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Remodeling Design Dilemma Kitchens

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

5 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. :

5 years ago

last modified: 5 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
5 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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You do know not to "nail down" your grout, you have to use that sticky stuff :) Just kidding! I think that subway will look great with your cabs. Sometimes picking a grout color, however, is just as hard as choosing the tile. We chose the basic subway tile at Lowes, and the grout is called Warm Gray by Mapei, also from Lowes. We have soapstone countertops, so that color may not work with your countertops. All the best on your project!
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I have the exact same color thing going on in my kitchen. I am also a person who loves color. My plan is to use the backsplash tile to visually link the kitchen to the LR beyond and the attached dining room. LR is a warm sand color and the dining room will be turquoise. Tile will be a mix of the two, some bend of blue and amber glass. I think your most important decision is whether or not you want the backsplash to stand out as the focal point in the kitchen or if you want it to just be a part of the whole. For me, the splash is what brings my kitchen splash! I need it to be fun and interesting and more than a little blingy. You have to figure out where you are on that spectrum and choose the medium/style accordingly. Similarly, you have to decide how much color you want/need. For me, the stark white is just too sterile. There are some really nice "clear" glass tiles that throw a bit of green or blue or gray. Or, if you're drawn to the ceramic, you could get a soft gray or taupe like you mentioned. Ann Sacks Ceramic Basics has a number of really lovely, soft-but-not-pastel colors in the field tile. Sees like everyone who was still looking for a backsplash over on the kitchens board made a New Year's resolution to get it done, so there are a lot of threads right now. You might take a peek over there and see what people are looking at...whether any of it appeals. I assume you have already looked at the FKB and Inspirational Backsplashes slideshow? Here is a link that might be useful: Ann Sacks Ceramic Basics
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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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Mid America Mom
5 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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Home Art Tile Kitchen & Bath
5 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.
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Courtney Thomas Design
5 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.
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isabel98
5 years ago
I vote for the penny tile. my favorite.
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crcollins1_gw
5 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.
isabel98
5 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
5 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
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
ajm27, yikes!

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

;-)
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Inside Out Staging and Design
5 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
5 years ago
@chispa - hahahaha!!!
renee kent
5 years ago
last modified: 5 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
5 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
5 years ago

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stumpydarby
5 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/#
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Spartan Legacy
Original Author
5 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!
PRO
Spartan Legacy
Original Author
5 years ago
A couple more pictures
isabel98
5 years ago
a blue would please the masses, especially a navy. these greys are just ugh, well, so boring.
K R
5 years ago
I like the gray on the left, dark enough to give a contrast.
Julie Lawrence
5 years ago
I like the gray sparkle tile, where did you find it?
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Inside Out Staging and Design
5 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!
Toni Hamlett
5 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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