another option would be to do a square white rather than rectangular but do it in the running bond pattern. That was our other choice and I still have boxes of them in the basement if you want to drive over and get them :)

What a beautiful space. I love the soapstone behind the range too. I think your bs tile could use a little texture.

This is glazed thin brick from Fireclay Tile in Cotton (satin) and Snow (gloss) and a bs that mixes both with colorful lower cabinets. The look is subtle, but interesting and could be very pretty in your space. I also love mixing the whites, as opposed to finding the best white to go with your uppers. It frees you from matchy-matchy concerns.

This was in your Ideabook and is the closest to your kitchen. You show a lot of white subway tile. I think it's a good representation of how white subway will look. Do you think the accent tile adds anything of interest?

Prospect St. Kitchen · More Info

Thanks all! (this is fun:)

1. cement tile - I'd never heard of it before I started lurking this forum a few years ago, and now I love it. (I'm sure I'd seen it before in real life, but I'd never really identified what it was, or registered it as a design option). However, I'm not sure I'm that brave, or that it fits the style. I'll have to look for more inspiration pictures if I'm really going to consider it. It would be loud for sure, and the color of the lower cabinets is already pushing my bravery with color:)

2. photo above - I have an odd aversion to border accent tiles. I don't know why I don't like them, even though a bunch of my inspiration photos have them; that's usually a part of the photo I like the least.

3. texture - I think you are on to something there eam44. The matte and more stone like tiles seem to fir the rustic aesthetic, which I like, but I hadn't considered the subtle mix like your example. That would be very pretty,

I agree mayflowers, I think the tile I have isn't the right color.

I want to post more, but I need to go do actual work for a bit. :)

You have lots of color but it's all big, solid swatches of color. I don't think that color alone can carry this kitchen. In the Prospect Street Kitchen, when I remove the accent tile in my mind, it gets boring. Plain subways just add another solid mass. Like eam, I would like to see texture or pattern to bring in the "fun" I mentioned in my first post but it has to suit your rustic farmhouse. Even though the glass accent isn't something I'd use either, it does add some fun.

Oooh, eam44, that top blue tile is gorgeous!

Mayflowers - that explanation helps me. My kitchen is all big blocks of color. I agree that removing the accent tile in "prospect st kitchen" photo above takes away the interest. Its much better with the accent tile. While it looks right (and very nice) in that kitchen, I'm still having trouble articulating why I don't want to copy that exact look in my kitchen.

Here's the two tone kitchen that my designer really liked:

Sunset Park, Brooklyn Rowhouse · More Info

Our color scheme is similar to yours... white cabinets, wood, soapstone and a dark teal island. We ended up using 3x6 honed carrara marble tile with a very light grey grout. I was concerned about having two competing natural stones, but the backsplash is subtle enough that it doesn't compete with the soapstone, while having more interest than plain subway. We're very pleased with it, however we don't have a lot of backsplash. Good luck.

While it looks right (and very nice) in that kitchen, I'm still having
trouble articulating why I don't want to copy that exact look in my
kitchen.

Because it's out of style. I posted it not to recommend it but to see if you wanted to use white subways or if you felt it needed something more. I don't care for the dark grout with the white subway. To me it's quite traditional and period specific, not for a rustic farmhouse.

Could you take a photo of the kitchen straight on so we're not relying on the rendering?

To me, that backsplash is calling for tile with a soft, organic feel. Soapstone and your ceiling are both natural (and natural-looking) materials, but the counter and cabinets have such straight, pristine lines that you're losing a bit of the natural vibe of the soapstone material. Then your ceiling is kind of hanging out being natural all by itself. I think an organic-feeling backsplash next to the stone could draw out and highlight that aspect of the soapstone more, and then the whole kitchen would feel like a nice mix of natural, earthy materials and modern, clean lines.

Have you seen Carrie B's backsplash? It's not the right color for your kitchen, obviously, but the soft, slightly irregular, slightly handmade shape could be really nice in yours.

" the whole kitchen would feel like a nice mix of natural, earthy materials and modern, clean lines" - I love this description.

daiseychain01, is the above what you were talking about with square tiles and running bond pattern?

"Could you take a photo of the kitchen straight on so we're not relying on the rendering?" - yes. I apparently don't have a recent one however, so I'll try to get over to the house tomorrow and take some better shots.

I'm a nature girl at heart and I love matte and low-sheen ceramic tiles. I think Carrie's tile is Sonoma and they have beautiful matte glazes.

Yes, that's it! And that's the sort of handmade look I like too.

I like how the dark grout adds dimension in the inspiration kitchen of your designer.

I agree the cement tile would probably be too much, but I love it so much, I will try to talk anyone into using it. I've also heard that it can be hard to find someone who knows how to install it properly depending on where you are. I tried to do it in our bathroom but couldn't find a supplier or installer within 3 days drive.

Here are some more pics.

It was a bit dumb not to turn the lights on for the photo, the colors look off to me. I got distracted talking to the guys finishing the wood floors. Thus, apologies for the mess on the peninsula. No way am I going to slow them down just so I can clean up the kitchen for a photo:)

Wood floors will be finished at the end of next week. Appliances arrive the end of the following week. Then, CO and move in? Ideally, I'll pick something and have it installed before we move.

Also, I'm lurking the "what's next in backplash tile" thread. Interesting!

DIY2much2do, your kitchen is really nice. I like your choices. I'm really uncertain about my teal/blue cabinets, but your island looks great.

Thank you! That's VERY helpful. There's definitely enough interest with all the beams. I don't think you even need tile. I could see colorful, large tile squares behind the range instead of the soapstone. I thought soapstone got grease-stained easily?

I'm with mayflowers. I think this, with this view, the kitchen is plenty interesting all by itself and would just go without a backsplash. Is the counter fit well enough to the wall to go without?

If not, you might add a short soapstone splash everywhere aside from behind the range and leave it at that. See this kitchen for inspiration:

http://chezerbey.com/tour/kitchen-after/

The soapstone is already there and you love it. You might as well live with it for a while. If grease stains become a problem you might decide to oil it.

If you want to use a handmade tile you might want to start ordering samples. Your images bring to light that absolutely everything in that space is rectilinear. It makes me want to break that up with a curved edge tile like the ogee drop I showed above sans the contrasting grout color.

When you pick an ogee drop shape you have four options in layout, as shown below. The two on the left are fish scale patterns, while on the right you have a sail, and absolute chaos (a four-piece lantern) on the bottom right. Any of these would be very pretty in your space, but my favorite is the chaos.

I sort of feel you need this, or maybe penny rounds - just something with a curve. In contrast to an actual lantern shape tile, the ogee drop is a touch modern and super cool.

One question for you - in the dw area you can see - is that framing visible? Did you not drywall your space before hanging your cabinets? No insulation?

High gloss paint, matte glass, or larger matte square tiles.

How big a deal would it be to add a shorter backsplash?

Luxurious Loft Conversion · More Info

French Villa · More Info

Lots of very cool kitchens at this Irish kitchen website

Jillius - can I have the golden retriever with that kitchen too? I think it would help offset all the brown my chesapeake bay retriever brings :)

On no backsplash - I am open to this, with one problem - the two posts on the range wall (in the corner and to the right when looking at the range) currently look unfinished at the interface with the drywall. The walls were constructed with the understanding that those joints would be covered with a backsplash. So, I still want to make that look finished somehow. I also think they need to be covered in general, to my eye, those vertical posts just break up field of painted drywall in a way that looks like a construction mistake.

maybe not use tile as a backsplash, and do something like this?

Harbor Cottage, Maine · More Info

eam44 - re: dishwasher - on the fridge wall and sink wall, there is a six in deep false wall up to counter height - my counters are an extra six inches deep on those two cabinet runs. This was done to make it easier to fit cabinets around the posts on those walls (timber framing has unique challenges). (The cost and complication to make the cabinets, drawer glides, etc. six inches deeper and custom fit around the posts wasn't worth it to me). We didn't bother to drywall the lower portion of the fake wall.

Also, all exterior wall are SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) - they are not conventionally framed - there is six inches of foam insulation behind that dishwasher.

On the plus side, my standard depth fridge will look like a counter
depth fridge sitting in that spot, as it has six inches more depth than
the standard cabinet depth.

What is your paint color? It looks like your designer tried to match the paint color and it appears to have lots of yellow tint in it?

Cabinet colors:

uppers - SW6070 Heron Plume

lowers - SW6222 Riverway

wall color - SW7036 Accessible Beige (this is in a lot of the house - it reads much cooler and grayer than I was expecting. I suppose it could read yellow - I'm betting that has more to do with the camera skewing colors, and/or perhaps all the yellow/orange-y wood reflecting off everything)

for what it worth, here's an earlier rendering with a border I didn't really like:

This is my problem - cpartist can laugh with me and knows all too well after my exterior paint color dilemma - I can't pick a design direction, I like too many things:)

eam44 you are selling me on a non-rectangular shape - that ogee lantern shape is really beautiful.

I also saw this and really liked it, so, as ever, my "taste" is all over the place:)

Eastern Avenue · More Info

nosoccermom - I really like that bottom kitchen you posted.

Your home seems more rustic than farmhouse, so I wouldn't do shiplap.

This matte tile has an earthy texture and soft, warm color. It might be tumbled marble. It's a beautiful kitchen. There are a few more photos at the link.

Lake House Kitchen · More Info

Lake House Kitchen · More Info

message me please

Have you looked at Tabarka Tile? http://tabarkastudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IZMIR-1.jpg

mayflowers - I love that kitchen you just posted. If I do tile, I now understand I like a matte, not glossy finish.

"This matte tile has an earthy texture and soft, warm color."

" the whole kitchen would feel like a nice mix of natural, earthy materials and modern, clean lines"

these two descriptions are what has jumped out at me, and are helping me clarify a direction to go.

CP, I have not, but will.

I think it goes nicely with all your elements too. The company who posted those photos answered all the questions that were asked so they might tell you what the tile is.

Aren't you glad you waited to pick your backsplash? If you'd chosen your tile when you chose everything else you'd be stuck.

The ogee drop from Fireclay Tile runs $35/sf. If that is out of budget, you can find the same shape elsewhere. Shown below are Sugar and Frost, two good options that you could mix if you like the look of mixed whites.

I'm of two minds on that eam44

Ideally, I would like to be a person that has a coherent design vision ahead of time, makes choices to fit that vision, and then implements without second guessing. I've rarely succeeded during this build:)

With the backsplash, I've found it reassuring to have a choice ready to go, but not one that I am locked into, as you say. The backsplash is a fun item that has relatively little consequence for changing my mind a bunch of times. The input on this thread is great. Maybe more choices makes it more challenging for me, but its sure fun.

these photos sort of have a mix of eam44 and mayflowers' suggestions; a quiet matte tile, but not in a rectangular shape:

Arabesque Cement Tile Backsplash · More Info

Arabesque Tile · More Info

The approach you have used is exactly what I advocate. Think about your materials in concert with each other, but hold off on buying the bs until you have everything else installed. I'm glad it is working for you!

Those lantern and arabesque tiles are beautiful but they do not read as clean and modern as the ogee. If that's what pleases you, absolutely go for it, but you're moving into an "older" tile shape. Perhaps you should order sample tiles and let us know when you have them in place? As far as glazes go are you considering a monochromatic white? A little variation as I've shown you above could be very pretty.

I could see a matte black/dark grey porcelain/ceramic, and I love the staggered square handmade tile look too for your space!

Your kitchen is absolutely to die for. You must be over the moon! Would have loved to have been able to get my husband on board with colored cabinets like yours!

You do seem to have a lot of light in that space most of the day. Continuing the light grey/soapstone theme could be a pretty option.

I just don't see the need for an elaborate backsplash. You still have the appliances to go in, three display cabinets to fill, and counter stuff to put out. I'd set it up so it looks lived-in and then decide what more it needs.

While I would like to make a decision, I'm not in a rush. If I had to
pick something, I'd hurry up and get more samples and make a decision. I
have the luxury of time to consider many options, and I can work at this choice a little at a time in between working on other things. This thread helps make picking a backsplash fun, instead of becoming more stress over having to make yet another decision:)

I stopped by a tile store, and their in house designer helped me to select some samples to think about:

marble - it comes in a matte finish, but the sample has a gloss

original selection

two different colors of the same subway tile. I'm unsure about the stark white, but I don't like the grayer/beige color.

An inspiration photo I saved for the white tile:

Crisp Architects · More Info

maybe herringbone?

Newlands new construction c · More Info

that last tile I had to have a sample of. The colors go well with my cabinets. Its was serendipitous, I couldn't not take a sample home. Here's their example photo:

backsplash · More Info

Also, I want to share this kitchen. I'd never seen anything like it. (this has nothing to do with my thread, I just think people on this forum will appreciate it). I was searching for examples of marble with soapstone counters, and this came up.

Bucks County Eclectic Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

Bucks County Eclectic Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

Bucks County Eclectic Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

Bucks County Eclectic Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

I'm conflicted to say the least. I find this kitchen to be over the top amazing, and yet it is also giving me a headache, and makes me want to re-paint my blue cabinets and everything else a single, serene, earth tone color:)

I both sort of appreciate it in a way, and also need something to calm me down.

Crisp Architects · More Info

Phew. ok. That's better.

Of those, I only like the marble sample. The veining looks minimal, and it does have a rustic quality, unlike the Farmhouse Kitchen photos. Are you oiling your soapstone? I think it will be easier to find tile with it oiled. I agree that the white is too stark and the square looks stained.

Yeah... different folks have different taste. Beyond advising against tile that looks like a huge mistake (like the fleur-de-lis) I'm not sure how much more helpful we can be. I would choose glass before I would choose another stone for your kitchen (and I wouldn't choose glass). Ive dubbed the "stone bs with stone counters" look Stonehenge and I'm not a fan. It's the kitchen equivalent of the jeans suit. But if you want a marble bs, buy a marble bs. Remember us with a reveal. Good luck!

Well I'm not out of creative ideas yet! Reading other people's suggestions is like a brainstorming session that gets me thinking in new directions. I'm not married to one idea! I also never tire of looking at Houzz photos for ideas.

I still like the idea of square tiles. What I like about them is they aren't directional like subways, which lead your eye around the room.

This tile has a diamond pattern on top of the tile, giving it a subtle quilted look, so that seems farmhouse to me. It's just a little extra touch to plain white squares.

Farmhouse 2016 · More Info

But these plain cream squares are very pretty with the soapstone. I like the combination of the squares and the beadboard. The vertical direction of the beadboard brings the eye up to the skylights. I also like how it repeats the direction of the wide molding but in a different width. You too have vertical elements with your beams and the three tall framed windows. I think it'd calm it down to use more verticals vs. horizontals.

Melrose Graham Kitchen · More Info

Farmhouse Kitchen · More Info

I would love to see a small patterned tile that picks up the blue and the beige with a rustic look. Like the one that am_e posted but without the dirty edge.

Pratt and Larson

Pratt and Larson 2

I'm still occasionally thinking about backsplash tile as I get some free time.

"Reading
other people's suggestions is like a brainstorming session that
gets me thinking in new directions. I'm not married to one idea! I also
never tire of looking at Houzz photos for ideas." - exactly! Also, I've
run across two of those last three kitchen you posted:) (maybe too much
time on houzz?...nah)

I picked up more samples. I really like
the white tile below, and want to share. Unfortunately, I don't think
the white goes with the white on my upper cabinets.

I
doubt the tumbled stone tile will be popular here, but I really like
the colors. If I went with stone, I would probably go all the way up and
around the window as well.

Any opinions on this?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Okaido-Nordico-Decor-19-3-4-in-x-19-3-4-in-Ceramic-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-16-5-sq-ft-case-FCG20OND/206402828

I
like the center designs (they vary), but don't care for the larger
pattern. Maybe I could cut up each sheet and make a new pattern? It
seems to be unobtanium anyway; out of stock online and not sold in
stores.

cp - you have really converted me to the idea of patterned tile, if I can find the right one. Still looking.

Winchester Tiles. I randomly pulled examples of their decorated tiles. They have different shapes and many glaze colors. I love your kitchen!!

:))

The stone is rustic whereas the decorated tiles give a wallpaper effect, so maybe they lean more traditional farmhouse. I would collect images of kitchens that use those type of tiles and decide if your kitchen is of as grand of a scale as those kitchens.

The simple Scandinavian one is nice, like a homemade stencil, but I'm not sure about the white-washed sawn board look of the other tiles with all the other wood in the kitchen.

You have a beautiful kitchen! I love the color of the lower cabinets. While a white or cream subway tile would look nice, it seems like a very "safe" choice. Would you consider a mosaic with a very light hint of blue? I like the idea of adding some texture with a unique shape. You could go in several directions:

herringbone:

a ribbed version of a subway tile:

or they have a stacked version.or even a unique shape:

I would not do tumbled tile -- I think it competes too much with your counters.

am-e I'm on a cruise right now but will pull some more examples when I get home after the weekend

CP! I assumed you were busy with your build. I'm glad you're enjoying a cruise instead :-)

Cp - enjoy your cruise! I am really ready for a vacation right now. I can't believe you responded at all, please ignore my thread until you get back.

pipdog - I like the herringbone and ribbed subway, but I'm having trouble finding a coordinating white with my cabinets. I'll probably keep looking.

this is a similar photo I like:

Wellesley Farmhouse · More Info

barncatz - I will look at winchester, thanks!

What about something like this? It's walker zanger

Bridle Path Residence · More Info