If it were my kitchen, I would look for variations in tones - white background with grey veining for example. That's what I see in your inspiration pics. The gray picks up the appliances and hardware. I think you said you don't like the veining and in quartz it sometimes looks very fake, so keep that in mind. If you are looking for a plain countertop, then I would try to go as neutral as possible. The photo Dawn posted is pretty - and looks like it's a mix of warm and cool.

Remember that the countertop is going to be on a different plane than the cabinets, so light will hit it differently. If you have warm lights in your kitchen, the countertop will look warmer than the cabinets even if they are the same "color".

This kitchen appears to have cool countertops with white walls and cabinets. The cabinets and flooring are similar to yours.

Kensington Rancher Remodel · More Info

This one has a fairly neutral white background with gray veining.

Kitchen Remodeling. · More Info

This is a plainer white countertop, but they used variegated gray subway with white grout which pulls it together nicely - their walls work with the backsplash also.

Contemporary Rolling Hills Kitchen · More Info

bless you both! didn't see your comments about cool/warm before @Susie . thank you. Rereading and looking at pics now.

@Susie . you are such a trooper to be hanging in there with me as you are! :)

Sounds like grey is better than beige which can lean yellow. Plus grey can pick up stainless which I like.

My counter choices:

• white with grey veining
• greyish counter
• white counter with "variegated" subway tile. I saw one pic in the ideabook you shared that picked up the wood floor colors in the subway. (I always thought the multicolored subway would bug me but considering all options)
• white counter but think would need something in the tile to give some color even some greyish grout

Will post pics as I get some samples.

Sounds good! Keep looking at photos. Pick out what you like and don’t like and think about how (and maybe why) things work together.

@Susie .Such a great suggestion to go through pics and see what I like and what I don't.

Realized my favorite is the pic I posted above with the doggie and the white counters with muted griege backsplash. It picks up the warmth of the floor and the grey of the stainless. It even has the window coverings you recommended!

I actually really like the variegated tiles but our floor is 2" wide planks so already looks a little busy so probably need to choose one greige tile color.

But I feel like I am making progress. Thank you AGAIN 🙏🏼

p.s. I notice the floor is matte and our floor is satin I think. And the backsplash may also be matte. But counter is glossy.

light floors with grey counters · More Info

The backsplash if pretty muted and not a lot of contrast, so I don’t think it’s too busy, but that’s your call. A solid white backsplash with a darker grout may come off even busier. That photo plays with texture (shades, baskets, cutting boards) and brings in greenery. This kitchen has black accents (lights, hardware).

I really love the muted greige backsplash. But our narrow wood planks would run perpindicular to the backsplash patchwork pattern. Might be too many patterns.

But yes, realized that white subway with any contrasting grout would be even busier.

Gonna look for white counter that works with SW Pure White and muted greige single tiles (not variegated) that works with that. Then can do complementary grout so minimal contrasting lines. fingers crossed!

Not sure if this is greige enough but got this tile a while ago and was drawn to the color. It's glass.

Found two potential counters:

Sunstone Bella Bianca by Stone West (all white)

Pentalquartz Misterio (grey with grey veining)

I really like the warmer Bella Bianca plain white. Can't tell if it turns the cabinets grey or not?

Seems like the grey Misterio brings out the grey in the cabinets more.

cloudy day so everything looks grey...

EITHER choice wil be better than the Cascade White we were planning on. Thank you @Susie .@theresa21 @Dawn Martinez. You SAVED me! And my kitchen! :))

I'll post with greige backsplash samples when I get them later this week.

Pental Quartz Misterio

Bella Bianca Left, Misterio Right

Sunstone Bella Bianca

Sunstone Bella Bianca

Pentalquartz Misterio

Agree that they are both better than cascade white. I don't see gray in the cabinets except in shadows.

Thank you @Susie .! I think the all-white Bella Bianca will be great with greige backsplash. So glad you let me know the white doesn't have to be a perfect match! :))

And thank you for letting me know you don't see grey in the cabinets. That was my other concern.

Quick question - would you do under cabinet lighting on floating shelves? If so pucks or strips? Will be visible. And we'll have strips under cabinets.

btw- Bella Bianca (white) countertop is only 200 heat rating. So still looking...

Did find the most amazing backsplash. Might be too much pattern given the floor is quite busy. And in darker parts of the room it looks too dark. But the warm grey is perfect.

Plus still need to figure out countertop first. But had to share.

Regarding the backsplash, something with more subtle variation. As far as the heat resistance for the quartz, I’m not aware of any that tolerate much more than 300F, but even then I wouldn’t put anything hot on them because it can crack from thermal shock. If you really like the Bella, then consider using trivets. You could always find some pretty wood ones that would add more texture to your kitchen.

Good question about the shelf lighting. I’m not sure I would put under shelf lighting on them, unless it’s a really dark corner. They don’t project out from the wall as much as upper cabinets (I assume they’re shallower, anyway), so won’t cast as much of a shadow. You could use a wall-mounted library lamp to add light, instead. If you do decide to do them, there are very narrow strips that are not as noticeable, or you may be able to have a channel routed into the bottom of the shelves to hide the strip.

Thank you @Susie . ALWAYS such helpful advice. Yes the shelves are shallower. And I'm so glad you said you wouldn't necesarily put lights under the shelves. I was worried it would look weird to only have half of the counter illimunated. But, I LOVE the natural maple finish and don't want any holes drilled into it or a puck or strip light showing.

And thank you for the pictures of the very subtle/muted backsplash tile. I haven't found anything that subtle at the tile places I've gone to. I'll keep looking

THANK YOU :))

@VLee 951, choose your counter top first, then the backsplash. Did you share the color of the counter you've potentially selected? As for backsplash have you looked at Cloe in white by Bedrosians? You'd have to lay them out to get a good variation, but they are on sale in our area until the end of June. You can buy them online. I think Wayfair sells them also, make sure they price match the Bedrosian's sale price if you head that direction.

Here are a couple photos of the subway size in white, undertones of gray for sure, with nice color variation.

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/cloe-tile/?itemNo=DECCLOWHI28G&queryid=8797b8ea2641721242f9ce44de8cccde

Thank you SO MUCH @DawnMartinez! I can’t find any whites that work with sherwin Williams pure white. But discovered the warm grey backsplash pulls everything together. And I found a white counter with a slight rose hue that worked with a warm grey backsplash. But was MSI with no heat rating so gonna look for other counters in similar hue. Fingers crossed.

My plan is to look at backsplash this weekend and then all the counter places again next week.

Thank you for sharing the muted grey pic. Gonna see where I can look at in person. :)

Got our knobs and pulls installed today.

SLOWLY coming together. So grateful to all of you. 💜

Forgot to ask. Does everyone like the variegated over one consistent color?

Your cabinets are looking good!

As far as the backsplash - that's up to you. If you end up with a countertop with lots of movement, you may want to stick to a simpler backsplash.

I can't believe it - but the Bedrosian Cloe tile is something we looked at at the beginning of our remodel with an aurora snow (white with rose hue) counter. I'm gonna go Monday and see if that works with the SW Pure White cabinets. I have a feeling it will! :))

This was a different cabinet but it's what I was trying to match when I chose SW PW!

Bedrosian cloe with aurora snow pentalquartz counter.

@VLee 951 oh boy, fingers crossed. Sometimes we come back to an original choice, after exhausting other options. I hope the Bedrosian's tile works for you! Do make sure they are price matching the sale! I'm excited for you.

@Dawn Martinez me too! very excited! It's funny - back then I was set on white-on-white-on-white and I didn't trust myself enough to try even a hint of color. Plus we were going grey back then and chose the cotton white greyish counter.

But yes! we may go back to the original choice now that I am braver with considering a bit of color (though I'm still concerned about the variegated with our busy floor). But it's SO LIGHT that I think it will be perfect actually! Plus brings in lots of other colors very subtly which I like.

Heading out to floor and decor now. The place that has the bedrosian is closed today but will be my first stop Monday. THANK YOU AGAIN! :))

And the sale price is perfect! Was even less last year but I wasn't ready then. Will keep you posted. <3

This is the cloe I'm suggesting, the white with natural variations and gray undertones within that variation. Here's a link to the product.

https://www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/cloe-tile/?itemNo=DECCLOWHI28G&queryid=cc6ff1e220b6a082df187f08ca43bac8

Yes. Bedrosian Cloe. :)

I believe it’s the same one we were looking at. Our original picture is just outside, so it looks completely faded. But inside I think it has the color variation like the one you shared.

I’ll check the product number to be sure. And I’ll get samples of counter and backsplash and share pics to see what you think before making any decisions.

If they don’t have the exact right one I’ll see where else I can get it.
Thanks @DawnMartinez.

Btw- our floor is narrower planks and a little busier than my inspiration pic - which I believe ALSO has the bedrosian cloe (lol). Do you think we could still do the slightly variegated tile?

Ps including a picture of our original kitchen to show everyone where we started.

You're on the right track and I don't think the cloe is so busy it won't work with your flooring, but DO get tile samples and do take your samples with you to the Bedrosian's show room. Good luck!

Will do! 😃

Thank you! 🥰

Your flooring is not busy. Plus, once you get countertops in and backsplash and decorate, your eyes will not be on the floor. It is looking great, especially compared to your “before”

here are a few cloe pictures.

This one is w/Silestone Calacatta countertop

they tiled the hood w/this one. (and black hardware)

in a herringbone, gold hardware

and the 4x4 shape, natural oak shelving

Thanks @susie . 🥰
You’re right. Once we decorate your eyes will not be drawn to the floor. And I do love how it is coming together. Taking me longer than most but I’m really happy with how it’s coming together and so appreciative of everyone’s ideas and encouragement. 🙏🏼

@Beth H. Thank you for the pics. Will go look at counters monday and will see how Calcutta looks. 👍🏻

@Beth H. :great examples of cloe tile, similar color to the OP's kitchen! Wonderful for visualizing.

Heading out to look at bedrosian cloe tile today. They have it at the place we saw it last year. 🤗

We need about 60 square feet.

Planning to do backsplash below upper cabinets and shelves and behind range/venthood.

Questions:

1. re wet bar cabinet- Would you do backsplash all the way out on the sides to wall edge and door jam? Or just flush with cabinets?
2. re bay window - would you try to get any backsplash around windows or just leave alone? Once they do window molding won’t leave much room.
3. re range - will do backsplash to ceiling behind vent hood. But wasn’t sure if we should do backsplash to floor or stop at counter height.

Thank you again. I’ll get samples and post. 😃

wetbar - backsplash to door jam?

wetbar - backsplash to wall edge?

bay window - backsplash around windows?

range - backsplash to floor or counter heigh?

on your wet bar, I would end the tile to align with the countertop/upper edge of cabinet. Ideally, they end at the same place. If not, I would align with the upper cabinet. I would only expand beyond the upper cabinets if you're going floor to ceiling with the tile.

For the range, I wouldn't tile where it won't be seen. I would start flush with the countertop, unless the range is below countertop level, then make sure you cover whatever wall will be seen.

On the window wall, you have options.

This isn't tile, but it's countertop material that runs to the window. Even though their range area is higher, they chose to cut it off at the bottom of the window sill.

This one carries it slightly above the upper cabinet level. It looks like a nice stopping point to me. Stopping at the bottom of the cabinet would have been awkward.

This is a full wall installation.

How will you handle it on the wall with your open shelves? To the ceiling? Or to the lowest shelf or somewhere in between? You could carry that height around to the window. You could carry it around the window at the same height, or you could do something different as in the picture with the range near the window. Since you have nice symmetry with the windows, I would probably just carry it around the same height as the adjacent walls.

I agree with Susie on the wet bar, match to ends of the upper and lower cabinets, and the counter top...no further.

For the slide in range, take it to the ceiling; and to counter height, the counter should be in before you backsplash any way. Please show us the photos of the range slide in area (and your proposed design), do the cabinets run into the hood, what does it look like all around the range. That helps make the decision about tiling. Is there a hood? Tile should definitely go behind the hood. And what are your specs for your range, back guard etc required for against the wall...? Things to think about.

As for the bay window need a photo showing the sides. But my vote looking at it from the one photo is no tile, but could you take a photo showing that area further back? Thanks.

P.S. how did tile shopping go?

Oops I see the photo further back of the bay window. Since there is a small wall there I vote no tiling around the window, it is a separate design element.

My bigger question is what will you do around the open shelving area, to the lowest shelf? That is my vote since the ceiling vaults a bit above the higher shelf. Go up to cabinets, take that tile line right across under the lowest shelf; they look to be the same distance vertically from the counter top. Yes?

Thank you @Susie .SO MUCH! Got it!

1) on the wet bar just go to the edge of the upper cabinet. I'm guessing that would also apply to the cabinet on the other side of the door - between the range and door. Stop where the upper cabinet ends. Or would you go to door jam since it's just a couple more inches? (see pic below)

(backsplash just to edge of upper cabinet on cabinets to the left of door too?)

2) only need backsplash behind range that will be visible - great!

3) regarding bay window and shelves...

Our plan was to do backsplash up to bottom of floating shelves but if the backsplash is supposed to stop at the edge of the shelves, like the cabinets, that might look weird.

What do you think about running backsplash across that whole wall up - beyond the edges of the shelves - up to the bottom of the lower shelf.

And then doing backslplash at the same height on the adjacent wall beside the bay window and around the windows? (provided there's room after the window molding is installed).

Otherwise I'm open to ideas about the shelf walls. I think it might be too much to do backsplash on the whole shelf wall. (the backsplash is pretty shiny... I'll share my findings from today in the post below. :))

Hi @Dawn Martinez Thanks SO MUCH! Just reading through your suggestions.

Yes there is a little wall around the bay window. And not sure there will actually be any room for tile once the window molding goes in.

I'll post pics of the range area - but we have a chimeny vent hood that will touch up against the upper cabinets. What is a backguard?

And the bottom of the floating shelves is just a couple inches higher above the bottom of the upper cabinets. Would you still do the backsplash at the same height as the backsplash under the cabinets? or go up to the bottom of the lower floating shelf?

And would you run backsplash across the whole wall or just under the shelves? And what about the adjacent wall that is perpindicular to the floating shelf wall and beside the bay window. Would you do backsplash there?

p.s. will share my shopping findings in the next post. Have LOTS of pics! :))

This is the Bedrosian Cloe - it actually has blues, green, pinks, and grey. It's more colorful than what it looks like in the pictures. It's nice but too much variation I think.

Bedrosian Cloe

But the tile on the top 2 rows of the black board on the right is almost the same as the lighter warm grey/rose Cloe tiles without the other blue/green colored tiles. The new tile still has some variation but much more consistent overall. Emser - Passion Blanco Porcelain (it has porcelain in the name, but it says "3x8 ceramic tile"?"

(Right Board top tiles - light warm grey and white tiles)

AND it works with the counter I found!!! Pentalquartz Super White! :)) Both counter and backsplash are slightly rose but it works! And less rose than the Cloe.

Pental Quartz Super white with light warm grey tiles

The counter goes slightly rose but it works fine with the Sherwin Williams pure white. Doesn't really fight with it and don't think it turns the cabinets grey. :))

Super White counter with SW PW cabinets

IGNORE THE RED tiles. Trying to cover up the other colors on the black board but still show you how it all works together. :)

(The only downside is the backsplash is very shiny - maybe why they call it "porcelain" but otherwise I think it works. :)

What do you think???

I could also see if they have it in Matte but that usually changes the color slightly. Plus the counter is glossy so figured glossy backsplash is better.

btw- The small plank is the same maple as the floating shelves which will have basically the same satin fiinish as the floors.

For the wet bar end the tile with the edge of the uppers on both sides. The backsplash doesn’t need to end at the edge of the floating shelves. I can’t tell what height the floating shelf is (even with bottom of cabinet?). My inclination would be to tile the whole wall, rather than stop under one cabinet. Look at the photos that Beth posted and see what you think.

Porcelain tile is ceramic, but not all ceramics are porcelain. Porcelain is made with a finer clay and fired at a higher temperature. It is generally more durable than ceramic - doesn’t chip as easily and stands up to frost. For a backsplash either is fine. If it was a floor or outside, you’d definitely want porcelain. The shiny quality is the type of glaze. If you don’t like the extra shine, keep looking. The pros are that it catches the light in an interesting way, especially because of the texture. The cons are that it may catch your under-cabinet lighting and reflect it in a way that you don’t like.

Also, I’m surprised there is so much variation in the cloe white tile. Or were you looking at the gray?

This is an interesting website. It has several combinations of backsplash/countertop combinations. You can see how the more glossy glazes look, as well. https://backsplash.com/kitchen-ideas/

Thank you @Susie .

But do you think the super white counter works?

cotton white left, SUPER WHITE - MIDDLE, cascade white right.

https://arcsurfaces.com/pentalquartz/super-white/

And for the cabinet to the left of the door - still stop at the edge of the upper cabinet, correct?

And when you said to do whole wall, did you mean above the shelves too? Or do the whole wall across the bottom of the shelves? So it goes from backsplash under cabinet all the way to the other side where it meets the wall?

And what about the adjacent walls on both sides paralell with the bay window? Just leave alone? (more space on one side than the other, where we pushed out into the garage)

I asked multiple times about the cloe and they said it was white. There is a bedrosian place that I can visit next week and confirm. But I think the counter would work with the bedrosian if it is the warmer light grey too. Do you?

Everything has been held up while I figure out counter so would like to at least order the Pentalquartz Super White if you think that works.

In checking on the Esmer Passion blanco backsplash - I believe it is porcelain and don't think it comes in matte.Also looks like there is intentionaly a lot of variation between pieces. It doesn't look that way on the board so glad I checked. https://www.emser.com/products/passion?variant=31918931443825

SO appreciate all your help, ideas, suggestions, and thoughtfulness.

@Dawn Martinez

Here's a picture of the area where the range will go.

What is a back guard?

Thank YOU again for saving me from the Cascade white! :)

Let me know what you think of the super white and the glossy backsplash.

Hello

Yes, unless you are tiling an entire wall, stop at the edge of the upper cabinet. Unless you want to tile the entire wall (floor to ceiling), which some people do. However, I don't think you need to do that for the wet bar area.

My favorite is the super white. I also like the cotton white, though. I think either would work.

As for tiling above the shelves, that's your call. Take a look at some photos and decide what look you like. I would have a backsplash on the wall where the light switches are - height depends on what you decide on those adjacent walls. Wherever you have a countertop meeting a wall you want a backsplash - windows not sure how you will handle that -- looks like trim will cover any gap between wall and countertop?

Here is an example where they took the tile to the bottom of the lowest shelf:

Another - ran it a couple inches above the bottom of the upper cabinet (so they'd have a full tile showing where there aren't cabinets.

Here is an example with open shelves and a vaulted ceiling - ran it to the ceiling. An option for you.

This one goes to the bottom of the open shelves and the bottom of the cabinets. Notice that they end with a full tile, though. Think about how your tiles will end (how much vertical space between countertop and bottom of cabinet/shelf?). Sometimes if you are close you can mess with the spacing between tiles to make it end with a full tile.

Also, this is a back guard - the stainless piece behind the range. Not all ranges have them. Some can be ordered separately, but you don't have to have one. Some ranges have them built in. They aren't required, but some people like them, or get them with a small warming shelf.

If I missed a question, just let me know.

Oh I know, the glossy tile. That just depends what you like. Some people don't like a lot of gloss. I don't mind glossy tile or countertops (but I don't like glossy paint) - all my preferences. Look at some photos and see what you think about glossy versus matte look.

Those particular tiles would look best in a gloss finish (IMO). In general, glossy tiles are a little more formal, while matte give a more relaxed feel. The gloss will bounce around more light and will be a little bit easier to wipe clean.

The gloss could be a nice contrast to your finishes that aren't as glossy. I think it looks good to have a mix of finishes in a space.

Super white for counter tops is my favorite.

A backguard can be like the one Susie posted or quite small, like my prior slide in dual fuel range, which was a Thermador. See photo. And if you're tiling there you're placing a non flammable barrier between the range/heat and the drywall, right.

I guess what I am just wondering is, who is doing the install and have they looked at the detailed specs for your range (and hood, assuming a hood right?) and made sure the area is set up for the type of range and heat, etc. Hopefully that's all been looked at. That's why I asked about the backguard.

My Kitchen · More Info

Susie and VLee, the white cloe tile has undertones of gray, but shouldn't be gray. There is a gray I believe, I would double check to make sure what you were being showed was the white.

I do think actually the gray could work, with a lighter grout, but honestly I think the cloe in white has enough color to be interesting in your space. You did go to Bedrosians, right? Also different run or dye lots can vary quite a bit, these are all hand made in Spain

. So remember this, if you need quite a far amount square footage wise, make sure they all come from the same run, the number on the run can be confirmed by Bedrosians. I had to return a box they sent me recently because they sent two different dye runs.

Yeah, the Cloe display didn't look like the white to me. It almost looked like it was gray and white mixed together. I see why you thought it was too much variation.