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Soapstone counter with marble subway tile backsplash

15 years ago

I love the look of the marble subway tile - the greys and whites. I am thinking of using them as a backsplash with my soapstone countertops. Do the materials work together? I think of soapstone as being more casual and the marble as more formal.

I also would like to have an interesting focal point over my sink. My sink has a focal area as if my range should be in that spot but isn't. I'd like to have something that makes a statement. The kitchen is a small galley kitchen which opens to a dining area. Lots of light and windows.

I haven't picked out floor tile yet - all is in the planning stage. Cabinets are white and my sink is a Rohl farmhouse.

I love white, grey and green. Any suggestions?

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Comments (7)

rmkitchen
15 years ago
I happen to love the look of marble with soapstone, and there have been uses of those materials together but, of course, right now I am brain dead and am drawing a blank. I know alliern is in the process of building her house and those materials are going in -- soapstone on perimeter, a white marble on the island and a different marble for the backsplash.

Somebody who is two years-old is screaming at me so I'm off for now, but I like the direction in which you're going!
alliern
15 years ago
rmkitchen is referring to me. I am in the process of building a new home and will be using black minas soapstone on the perimeter counters and white statuario marble on my center island. My perimeter cabinets will be white inset shaker style and my island is dark stained alder to resemble walnut. My floors will be 6" walnut planks. I am still up in the air as to what to do for a backsplash so I can't help you there. I want to live in the house for a little while before I decide what to do for there. I am considering mini-brick soapstone to match the counter, stainless steel mini-brick and/or marble of some sort. The kitchen should mostly be done by the end of the month. Hopefully I'll have some pictures from my contractor since I live in NY right now and my new house is in Colorado! Sorry I'm not much help but I think the backsplash is a place one can make a statement and I'm not yet sure what I want mine to say :)
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I'm almost finished with a kitchen remodel due to a water leak. I got new cabinets and appliances, the granite was reused. I didn't care whether or not I kept the same backsplash but the insurance said it wasn't necessary to have it replaced. So when they installed my new cabinets, to make them level, they were running higher (above the bottom of the lowest tile) so they took off the lowest row of tile. They explained that once the granite was reinstalled, it wouldn't look right to put something back in that area because you'd see how it runs uphill (or downhill) so we tore off the entire backsplash. I just had the cheap white 3"x6" subway tile from lowes, and I like it so that's what I'm having done again. But I'm soooooo glad that we tore it all out and re-tiling the backsplash. It will look so much better. It's getting done tomorrow. I personally would rather have the backsplash redone than to go with the 3" piece. JMHO BTW the insurance paid for a new backsplash since the granite couldn't be installed exactly where it was before and I got $1100.00 for a $300 backsplash :)
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It may be that the person installing the counters is worried about a good tight fit against all the walls where counters will run. If your walls are not flat and straight, the installers can cover a pretty good sized gap with that thick strip of countertop material laid a few inches up the wall ( the older style installations). But with good modern templating, you should expect a good fit even if your walls are a little bit off, then the tile can come right down to the counter and still meet with a small caulk joint at the change of plane. Perhaps you can ask them if they're worried about uneven walls, or you can take a yardstick to them yourself to see how they look. If it were my kitchen I'd certainly want the newer style installation.
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My husband had the same response -- that's why I used bigger subs (4x8) and trimmed with glass mosaics. Below is a link to a previous thread -- I have pictures posted there. Also, if you click on "my page" next to my name, and then "my clippings" and scroll all the way down, you will see some more examples of BS with SS. Make sure you look at the LAST picture. I love that marble BS with the SS! Here is a link that might be useful: thread with more pictures
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I think it's best to focus on getting a quartz that is either very solid and/or in a contrasting color to your marble (a distinct shape like herringbone also helps). If they are too close in pattern, the faux finish will stick out, imho. Regarding the backsplash behind the stove -- some people have had problems, especially those that fry a lot. I've been diligent with sealing and wiping up after use. (As aside, we have pure white quartz in one kitchen and gloss black granite in another -- both show crumbs and smears, for different reasons. The grey quartz shows the least).
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justnotmartha
15 years ago
Check out Deee's kitchen - it has the back counters and marble subway back splash. I was just looking at it myself yesterday . . . ;-)
bayareafrancy
15 years ago
Here is Deee's. It is stunning!! (Deee: I hope you don't mind my copying your photo here--I got it from another posting.)
remodelqueen
15 years ago
I plan to use soapstone with similar subway tile as Dee's. I want a really nice focal point above my range (48" Thermador). I really want something to blend with all of the elements I am using, but everything I find has tons of brown in it. I found this mosaic yesterday, and it may be just what I am looking for. I'd love to see a mock up of it above a range...... but I am kinda challenged when it comes to computers! I would most likely frame it with maybe black marble or something..... hth!
deegw
15 years ago
I saw this post last night and considered posting a pic of my subways. I hesitated because I thought that surely everyone on this forum is sick of seeing my honed jet mist and my marble subway tile. Thanks for the compliments!

Dee
sankaty_91
Original Author
15 years ago
Dee - your marble tiles are fabulous! It is just the look I was considering. I never get sick of seeing all these beautiful ideas. We are so lucky to have this great forum to share our thoughts. My whole kitchen has evolved so beautifully because of this forum.

mkitchen - thanks for taking the time to quickly respond. My two year old grandson just left after a 10 day vacation with me and I miss that screaming!

I also came across the posts last night referring to the jade marble backsplash. That is another look I am considering. Ahhh -- decisions!

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