy your tile?
lazydaisynot
12 years ago
Aaaaah! So pretty. I'm sorry that I don't have suggestions for you. Love your cabinets, stone and glass knobs!

Do you happen to know the name of your cabinet paint color? I'm looking for a soft green or blue to paint the few small patches of wall in my white kitchen. I like the freshness and subtlety of your soft green.
enduring
12 years ago
ellendi- if I don't show off, who's going to do it for me? I gotta do it when I can ;)

On Topic now, jnh004, I got the tile at "The Tile Shop". I wanted something with a little more life to it, than a cream or off white ceramic. My soapstone is in the background so I made my backsplash with a little more oomph, but still subtle. The tile is called Lansdale Carrara. This is my take on this selection, that it is the impure pieces from whiter stone that can't be used in larger slabs. I could be wrong, but the carrara I see on this site is always white and there is no white in my stuff. Lots of tans, grays, almost greens, and off whites.

I think for your granite a more neutral stone or ceramic would work better. Its fun to search and examine what will work. My moto is that if it doesn't "sing" when I look at it, I move on to something else. Of course sometimes you have to move on anyway, but give it your best effort before you make that decision.
ptamom
12 years ago
I think at this point green backsplash would take away from, not add too, your overall look. I like your bold choices. Your marble is amazing! I would hone in on the tan veins of your stone so as not to compete with everything else. You could definately pull off glass, which adds depth and light. Ceramic is a safe bet. I would like to see a sample of the pressed tin if you can? The tile link, in khaki, first came to mind with your descrption. Also, ADEX USA has a great beveled ceramic subway called Hampton.

Here is a link that might be useful: solana beveled glass