My opinions regarding this topic are reflective of both my tile setting experience as well as being a savvy homeowner that prefers not to be owned by the materials I select. Earlier on in my career I have installed quite a few tumbled stone backsplashes and showers for family, friends and customers, ranging from 12x12 to smaller ½”x ½” mosaics. Regardless of the size of the tiles most applications wear similarly, yes, grout being the most susceptible to staining you can argue that; more grout more problems, right? Truth is from the mid 90’s on most of our work included some sort of mosaic tumbled or textured natural stone mixed with different colored glass tiles. With regards to staining or difficulties in maintaining I have not experience any issues that I can recall. Once properly sealed, tumbled stone will provide years of durable service-providing you follow some simple care and maintenance steps. For starters I suggest using a brand name water based sealer and wiping up spills and splatter from behind the stove within a reasonable amount of time. (Define a reasonable amount of time…. Sometime after you’re done eating and before you go to bed!) I prefer water based sealers over solvents for a few reasons, most importantly the toxic fumes and VOCs and the other is I find the larger molecule formulation fill the larger pores in the grout better compared to the thinner solvent based structure. As mentioned prior, all natural stones and grouts will patina over time (unless you decide to use epoxy grouts). Sealing natural stone backsplashes in any pattern will not stop the natural patina; it will only help keep foods and beverage stains out between cleaning or before it permeates the surface. Keeping stains out is not that difficult but keeping it the same color as it was when it was installed will be close to impossible. Slight discoloration is considered normal and should not be looked at as a failure of the cleaning techniques or a breakdown of the sealer. So if the look of mosaics is what you are looking for than go for it. If you are concerned with care and use and like the looks of the cream and beige tones I would recommend selecting a tumbled marble vs. tumble Limestone; the look is similar but the performance could be drastically different. However, differentiating between the two can sometimes be difficult, make sure you ask the sales person and if he/she is not sure ask them to investigate. As a rule of thumb, tumbled limestone is naturally more porous than tumbled marble. Given the natural state of porosity, it is recommended to have the installer seal the tiles prior to grouting. Pre-sealing will only help the grout installer wipe the tiles clean resulting in easier cleaner installation. It is important to seal the entire application including grout a few days after installation, while the grout may look dry after a few hours it takes a few days for the grout to cure, grouting prior to this point will not yield the same protection. I hope this helps.

I would expect that Calacatta as a field tile would be too expensive for this kitchen. Thanks for getting those mosaics off their website, rebunky. I like the stick mosaic but I'd probably use something more like the 1 x 3 brick. I love squares but I know that's a dated look. The wave tile is dimensional. There's also a hexagon and a mini herringbone mosaic. I'm never quite sure what you can get in which finish from Encore. Confusing website. I'll think about adding color in green and/or red if I do a mosaic. If I was able to get Encore, which would probably involve going to Seattle for an overnighter, I may be able to get a field tile in the Bravo line. Thanks, guys. Next step is getting out to some tile stores.

Thanks all. The main thing I had to decide on was size (not color) so made a 2x6 & 2x4 basic wireframe pattern in Microsoft Excel, printed lifesize and taped together a few to get a sample poster to put on wall. This let me get to 2x6 as choice - it didn't seem too skinny-- if anything 2x4 seemed too small for a kitchen (personal choice). 2x6 might also make things less busy if you have multi-color and that's a concern. (Noted that layout detail such as near kitchen window and grout color are very important.)

I told my husband that my friends on my forum are recommending a floor that is not so blue/gray as this, and he was surprised because it seemed more warm than gray to him. (Although I should say that he is leaving all the choices to me.) So, instead of depending on my poor photography skills, I'm posting internet images of it that are better renditions. And this is the door, although this looks pinker and less golden than the samples I've seen (including the sample I artificially aged in the sun for weeks!) And the Corian glacier white counter: Cpartist asks: What are the colors in the rest of your house? I am redoing everything and have not chosen a paint color or furniture. The owner of the flooring shop suggested a mustard yellow with this floor, which thought would look awesome with the white and blue backsplash I posted. I was envisioning something like wall color in the picture showcasing the corian counter top but a bit lighter. Cpartist also says: Also there is a tile similar to your last one that also picks up touches of the Browns from the cabinets. Can't think of its name right now If you think of it, please let me know, since this was the first backsplash that I really felt right about. Thank you!!!