Need major backsplash guidance!
We are moving right along with our kitchen remodel and I need to make a decision about my backsplash. Cabinets are white inset shaker with soapstone counters. Island is gray with white quartzite and there will be a quartzite slab attached to the back of the island at table height. Sink is ss farmhouse and hood is ss barrel hood with polished ss accents. Fridge is integrated and dw paneled. I'm using chrome bar pulls and my faucet is chrome. The overall look I'm going for is transitional with quite a few contemporary elements.
Templating was done yesterday and it was suggested that I run a soapstone backsplash behind the length of the window and on the sill/ledge. I agreed to it, but can still change my mind and just put it on the sill. My worry is that it will look heavy/dark/choppy/traditional.
my sink wall:
This is an example of what I agreed to:
For the backsplash I was originally thinking of large format marble tile, but am now considering these:
I worry about everything looking busy, which is the exact opposite of what I have been planning. I think I need to be reined in and put on a much clearer path.
Comments (7)
herbflavor
7 years agobrdrl
7 years agoI really like the stone splash and windowsill look in some kitchens but I was afraid of it looking choppy. We have grey shaker cabinets and soapstone. We went with narrow white subway tile for backsplash and ran it under the window. I like the shape of those tiles you pictured but is there room for a full length of tile under the window?
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Backsplash or no backsplash?
Comments (7)LOOOVE what you've done. That's going to be stunning. I have a small pass through that I created where there was a door and went through this same argument with myself. In the end, I stayed with the flat counter and now that the top has been installed I can tell I'm going to love the extra deep space. My situation is quite different though. It's where I plan to do baking things, and while mine is next to the dining room it doesn't overlook it. It will also serve as a landing zone for things going in/out to the back patio. I'm assuming the DR will have a casual feel and get daily use. Are there views into here from other rooms of the house? I was going to say "flat counter" since it appears you want the two rooms to really function as one. But given that the sink is there I think I would go for the raised counter. You don't want to be splashing into the DR. Tough call....See MorePot filler w/ this backsplash too busy? Slab or tile backsplash?
Comments (9)Hi Katie, Demo starts tomorrow, so no pics on progress yet, but I'll post when I have some. I'm working a little bit with a KD, and doing the rest myself with cabinetmaker. KD suggested open shelving like in the inspiration pic (but in stainless, specifically). I think it would stress me out though, lol! Having all of my bottles and stuff right out there (the range area is the focal point to basically my whole downstairs living area). My pantry rarely looks fabulous, and I'd be moving the pantry out into the open. So, I think we'll be making the vertical column things on either side of the mantel style range area into pull-out shelves for sheet pans, spices, small bottles, etc. I considered the open shelving with a pretty display of white bowls and dishes, but then I'd lose the storage space for the stuff I really need at my fingertips. Feel free to email me, too, if you want to exchange more ideas. It's a fun process!...See Moreclose to finishing remodel need HELP- hardware and backsplash
Comments (22)I would continue the carrara w/the backsplash. don't do a plain white subway. you can get carrara in subways, chevrons, herringbone, whatever. https://www.thebuilderdepot.com/bianco.html tilebar Talon Encore Ceramics has some beautiful tiles. you really need to go to their site and check out the crackle glass they do. this is just one of theirs in a silver or do a pale blue or green ceramic tile like this. nice to have some color in the kitchen. mixed polished and brushed is fine. gray/green ceramic tile in this 2x12 size is also nice....See MoreHELP!! Major backsplash design delima!!
Comments (23)S Reed, I agree with you on extending the trim to the cabinet, but I’m not sure the OP will want to replace the stone sill at this point in the process which is why I didn’t bring it up.... Spilled milk and all that. But yes, if you can extend the trim, do that. The wider trim would also serve you well above the window. You can also add some decorative trim to dress up the space above the window a little and perhaps tie in your molding profile. Keep in mind that the window is the focal point of that wall and treat it as such! I am going to digress a little because I think your kitchen is beautiful and I am a designer who believes design is collaborative, so please know there is no snark here: The proportion from the ceiling to the top of the window is too large so you need to accommodate for that in some way. If this were my project I would have extended the recess trim to the cabinetry and used a wooden valence to extend the crown straight across. In my opinion this is exactly where a wooden valence should be used. In lieu of the extended trim and wooden valence, consider a wide Roman shade mounted above the recess or an inside mount that stretches across the recess with some kind of artwork in the left over space. Good Luck!...See MoreMelissa Kroger
7 years agobrdrl
7 years ago
eam44
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoI don't think you need to be reigned in at all. You've done a wonderful job so far! What is your tile budget in $/SF?
Soapstone and marble are a classic, traditional combo, but given that you also have a sizable quartzite slab in the space adding a third stone might make it a little Stonehenge-y. It will certainly look less contemporary and more traditional.
If you want something more contemporary, absolutely consider glazed ceramic tile. Feel free to add color, but if you prefer the grey and black theme, by all means continue it with tile of an interesting shape or pattern.
I love Fireclay tile, and they have some beautiful shapes that might interest you, like the wave tile below, available in, I think, all of their glazes.
One of my favorite patterns is in the Fireclay handpainted Starburst tile. They are 8" squares that cost $35 a piece, and they are totally cool, very modern. You could use them above the sink, and behind the range, using coordinating field tiles elsewhere.
You have a wonderful, calm backdrop that can accommodate some truly extraordinary tile. Find something you LOVE!
vpierce
7 years ago
ravencajun Zone 8b TX