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Seeking advice on tile backsplash for a small kitchen

3 years ago

I’m hoping to get advice on a few questions about a tile backsplash for my small kitchen.

1) Should I do a tile backsplash at all? We may try to sell the house in a couple years. I thought tile might look the kitchen look better, but then maybe a different pain color in the whole kitchen would do just as well.

2) If I tile, go dark or light? It’s a small kitchen so lighter is usually better. But I’m trying to lighten the granite and also pick a color that will make the cabinets and granite go together better.

3) If I tile, I wanted to take the granite backsplash off. But I’m not sure if there’s a sensible way to do this because then I’d have to remove the splash from the sides too (wrap around the chimney and next to the window.) And I don’t know if that will look weird.

Appreciate any ideas.

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Comments (13)

schnoodlemom
3 years ago
I would paint a cheery color, especially if you don’t plan to stay there. I never understood tiling above a 4 inch backsplash.
eam44
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You already have a backsplash! Done! It’s a very cute space as is.
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My granite supplier advised using tile from the granite up (no granite back splash). She could have advised the other way and made a little more money, so I think she advised based on her honest opinion. I also like the "no granite back splash" look better. Just guessing, I'd say the only reason to use the 4" granite back splash would be if you weren't going to use any other back splash at all (a more low-budget option, in my opinion).
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Hi! I have been searching non-stop on Houzz for inspirations for kitchens ever since we built our home two years ago, and have a pretty good idea of the look I want. (See two photos posted from Houzz that I especially adore!) However, it's not easy to make an educated decision on a backsplash when what you receive as a sample is a 3x6 tile! I was hoping maybe someone with similar finishes would be willing to share photos with me. I don't have photos to post right now (they all came out terrible) but our kitchen has a European flair. White cabinets, with a glaze (they are creamy, maybe even with a touch of yellow). Definitely not a true white. The granite is "Yellow River"....lots of movement, with primarily golden, rust, warm tones. Our kitchen island has a dark stain wood, and our floors are a cherry-stained oak. I'm looking to achieve a "tone on tone" kitchen, and since the granite is so dramatic, I'm set on crackle subway tile. Of the four local shops I've visited, the contenders are (and not in order of importance) 1.) Rixi in "Crema" (but maybe too light?) and also "Dore" (but maybe WAY too yellow?) 2.) Sonoma tile Star Tribeca in "Butter" 3.) Walker Zanger Gramercy Park "Hamptons Beige" (don't have a sample but the store said they could order one) 4.) Jeffrey Court "Sandbar" (I think this may be too dark) I really am set on a crackle subway, based on some gorgeous kitchens that look similar to my own on Houzz. Yet, I'm stuck on the "right" cream/beige color! I also LOVED Encore ceramics, but the store quoted $40/sq ft and that's just not going to happen. I have a list of contractors to call, so I'll see if they can do better on pricing. That way help sway the decision. Does, anyone have Yellow River granite and light cabs with a crackle subway backsplash? Does anyone have a photo of Sonoma's "Butter" that I could see? It's like trying to choose a paint color based on those tiny paint chips! SO difficult to get a feel for what the surface will look like entirely covered by the tile! Thank you!
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Paint really will be fine, if a good quality paint, properly applied. You need a scrub tolerant paint because you will have to wipe it down regularly. It is what I have and had. Have you considered installing tile yourself? So many folks have posted here having DIY and turned out very well. If pre-mounted on mesh it is even easier I believe. I installed glass tile in my bathroom, on the sink wall, using the 2 sided adhesive sheets -- I had to be very careful to get it right the first touch with that adhesive - once the tile touched it, it was stuck! The key is, plan your layout, then take your time! I like the sketch with it all the way across the wall.
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Kristina, beautiful. your hood is very similar to mine! (walnut-it's not the best picture but it is the same color as yours) (and I can't even decide on my own splash!) I also have walnut shelving over the coffee bar and on the other side of the island. what kind of tile are you leaning towards, or what kind of look? you have a great wall to show off some great tile work. Because of your warm wood flooring, I would stay away from most the gray colors. something w/black (or white) or this mixture of the deep bronze/alloy black metallic glaze, would look beautiful next to your countertop, and match your floor color. I can't photoshop any of these onto your photos because you posted them through the Houzz link. if you post a pic on the photo icon in comments, I can do it. these are Encore Ceramics, metallic glaze options. (they come in all shapes) Tilebar or you could do a Bardiglio marble, which is a bit darker than the Carrara. mother of pearl (also has the warmer hues to it) And they have a black MOP that is stunning. or go w/a black/white marble
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eld6161
3 years ago
I agree.
HU-325527333
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it! I was thinking a tile would be better protection for the walls. But your suggestion is simpler! I will look for a nice cheery color.
eam44
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Well, the paint you already have is a good choice for your finishes. Maybe consider adding art to your walls and some dry goods containers in a pretty accent color (teal? turquoise perhaps?), maybe an oriental rug below the sink. For a more finished look, consider adding crown molding to the top of your cabinets.
herbflavor
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Not much wall and those nice windows w white trim !!! I’d go w a semi gloss coral shade and watch those cabs pop!!! Be ready for some more fun hardware once you get the ball rolling!!!
Phyllis Kincaid Carvalho
3 years ago
https://www.bedrosians.com/en/

Search: Chloe Tile 🥰😍🥰
HU-325527333
Original Author
3 years ago
eam44, oh I thought the faint yellow cream paint wasn’t a good match for the cabinet and granite! I’m not very good with colors though.

I’ll try some Photoshop with the light teal and coral that herbflavor suggested.
PRO
FLUXPACE
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You should do white subway tile all around. Subway tile is cheap and would make the kitchen look more impressive. You'll get something similar to this.
HU-325527333
Original Author
3 years ago
I do like the floor to ceiling tile look. We’d have to take it all around the kitchen and it might just be too much for our home (like compared to all the other rooms).
eam44
3 years ago
Is the paint yellow in real life? It looks like a neutral gray on my iPad.
Theresa Janssen
3 years ago
instead of a new backsplash or paint, how about adding wallpaper to the window wall or the wall opposite the window, it's hard to see the wall opposite the window or is that the entry to the kitchen. wallpaper could be the statement maker. it's a very cute kitchen
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HU-325527333
Original Author
3 years ago
eam44, yes the paint is like a creamy color with what looks like yellow tint to me. It’s darker than an actual eggshell but much lighter than butter.

I was thinking of changing the whole kitchen to a light gray that matches the cabinet and granite. And then the backsplash area would either be the same color or an accent color.

Theresa, thanks for sharing those wallpaper examples! Hadn’t thought of that.

Below is the wall opposite the room. I’d like to put a pan rack, shelf, or something similar on the wall to the right of the door.

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