skip to main content

Design Dilemma Kitchens

Help with backsplash material.

13 days ago

We are getting quartzite counters (Taj Mahal) and I am trying to thing about alternatives for the backsplash that would not blow our remodel budget. Here are some options and pros and cons, would love advice on which one to pick.

1. $$$ Quartzite backsplash - would need addl slabs to ensure matched veining.

2. $$ Quartz backsplash that would match the color of the quartzite countertop but use a plain color so that I don't have to purchase extra slabs of quartzite.

3. (Don't know the price) Stainless steel backsplash. I worry that this would look too sterile or look disjointed. The rest of my kitchen has walnut cabinets on the island and bottom cabinets, white upper cabinets and a separate black bar cabinet off to one side.

Thanks so much for your advice and help!

Featured Answer

Katie B.

12 days ago

I like the cheaper quartz backsplash idea in a matte finish. I’m imagining something like this- except a kitchen obviously ;)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

PRO
JAN MOYER
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
Show the kitchen. Show the PLAN for the kitchen. If you want the least expensive option, it is tile, and the way to select is to bring home samples and look at them in your kitchen when to tops are on the cabinets.

I would not do quartz. Beyond that? We aren't seeing what you have, or what you plan or where it goes or how much.....

The first question you ask yourself is how LONG will I have the kitchen and what do I want.......long term. Divide the cost of what you really want, over that number of years.
dan1888
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
The least expensive option is to add a 4" or smaller Taj segment and paint the rest of the walls. I wouldn't pick quartz or Dekton slab. You'd need to show a lot more info to get an opinion on the value and impact of Taj slab. Pics of your slabs and how it could look with the grain match, any windows, openness to other areas and lighting plan. Polished or not, cabinet design, material if wood and finish. For tile you can look at stone not used as counter. Dolomite White Link.

Tile could coordinate using neutral porcelain like Arizona Tile Invictus textured. Not on their site yet. At 11:18 in this 2024 IBS show video. New Tile & Stone Products Revealed At IBS 2024 - Arizona Tile (youtube.com) And 11:12 in this KBIS show video. Bulletproof Countertops, Ventless All-in-One Washer, Cantilever Stairs & More: Design Week KBIS 2024 - YouTube Tile shops will have other choices.
Related Discussions
Backsplash Help...small SS backsplash??? Pics?
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks prill...I'm leaning towards only doing tile in area to the left of the casing...then in the window area just doing paint and the casing down to the counter. I guess I'll just have to be more dilligent with cleaning. The Reef was the first tile that spoke to me...I really thought I was going to go for a more solid blue, but reef is so much softer....it allows me to play up the color of the walls more...not that I have a lot of walls...And, I found out that my designer can get it for about 12.50/sf where I was quoted around $15/sf.
...See More
Backsplash help - contemporary style
Q
Comments (1)
Could you post a picture? This is the one I think I'm going to use. The Kukai silk. Here is a link that might be useful: Tile
...See More
Pot filler w/ this backsplash too busy? Slab or tile backsplash?
Q
Comments (9)
Hi Katie, Demo starts tomorrow, so no pics on progress yet, but I'll post when I have some. I'm working a little bit with a KD, and doing the rest myself with cabinetmaker. KD suggested open shelving like in the inspiration pic (but in stainless, specifically). I think it would stress me out though, lol! Having all of my bottles and stuff right out there (the range area is the focal point to basically my whole downstairs living area). My pantry rarely looks fabulous, and I'd be moving the pantry out into the open. So, I think we'll be making the vertical column things on either side of the mantel style range area into pull-out shelves for sheet pans, spices, small bottles, etc. I considered the open shelving with a pretty display of white bowls and dishes, but then I'd lose the storage space for the stuff I really need at my fingertips. Feel free to email me, too, if you want to exchange more ideas. It's a fun process!
...See More
To backsplash or not to backsplash....that is the question....
Q
Comments (26)
Have you considered wallpaper? You can bring in color, as well as a design, if that's your 'schtick'. Just throwing another consideration in the mix. I personally *hate* a backsplast covered in tile or granite from countertop to bottom of cabinets, or even further up. I've gone *about* 3/4 up the wall, with the remained just the neutral color thruout the rest of my home, but only on the interior cabs, so above the stove and sink areas. On the perimeter bank of cabinets, it's just a painted wall, where I had planned to use wallpaper, but haven't done so yet. I also picked up at an auction a painted canvass, which is long and narrow, and thought of using it here. It's a vintage French scene of a girl feeding chickens in a barn, done in dark colors, which is my preference. I just don't want to leave it should I sell. ;)
...See More
millworkman
13 days ago
NO quartz as fake stone next to real will look bad, kind of like you cheaped out. Ceramic tile but look to choose the exact tile after the tops are in and most of the kitchen is done.
Nina Patz thanked millworkman
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
13 days ago
I agree with willworkman tile and wait until all the rest is in I aslo think wall color after all is in.
Nina Patz thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
chispa
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
Use the same quartzite OR find a tile or mosaic that complements all the elements in the kitchen.

If you are running out of money, just leave it with painted drywall for now and come back to it in 2 years. A painted backsplash is perfectly functional while you wait. Just make sure your counter installer gets a nice tight fit with the back wall, so let him know there will be no backsplash for now and the back edge needs to look neat/clean up against the wall.
Nina Patz thanked chispa
akrogirl32
12 days ago
Pick your Taj Mahal slabs carefully. One lot of slabs at one of our major local stone yards has streaks of lemon green in it. It was very obvious when a couple was trying to ordinate with their white cabinets.
Nina Patz thanked akrogirl32

Related Stories

MATERIALS Raw Materials Revealed: Brick, Block and Stone Help Homes Last

By Buckminster Green LLC

Learn about durable masonry essentials for houses and landscapes, and why some weighty-looking pieces are lighter than they look

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Quiz: Which Kitchen Backsplash Material Is Right for You?

By Jennifer Ott Design

With so many options available, see if we can help you narrow down the selection

REMODELING GUIDES Inspiring Materials: Honey Onyx

By Debbie Snider

This Warm, Decorative Stone Adds Drama to Backsplashes, Counters, Fireplaces and More

Help! 5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have an Answer for This Week's Design Dilemmas?

ORGANIZING Do It for the Kids! A Few Routines Help a Home Run More Smoothly

By Alison Hodgson

Not a Naturally Organized person? These tips can help you tackle the onslaught of papers, meals, laundry — and even help you find your keys

KITCHEN DESIGN Here's Help for Your Next Appliance Shopping Trip

By Vanessa Brunner

It may be time to think about your appliances in a new way. These guides can help you set up your kitchen for how you like to cook

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day

By Annie Thornton

Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market

REMODELING GUIDES Wisdom to Help Your Relationship Survive a Remodel

By Mitchell Parker

Spend less time patching up partnerships and more time spackling and sanding with this insight from a Houzz remodeling survey

COLOR Paint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert

By Tiffany Carboni

Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore

Sponsored

More Discussions

Where to squeeze in the office space in the house??

30

How would you add more character to this house?

38

Suggestions for replacing front deck

7

Turn old lake restaurant into home???

52

Your Top Tips for a Bath Remodel

4