I chose handmade tile for my kitchen backsplash. I loved the subtlety it had compared with the the machine made. I consider it a work of art, so it's "worthiness" is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

The tile ended up costing a little more than my granite for the island. I wanted it to be the focal point for my kitchen and now that it is complete, it gives me joy every day to look at it! That being said, it's hard to determine if that would be a worth while expense for someone else. (It's certainly not a practical expense!)

During the decision process, it helped me to consider the cost of the tile as a percentage of my reno costs to determine if it was financially something I wanted to proceed with. I made a very conscious choice to spend x amount on the backsplash, ended up going a little over, and I haven't second guessed it.

What might really be of most benefit to you is to actually have some samples in hand of the tiles you are considering. That's what pushed me over the edge to the newest color in the Brittany & Coggs tile, which ended up being an upcharge, but I had to have it! I will admit, I am a true tile glutton!

I did end up with the Dal Tile white Rittenhouse subway tile in my laundry room. I think it turned out nicely with the leathered Jungle Green Granite and white washer & dryer I have in there. It is a pretty tile too, it just lacks the depth that a handmade tile would have.

Here's a picture of the basic Daltile in my laundry room. Hope this helps!
{{!gwi}}

I priced some handmade tile from Fireclay, Status Ceramics, and some other beautiful one whose name escapes my mind. They ran from around $25-$56 a square foot. The crackly glazed ones I liked best were way up there. I ended up going with frosted glass, cause luckily for expenses, DH prefered it to the ceramic.

The Grazia Rixi tile is machine made but has a handmade look to it. I looked at all the very expensive tile too because nothing seemed to be working until I decided on the Rixi. IMHO, it is how the over all color of the tile blends with your cabinetry and your counter top that to me would trump whether or not it is handmade or not. But as doonie mentioned, her tile choice gives her joy when she looks at it. So, if money is not an issue, then go for the hand made.

I 2nd the Grazia Rixi. That would have been the next ceramic sample I would have ordered. I love how it looks in all the kitchens I've seen here that have used them.

I'd go for the handmade if you can afford it - I agree with michellemarie that it gives character to the project.

Love the pic that Doonie posted. What kind of counter is that? It is awesome!