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Remodeling Design Dilemma Kitchens

Need Backsplash Help! White shaker cabs, blue island (Pics)

6 years ago

Hi All!

I’m nearing the finishing stages of a way-to-long remodel. I’ve done all the work myself, but design is definitely my biggest flaw.

A couple details about the style: clean and modern. Walls are light gray and floors are ebony. Cabs are bright white, with a blue island. Counters are calacatta gray quartz, and all finishes are satin nickel/SS. (Pics)

Now onto the backsplash. It’s a small area so I really want something that pops and provides an “upscale” feel. I originally was set on a painted cement with blue tones to compliment the the dark blue island, however now I’m second guessing everything. Should I just go with a simple subway? I’d like something a bit more exciting but that’s why I need your opinions!

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

Beth H. :

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Should you? No. But I'm sure the subway camp people will be along shortly ;)

doing white subway tiles in your kitchen will work. And it will look like every other white kitchen, w/white quartz countertops out there.

I'm in the camp of 'pick something different or something w/some color'.

I don't particularly like that cement tile pattern you have. There are so, so many other better options. (the one you have has been used to death!). But if you like it, then get it!

Have you looked at Tilebar, Encore Ceramics or even CleTile? lots of choices.

Cement and glazed bricks, below, Above are a sample of the Zellige tiles. beautiful colors.

This is their Zellige tiles in a gray glaze.

https://www.cletile.com/collections/glazed-terracotta-tile-zellige

I think they are 4x4 (or maybe the 2x2) but they also come in a hex and in a 2x6 subway. This gray would look great w/your kitchen.

https://www.cletile.com/collections/cement-tile-encaustic-cement

other options

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Comments (23)

Nothing Left to Say
6 years ago

Everything looks gorgeous so far! I think you might not have a big enough backsplash area to show off that fun pattern. I might consider a color instead?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Hudson-Penny-Round-Denim-Blue-12-in-x-12-5-8-in-x-5-mm-Porcelain-Mosaic-Tile-FKOMPR41/206622829

https://encoreceramics.com/product/lapiz-jewel-glaze/

https://tilebar.com/enigma-ash-blue-2x8-polished-ceramic-tile.html
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FYI, here are some of my inspiration photos. I love the red accents in this first one (my compliments to SoonerMagic--I hope it's OK that I'm re-posting this) but I'm just not sure if white subway tile might be too stark in our kitchen. Our cabs are white rather than off-white, there's no window above the sink and there won't be much painted wall showing. If we went with this color scheme we'd probably do something like BM Bennington Gray on the walls. Not certain if we'd use the contrasting grout or go with something whiter. I like how the beige-y backsplash in this 2nd photo adds a little more color to the room. Was thinking a subway tile in this shade might still work nicely with red accents (with paint in a similar beige shade): A third option would be to do a grayish paint (BM Gray Owl?) and go with a subway tile in carrara marble something like the one below (sorry--I'm not sure whose pic this is). The problem is I'm not sure that would coordinate well with the red in our dining room. It's also a cooler color scheme than I'd originally planned. Any thoughts? Our floors are hardwood, by the way--similar to the color in pic #2 or just a touch lighter. Thanks again for all the input!
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Thanks April! We will have to remove the mantel and corbels (brings a set of issues w/ patching where corbels were, drilling for electricity, etc...), but want to mount TV on fireplace, as my boys like watching the TV from island. They eat at the island often. Also, there would be a glare on the perpendicular wall from the windows. It's not bad on the hearth! But, I'd also like to cover as much of the fireplace as possible! I get your point about the books on shelves, adding items to tie everything in. I feel like if the island were white, it would help tie some other elements, pantry door, white trim and white blinds. It may make it easier with the granite choice also. If I stay with current granite, or change. I think it would help to lighten up kitchen overall and break up the woods. I like the darker island idea, but think it may not work as well in my kitchen.
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Mid America Mom
6 years ago
Backsplashes come and go so fast. Are you some who would not bat an eye about the cost and work in changing the backsplash when you are tired of the look or feel it is now too dated and needs to go? Then go for what you love! But if not I would encourage you to go with subway or literally a painted wall like I see with some deVol (UK) sets - https://www.devolkitchens.co.uk/kitchens/shaker-kitchen/queens-park-kitchen
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PRO
Home Art Tile Kitchen & Bath
6 years ago
Of course you don't have to go with plain white subway tile nor should you. You already have a nice, simple backdrop that allows you to bring in more details and pops of color. But you also don't have to insist on strong colors. I think white and gray Arabescato Carrara marble tile will sophisticate the space even more. Calacatta Gold marble tile can introduce subtle rust tones into your white/gray combination while White Arabesque tile with dark grout can bring contrast and classic look to your kitchen.
PRO
Courtney Thomas Design
6 years ago
Here is a lovely tile we used in a kitchen design of ours that might interest you. We also think going with a blue glass tile might look great as well.
Upscale Family Home: Kitchen · More Info
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isabel98
6 years ago
I vote for the penny tile. my favorite.
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Seventh Street · More Info
0
crcollins1_gw
6 years ago
I do love me some penny tile, but it is tricky to install and even in that first pic above with the navy, you can see where the edges of the sheets are. If the installer is not absolutely meticulous with the spacing, it can look bad. Also, there's a lot of grout with penny tile. We have it in our basement bath and although it looks fabulous (meticulous installer), the grout is a PITA. Not sure I'd choose it for a backsplash.
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isabel98
6 years ago
true on the installation for sure. but I would live with a few imperfections and the grout. I have never had a problem with dirty grout in a kitchen. small squares and hex would be pretty too. winchester tiles has beautiful handmade tile in stock. squares and rectangle. I just did mine and I love the glaze

Bastille-blue color

They are reasonably priced as well. good luck, lovely kitchen
ajm27
6 years ago
My advice, paint now and tile later. The thought of removing tile because you’re not happy with it makes me cringe. Speaking of cringe...I have to stare at this bachelor nightmare every day. Good on my husband for coordinating the colors but yeeesh.
chispa
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
ajm27, yikes!

I know you can be color blind ... but is there such a thing as being pattern blind!

;-)
PRO
Inside Out Staging and Design
6 years ago
The stager part of me who is ALWAYS thinking about resale will ask you how long you plan on staying in the house and if the answer is less than 5 years- stick to subway tile which is classic and safe. However... the color maven in me says go for the blue and get what you love! It's not that much backsplash and provided your countertops are somewhat pattern less, will create a beautiful focal point against the white cabinets.
ajm27
6 years ago
@chispa - hahahaha!!!
renee kent
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I noticed this Houzz website had backsplash wonders. The Brits and Canadians know how to wake up a room. I think subway tile is safe and unimaginative. I wonder why a person would go to a tile store with soooooo many options and walk away with white subway tile. At least beveled white subway tile shows some interest. Your kitchen is nice --- it needs a WOW factor.
Nor
6 years ago
@renee I ended up with a white glass tile, 2"x11" in a stacked layout. I spent months sampling bright blues and greens and all sorts of shapes and eventually just became overwhelmed and went with the simpler design. I wonder if that's why other people end up with white subway. it can be so hard to make a bolder choice when you're not a pro!
lucky998877
6 years ago

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stumpydarby
6 years ago

How about this? The pic doesn’t even do the color justice it is insanely cool and amazing in person.

Cepac — Midtown tile in Skyline color.

https://cepactile.com/product/midtown-mt-244-skyline/#
PRO
Spartan Legacy
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for the awesome ideas!

You helped me quickly realize that I’m going to need something neutral that pleases the masses, as this is a love and flip that will probably be sold in the next 6 months.

I’ve changed gears away from “wow” patterns and bold colors to a more basic subway (I hear the sighs already).

Any and all opinions are welcome!
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PRO
Spartan Legacy
Original Author
6 years ago
A couple more pictures
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isabel98
6 years ago
a blue would please the masses, especially a navy. these greys are just ugh, well, so boring.
K R
6 years ago
I like the gray on the left, dark enough to give a contrast.
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Julie Lawrence
6 years ago
I like the gray sparkle tile, where did you find it?
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PRO
Inside Out Staging and Design
6 years ago
Unfortunately "boring" and cookie cutter often sells so leave the WOW for your own home! I like the glass subway tile. Gives a little more dimension. Good luck!
0
Toni Hamlett
6 years ago
Consider both the subway tile and just a bold blue at the stove area. Try to get something close to the island color (or a blue that complements the island). What ever your decision make sure they add a row below the counter at the stove area, why? If the new owners decide to put in a slide in stove (one without the back controls) you want to make sure the tile is below the top of the stove. I mention this because if you are selling soon and I was the buyer, the stove would be one of my replacements and I like when the tile behind the stove is a focal point. Also subway tile is inexpensive so just doing a limited space with something unique will make it pop.

Love the kitchen and all the best.
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