Since the brick pattern subway tile was planned with the center focal point, it may not be a continuous run from right to left if you tried to run the brick pattern all the way across and you might have to tear out one side or another.

What was the design that you hated?

palimpset:

We know that the left side will have to be removed (most likely) to make it run correctly, and that's okay.

The pattern was a pinwheel type design in the same material as the subway...it looked like flowers or a country quilt.

Did you look at a vertical brick pattern within the border?

Cutting the 3x6 into squares and doing that within the border?

Do they make a small mosaic in the same tile that you could fill in the border?

Just trying to come up with something that may reduce the amount of demolition.

If you can find a small square tile, you could do a basket weave pattern with the subways with an inset square of a different color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tile Pattern

I was wondering if they make that tile in a smaller rhomboid mosaic. That might work behind the range and not require any further demo.

Wow! I run out to buy paint and come back to your responses! Thank you!

My DH was thinking of putting one row of 3x6 subways (with mitered corners)inside the exsting pencil liner, then putting in another pencil liner, and then inside that frame putting something decorative. Sort of a "frame within a frame".

Here are the different tiles available in the collection:

Here is a link that might be useful: Available tiles

How about using that same subway tile in a herringbone pattern inside the frame?
Something like this.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I like the basketweave pattern and the herringbone, DH likes the Rhomboid or squares turned on the diagonal.

Should we put a frame of subways in first (somewhat like the picture from laxsupermom)? Or just fill the space?

I DO NOT want to have to rip it off again!!

Thanks,
hotdog

This is probably out there, but have you considered cooper - tile or other. I saw your beautiful slate and though copper tile, maybe modeled after tin ceilings would be a great accent, even if just put in at stacked squares or it could be framed.

Here is one example, it also has a rope liner - http://www.amazon.com/Copper-Sinks-Direct-Plain-Hammered/dp/B002R2AN4W

You could also use the ones that look like small scale tin-style ceiling. But cooper would be great with the slate.

You can also go for a rustic stone mosaic that makes a picture of sorts. I have been shopping them on ebay for our foyer, but they work equally well as a bs.
I do like the tin idea and the herringbone FWIW