We need help with our backsplash!!!

Linda Krull
by Linda Krull
We are almost done with our kitchen remodel...finally!! We thought we wanted the backsplash you see in the first picture - not so sure now. I think it's too "flashy", my husband thinks it's "just okay". I included a pic of the knobs and pulls we will be using. We need ideas please!!!!
Should we use the same backsplash in this area ?
solid stainless steel
  28 answers
  • Susan Susan on Sep 25, 2015
    The kitchen looks great! From what I can see of your floor along with your countertop (which I love) I would look at a nice subway tile.
  • Your style appears to be traditional with a twist of modern. I would go for a backsplash that ties together the other surfaces in the room - beige walls and floor, brown cabinets, and black counters. Something like this glass and stone mosaic tile would be gorgeous! It ties the color palette together and has a modern feel that would pair well with the cabinet hardware. http://www.homedepot.com/p/MS-International-Ashlar-Rock-Interlocking-8-in-x-18-in-x-8-mm-Glass-Stone-Mesh-Mounted-Mosaic-Tile-SGLSIL-AR8MM/204337887
  • Julie Yeary Julie Yeary on Sep 25, 2015
    Sorry I don't have a suggestion on what to do but agree, what you thought you wanted is too flashy.
  • Marla Lambert Marla Lambert on Sep 26, 2015
    I think neutral color and style, elegant tumbled marble would look great.
  • Ann Thompson Ann Thompson on Sep 26, 2015
    I faced the same thing and found that everything I tried looked too gaudy. I chose to just leave mine painted and I love it. My area was small. I have found that many times less is better than overdone. I think plain often looks more classy and elegant.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 26, 2015
    I recently did a kitchen remodel as well. Personally if you don't put a back splash your kitchen will not look finished.I went with a A tumbled marble and it tied everything in from the floor up. I choose a natural and sealed it which slightly brought out the hues of the marble.
  • Bren Bren on Sep 26, 2015
    Have you considered glass tile? I'm wondering if a glass subway will sounds appealing to you. It's plain and simple but adds style and is easy to maintain. Good luck!
  • Jeanene Lothridge Jeanene Lothridge on Sep 26, 2015
    How about bead board? You can paint it any color and is reasonably priced.
  • Attractive Picture, love the look. Your style is verytraditional & amazing. I vote for marble.
  • Mary-Ann Mary-Ann on Sep 26, 2015
    I have been wrestling with exactly this problem. I agree with Ann-keep it simple so your lovely granite is the centre of attention. Glass tile, perhaps installed on the diagonal sounds, perfect to me.
  • Sandyc Sandyc on Sep 26, 2015
    Please, please, please keep it plain and simple. Your cabinets are the work of art in your kitchen - absolutely beautiful (and I'm a huge fan of white kitchens). Don't let anyone talk you into making a "statement" with your backsplash. It's called "back" for a reason - it's supposed to be in the background - not screaming "look at me, look at me". If you want to try for some design help, check out Maria Killam. Maria is THE color expert and teacher of how to get the undertones right so that you get the colors right. Maria is a huge fan of white kitchens and classic subway tile BUT she understands it's not everyone's thing. She does an Ask Maria column frequently and your question could be perfect. You can check her out at MariaKillam.com. Please come back and post the final results.
  • Connie Phillips Connie Phillips on Sep 26, 2015
    I envision glass tiles in pastel hues. The wall/cabinet colours can be incorporated. I am really over the safe, subway tile. I would use tile with soft edges and a little more random. You could even do an ombre affect with darker colours at the bottom and lighter as you go up. Your kitchen is beautiful, classy so take a risk. and do something that adds movement and colour and a little bling never hurt anyone. Let's us know what you do.
  • Mitzi Aziere Mitzi Aziere on Sep 26, 2015
    How about white subway tile with a few rows of glass tile in colors that coordinate?
  • Ricki forman Ricki forman on Sep 26, 2015
    I have the same granite and used tumbled marble, set on the diamond. It looks fantastic. I also have a small backsplash. The tumbled is very reasonably prices and looks great. Could not be happier
  • Ricki forman Ricki forman on Sep 26, 2015
    Your knobs and pulls are beautiful.
  • Carole Spencer Carole Spencer on Sep 26, 2015
    I agree, the choice shown above is too busy and will make the counter tops look too crowded. I like the suggestion of small glass tiles in muted shades from white to light gray, dark gray to black with a few metallic silver color thrown in sparingly, all set in a random pattern.
  • Deborah Wiley Deborah Wiley on Sep 26, 2015
    I saw advertised not long ago a granite tile. I think they were 10x10 inches. And they could either be set close together and use no grout, giving you a continuing look from the counter up the wall or they could be set slightly apart and use grout. I was caught by this look because Of my friend facing the same issue and she doesn't like to have the same thing you see in everyone else's house. I think I took that ad to her or I would give you info about the company
  • Shelby Renee Pringle Shelby Renee Pringle on Sep 26, 2015
    You can use the "flashy" backsplash in just one area or on one wall, then use something more subtle for the rest that will coordinate nicely and be less busy. Behind the stove would add interest. It'll make a nice feature wall without being too much. Good luck!
  • Deb Deb on Sep 27, 2015
    Did you ever think of maybe a simple subway tile backsplash? That would allow your other features stand out.
  • Hope53 Hope53 on Sep 27, 2015
    I totally like deb's idea of plain white or beige subway tiles. In fact we just put in white after deliberation. It is timeless, and lets the other features of the kitchen take center stage. In 5 years when there is a new fad for back splashes, it will not look so dated.
  • Susan E Susan E on Sep 27, 2015
    I, personally, love the pressed tin look. Possibly the one you chose is just too shiny. Did you try one with a matte finish? Or can that one be antiqued? Just my taste.
  • Trish Trish on Sep 28, 2015
    Subway tiles are really pretty.
  • Sheila McCoy Sheila McCoy on Sep 28, 2015
    White subway tiles
  • Anne Howell Anne Howell on Sep 28, 2015
    Because you have a small rise at the back units just make sure wall is good and paint it in a favourite colour that's what we did forget splash old news now!! If you can't live with it just painted easier to change than tiles
  • Maggie Connor Maggie Connor on Sep 30, 2015
    I agree with Anne Howell! Paint it. Actually with light cabinets and such beautiful counters a great color would be a deep burgundy. It would make your kitchen come alive. One of my favorites is Ralph Lauren Amalfi Red. Be sure to do a base coat in grey so the red stays true. PS: While I really like the look of the white subway tile, I think it is way too light for your walls. Good luck and have fun!
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Sep 30, 2015
    I agree with Maggi Connor Burgundy would really make it pop. If you don't like that colour try another dark colour. but stay away from trying to match any of the colours that are in the cupboards and counter. Good Luck its looking great .
  • Monica Koch Monica Koch on Oct 02, 2015
    I agree with the subway tiles and maybe a gray grout to bring in the colors of your counter top. D
  • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Oct 04, 2015
    Something light and bright for sure. White subway tiles may not work in the space, so I'd look for off-white or ivory.