The biggest problem with going over old backsplash tiles is that the old ones will show at the edges. You'd have to use some kind of wood trim to cap the edge. msmf-- you said the tiles are a bit "lumpy", as in handmade. Are you talking the new tiles, or old tiles? If you're saying the old tiles are handmade, at the very least you might want to sand or grind the "lumps" down. Other than making alot of dust, that shouldn't hurt anything. Concerning removing the old tiles, it's easy to do without hurting the countertop. The tough part will be leaving the sheetrock in good enough shape that IT doesn't have to be replaced, as well. One last tip-- if you DO go over the old tile, make sure to wash the tile down well with a good water soluble grease cutter, and then make sure you rinse it really well. You want to make sure you have a good bond between thinset and old tile.

Thanks for your reply and ideas Eastbaymom! Wow, you are so close to having a new kitchen- I bet you are so excited! We just got word that our cabinets will be delivered next week but the contractor who is installing them is backed up so we are looking at the beginning of July for our install. Yes, we are having under cabinet lighting installed. Your idea of moving the fridge is something we have debated over...and over and over. To put the fridge where you are suggesting (where the current pantry is and yes, it is the small white door on the sink run) would mean that the door way into the dining room would need to be moved out. DH didn't like this design either. There has been a lot of compromising with this final decision/layout due to budget and differing ideas. I personally feel like the fridge looks so oversized and obnoxious where it is currently located. Since the cabinets have been ordered, I don't think we will be changing the location of the appliances. I appreciate your idea and actually really like it however it has been vetoed. I'm considering a counter depth fridge when we replace the current one. I have looked at all 3 of your ideas concerning the backsplash. I am considering subways, especially in something light and possibly glass. I think that something larger is a good idea too. My thought is that I should probably determine the counter selection prior to the backsplash although I really like the crackle subway link you included. This is what our cabinets will look like. What are your counter and backsplash selections? Thanks again for the ideas!

My quartz installer was able to remove my laminate counters without breaking any of the original 20 year old 4x4 backsplash tiles. I don't know how they were able to do it! There is a 1/4" difference between the new quartz and the old laminate, with the laminate being taller. I was going to keep the backsplash but I decided to get a new one.

thank you, what did you mean by "I would not take up the charge of the sink"? Do you mean you wouldn't bother replacing? Regarding the flooring....the rest of the house has the old school 3/4" oak flooring so if I change the flooring to hardwood in the kitchen and entryway, I would have to change out all the hardwood in the living room and kitchen. This was my thought process anyway. I did check out the cost and for the flooring I like, it would be a lot of $. To answer your question, the sq footage of the combined entry way and kitchen which is currently tiled, is about 170 sq ft. what did you mean about backsplash? I was thinking black granite counter top and then a simple backsplash and yes I def want a coordinated look. warm, inviting and not choppy and misfitting. thanks again