Re: Bands, I have seen some pretty ones but generally I just don't care for the look. It breaks up the splash and floats in an odd place that will most likely be covered some of the time around the kitchen and they remind me of a racing stripe. Especially if there is great contrast in the tiles. I don't understand it. For me I would do one or the other but not both (either all field tile or all band tile I mean). I don't mean to offend if someone loves it but that is my explanation for my feelings about bands. I have to agree that the one in the photo does look nice.

Unfortunately it resolves pink on my monitor. This is the bottom line: Did you go, "Ah HA! That's IT!"? I think it's pretty. Think inches vs. rows and it might help you decide. A medium band would be interesting. I like your colors.

Evoking, you remind me of an acquaintance who prefers all things "alternative" and outside of the norm. You reject things that are "typical" and how they're "supposed to be". The thing that I find interesting about that approach is, that since he rejects everything that is popular or well-revered - then he's closing himself off to things simply because they are the "norm". Which is no better than "typical people" who reject things that are outside of the norm. I find the rejection of both the "norm" and the "alternative" to be equally close-minded. Please consider that - just some food for thought. My point is, don't close yourself off to something just because you think it's common. And don't assume because some people don't like your tile treatment, that it's because it's unusual. Even if you are partially joking/teasing, to me it comes off as a bit hurtful. I would argue that the people on this forum are more visionary and open then the average people, because we're on this darn forum everyday researching and educating ourselves on design and renovations. I think some of us misinterpreted your original post as seeking guidance. You obviously are tickled pink about the tiles. That's all that matters. Enjoy them! And enjoy all of the opinions and amalgamated knowledge and research on this forum. That's what it's here for!

Well, your slabs are as busy as mine. So, I would have to say you need something that is calm and not attention grabbing. I did find some some Jeffrey Court marble tiles that were really pretty. And they mixed in some pieces that had a curvy line of something sparkly in it. Imagine a 1/8" x 1/8" mosaic in an S pattern running through the tile....and just one line of it. It was really cool. I think it was a liner, but it could have been used anywhere in the field tile. But it was mixed in with the same tiles that didn't have that S in it. Kind of hard to describe. I know it's new. It is Chapter 16. Here is a link that does not do it justice. If you do have a dealer near you, see if they have this sample board in the showroom and go. Really, I liked it a lot. Here is a link that might be useful: Chapter 16