Back splash needed...

by Brenda Scott-Montero

+68

Answered

I have been looking for a back splash for a couple months now and I can't seem to find one that doesn't clash with our granite. I think I'm going for a plain brown subway tile (last pic)..unless someone has any suggestions (with pictures). :-)

q back splash needed, kitchen backsplash, kitchen design, tiling, wall decor

This back splash???

55 answers

Lori J on Jun 08, 2014
I love the subway tile but you have less height...do you think it will have the same impact? Maybe subway tile with a small stripe of glass tile.

Helpful Reply
- Brenda Scott-Montero on Jun 08, 2014
  @Lori J I love the glass strip idea!
  
  Helpful
Jeanette S on Jun 09, 2014
Look a little longer before you tie yourself to that brown tile...I think that would get a bit depressing after a while! I like the combo suggested by Lori J...a lighter color with an accent stripe!

Helpful Reply
Dawn on Jun 09, 2014
Subway tile is nice. Check out fasadeideas.com for something a little different. I'm doing mine with this stuff shortly and I have a similar countertop.

Helpful Reply
DinoTURCHIdesign, Deano. Dean Turchi on Jun 09, 2014
Im always a fan of using products not as they are intended - but you need to ensure that the materials are suitable - I struggled myself with my own back splash - (as a professional designer one Loves everything or dislikes much from having access to seeing things all the time wanting ensure your pushing design forward- and if I see one more mosaic big box hardware store back splash I thought I was going to throw one up - which to me is what they look like by now -pardon the expression) I did however buy mine not at a designer shown room but the big box of all orange big boxe's but they're Italian Porcelian made to like Wood like wood tiles - large 6x24 planks (LESS GROUT) perfect - and peferfect for your linear smaller area's - I chose a white/grey - but I would recommend one of the mid tones walnuts teaks etc. to coordinate with your flooring and the warmer tones of your granite. Enjoy the process! DinoTurchidesign.com

Helpful Reply
- Lori J on Jun 09, 2014
  @Deano Turchi Your backsplashs are stunning. I love the look--rustic, almost like barnwood.
  
  Helpful

Brenda Scott-Montero on Jun 09, 2014
Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Helpful Reply
Therese C on Jun 09, 2014
The first color that came into my mind was a Stainless Steel toned Tile with copper rivets to compliment your appliances and beautiful counter tops. The photo is just SS subway style tiles, but with copper or burnished brass rivets, I think it would look stunning. Good luck..the possibilities are endless!

Helpful Reply
Cindi on Jun 09, 2014
I think just to paint the entire wall above and back slash the same, paint it in a bold color, like red, dark brown, dark grey, depending on colors your going to use.

Helpful Reply
Katie on Jun 09, 2014
You need a little bling here. What about a glass subway tile? Or even small tin tiles; or use some material as a backsplash that is unusual. you definitely need to add some personality and I think brown tiles would start to depress you after a while.

Helpful Reply
VA Country Girl on Jun 10, 2014
The tiles are nice but I think that, together with the busy counters, the look will be too busy, with no real focus. It's because the tiles are dark and the grout is light. I would go with a classic: white subway tiles (no busy dark and white pattern). With that combination, you could choose some under-counter cabinets to paint in a light color. Good luck and let us know what you choose to do.

Helpful Reply

Donna on Jun 10, 2014
Your Kitchen is beautiful. I am kind of a less is more person so, I would do stainless steel above just the stove to bring down the stainless from the hood. Then for the rest of the backsplash I would do a glass subway tile in one of the colors in your granite. I would not use the stripe. just another idea for you

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Mary Brown on Jun 10, 2014
  @Donna I like your idea of the glass tile in a plain color, too busy, I would not go for the stainless steel, it is going to be going out in the very close future for better ideas, I think this glass back splash is a plain color is the answer with the marble county top that is very busy. In business doing things of this type and remodeling.
  
  Helpful
- Leida R on Jun 10, 2014
  @Mary, I am definitely in agreement with your idea. In fact, 4, or 5 years ago I did the same, and to this date, I'm still in love with it.
  
  Helpful
Cindy Carley on Jun 10, 2014
If it was our kitchen, we'd go with a multi-colored "mosaic" backsplash!! I believe it would look "fantastic" with the cabinets and countertops that you already have!!!

Helpful Reply
Annie Sires on Jun 10, 2014
The more important question is what are you hoping to accomplish? What's the theme of your house? If you have modern all throughout, have you thought glass? If you have rustic or ..., see what I mean? It's hard to pick a back splash which color and texture, ties in with the rest of the house and adds accent. Like what if you have a blue glass back splash subway tile (problem with image) that you can use to tie all the blue in your house together? Like a common thread? Or yellow or red or green. I try to keep color, look consistent throughout the house so that it;s like music. People get the same "feeling" in my house no matter where they go. ATM my house is more shabby than shabby shic as we are struggling, but that's neither here nor there. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/glass-tiled-kitchen-backsplash-719560

Glass Tiled Kitchen Backsplash

Helpful Reply
- Sharon Kavanagh on Jun 11, 2014
  @Annie Sires Good Advice for us all Annie!
  
  Helpful
Joanna Carrisal on Jun 10, 2014
Slate tile would look great. You could cut them 4x6 and put in a chevron pattern.

Helpful Reply
Michele Eures on Jun 10, 2014
I like the suggestion to paint it a deeper color and you could stencil a backsplash. I'm not a fan of the subway tile. Too industrial for me for a home kitchen, but that's just me. A stencil would be easy to change out if you got tired of it, too.

Helpful Reply
Lynn on Jun 10, 2014
How about un honed absolute black granite

Helpful Reply
- Sharon Kavanagh on Jun 11, 2014
  @Lynn I have honed black granite countertop and I love it. It never goes out of style and really becomes a neutral.
  
  Helpful
Donna on Jun 10, 2014
I agree with your thought about the stainless - I hadn't thought about that. To me stainless is timeless. I'm glad you like my thought about the glass tile in a color to match the granite. I hope it turns out well for you. if you keep it simple and you decide you want more color you can always add it with décor.

Helpful Reply
Donna on Jun 10, 2014
I like the brick-ish backsplash maybe if you toned it down a bit w/some sponged on light color like putty or a color close to the cabinets it wouldn't be so in your face dark...you wouldn't want to remove it and redo it all over again or at least I wouldn't...rough it up a bit make it look "used" or old...

Helpful Reply
EL Hoard on Jun 10, 2014
Hi Brenda, We recently remodeled our 26 year old kitchen. For our backsplash we used glass squares that had granite pieces that closely matched our granite tops. I installed these myself and have never done anything like this befor. I am including some photos for your review.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Cynthia E on Jun 10, 2014
  @EL Hoard Wonderful job! I am wanting to use those but nervous have never tiled before. Was it fairly easy?
  
  Helpful
- Linda C on Jun 10, 2014
  @EL Hoard BEAUTIFUL!!
  
  Helpful
Tuzwoo on Jun 10, 2014
I was thinking something in copper...........they have the behind the stove backs in copper and I am certain that you can find some sort of tile in a copper color. I am going to do mine in mosaics, but I will make them in panels that are hung up instead of permanent. that will make it easier to clean.my mosaics will look more like stained glass sized pieces that will actually be glued to plywood and grouted. then the plywood will be hung up on the wall. did you look at terra cotta tiles? just take a peic and put it there to visualize it..............or a flower pot might help you to visualize it. good luck!

Helpful Reply
Elizabeth Poteat on Jun 10, 2014
I think you need to use a color that is in your counter top ( it may only be a flake but the back splash will help you bring out that color. I don't like the stainless for one reason. can you imagine trying to keep it looking nice having to reach back at the angle wiping it down ? It isn't easy to keep the gloss or shine which ever you like there without some elbow grease and that is what I meant when I say wiping it down. Try to find a solid color that matches a small flake in the counter top.

Helpful Reply
- Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014
  @Elizabeth Poteat you can use almost any color combo as long as you have something that brings the colors together. First decide what colors you like..then decide how you want to use them. What is your theme..what is the look you want? You are right..those stainless steel or any kind of metal backsplash, I imagine, would be too time consuming to keep clean. I also think they would be hard to get to go with other looks besides modern. My tastes change and I like making a simple change and changing a look.
  
  Helpful
Linda H on Jun 10, 2014
I love beadboard

Helpful Reply
Cathy B on Jun 10, 2014
I redid my kitchen almost two years ago. The granite looks a lot like yours, and like you, it was hard for me to find anything I liked as a backsplash. I found this with various glass and stone tiles, but I thought it was a little busy for the entire wall, so I only tiled behind the stove. I love it and can add a more neutral tile later to the rest of the wall if I want. You could also consider a beadboard backsplash. Painted with an appropriate paint, it is durable and easy to clean and looks great. Good luck!

Helpful Reply
Dianna Atchison on Jun 10, 2014
Off white subway tile.

Helpful Reply
Virginia A on Jun 10, 2014
I've been trying to choose on a tile mural for a backsplash. I've narrowed it down to some Tuscan scenes or scenes of flowers and still-lifes. http://vallain.squidoo.com/kitchen-tile-murals

Helpful Reply
- Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014
  @Virginia A I like the idea of using a faux tin ceiling tiles, one of the 20x20 ones, painting it the same color as the walls... you can get those tiles for about 3.00 a piece on Amazon.
  
  Helpful
Liliana Wells on Jun 10, 2014
I am not a fan of glass tile. It's just too modern for my taste. Plus it would make the room too busy. I was going to suggest a neutral wall tile (always my choice) until I saw the murals mentioned by Virginia above. Please post pictures when you decide.

Helpful Reply
- Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014
  @Liliana Wells You can have all white tiles..or all one color or tones of one color. I love the glass tiles. My kitchen's theme is farmhouse eclectic..clean fresh with open shelves and touches of the 20s and 30s with antique pottery and tin pieces. The glass tiles are easy to clean and come in such an array of styles.
  
  Helpful
Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014
How about Beadboard... it is inexpensive and can be painted. The cabinets kind of look like a bit old fashioned..not dated but sort of turn of the century..and the bead board would go well with that.

Helpful Reply
- Jan on Jun 10, 2014
  @Terra Gazelle we did our kitchen in bead-board and created a back-splash with antique tin ceiling tiles behind the stove.
  
  Helpful
Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014
Jan, I did not think about beadboard until after I got the glass tiles..but I did already decide on the tin ceiling tiles for above the stove..and also framed as a piece of art to tie the tiles in..I am using the faux tiles 20x20 and painting them. I can get them from amazon for about 3.00. They have some wonderful designs and you can simply glue them up.

Helpful Reply
Kathie Wiegert on Jun 10, 2014
Back splash needed

Helpful Reply
Nancy Gramm on Jun 10, 2014
The beadboard was my first thought too. I think some have mistaken your idea shot as your kitchen; I'm assuming the first four are actually yours, which makes a difference IMO on some of the suggestions. I do like the idea of the tin ceiling tiles as well; it would tie in with your stainless appliances. My granite is similar to yours but I have oak cabinets and my floors are stained concrete with a reddish tint. So my choices, I'm sure, wouldn't be yours, but I've enclosed a shot of mine for reference sake.

Helpful Reply
- Nancy Gramm on Jun 10, 2014
  @Nancy Gramm Oops! Just compared my pic to yours and I guess our granites aren't as closed as I thought. Sorry 'bout that!
  
  Helpful
Pam Bolton on Jun 10, 2014
Brenda, the brown subway tile is much too dark. An ivory or beige tile would be much better in your kitchen. Consider something like Kathie's above.

Helpful Reply
EL Hoard on Jun 10, 2014
Cynthia, I'm not much of a handyman. If I can do it, anyone can. I laid the floor tile as well. I simply googled tile laying. Watch a 4 minute video, and went to work about 10 minutes afterwards. Backsplash was easy compared to floor tiles. By the way, if you choose glass tile for the backsplash, cutting it is difficult because it cracks very easily. Simply doesn't cut like tile. I used a Dremel tool on the backsplash glass tiles and did not ruin any of them. Other, more experienced people might be able to offer up an alternative. Hope this helps.

Helpful Reply
Lorna Stone on Jun 10, 2014
there are beautiful stainless steel subway tiles that are peel and stick that would look good with your stainless steel appliances.

Helpful Reply
Centrd on Jun 10, 2014
I think your inspiration photo tile would be pretty in your kitchen if the color works with everything else in your decor. Since your areas are broken up and have a lot of open space around them it wouldn't feel heavy or dark. Just be sure the color of the tile works with a color in the granite and your floor. Keep in mind, if you go dark, it's going to emphasize the backsplash and your floor more and break up your cabinets, plus it may emphasize that tall space above your cabinets more, whereas if you go with light tile, or beadboard, which I also like, that will emphasize your cabinetry more. Might even make your kitchen look bigger because of the cohesive look of the cabinets. You could even add some above the fridge to tie all the cabinets together better, or carry some of it higher up the wall, or on the ceiling depending on your space. I do think beadboard. would be very pretty and classic. I def wouldn't do anything very busy, like small mosaic since your granite has a lot going on. I'd try to keep it pretty simple...trends come and go so quickly...eg. stone backsplashes are pretty much out now, and the thin mosaics seem to be heading out as well. Not that they can't be pretty, but I wouldn't jump into anything just because it's a "look". I think the subway tile you've got in your example is a good shape, especially for the space behind your sink. Keep it simple...less is more...etc. etc. :) Something you could do is upload your photo to one of the paint sites where you can see exactly how different paint colors will look in your space. You could try both dark and light paint in the backsplash area for the overall effect and make a decision on your tile based on that. I think Sherwin Williams has that option and Benjamin Moore has one coming.

Helpful Reply
Merrilee on Jun 10, 2014
Glass tiles are beautiful with that countertop...I know because I had the exact same ones in my last home. The beautiful copper/metallic/irridescent ones scattered throughout the more plain options was a big winner! I always got tons of compliments on my kitchen. Sorry, I don't have pictures.

Helpful Reply
Joan on Jun 10, 2014
I have purchased the back splash that I love - rustic stone with many different colors that go with most anything. 12 inch long real stone, tiles that I am going to use one high for the back splash but you can move up the wall to fit up to the cabinet or behind the stove area. Check out Lowe's. They had to be treated with sealer but it went on like water. I did three coats - Now I must find the black quartz tiles for the counter tops!

Helpful Reply
Keira on Jun 10, 2014
I think I would consider either bead-board or a cream colored subway tile. Make sure it's easy to clean and isn't going to hold grease or dirt. I have used both bead-board and subway tile and love them both. Make sure you use a good scrubbable paint on the bead-board with some type of gloss... makes it easier to wipe. I wouldn't do anything dark because it's going to bring your cabinet's down visually, cut your kitchen in half and take away light from your countertops. I would chose the lightest color in your countertops and use that as your jumping off point.

Helpful Reply
Keira on Jun 10, 2014
Found a photo of what I was trying to describe.

Helpful Reply
Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration on Jun 10, 2014
I think subway tiles are a safe choice and would work wonderfully. You could get the ones that have a bevel on them which would look smart with the door style. Lee :)

Helpful Reply
Wanda sinnema on Jun 10, 2014
would NOT use a solid color but rather a mixture of subtle colors in the granite...I think the dark brown is to harsh and detracts from the wonderful granite. My preference would be the glass tiles Merrilee suggested, with a variety of colors all subtle colors in the counter. I would NOT go too light as you have a lot of light cabinets and the dark floor... would be beautiful.

Helpful Reply
Adrianne C on Jun 10, 2014
What about copper? Some cool ideas here: https://www.google.com/search?q=copper+tin&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-7CXU5maK9SLqAbbwIDoAQ&ved=0CDkQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=633&dpr=1.25#q=copper+tin+sheets&tbm=isch&imgdii=F5bIEdCawMjO1M%3A%3B7EWgQjeAQeY7YM%3BF5bIEdCawMjO1M%3A

Helpful Reply
Sharon Kavanagh on Jun 11, 2014
Please not brown subway tiles. I think you will get very sick of them. What about white/off white. You granite is lovely and has a great deal of pattern so I would let that be the star of the show.

Helpful Reply
Rebecca Freeman on Jun 11, 2014
I have to agree with others who have cautioned you not to use the brown subway tiles. I believe it would make your kitchen way too dark. Get some samples from a local tile store, and have a friend whose taste you admire come over and look at each type next to the granite to get a better idea of what would be complimentary.

Helpful Reply
Karen Young on Jun 11, 2014
How about old fashion ceiling tiles? They come in many colors and because of the embossing, will reflect light and add interest. They are available at the big box stores.

Helpful Reply
Judy Zandarski on Jun 12, 2014
I used imitation tin ceiling tiles, that have held up fabulously and still look fantastic. I highly recommend them. They were relatively easy to install and are terrific with grease and splatters.

Helpful Reply
Kathy on Jun 13, 2014
Having had a tile installation business with my husband, and doing much of the creative design, I would recommend a natural stone back splash as opposed to subway tile. We installed subway tile twice for customers at their request, and neither one was happy with the result. They liked the pictures and at first look their tile, but shortly after installation they were really sorry for their choice and the expense. You can also get 12x12 granite tile to match your actual granite that can be cut by the installer to fit in even the short counter areas. Most new homes and re-models we did were following a major granite installing company and we went in and installed the granite back splashes that were ordered from them. Think long and hard and even go to the length of getting a small amount of the subway tile and dab with mastic on center and place on wall as you see in your picture (you will easily be able to pop them off after and they can be cleaned off and returned hopefully, if not at least you haven't spent a lot of money on something you might not like once a professional installs the whole job) then "live with it " for a few days to be sure. Try botticino marble marble as an alternative re: https://www.google.com/search?q=botticino+marble&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=767&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1P-aU43OIoKcyASVroGgBA&ved=0CCcQsAQ will show countless possibilities and color variations. Good Luck and enjoy! Hope this gives some "food for thought" to your dilemma.

Helpful Reply
Elizabeth Poteat on Jun 14, 2014
I think Kathy has the best idea. I am curious to know just how high is that ceiling above the cabinets ?

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Nancy on May 18, 2016
  I know! Never saw a kitchen ceiling that high.
  
  Helpful
- Brenda Scott-Montero on May 20, 2016
  @Elizabeth Poteat 13 feet at the peak.
  
  Helpful
Cindi on Jun 14, 2014
I just personally think. We get tired of things and want to change up alot, we are women haha. But on a serious note. When you put a pattern of some kind of texture on your back splash. You have to consider all of the texture in the room along with color scheme. To me, a granite counter has alot of texture and anything with texture applied that close to the counter is wayyyy too much. Too busy. That is why I suggested a painted back splash. You could add small shelves on it for spices, which gives color and texture. And small plaques. The back splash and walls painted a dark color, same color, would be the back drop for your canvas. And the counters would appear to be the center attraction. Just my thoughts. I see things in texture first then color.

Helpful Reply
Tamara McMillan on Jun 17, 2014
I think the lighter colored Subway tiles in multi colored off white & cream or tan would look much better than the brown as the brown does NOT match the color of the flooring in the picture shown. Brown is a bit drab as well. Then again the copper for the back splash would be very nice too but I do not know how well it would age or clean.

Helpful Reply
Deborah Donovan-Navarro on Feb 05, 2015
I know that it's popular right now and I mean no offence to anyone, but I just can't stand subway tile. A really inexpensive back splash idea is to buy the preformed molded metal sections at either one of the major home centers and install them yourself. I think the copper would look fabulous with your granite counters. If you don't like the vintage look, just do a search for molded metal ceiling panels and you can find simple ones, including patterns which look like copper brick. http://www.thetinman.com/images/finishes/Copper2.jpg

Helpful Reply
Gladys on Nov 08, 2015
I think you made the perfect choice!

Helpful Reply
Meburke on Aug 22, 2016
I think w your granite color,cabinets,wall color,I'd try a tin type covering BUT painted a vanilla color & sanded down lightly to some steel color coming thru & apply a wax( Annie Sloan type) it'll look aged & u can use a decorative nail head pushpin & anchor it on corners,rows etc,change out if u get bored..

Helpful Reply
Lizzy L on Oct 08, 2016
White subway tile that doesn't clash with the cabinets.

Helpful Reply
Eroque022810 on Oct 08, 2016
I wouldn't use brown, I have similar counter and same dark floors. I went without one although I wanted white subway tiles but cleaning pasta sauce off grout was not happening. But if you want backslash how about stainless steel looking subway tiles, although I feel that copper back splash would look awesome you have to decide if you like to mix it with appliances.

Helpful Reply
EL Hoard on Oct 09, 2016
We used a glass and granite tile that I installed. Our granite tile is similar in color to yours and the variable colors on the backsplash offer a good contrast.

Helpful Reply
Terra Gazelle on Oct 10, 2016
How about the faux tin ceiling tiles..painted a copper and distressed?

Helpful Reply

Related Discussions

Vinyl plank flooring vs pergo (laminate)

Lynn Turnbull Answered on Apr 12, 2024

I currently have stinky dirty carpeting in my living room and I want to replace it with a durable flooring that can stand up to dogs and kids.

See Answers

How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted?

Quilter2 Answered on Feb 06, 2024

Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling?

See Answers

Where is a good, honest place to buy mattresses?

Roslyn Answered on Mar 08, 2024

See Answers

How to apply peel and stick wallpaper?

Melissa Answered on Jan 29, 2024

I want to spruce up my walls with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Has anyone used this before and can advise me as to how to apply it properly?

See Answers

How to stain wood floor?

Honny GrownFolk Will Answered on Jan 29, 2024

I've heard staining is a good technique for updating floors. So how do I stain my wood floor?

See Answers

Tile backsplash when there is existing countertop backsplash

Kate Griffin | Eating in the Shower Blog Answered on Feb 24, 2024

We are thinking about how to add a backsplash to our kitchen. Unfortunately when we had our countertops installed we ordered a small backsplash that comes part way up... See more

tile backsplash when there is existing countertop backsplash, Here you can see the amount of space available to tile if I left the current backsplash intact

See Answers

I need help finding a backsplash

Lesa Answered on Sep 26, 2021

I fell in love with my Cambria Quartz countertop in Bradshaw. It has silver and copper specks in it also. It is a busy countertop and I am not having any luck findi... See more