my suggestion is to look for shiny calcatta tiles, in big size to have less grout.
for example I like this one:

http://www.italgranitigroup.com/dettaglio.php?_serie=91&_search_type=4&_search_by=&L=EN

Your kitchen is going to be stunning! I think the mirrored tiles would be lovely...I have never seen that before. I think it would look so different and refreshing. Do you have any inspiration pics? If you do decide against the mirrors, you could do some of those pretty glazed subway tiles in a green? My neighbor has those in brown, and they look gorgeous with her creamy cabs and granite ( can't remember the name of her granite...it's that white background one with browns and greys that a lot of people have.) Anyway, I think you can't go wrong, can't wait to see what you choose!

What a beautiful kitchen and major kudos to your obviously very talented and handy DH. I just looked at some mirrored backsplashes in an internet search and wonder if you could find sheets of mirror to cut in large sections so it would not have so many "cuts" to look at?

I think the mirrored BS is a great idea, but a few that I looked at sort of had the look of "peel-n-stick" tile which is not my preference. Makes me think of the carpet my folks had in a bathroom when I was little.

Enjoy your wonderful kitchen; you can sense how proud you are of your DH and that is awesome!

Was it this week's or last week's episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but Lisa's (the older brunette) kitchen has a mirror backsplash in a white kitchen with a dark countertop and it was lovely. I sometimes wonder if we shouldn't have done that (mirror backsplash), and just for the reason you gave (of bringing more light in). I like it.

However, I am not getting an antique mirror vibe from your kitchen, and I'm afraid if the mirror is too antiqued it'll look odd and contrived. Looking at your pictures I can see clear mirror (meaning not antiqued).

I also happen to be a marble-lover so I like giacomo's suggestion of the Calacatta tiles ... but I'm biased.

And can I just say your husband is freaking AMAZING!!!

Your kitchen is lovely thus far. I don't have any comments for a backsplash since my mind is still wrapped around my own unfinished kitchen.

I just wanted to say that you are a lucky lady to have such a great husband that would work that hard to give you such a lovely kitchen!

I like giacomo's suggestion also of the Calacatta tiles and think they would look amazing. Your husband is so talented to have created that beautiful kitchen. I only wish I had a husband like him that was handy and wanted to please me with a new kitchen since I am so overwhelmed trying to do everything myself. What White color was used on the beautiful cabinets? Do you have any clearer pictures maybe taken in the day time?

Nice kitchen-I'd like working there. My first impression and then gut reaction is to do some larger sized tiles in a color....maybe texture or design would do the same thing. The reason...there is a lot of "heft" happening in stainless near the frig and wall ovens and with the dark stained island, the eye moves back and forth there....a dominance sets in. The right backsplash configuration will add to the visual scape for an overall upscale design feel. [I would choose something besides stainless/mirrors]...Color/texture!!

I think mirror tile would be lovely and unusual. I can't tell from the photo, but does your counter top come up the wall with a "lip"? If it's flat, you might want to consider a lower border of a tile with color and/or texture beneath the mirrored tile. Some of the Ann Sacks art tile or something like it perhaps?

My only caveat with the mirrored tile is will it be smokey/antiqued enough that you won't see the unattractive backside of any appliance you're planning to put on the counter?

Your kitchen looks wonderful - lucky girl to have a handy, willing husband. He sounds like my dad, I was quite shocked when I got married and discovered all guys weren't like my dad.

Fwiw I think it would look great. Have you seen these pictures?

I'd like to add my voice to those of others who have said your husband is AMAZING! You both must be so proud of the kitchen you've created.

I'm having a hard time visualizing a mirror tiled backsplash but my first thought - and this is completely subjective so take it with a grain of salt - is that combined with the SS appliances and sink, it might make gray your predominant color. Nothing wrong with that (I like gray) but your cabinets are so beautiful that it seems a shame to not give them a bit more of a spotlight. Perhaps an accent strip of mirrored tiles or something reminiscent of mirrored tiles with a simpler tile will give you the look and feel you're after but with a lighter hand. Does that make sense?

Best of luck with this decision.

here a kitchen that I did recently with mirror backsplash

click for more picture ( I have more in the camera but I didn't dowloand yet)

Ok, I am back! Spent a lot of time on my other thread ("should I put crown molding or trim on my cabinets?" check out that thread if you want!)

giacomo-for some reason I am not"feeling" the calcatta and I don't know why. I just feel like it doesn't "go" with the feel and look I want, but then I drive myself nuts not knowing what the heck it is I want exactly. I want slightly eclectic, slightly 70s, slightly rustic...am I a nutjob or is this look possible? I do love that mirrored BS you shared...couldn't find anymore pics after I clicked so let me know when you download more. Obviously that is a sleek, modern kitchen but I sure do love that look of the mirrored BS. Thank you for sharing!

nini-I absolutely LOVE the idea of greens...my family room that the kitchen opens up to is greens, browns, rusts, tans, etc. I am trying to stay away from subway tile, but look at this tumbled onyx I found at Home Depot...the only prob is, I don't want all these different pieces. I like the 2nd on the top...and the 8th, and the 12th. I like those particular tiles and want the whole thing made up of those onyx tiles. I see a 70s look to them, as well as an earthiness in the texture and color. Not sure if I can find a place that has these in stock that I can go look at. You have to special order from HD and I don't want to end up with a box that only has a few tiles I like. Imagine this with the wood counters...what do you (and everyone else) think?

3mutts-I thought having tiles 6x6 or larger, maybe even 12x12 on a diagonal, might help with the reflection situation. Plus, I am sure it would be cheaper. I know what you mean about the peel and stick...I have found those during my searches and it distressed me to think that someone might see my kitchen and think that is what I have done! Although maybe I *should* purchase those and stick them on and get an idea? hmm...

rmkitchens-yes! I saw that! I am a huge RH of BH fan. (BTW, I have always been a fan of Kyle but did not like how she treated Brandi!) I pointed that mirrored BS out to my DH as we were watching the episode. Anyway, I hear you on the "antiqued=too contrived" but to me, antiqued is more 70s and also will maybe not be so much like my SS appliances. Plus, I don't want sooo much reflection. *sigh* I don't know, seems the BS is such a HUGE decision.

oldhousegal-Thank you!

Lynn-Thanks! It was "Ancestral White" by BM I think? I kept slipping up and calling it "Incestuous White" and my DH was really starting to think I was a weirdo! I had to lol about taking a pic in the daytime. this was taken in the daytime! This is another reason I want a reflective surface for my BS. eventually my DH is going to put in 4 hi hats. We will have under cabinet lighting that he will install (we already bought it, just waiting for him to have the time.) Also, I will have a light fixture over the peninsula (which is barely visible in the second picture) but not pendants, something long and one piece. I would also like one of those "solatube" things that I discovered on the Home Decor forum of GW. Kind of like a mini skylight...are you familiar? Anyway, right now my kitchen is extra dark, drives me nuts!

herb-Totally agree about the big blob of SS at the end of the kitchen. I really wanted a fridge that could take panels to match the cabs but they were all so expensive. Do you like the onyx that I posted? Specifically the 2, 8 and 12 tiles?

Zoe-Yes, that is a lip of wood put there temporarily. You see, those are not the "real" countertops, that is PLYWOOD! My hubby stained the wood, rounded the corners, banded the edges, sealed the whole thing...I told him I am in NO HURRY to get the butcherblock counters we planned on. We will live with the plywood until it falls apart. It's beautiful! The island will get a different counter surface eventually, but for now that is also plywood stained another shade. So, he will also stain that "lip" that you see, and stop the BS right there because when we put in our "real" counters, he will remove the lip (and probably the last row of BS material) and then bring the BS all the way down to the counter. Hope that made sense. Also, I am one of those people that keeps most appliances put away. The toaster is in a cupboard, we use a french press as our coffee maker, I usually only have "decorative" functional things out on my counters, like a pretty pitcher full of cooking utensils or decorative canisters filled with coffee, sugar, etc.

momo-what is that BS? Looks very grey to me. Is it reflective at all? It is pretty but not sure it would work here. Tell me more about it please!

lisa-yes, that makes perfect sense and I see what you mean. ahhh, such a decision.

I sooo appreciate everyone taking the time to give their opinions, and I also appreciate that even if your opinion differs from mine, you all spoke in a respectful, helpful way. It is such a personal decision and if someone just hates your ideas...well, it is hard to NOT take it personally!

I am going to look and see if I can find some other inspiration pics to share.

Ok, this is a huge kitchen and not like mine...and the mirror is hard to see, but here it is anyway..

I really like this!
{{gwi:1966638}}

Wow, you dug up some great photos!

I didn't realize that your counters were temporary and that you will eventually replace them with butcher block. I was adding that feature in with the overall impression of gray. BB counters should help temper that so my initial impression could be incorrect.

btw, I got a big giggle out of the funny visual created by your "floating torso syndrome" comment.

I love your idea of smoked/antique mirror and, speaking of someone who's been there, it should evoke the 70s--but fit beautifully today. Especially since you have a sentimental fondness for this look, it really seems it would be a shame not to include it. Plus, there's the functional plus of reflecting light. Plus, it's beautiful. Win-win-win.

As for color, your kitchen with antique mirror would make a beautiful setting for whatever colors you care to bring in, and you could change them out as your whims call.

My one suggestion might be to choose a tile with an aged look that includes a little corroding of the mirroring. That way, if any of them did age noticeably, it'd just enhance the look. :) And/or just buy extra tiles of what you love best.

Hi again Lisa! Yes, the plywood is temporary...has actually been great because it is teaching me how to care for wood without having to be too paranoid at first. The plywood is stained a walnut color, so my BB counters will be similar...I am not going to cut on the BB, it will be sealed/waterloxed whatever it is called (my DH knows, I forgot!) So, really, the color of the permanent counters will be similar, I think.

I heard the "floating torso" comment from someone here on GW! And they also mentioned kids that walk by, you just see tops of heads floating by!

I do think the antiquing of the mirror will help with the reflection, as will the cuts made my tile rather than a plate of mirror. Also, the antiquing will help with smudges. Thankfully my cooktop is on the island so there will be no spattering of sauces or oil. However, I did read somewhere that there is an issue where the mirror meets the coutertop...that if it gets splashed and the water stands for any length of time, it can affect the mirror. My sink will be on the counter where the mirror BS is, so that is something to think about. Maybe I will want that "lip"of wood to be permanent.

Thank you, rosie. I think you understand the "vision" that I have. I do respect some of the other comments steering me away, especially those that do not like the idea of a mirror in addition to all that stainless steel in the kitchen. I see so many kitchens that I love that are white cabs, marble counters and white subway tile BS. These are very "bland" colors, but because the materials are all so diffent (wood, marble, ceramic) I think they are beautiful, and I was hoping my antique mirror BS would do the same. I do, however, love that onyx in the pic above!

Yes, the backsplash is antiqued mirror subway tiles, cool eh? Probably not what you are looking for but neat to see - here's the link

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRH9a76oVNI/TksqA0I30OI/AAAAAAAAB1I/RuIsvJBwOjc/s1600/mirror+visage.jpg

You found some nice pictures - I like them all especially 2, 3, and 6.

I had forgotten all about it but my mom used to have those stick on antiqued mirror tiles framing some regular mirror tiles above her sink. I thought it was pretty cool - I used to watch tv backwards in that mirror when I was doing dishes : )

Here is a link that might be useful:

Sorry, this is off-topic, but I have some questions for Dirtymartini about your sink and DW setup. Could you PM me please?

Well, I'm chiming in to say I think the antiqued tiles are very cool. I'm feeling especially drawn to photo 2, though some of the others are amazing. it seems to have sort of a neat blue/gray tint thing going for it. That trellis pattern on mirror is really unusual. The glass seems a lot crisper, but it's a neat look.

It seems to me that this is a way to add some light and the illusion of space to your kitchen. It is also very different and you keep getting drawn back to it. It just might be kismet. ;)

Ah, the problems of asking for virtual design advice. Your counters don't look walnut to me, they look like a very dark charcoal. That changes everything! I think you should go for it, especially since it really seems to make your heart sing.

momo--well, as lisa so eloquently put it...virtual design advice, etc etc. That looked like greyish subway tile. Love that link you provided! I am trying to stay away from subway anything, however, I remind myself that it is also "brick" shape and that is not too trendy right now. Is there any link with purchase info?

ladoladi-sent it! email me back if you would like, or you can ask here, I do not mind!

steph, yes, I do seem to be drawn back to it over and over again. It just seems unique to me, as none of my friends have anything like it!

lisa-yes, walnut stain...pretty dark, but def no grey involved in the counters!

Hmmm, ok, I will keep you guys updated. I am trying to find a local place that has the onyx in stock so I can look at it. I made a few phone calls today, will make more tomorrow.

thank you everyone!!

I didn't read the whole post (I have a young kid) but my input is I'd discourage mirror tiles especially since you have stainless appliances. As a combination, it seems (to me at least), it just gives off too cool colored of a vibe. Since you don't have many warm colors in the kitchen, I'd warm up the kitchen with some warmer-toned backsplash colors.

On a side note, I also don't like mirrored backgrounds because it's weird to see your body parts and clothing while cooking, it's distracting to me, but that's me! ;)

I didn't realize that it would just link to the picture - first time I've posted a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Antiqued mirror tiles

oh, momo...now I have google ann sacks and found those tiles...I JUST LOVE THEM. $83 per square foot, eh? Ay yi yi! I also found other tiles there that I love. Part of me almost wants to go nuts and ethnic and busy, since the rest of my kitchen is so simple. I am just afraid I will tire of it. Like this... (not this exactly, I just mean a busy, ethnic pattern. Kind of looks 70s to me, also.)

{{gwi:1966639}}

cherry-Yes, we addressed the torso issue already! Yet another reason I want the mirror antiqued, and also not flat panes but rather tiles, so the "cuts" will break up the view a bit! I know what you mean, some of these threads get so long and I want to give my 2 cents but I just *know* one of my comments has probably already been made, but I say it anyway. Thanks for the input.

You are not the only one with the opinion that with so much stainless and "coolness" I should go with warmth/color/texture. The things is...I see so many finished white kitchens similar to mine that have white tile as a BS, and I like them. I also like those pics that momo posted in her link, and they are white, with SS appliances, and mirrored BS and I think they look good.

Well, I am torn and DH really wants me to make a decision so he can install. He wants the tile/color/texture look. I will keep you guys updated! Thanks so much!

just wanted to see if you made a decision. I too have white cabs and a walnut island top and have pondered for more than a year now on the backsplash issue. I put up some mirror in the niches above stove and sink and the kids have loved them--but they are distracting...anyone sitting at island can't help but look at themselves..though I agree that the smokey mirrors would be better. I'm now pondering stained glass tile...but I want to know what you've decided! Good luck...

Curious to see what you have decided. Your husband has done fabulous work-- what a great kitchen it's going to be.

Oh, so nice to see my thread revived! I am so excited about my kitchen. I have been cooking up a storm every day. I think DH and I will gain some weight over the next few months!

Ok, we pretty much decided to go with this kind of look...

we figured we need 4 plates of glass, and we will do the antiquing ourselves (guess I should say DH will do it himself! LOL) We will leave one plate plain mirror, one speckled with gold spray paint "flecks", one speckled with black "flecks" and the other rubbed with a rag to give a more smokey appearance. We will make the pieces a little larger than the image I shared. I do want lots of grout joints (or thinset, I think that's the word DH used) to help break up any images folks see in the reflection!

anyway, we are both happy with the kitchen and love sitting at the peninsula, drinking wine and gazing at DH's labor of love. He is very proud, and so am I! Thanks for asking!