I love your counters and am surprised that anyone thinks they're quartz. However, I think the diamond backsplash is too similar, even with the brass. It might look like you tried to match but missed. I also think the tiles are a little too big for the space. Having said that, I'm not sure what I'd recommend instead.

I also agree with the comment that your counter should be the star and that that backsplash tile would be competing big time. Your kitchen is very pretty.

Thank you @cheri127.

This reno started jan 4th. 🤯🤯
I’m ready. Appliance panels will be installed next week. Finally.

If you love it do it everywhere! I picked a super soft soapstone and I’m putting my stove in front of a window. You’d have thought I admitted to murder there was so much controversy over those choices. 😂 (Some on here but much more in a kitchen remodeling FB group I’m in).

If you ask for opinions just know you’re going to get them. :)

I can see what the others are saying about it being a large format tile and you have a smaller backsplash area. It’s a valid point. Can you get a box of the tile and just kind of set it up on the wall to get a better sense? And then return it if you decide it’s not for you.

To add - I’d do it everywhere or nowhere. Not a fan of accent tile or accent painted walls or accent wallpaper. All or nothing! Go big or go home.

@louis. I wish I could. This tile doesn’t do that. Plus I would want to do it fully custom so I can’t choose the calacatta gold that would be cut for it. Especially since I know all how all natural stone is different. After waiting this long, if I picked a marble that I could even pick the slab cut, I’m all about it.

I’m all about go big or go home. Especially when this is IT. I’ve lived all over. Finally in my forever home, and after 6 years finally did the kitchen.

I have no issues doing it all over, as long as it’s a good choice. But spending all this money. If something else would look more perfect I’d rather that.
Ugh. Decisions decisions.

I don't have specific sugggestions, but I'd look for a smaller white with gold tile, or white with a tiny bit of black, or a shaped tile in a very soft taupe color which could look great with your countertops and floors. You could also set an elongated subway tile in a vertical straight pattern to give it a different look.

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I'm kinda confused -- is this the diamond tile you're considering? If so, I like it and if you're going to use it, I'd say GO BIG and run it around the whole kitchen. But then you have to keep everything else pretty simple and let this tile "be the star".

Sorry but really behind the stove accents are a totally dated look

Disagree, but it has to be the right tile in the right space.

What your kitchen needs is color.

This tile brings in color.

This is my forever kitchen.

Respectfully, this probably isn't true. Don't put so much "must be perfect" pressure on yourself.

High end would be inset cabinets

No, inset isn't automatically high end.

The quartz is pretty, but it is very obviously quartz and does not look like real marble. I think that using the pictured backsplash tile will only highlight that fact.

It is important that the countertop and the tile match perfectly ... but only the OP has seen "the real things" together.

24 inch fridge

Size is pretty important in a refrigerator. I think I'd give up something else to get a larger refrigerator.

I don't think your large diamond shaped tile is going to look good under your curved hood vent though.

Now that's a good point -- you don't want competing shapes.

I would like to be something not “subway”

Agree -- it's played out.

Can you get a box of the tile and just kind of set it up on the wall to get a better sense? And then return it if you decide it’s not for you.

Now that's a practical thought. My only concern would be that if you get more boxes later, they might be slightly different.

@mrs Pete. Yes. That pic is the tile. And I agree that I would want it all from the same marble batch, cause it can differ. And the plan is nothing else crazy at all. I don’t even want things on the counter if I can avoid it.

This is my forever till my kids decide where they are adulting. Lol. They are 12 and 9. I also can’t retire for another 15 years.

Omg. Truly love your responses. So. Great.

I did the 24 inch column, because I also purchased a 24 inch fridge drawers, and I also have a fridge in the basement. I knew 24 inch counter depth would not hold a lot so I tried to help that. I did not want a 18 inch freezer, so small for my Italian self. Plus like the uniform panel look.

I like the specific about it not looking ok under curved vent hood. I posted a picture under a curved hood. (Hood I sent too millworker too) does it not look good? Your eyes seem so much more astute than mine. Seriously

I’m trying so hard to learn. We did my yard also. And I truly went big. My dad passed away this year. He was a Go Big guy. And I also trying to embody that. Plus him and I were like the same. Lol.

Design is editing. Pick one tile go to ceiling behind range. To bottom of upper cabinets. If the water in the kitchen gets higher? find the row boat in the carport.

Look........ tile is a protector AND a design element. Nobody and nothing ever died from simple. It is ONE element in the kitchen.

No to behind the range "accent" : ) Sorry......

You can find more than enough images on the internet to support any idea. Doesn't make them great.

Just wanted to say I really like your quartzite!

Where's @Beth H. ?

Since you are in the tri-state area, have you looked at Artistic Tile?

https://www.artistictile.com/pages/find-location

They will also make custom water-jet cut mosaics and you get to choose the tiles/slabs that they use. Price might be a bit better than new Ravenna. I ordered an arabesque shape a few years ago and they sent me photos of the tile/slabs they had at the warehouse. I was ordering from the west coast, but you would get to see them in person since I think their main warehouse is in NJ/NY.

Tdesanti- I just wanna say I love your stone! Ain’t no way that’s quartz. It’s beautiful and you can see the natural variations in your close ups. I’m no help with the backsplash I’m afraid. I personally would choose something not too busy so that your counters take top billing. I hope you share pix when you’re done. Good luck - it’s looking gorgeous already.

Don’t confuse blingy with high end. The two are often not even 4th cousins, much less interchangeable twins.

@mrs Pete. Yes. That pic is the tile. And I agree that I would want it all from the same marble batch, cause it can differ. And the plan is nothing else crazy at all. I don’t even want things on the counter if I can avoid it.

This is my forever… well till my kids decide where they are adulting. Lol. They are 12 and 9. I also can’t retire for another 15 years.

Omg. Truly love your responses. So. Great.

I did the 24 inch column, because I also purchased a 24 inch fridge drawers, and I also have a fridge in the basement. I knew 24 inch counter depth would not hold a lot so I tried to help that. I did not want a 18 inch freezer, so small for my Italian self. Plus like the uniform panel look.

I like the specific about it not looking ok under curved vent hood. I posted a picture under a curved hood. (Hood I sent too millworker too) does it not look good? Your eyes seem so much more astute than mine. Seriously

I’m trying so hard to learn.

@chispa I did go to an artistic tile store. I may take a ride there again. I love that you can choose slabs. Thank you.

@etta. Thank you so much. I will.

@magnifico, trust I am not calling this tile “high end” because of the “bling”.
But I do love a little sparkle. Lol. I have one wall in my bathroom that has antique mirror in the tile. And I’m obsessed with it.
But the brass inlay is not simply why I referred to this as high end tile. I also do not HAVE to choose this.
Do I love it, in person, yes. But maybe there is something else out there i would love also, that would compliment even better. I’d love ideas.

The only way to select is to drag home the samples and stand them up on the counter in a 99% finished kitchen.

Brass inlay anything is destined to be dated in five years or less. Guaranteed.

You already have a star in the tops. You don't need or want two stars in your show." Fight City" is usually the outcome.

@tdesanti Having worked on this project since January, it may be time to take a small break from decision making. I remodeled two kitchens and both times I painted the backsplash and waited a year before tiling due to burn out and purchase anxiety. Even with the expense of having to re-hang the hood to tile behide it, it may be worth it to wait. Just a thought.

@jan i love the way you explained that.

@cheri that is definitely an idea. My issue is since I am a teacher I’m able to do so much more in the summer. Once September happens I’m so limited. But at the same time. I don’t have to pick. To simply pick. Clearing the head from it, may actually be a benefit.

That is lovely tile. Use it through out the kitchen backsplash. My concern with the brass as it ages. I would think that it will age quickly behind the range and sink area. Will you be happy with the possibility that some areas will be sparkly, while others have a patina?

I agree with the person who asked “where’s @Beth H. :”…so I’m summoning her! She always has great ideas.

I am probably no one to give advice because we’ve been in our house for 3 YEARS and I’m still without a backsplash 😳, but I completely agree with Jan….finish up the kitchen and THEN make your choice.…its helpful to have everything in place and then lug (ugh) home all the samples to help visualize (although I’m a poor example of that theory 😂). Pictures are not enough…really need to have a decent amount of whatever you’re considering brought into the space. Also agree that brass inlay will most likely become noticably dated fairly quickly so that’s definitely something to consider. If you’ve got the funds and don't mind changing your backsplash down the road, then it doesn’t matter.

I dont think that having a diamond shaped backsplash will at all conflict with a curved hood. I see that combo all the time. If competing shapes were truly an issue, then you wouldn’t see the millions of rectangular subway tiles installed in kitchens with curved hoods. This concern doesn’t make sense to me.

And BTW, to anyone who has even the smallest knowledge of quartzite, it is completely obvious that your counters are not quartz. And the insult from the person who stated ”another all white kitchen, with fake plastic-y marble counters” was completely uncalled for.

I understand the mental exhaustion in making design decisions and wanting to make the “perfect” choice, and honestly, there is always something better out there. Invariably, something new will come along that we didnt see at first which will catch our eye and the cycle continues. And we don’t want to make a HUGE mistake we‘ll regret so we’re always second guessing ourselves. I so get that! Haha…. I’m an expert at this see/saw thing, and unfortunately it’s the norm for the perfectionist…it’s simply the way we’re wired….my condolences 😭

The diamond tile choice will be a very bold look….completely eye catching…and will definitely make a statement and steal the show.….it’s big and its bold. From the photos though, the veining in your counters don’t appear “in your face” but more subtle….but it’s very difficult to tell without being in the space and hard to determine if the counters will compete with the tile. Actual contrast doesn’t always show up accurately in photographs so the dark viening in the counters may or may not be more visible in person. Honestly, the most distracting thing to me is the brick wall out the window which can have a tendency to make everything look busy. But that too may also fade away when standing in the space.

I would be careful though, since you have opened up walls, to make sure that whatever you have in adjacent rooms is compatible with the diamond tile and you dont have too much going on.

If you go for it, I would definetly go up to the ceiling.

Is it possible to start with the area behind the stove and see how that feels and simply continue on with the rest of the walls if you’re loving it? Not exactly sure where the tile setters need to start so that there are no slivers in corners/along edges if doing the entire space, but if it’s possible to work from the hood area out, might be something to consider. Of course you’d have to get all the tile from the same dye lot which would mean purchasing ALL that is necessary for the entire job, so this can get complicated and costly. But if the main consideration is the visible end result, starting in the hood area might be an option.

@nidnay that response is so beyond spot on with everything! Literally everything.
I agree to truly wait. I’m hoping literally everything is done my this Friday. Appliance panel and hardware all installed. That’s really going to help.

That brick wall out the window is my neighbors house. Lol I’m in NYC, houses are close. I will be getting a window treatment to cover it. Something ever so simple and not bold, but haven’t ordered yet. And your right with the counter veining. Not in your face, and the gold and grey are like a hint. Not bombarded with too many take over large veins in any one area.

We also have a large chimney that goes through the island. It was h able to be removed. Yes I removed load bearing walls and so much. But that chimney removal alone was 30000+.
So Decided to make it appear like it’s coming out of the island, with quartzite on all sides, and it will be paneled to match cabinetry.

That being said is also dont mind the eyes drawn toward backsplash area and away from the chimney.

I’m a former New Yorker who is now a southern belle….moved to NC years ago. I still have that darned NY accent though that completely gives me away.

Go all in! It will look great. One of the pictures you posted of hoods has a curved hood with a chevron behind it and it looked awesome.

If you truly love this tile, then go all in, don't mix it with somethin else , just do all of it!

You can bring some color in with your paint and accessories.

Can't wait to see finish pictures!

I also can't see how your top would be mistaken for man made... It is beautiful

Good luck!

Thank you.

I’d like to add there is NOTHING wrong with quartz. Everything is all about style preference and even budget.
I have a plain white quartz in my bathroom.

You don’t mention a kitchen designer, so I am assuming you designed the kitchen. If that’s so, I am impressed! The layout, selections and finishes are very harmonious - including the backsplash. There is definite value in crowdsourcing design advice, but ultimately your aesthetic counts the most and you should trust it. ❤️

Yes did you use a designer?? If so, pick their brain. I personally love your quartzite and love your backsplash!! Go for it

You do not have a ton of backsplash area so I think that tile will be gorgeous! Do it everywhere

A friend put a beautiful chrysandthemum mosaic backsplash behind her cooktop. It is stunning and if it is dated, who cares? She loves it.

Estrella

@kathy and @taliaferro thank you. I did not have a designer. I did everything myself, just used a free computer app for measurements. It was a lot, since we removed a wall and all plumbing, and a side door. Lol. I can share pics of what it looked like before, if you like to see. Basically wall is where the island is now. And the island is where the sink is now. This Range is where a side door was.

@cupofkindnessgw. I would LOVE to see a picture of that. I love that look. But my husband is anti anything floral. Anyway you can send a picture?

With all this jabbering about quartz and quartzite, it seems that quartz is being put in the low end. It is far from it. First, it is more expensive than quartzite (if you acquaint high end with cost) and comes in a variety or colors and patterns which quartzite does not.

Quartzite is high maintenance, quartz is not. Quartzite is porous and needs to be sealed a couple times a year. If it isn't sealed it will stain and there will be bacterial issues. Not so with quartz. Quartz is low maintenance and needs no sealing and resists bacteria.

Although quartzite a bit stronger than quartz, it is susceptible to scratching. Quartz is not.

As some one said choice of hard surface is personal. Kitchen, bathrooms get my vote for quartz because of bacteria issues.

@judianna20. I completely agree. Which is why I tried to add that. It’s a personal preference all around. Just like how some choose marble, porcelain, quartz, laminate, cement, even epoxy.
I am not even sure why it came up on convo so much here, besides to try and help match my counter to a backsplash properly.

But all posts and forums unfortunately tend to take turns in directions that have nothing to do with the actual question.

I would like to see the ”before” space.

I've been thinking about the tile, because I like it, and it finally dawned on me why I am not crazy about it in your kitchen. it is too "spa" looking...as in, I would like to see it in a Master bathroom with brass faucets.

@taliaferro

Some people live behind the keyboard to be snarky. the Countertops are gorgeous! Enjoy every minute of your forever/pre-retirement kitchen. I'm in the same boat.

Here is a closer up of the tile. Just to share. Each Diamond is 9 inches. So technically two would fit under upper cabinets

@tdesanti the transformation will be extraordinary! Can’t wait to see the final reveal!!

...you are going to let strangers talk you out of using a tile that took your breath away a few days ago...

Will the brass patina or is it coated with something to prevent that? I have a stainless hood with brass accents and it is very high maintenance because it is a living finish.

It IS gorgeous.

tdesanti, beautiful choices.

BTW, quartzite is harder than granite and shouldn't scratch very easily. The info above isn't totally correct. Quartzite can stain, depending on the type that you have.

do you have a spare piece you can test? Do the lemon test, and the scratch test with it (use a piece of glass to scratch the surface. does the stone scratch? if so, you don't have quartzite!. True quartzite will not etch either)

I have to agree w/waiting until everything is installed and done before deciding on a tile.

Unless, you just love that brass inlay choice and want to do it. If so, go for it.

I can't offer any advice until I actually see the kitchen.

If going off of this only, then I think your diamond tile is fine. It works well w/your quartzite.

I'd do the entire wall up to the ceiling all the way over. You don't have a large enough area to do a small area behind the stove. once the hood is up, it's going to eat up most of that wall. Your tile is too large to do an accent. Do the entire wall!

I waited one year before deciding on mine. I did a brass inlay that was cut to fit in the vertical grout lines of each marble tile. (Brass Schluter Jolly is what I used)

I have plenty of other gold accenting. (and I have a lot of black and white off to the left that you can't see to balance things)

If and when gold goes out, I'll change the pendants and the hardware. the gold around the tile is very mild and isn't that noticeable.

@beth I now know why you were being summoned to this discussion.
Amazing advice and gorgeous kitchen, that is totally inline with my style as well.

Love your brass in your tile. May I ask where you ordered that from, was is preordered with tile to be pre cut?

I’m hoping all panels and hardware are installed by this Friday to truly give me a better idea.

Did you have to use any special sealing or anything on backsplash, esp behind stover? Some above stated it will be affected by the heat, figured there must be some things I could do to help.

Thank you so much for your response. Truly love your kitchen and advice.

I’ll keep all those interested my decision and progress. Oh. And can’t remember if I mentioned the adjacent open wall by window on right will have shelves. I do plan on whatever tile do go all the up behind the shelves.

Thank you everyone. 🤗❤️

The close up of your tile ( yes I am calling it your tile ) is absolutely beautiful...

Just go for it!

my tile is a 4x12 calacatta. I asked my tile guy if he could cut the Schluter brass strips and use them for the inlay. he said no problem! I got the idea from another picture I had seen.

this one:

here's the Jolly we used.

I also have some open shelving over on my coffee bar.

to bring in more of the wood I trimmed out my window in walnut and did some walnut on my vent hood.

I love the idea of your shelves by your window.

Sealer I used was 511. I haven't had any issues behind the stove. Although, I do prop up a few cutting boards just to block any grease splatter when I"m cooking. it's easier to wash a cutting board than the tiles!

what kind of sconces are you doing over your window? I found mine on Etsy since I wanted something w/the black and gold to go w/the cement tile.

I think your tile is fine. you can always grab a few more samples so you can tape up a small section just to get an idea.

there are many other marble mosaics w/gold inlay. don't know if you've seen all of them

I was considering this one

Tilebar has the VZag, have you seen this one? comes in a few colors

this one too.

If you still prefer your choice, then use it! It's only tile.

I personally consider quartz lower end than quartzite. This is from latest good housekeeping

It was the property brothers

My "low end" brass inlay backsplash may be dated, but I still like it in my little cottage. :-)

At @AM love that look.
So funny I have the vzag tile in my bathroom but with the antique mirror. And I love it years later.

Hmmmm guess I have a Diamond theme going on too. Lol

@tdesanti Love it! Maybe its an Italian thing - I'm Sicilian from NJ, but now in the deep South...