skip to main content

Backsplash advice please

5 years ago

I'm attaching a photoof my cabinets, pulls, and countertop. The countertop is Cambria Ironsbridge and has a warm white tone with warm grey veining. Would you do a simple subway tile? Beveled? Something with more of a pattern, like white onyx? I loved the white onyx online, waiting for a sample. I have light travertine floors.

I took a pic of countertop in a showroom to see the large pattern

Featured Answer

aprilneverends

5 years ago

I love onyx, but you'll have two stones in the kitchen..travertine and Quartz..onyx is being the third stone. My guess-won't be easy..stones have character, some play more nicely with others, some are fiercely independent. The more different stones you put together the more complicated it becomes.

For this reason, with all my love for onyx as a stone, I'd go for a different material. Like ceramic. I love beveled tile-but one needs to know how will look on his backsplash..involves more cuts, harder to finish it nicely..if a smaller backsplash wouldn't pick beveled.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

eam44
5 years ago
Is there a reason you want to choose your tile now? It’s really so much better to wait until you have your counters in.
blondelle
5 years ago
A medium warm grey to pick up the veining might look nice in a glass or ceramic in an elongated shape. You need a bit of contrast as everything else is light.
Related Discussions
Backsplash advice please
Q
Comments (2)
Depending on your budget and/or DIY expertise, this could also be a great full tile wall (mosaic) behind the vanity. It is a small area and could really add some punch to the space. Wouldn't have to be too flashy, even a neutral glass tile would look spectacular.
...See More
backsplash advice, please
Q
Comments (14)
Elz, Assuming you need 200 sf or less, which is the case for the majority of backsplashes, the material is in stock and you can have it within one to two weeks. If you have ANY trouble, please call me (Laura Steele at 212-727-9331) and I will make sure you are taken care of. Elz AND Flwrs, Sorry about misquoting JLevinson regarding the sanded grout - anyone who wants to protect beautiful glass tile from getting scratched is a friend of mine! And we especially appreciate clients who read the product installation instructions as you have! I'll suggest you stick with Star Quartz or Star Glass, again please call me if you have any questions. I promise you will love your backsplash - you have great taste!
...See More
Kitchen Backsplash Advice Please!
Q
Comments (11)
In my galley kitchen, the stove is also very close to the wall - about 6". My contractor wanted to wrap the backsplash around the corner, but I felt that would violate the "galleyness" of the kitchen and make the space look closed-in. Like, your eye would "stop" on the tile instead of extending onward...if that makes any sense. I read here that people have had very good results with Benjamin Moore matte finish paint being scrubbable in their kitchens, so I went with that for my window wall. (There's so little wall showing in a galley kitchen!) Also, I was less worried because I don't cook much, and most of my cooking (such as it is) is on the burner furthest from the wall. If you do decide to wrap the tile around, I think you would have to do it on both sides. I don't know about going all the way up or not... questions like that definitely contributed to my deciding to do it the way I did! By the way, I *love* your kitchen! The cabinets are beautiful, and nice choice of appliances. :-) Question - it looks like your left sink base door is blocked by the radiator cover - is it really, or is that just an artifact of attemping to take photographs in such a small space? ;-)
...See More
Backsplash advice please!
Q
Comments (2)
This is a very pretty inspiration. I am not familiar with either the granite you have or this backsplash - but really the only way to tell if it will go is to get samples and bring them home to look at it. It is really hard to match colors just based on pictures. The inspiration photos are great places to start so you know what you are looking for - but you really need to see in person.
...See More
Nothing Left to Say
5 years ago
Do you have a picture of your floor? I think blondelle has a good suggestion.

I always chose my backsplash when I chose my other materials. (We move a lot so I’ve done three kitchen remodels.) I like to know I have a cohesive plan before any of the elements are installed. I’d rather make the choices while I can still adjust each piece of the puzzle if necessary.
nicole___
5 years ago
It depends.....are you remodeling for future resale? Then boring and plain is best. If you plan on living there and want a "pop", then anything goes!
User
5 years ago
Can you link to the white onyx tile you found online? From what I see of photos of white onyx, the pattern may be too similar to the quartz and it's probably a different undertone.

Is your cabinet white, gray, or greige?
cyc2001
5 years ago
I love the countertop you chose! It looks great with the cabinet. I would go for a simple backsplash but I’m not the most adventurous soul.
suzanne_sl
5 years ago
I think the color of the backsplash is going to be more important than the shape. I'd look for tile to marry the color of the veining in the quartz with the color of the cabinets - a transition color. With the right color, you could do safe subway (try an elongated size for some excitement) or even get wild and do an arabesque or other shape. How about this in the right color?
chocolatebunny123
5 years ago
I would wait until the counters are installed before making a decision. I have backsplash ideas myself, but even with the counter samples (I too am going with quartz...most likely) the colors look different on a horizontal plan than they do vertically.

I like the Cambria Ironbridge. I have a similar counter on my short list.

Here's a tile that I have considered but because I have dark cabinets I didn't want to make the whole kitchen too dark. I think it would play nice with your counters and cabinets. https://www.tileshop.com/product/nova+hex+smoke+ceramic+mosaic+tile+-+5+x+5.5+in..do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

Related Stories

TASTEMAKERS Book to Know: Design Advice in Greg Natale’s ‘The Tailored Interior’

By Grace Chamia

The interior designer shares the 9 steps he uses to create cohesive, pleasing rooms

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever

By Mitchell Parker

If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will

Straight-Up Advice for Corner Spaces

By Shawn Gauthier

Neglected corners in the home waste valuable space. Here's how to put those overlooked spots to good use

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

KITCHEN STORAGE Knife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently

HEALTHY HOME How to Childproof Your Home: Expert Advice

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Safety strategies, Part 1: Get the lowdown from the pros on which areas of the home need locks, lids, gates and more

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First

By By Any Design Ltd.

Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Sound Advice for Designing a Home Music Studio

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

How to unleash your inner guitar hero without antagonizing the neighbors

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

contractor chooses kitchen

13

I am working on the kitchen of an investment house we are refurbishing

1

What are these above my cabinets?

7

Is my sink too big?

2