For background...

my first thread:
take a peek at my "soft modern" small kitchen design?

my second thread:
Part II: take a peek at my "soft modern" small kitchen design?

BEFORE:

Photo below shows former view from living room.

Photo below shows huge drywall pantry as seen from apartment entrance. It blocked the view and created a very cramped feeling. It was replaced by an island.

So now I am looking at backsplash options. I love the look of zellige tiles, particularly the colour variation and "organic" look that would work really well with my existing finishes (see my first post above). Unfortunately, they are suddenly trendy and I'm worried I will get sick of them just from seeing them in photos. I am a huge consumer of trendy interior design photos so that is a risk :/ . Also, zellige tiles would be very expensive to source and install in Canada.

Here's an inspiration photo in a kitchen with the same counters as mine:

But even more than tile, I have my heart set on paint as a backsplash. That was my original vision in 2014, and I am circling back to it. It fits with my original mission which included "In this casual space I want to highlight artwork, people, and decorative items rather than walls/appliances/surfaces."

I am investigating whether there is a paint that would be greaseproof, stainproof and scrubbable (preferably low sheen). I realize that this would likely involve a specialty product, but I am interested in figuring out whether there would be an option to address practical, design, and budget issues. I had in mind an off-white in the space (Farrow and Ball Pointing).

Some products I am investigating:

1. Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex
2. Silicone Epoxy Paint
3. Ultra Aquaborne Ceramic Premium Matte Finish
4. PPG Pitt-Glaze WB1
5. Porter Vinyl Flat Interior Latex Paint

Anyone have experience with magical paint?

I just scanned the other threads. I was going to suggest paint.

The tiles you have shown above are nice. It's a good feel. It could be nice with your kitchen finishes. But that backsplash is definitely a look and it has a lot of visual interest. With all of the beautiful artwork you have I think a flatter, more subdued solid background might be better. At least I think a painted backsplash would better fit what you originally planned.

If a painted wall isn't ok on its own, back painted glass?

Jmarino19, thanks for your input! I'm glad that you understand my thinking :) .

I have considered back-painted glass as well. I really like that look in some kitchens. But I've found that it can be quite a feature, and really stand out as a "slick modern" element...which doesn't fit as well with the direction of my kitchen where I have tried to keep things as matte as possible (granite is shiny).

Another option I would consider would be a powder-coated metal backsplash (large, with cutouts for outlets). That would have the advantage of being durable and scrubbable, but completely matte. Probably a lot cheaper than a glass backsplash as well. My cabinet handles are powdercoated and I am very pleased with them.

Thank you beachem! Support to you as well! Gosh that is a long time to go without a kitchen! I have been trying to ignore my unfinished kitchen, but with our open concept deal it's kind of hard to ;) . Plus I am cooking scratch meals for my family every night so I'm in there constantly.

I too was going to suggest back painted glass. To keep it more matte, I wonder if it would be possible to back paint frosted glass?

Funny, while I love your suggested tiles, I've been thinking about a non-shiny solid backsplash for your kitchen. Paint? copper? large scale porcelain tile? Concrete (look)?

Or what about backpainted matte tempered glass?

Oxidized brass

Cpartist and nosoccermom, I did look into matte/frosted backpainted glass and variations of that. I concluded that any grease splatters would be visible and hard to clean based on what I have read from others. Plus glass backsplashes are super expensive. I would probably be willing to pay for a solution that I love, but not for a compromise.

I think you will want something heatproof behind the range. Paint may not cut it. I kind of liked the stainless tiles in the link below. It looks like you might have a short 2" strip of granite backsplash along part of your counters. Others have used that and been fine with it. You want to make sure that you have the corner of the wall and counter sealed off somehow to prevent water running down the back of your cabinets. You probably only need taller material to protect those areas that will get damaged with water, heat, or other kitchen hazards. Mostly, that is behind the range and the sink. Behind the sink you could use a taller piece of granite, or the same stainless tiles or material that you use behind the range.

Brushed stainless tile

Nosoccermom, your taste is as impeccable as ever! Especially the first photo...LOVE it. All of your suggestions would definitely be compatible with existing materials. The only glitch is that I am reluctant to move away from an off-white finish. We have so many gloomy days here on the West Coast and my kitchen window is small. I often have to turn the lights on at noon!

Plus I am concerned about a "feature" finish on the range wall, because the wall is continuous with no architectural division all the way through the dining and living areas. You can see the layout on the plan below - the range is on the bottom wall. There is a white 15" deep "fauxdenza" that continues past the kitchen along that wall (not shown), but I wanted the wall itself to be free of prominent vertical breaks.

Annac54, those stainless tiles would definitely be a practical choice. As I wrote above, though, I was really looking for an off-white surface that would blend in because the wall is over 27' long and continues past the kitchen. In my photo above it looks like I have a mini-granite-backsplash, but I don't (it's the previous paint that got exposed by removing the previous countertop).

What you have accomplished looks stunning. You are in the home stretch. Fellow DIYer here, going 10 months no kitchen and 5th year in our home that we are gutting so I feel your pain.

I love the visuals soccermom posted as well. I don't have any suggestions for paint, but I do have another very off the wall idea. What about custom ordering a laminate 'skin' , I don't know the exact term, but it's the same material as a laminate counter, just not bonded to a countertop, the sheet of laminate. it would be thin and they come in an array of colors. I'd imagine you could get it sized to go across the entire wall.

Thanks for chiming in jml248! Wow, 10 months! I hope your neighbourhood has better take-out options than mine does ;) . Hang in there!

Your idea of covering the wall in laminate is very cool. I had considered and investigated that idea. Laminate would be easier to clean than tile and I really like some of the visuals that are available ("linen"). Unfortunately, my very opinionated husband is not open to that idea. So far he seems most interested in the options of specialty paint or powdercoated metal.

I like the powder coated metal idea.

never seen that but I'd imagine it would look pretty great in the right color and finish.

Although I have a tile mosaic behind my range, the rest of my kitchen is painted drywall only.

I use Benjamin Moore Aura paint in matte finish and it holds up perfectly fine. It is scrubbable and the color does not fade. I paint every 3 years or so because I like to change up colors (Aura Paint has a 1 hour redcoat time so easy to do 2 coats in a day).

Your kitchen looks beautiful by the way and is a lot like I am planning for my next house.

Jml 248, I've never seen powder coated metal as a backsplash either, but I know that powder coating can be done in a custom colour with a matte finish. I'm thinking that because it would be thin and seamless, it would not stand out too much against the rest of the long, painted wall that extends into the dining/living area.

Thanks cleo07! It's great when all the agonizing turns out to be worth it! I've also had good experiences with BM Aura matte paint, but I think I'll need a specialty paint or something more in the range area. We are messy cooks!

I love your kitchen and the amazing job you've done with the cabinets.

I've looked extensively into (digitally printed) glass backsplash, even got a quote from a local printer who can print on tempered glass. It was quite inexpensive, about 200.00 for a 6' long BS. Not much more to order tempered glass. Then attach however you'd attach a vanity mirror (clips, track?).

There should be a thread from a few years ago here. I don't think there's a reason why glass backsplashes are so expensive here. The main problem are cutouts, i.e. before glass is templated.

A other option, painted pressed tin panels. http://pressedtinpanels.com/product-category/products/kitchen-splashbacks/

Thanks nosoccermom :) . I think it would be worthwhile for me to get more specific info about local glass costs/options.

I think the problem is that I still have sticker shock from the drywall...$3000 for covering the hood/duct and patching a few holes.

Pressed tin is cute! Not the look I'm going for though.

Forgive me for not reading all the posts, and feel free to ignore me if you've covered this already. The reason you need a backsplash other than just paint is that you want to protect the investment you've made in your walls, cabinets, floor and subfloor - specifically from water. Whatever your counter material is, consider having a 1" or 2" bs fabricated from the same material.

Eam44, that is indeed an important consideration. Currently there is adequate protection because of a good silicone seal between wall and countertop and we are careful about water/splashes. A short fabricated backsplash would be a better solution though.

What about the new look in Europe, i.e. a much higher than the 4" short BS?

Hi Feisty, we were doing our DIY while you were and also never completely finished. I planned to do a backsplash but never did - I like the painted wall that much. We used Sherwin Williams paint and it cleans up quite easily. I'm also a messy cook! I don't have a water source near my walls so don't need protection from water. It's been three years and paint has held up just fine. My kitchen is also an open area and I didn't want additional material competition. If I ever decide to do a backsplash it will likely be glass tiles, but it's not in the plan right now.

Why don't you just proceed with the paint you've chosen for that wall and live with it a while. You can always repaint the range area if it doesn't work for you.

bicyclegirl, who awesomely posted on my Part II thread:

Nice to see you!! So you are in the DIY reno doldrums too! Cool that you picked the blue zellige tiles! I'll put you in "camp tile" ;) . But I can see that plans to tear down your house might put a damper on renovation plans!

nosoccermom, I definitely like that high midway backsplash look. If I was going that route, I could see zellige tile being awesome. Just not sure about "chopping" up that long wall though.

bbtrix, so nice to see you! Glad to read that paint has been working for you :) . The simplicity of it appeals to me.

My .02 again, be careful about what you put behind the range. Some of the things suggested are not heatproof, and may violate code. You may want to check and see what's required in your area.

Thanks annac54 - this apartment was built in 2001, never had a backsplash (just painted drywall), and passed all inspections. Code doesn't require us to upgrade it. The home is ridiculously fire safe with double drywall, sprinkler system, etc. There is nothing flammable anywhere near the range so I am not concerned.

Commenting to follow your progress. Love what you've accomplished so far.

New google image search word: "glass hob splashback" or pics of glass backsplash behind range

and http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2449038/digital-printing-on-glass-as-backsplash

Or check out this thread, easy attachment of glass panel, scroll down to jwvideo

What about a higher BS of the counter material and paint above, plus maybe something behind the range? [softpunk did this, too, if you search for the thread here.]

Shaker Kitchen, Harpenden · More Info

Shaker Kitchen, Harpenden · More Info

Or just plain glass?

I really like that just plain glass last pic, also like the 3rd -- that has a really old fashioned feel to me.

I can't remember if my wall paint was Valspar (think so) or Clark & Kensington, but we are into our 4th year with at least weekly washdown of the wall behind the stove and the paint is still perfect. It is a stove, not a cooktop, so I guess that affords it some protection as well.

What about a solid color quartz or neolith backsplash?

I could also see doing a wide vertical stripe in one color, with a thin stripe in a secondary color or doing the majority in a honed finish with just the thin stripe polished. It would be very subtle so as not to detract from the artwork.

Something about your kitchen reminds me of a favorite of mine, soft and painterly.

nosoccermom - thanks for the great ideas! Very interesting info about printing a glass backsplash (!!), and attaching it. I think there's quite a range between attaching a piece of glass to go behind the range, vs a professionally installed glass backsplash. I looked into some aspects of this as well, and found that Starphire glass doesn't have the blue tinge, which adds a strange colour element (may or may not be desirable). I guess glass isn't something I can completely rule out.

raee_gw zone 5b-6a - thanks for chiming in. Good to know that paint has worked for you!

cpartist - to my eye, materials like Neolith, quartz, etc. don't really look right beside my granite counters. It's hard to tell from the photos, but there is some translucency and depth to the natural granite that makes a lot of manufactured materials look unpleasantly flat beside it.

cluelessincolorado - thanks for sharing that inspiration photo...very beautiful.

some more crooked crummy photos:

view coming into kitchen/dining area from hall:

view of kitchen from dining area (entrance to flat on left)

I wanted to play a bit with geometry. If I had a different backsplash material (whether tile, glass, etc.) it would create a shape. Below, I tried to mock up some different shapes to see what works best. The mockups show a dark line that continues along the bottom of the hood - that represents an approx 8" deep shelf on either side (material to be determined). Sorry for how lame this is. The bank of white cabinetry continues along that wall. The wall colour will be close to that of the white cabinetry (not as cream as shown).

1. paint only backsplash:

2. high, full backsplash:

3. Euro style midway backsplash:

4. "behind range" backsplash:

If you did #3 Euro style, would you keep the shelf/shelves that high, even with the bottom of the vent? Or would the shelf/shelves be lower and become the demaraction for backsplash to painted wall? Are there any horizontal aspects of the sink wall? I can't quite tell what's going on with the window.

jmarino19 - I liked the idea of keeping the shelves high to create "breathing space" at eye level. However with #3, it's possible that it would look better with shelves at the top of the backsplash (rather than in line with the hood bottom). Of course, that would "break" the line because the shelf would not continue under the hood. The window wall is pretty small, with a poky window. I would probably decide on how to handle that wall after deciding about range wall. There are no horizontal elements on that wall right now (just a lot of random paint/drywall patterning).