What concept exactly are you asking about if it will work? ( whew that was an ackward phrasing)

I love blue, orange, green, and white BUT the kitchen in these photos is a Hot Mess! Oh wait--the stainless appliances DO relate to each other but everything else seems to be from different rooms.

I think you are asking does the single wall of a full tile backsplash work with the short backsplash on the other walls, since the color of the counter backsplash and the color of the "background" or field tile are so similar?

Yes, I think the Idea works, because the countertop/short backsplash + the wall color + the background color of the full tile backsplash are pretty much All the Same Color.

I do not think it would work successfully if there was a contrast between the wall color and the countertop or the countertop and the background color of the tile, or the background color of the tile and the wall. It works because those three are almost the same. It would also work if the tile was all one color without accent tiles.

I don't know how "authentic" you are going for MCM, but I think both the inspiration and Beverly's examples of MCM tile are 2000s versions of the style, not one that actually existed as such during the period. Most modern or contemporary kitchens of the period would have had a short backsplash and that's it. The super elongated tile in your inspiration kitchen would not have been around, and neither would the tile Beverly shows been used in a four color format like that. Heath tile and some other shaped tiles were around but the ways they are shown used in "MCM" kitchens now is recent, and something that would have only rarely been seen back then. It's a made up version of history.

By the same token, the random color blocking like you show Was seen back then but it would have been done all in square tile of the same type. Just ordinary ceramic or porcelain squares mixed in. So that idea is probably more authentic than the four-color chevron Beverly shows, but the execution and tile shape is not.

Not suggesting any particular pattern, but this is from that era:

Actually, I have hundreds of pictures from real estate listings of vintage bathrooms, and I only have the one of a larger random color layout. And I don't have a single example of a kitchen backsplash like what Beverly posted. It might have been out there, but like I said, I think this is a recent version made up by the tile company designers of the 21st century.

The smaller tile format was more common.

@Jen Records No, I don't think the backsplash tile that goes to the cabinet bottoms needs to match the countertop tile. I think what works in your picture is that the backsplash and backsplash ledge match, and the tile on the range wall is the same color as the paint on the adjacent wall.

I think the posted kitchen would be better if the ledge line carried over to the adjacent wall.

Another option is to have a backsplash that rises only directly behind the range, not that whole wall. That would be best if the range were a desired focal point, and that doesn't appear so here.

It's all about whether you are working towards horizontal calm or vertical excitement.

Those cabinets are beautiful!

I think there could be a number of good reasons for having a short backsplash everywhere in the kitchen except on the range wall--like a big window on the other wall and things like open shelves and stuff that there are questions about almost every day about where to start and stop the tile.

The easiest way to avoid having to choose between three awkward places to end tile with no real perfect way to end it, is to avoid tiling it all in the first place, and to use a short backsplash.

Real MCM kitchens had plastic countertops, Formica. Supplanted by Corian at some point, also plastic. Quartz, because it comes in solid, saturated colors, is esthetically more appropriate than lots of stone. Sometimes stainless steel was used, if you have the budget.

Natural stone started to be more commonly used again in the 1980s and at that point the (usually big, contemporary, white, expensive) kitchens that had it got it specified from a place that did cladding for buildings or made stuff for cemeteries. There was no going to your local countertop fabricator and looking at slabs.

This contemporary 1980s kitchen has granite countertops. Check out that seam in the lower right corner. People were not obsessed with convincing people that their countertops were carved out of impossibly large slabs, yet.

Actually no one was using any stone in a kitchen in the '50s or '60s. Counter tops were most likely laminate with metal edging, and laminate is indeed plastic. It is also fake, in that lots of the patterns were trying to imitate wood or marble. The most famous was the "boomerang" pattern which I think you might be able to get somewhere, if you want to truly replicate an MCM kitchen.

I have the boomerang on order, with the metal band in . The kitchen was supposed to be finished in July.

Thank you for everyone's feedback.

I'm not trying to mimic the colors of my example photo (orange and blue tile), I have 3 walls in my kitchen (1 with the range, 1 with the sink and 1 "buffet/bar" like area). I understand that it's aesthetically pleasing to have all walls match (tile from counter, to cab). But are there other options? Can I have short splash (probably quartz), on the sink and bar wall and do just the range wall with tile from one side to the other (and counter to cab), or should the tile remain just behind the range? If it remains just behind the range should it be as wide as the 30" range, or be as wide as the range hood 36"????

Thanks in advance!

You can tile the entire range wall if the tile is a good match to the counter material and short splash materials on the other wall.

If you use a tile that contrasts, I would suggest tiling Only behind the range to the width of the Range Hood with a short splash on the other portions of that wall.

I also would have the backsplash an painted walls be the same color if you are going to vary the height of the backsplash.

"Who thinks that backsplash design works???

I do. I smiled as soon as I saw it -- it's bright and uplifting. Whether it works or not in OP's kitchen IDK, but I find it quite cheerful-looking.

Show YOUR kitchen, or your kitchen plan ? Please?

You needn't be afraid to INTERPRET. You could run your counter to the bottom of cabinets at all but the hood. Then do a fun mix as you wish behind the range..........as mid century as you like. Let all the OTHER elements pull in the feel too.

I don't know that I like this exact iteration but I think there is a place for colorful backsplashes if that's what you want.

@jan moyer - These pictures are 7 years old. I don't have new plans yet, but the only REAL change is there will NOT be a wall oven, there will be a slide in range close to where the current stove top is.

I think you could do much like you have now, but it does seem that because the short splash and the wall are two colors, that the space between the upper and lower cabinets is bisected. So Maybe what you also want to consider is doing a short backplash of 2-3", except under the range hood, which is just enough to provide a durable back corner for cleaning. Very few people actually splash things up onto the walls but if you clean the counters with Windex or something like that, it's better to not have a painted drywall surface all the way down to the counter.

You see this in kitchens designed by Plain English. --although I would imagine immediately behind the cooktop the paint requires regular touch up.

@Jen Records thank you for posting the extra pictures of your kitchen as it was 7 years ago. I suggest you get rid of the original picture and replace it with them. They are hugely informative! And thanks for trying to make it clear that you are NOT looking for a mid-century modern feel, just because of the picture you posted. I think it drove several good designers off on the wrong branch.

I like the tile placement you have well enough if your tile/backsplash matches your wall color and counter color. That will give you horizontal emphasis and a calming feel. The horizontal emphasis is repeated with the chair rail, but it may not be the best for you if you want an updated feel. And it may not be best artistically speaking either. You asked for other options and I think that is a great instinct.

I'm going to suggest a second more exciting updated option in case you are interested. Especially since you say there will be no wall oven, and you will have a free-standing range, I think it will work well to make that range a focal point, especially given it's location from your eating area. Plan for a decorative hood over it, and have a contrasting eye-catching backsplash there that will create a vertical focal point. @Jan Moyer has definate preferences on range size and brand. I hope she will share, but if not, look at her old posts. As I recall, she likes a 36" top more than 30". If your hood is 36", why not have a 36" range/stove? I don't know, maybe 30" is better; I'm fine with it and don't know the rules, because I don't have a showy hood in my 70s kitchen. The brand she likes has fancy knobs on it. It's a statement range and well rated. You don't have to get it but the concept still works.

The backsplash color will depend on the cabinet color and stove/range color. For example, if you have white cabinets and counter with a black range and stove, you could have a black hood and hammered copper (warm neutral) backsplash behind the stove top. But you could have your countertop color with a 4" backsplash on the rest of the counters.

What colors are you planning on for cabinets and appliances? I only ask to find inspiration photos or make suggestions for backsplash behind the range.

You didn't ask, so ignore me if you want, and I apologize if this next bit is unwelcome. Would you consider having the cabinets in the eating area a different but complimentary color than the rest of the kitchen cabinets, and no backsplash? I don't think it needs one there, and it is cut off, so there would not be an awkward transition. Speaking of that, would you consider adding a small, bump-out wall to transition from your peninsula to the eating area on your window wall? Just a little 4" bump would make a HUGE difference where the counter ends.

I assume you will choose a counter-depth refrigerator this time? I love your work triangle! I'm jealous! 😁

I look forward to your responses. I think your kitchen could be stunning with new materials choices.

Well!! The added pictures are painting the necessary clearer picture!

I have to ask.....is the resistance to tile on both the cook and sink wall a resource issue? Or getting a look a lot of us misunderstood, or thought you were after?

Based on this picture and........

"I am doing Sapele cabinets similar to the picture above, but the grain will run vertical."

I'd in a heartbeat do a soapstone counter top......use it EXACTLY as you planned, but ask for a six or eight inch counter riser- and put it behind the stove at same height or to the bottom of the hood. Any other wall exposed is paint above that. It solves every possible issue, will look fantastic and sophisticated, warm and organic.

It's heat proof, it is antimicrobial....and you may remember it from biology lab in high school!It is marvelous against almost any wood tone from pale oak to deeper cherry tones.

OR????

I'd be on the search for a square tile.... 5 x5 or 6 x6 ....something like that, and ONLY after my counter top was firmly selected and not a "probably" quartz selection. I'd plan to tile the entire cook wall to the bottom of the hood, and all the way across. THEN? I might just do a single or double row of that tile on the other two walls.

You will ask, why not JUST the counter riser? ..Because there is not one thing to protect from grease or moisture on the storage dining area wall ( that's also on of two reasons for the riser, the OTHER is to obscure any small gap in the meet of counter and wall. So rather than use just the riser on the remaining two walls? Use the tile as a couple rows on the sink wall and just a couple rows on the storage wall .

I just think it will look a bit more intentional....

A lot will depend your final selections of both counter top and the tile.

BUT? I like the soapstone idea, a lot better: ) Richer looking, and far more a clear intent message and completely unified

Great feedback. I really appreciate the investment in this conversation @JAN MOYER and @palimpsest!

I'll try to keep my thoughts organized.

1. Not doing tile on all 3 walls was a combination of 2 things: 1. I really want slab behind the stove because I think grout can be a pain in the a** to clean. 2. A little bit of a resourcing issue.

2. Soapstone is beautiful, but I'm really not a black/gray person and would prefer a light color. Also my kitchen doesn't get a lot of nature light, and I'd like it to feel light and airy. I prefer speckles over viens.

3. I'm not trying to make it feel like you stepped back into the 60's when you walk in my kitchen, but I'd like an ode to mid-century modern. I'm doing Sapele cabinets, because my living room has a FULL wood wall of Sapele, and I'm trying to tie the house together a bit.

4. I have removed the chair rail already and it will not be replaced. I've also added floating 2 shelves over the peninsula which I intend to replicate with Sapele wood shelves (or maybe white?).

5. I already have my range picked out (Café induction double oven in stainless steel). I was thinking stainless steel sink, stainless steel hood vent (I read that the vent should be wider than the range (thus 36" vent for 30" range for best air circulation). And, brush nickel finger pulls. my dishwasher is Bosch stainless steal, and I do have a different fridge than in the picture. It is GE stainless steel not replacing at this time, they are new-ish and counter depth, but pokes out a bit.

6. I have a counter depth fridge but for some reason it still sticks out! I'll make sure to push it back as far as possible after the remodel. My new base cabinets will be standard depth next to the fridge (because of the pocket door shown in the picture that is at the end of the row of cabinets).

7. The Peninsula will remain but be shorten by about 4 inches. I can't seem to part with that space. I know it would open the space a lot to remove, but it's where I prep and clean up!. This will make the walk way between the fridge wider :). Across from the peninsula (under the old chair rail) will be a build in L shaped bench in Sapele with a custom table and 2 chairs. The bench will go from the pocket door to the window, and under the window). But still leave room to walk around the peninsula on the bench side.

Below are where I'm leaning on materials:

Cabinets: Sapele vertical grain, slab doors

Counter: Quartz

Option 1: Della Terra Aerial Quartz

Option 2: the speckles are warm tones, but that is hard to see in the image.

Moda Olympic Quartz

Backsplash:

Fun tile shape, but leaning towards white. Placed vertically like in the image, with a light grout, if not white grout. Based on this conversation, either on all 3 walls (range, sink, and bar area from counter to cabinet, and full height behind the range to the hood vent). OR - quartz short splash, with tile behind the range 36" wide to match the hood width.

Now floors: That's where I'm REALLY struggling. Let's just veto real wood and tile floor right away, these are not options. Tile is to hard to stand on, I have LVP (medium tone in the rest of the house, and the kitchen floor meets the LVP).

That leaves, LVT or linoleum, or vinyl - I would LOVE to have Marmoleum, but I'm struggling to find a coordinating color.

Here are 4 options I'm leaning toward. Thoughts? Other options? is it awful?

Love that personality plus backsplash! How great to see something other than plain and safe!

Whatever the LVP is in the rest of the house? You simply get more and it goes in the kitchen. Don't change flooring. PLEASE don't.

Every home feels larger with unity in flooring Want my advice? Left to right below

Terrazzo flavor 8x8 tile splash!/ a Corian Dupont pearl gray counter top still nice and light, but not harsh, wood cabinet (guessing ) tone.

Tile: All the way to hood bottom and then decide this:

You can do a one row, everywhere else..

OR do the Corian higher than usual splash everywhere !!! but the 36 inches behind the cooker.

What happens ? Either way you get a savings in tile, you get a subtle nod and a lot of fun backsplash nod to the sixties, you get an EASY care counter .....it is the original solid surface.

And all in? Unity of light, pretty, warm colors.Fun too, and definitely not everyone else's kitchen

https://www.tilebar.com/chips-2-0-macro-bianco-8x8-matte-porcelain-tile.html

OR..............

LEFT TO RIGHT

TILE splash, YOUR counter selection - and with that I definitely do the two row concept all but the cook wall which is tiled completely to hood bottom.

You do not pick until you get fully decided on your tops. No matter what.: )

@JAN MOYER - I like option two better. Here is a picture of my cabinets color and style.

I don't think the LVP I have in the rest of the house is available still and it would be SO much wood.

yes…. and i was cllose on my guess

Decide your tops

Decide your floor- best ? extend your existng LVP

You cant istall ANY backsplash before tops are installed

it really does not need to be selected yet

This is the LVP in the livingroom/entry. I'm just not sure about it with the Sapele. So much wood grain

First, are you certain it is discontinued?

Second.....are your cabinets on order

Third....would you consider a painted cabinet?

Question?

You chose the wood because it is another room and I assume it looks good there?

"because my living room has a FULL wood wall of Sapele, and I'm trying to tie the house together a bit."

I assume the LVP flooring is nice with that wood wall?

Tip? the flooring unity will do a better job of unity in the house. The saple in the kitchen? Maybe not ALL the kitchen? Perhaps the wall with no sink could be painted and entirely different? Perhaps don't eliminate paint for cabinets at all? A green? That's beautiful with wood.

Bottom line? You are way ahead of yourself to worry on tile. You're upside down and backwards: ) and that is a fantastic way to paint yourself into a corner....

Tie in and nice flow does not mean you need a match to a wood WALL in another room.

@Jen Records by "Option 2" are you saying you now want tile behind the cooker? And you want the countertop material to continue up around the rest of the kitchen to the bottoms of the window?

I like the light grey @Jan Moyer suggested instead of harsh white or even creamy white. Would that be the wall paint color too?

And larger tile at least reduces the grout lines. You have to fill a 36" wide space (width of the hood if I recall), so why not 12" tile or 6" tile? And it would be nice to have one that comes with a half bullnose for the edges.

What colors are you envisioning for the appliances? Stainless steel? That brings home the light grey tile/paint.

Steel pulls on the doors and drawers like in the photo of the cabinets? Stainless steel sink and faucet? Steel blinds at the window?

What kind of hood over the range? Have you a photo of the type you imagine? Will you put in a microwave/hood like in the first picture you posted? Or just the hood in stainless steel as in the picture of the cabinets. Either seems fine.

Clockwise

Marmoleum, sapel, 12 x 12 slate splash behind cook, Corian counter

It looks like you want 4 different elements in your kitchen. Keeping the floors the same as the rest of the house will enhance the look you’re aiming for in the kitchen. If the LVP works with the wood in the LR, it will work with the cabinets.

In an effort to make the kitchen interesting, you may be going “too different” from the rest of the house. I’m sure the color of your floor can be matched since there are literally thousands of vinyl floors nowadays.

Thank you again everyone!

@palimpsest - I really appreciate your take on the kitchen and the MCM vibe. My kitchen is completely separate from the living room the floors will only intersect in 2 places. I like each room in the house to have their own identity but be tied together by the era of the home, or some common thread.

I picked Sapele cabinets because I like the warmth and I have 3 separate built-ins and a whole wall (checked board style) of Sapele in other areas of the house.

I like lighter counters, and lighter floors because I don't like the color black or gray. But I want a nice neutral contrast from the wood.

This is just a good reminder that there are TONS of options, and not everyone will love what everyone picks. It's my house and I want to smile when I walk into the kitchen, so it's good to go with materials that make me smile.

I think I will stick with Sapele cabinets, quartz counters (color/pattern tbd), stainless steel appliances (hood, sink, range, etc.) and a lighter floor that has enough of a pattern to hide a little dirt and go with the cabinets. The only thing left is to decided on the splash (tile everywhere (counter to cab), or just behind the range w/a short splash).

Happy designing.