Need backsplash opinions-UPDATED

[JTsMom]

Updated in post 35

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Who's in the mood to play decorate my kitchen? :)

We need a backsplash ASAP, but I'm not really sure where to start. We have a lot of different elements going on, and while I don't want anything too boring, I'm afraid to get too creative and end up with something I hate.

The kitchen is open to the breakfast nook and the family room. The wall color is the same throughout- builder beige. We have a stacked stone fireplace with warm colors in the FR, and tan couch/chairs. Entertainment center is a distressed black. We haven't gotten a BN table yet, but it will likely be black. I going to use some autumny colors as accents- pillows, curtains, etc.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_BaH9n_OFZF0/S3QckD-Uw9I/AAAAAAAAFc0/bs_K_8HkOj4/s800/kitchen%20edit%201.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BaH9n_OFZF0/S3QckUKdnyI/AAAAAAAAFc4/bN0tkrB0_mI/s800/kitchen%20edit%202.jpg

Countertops are quartz, but I don't know that this is the best pic, at least on my monitor. it's a bit warmer in person. The flecks of brown match the cabinets.

http://www.cambriausa.com/images/swatches/cambria_swatch_1120_lg.jpg

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

My first thought was to use Fire and Ice: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0916270925739.html

but I don't know if that will look good with your countertop.

My second thought is to use a tumbled travertine, possibly with glass inserts.

HTH

[JTsMom]

The glass tile is soooo pretty. I'd love to see it in person.

[happymomma]

We just did our backsplash. I ended up choosing a simple tile with some accent tiles of crushed glass. The crush glass tiles were 4 different colors that matched our granite. It is really nice and I think it's timeless.

[JTsMom]

We just did our backsplash. I ended up choosing a simple tile with some accent tiles of crushed glass. The crush glass tiles were 4 different colors that matched our granite. It is really nice and I think it's timeless.

That sounds pretty. Would you consider posting a pic? Please? :D

[truly scrumptious]

I am totally in love with glass subway tiles - especially with under cabinet lighting. I have posted these pics of our tiles before, but here they are attached.


You could also consider mosaic tiles. I love the look of the Via Appia series:
http://www.buytile.com/home.php?main_page=index&cPath=11&pser=372

Or you could so a natural stone (though I'm not sure how hard/easy that is to keep clean.)
http://www.buytile.com/home.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=361&szid=178


I also really like a idea of some kind of accent. It helps to draw everything in the room together, and delineate where that room ends and another begins.

[AnnieW625]

I like the look of glass tiles. I think that you could do a mix of white, and neutrals. If the granite has a lot of black in then you might be able to get away with some black in there too.

Also I :heartbeat: your stove! I can't wait to redo my 1950s house and put one in. What brand is it?

[JTsMom]

You guys are finding much better stuff than I have- I'm so glad I asked here!

truly- your kitchen is very pretty. :)

[JTsMom]

Also I :heartbeat: your stove! I can't wait to redo my 1950s house and put one in. What brand is it?

Thanks! It's an O'keefe and Merritt. It was actually MIL's original stove that she had in her home until she passed. We had it restored out in CA and shipped here. We had to plan the rest of the kitchen around it, including having a gas tank buried, but it was worth it. It just got here a couple of days ago. DH is ecstatic.

[JTsMom]

While you all are looking, if anyone has any great valance ideas for above the stove, please chime in. The ones our cabinet guy suggested are way too scrolly for my taste. They all look like bad 80's country.

[ohiomom1121]

Your cabinets are beautiful! I love subway tiles too...something like this would coordinate well with your countertops.
http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4012

or this is really pretty
http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Tiles-Kitchen-Bathroom-Backsplash/dp/B002C1OPQA

[truly scrumptious]

You guys are finding much better stuff than I have- I'm so glad I asked here!

truly- your kitchen is very pretty. :)

Thanks :D
Of course, it looked like that for all of a week. DS arrived a week later, and since then it has been more of a disaster zone! But I can look back at the pictures and sigh...
BTW, I love your stove, too!

[AnnieW625]

Thanks! It's an O'keefe and Merritt. It was actually MIL's original stove that she had in her home until she passed. We had it restored out in CA and shipped here. We had to plan the rest of the kitchen around it, including having a gas tank buried, but it was worth it. It just got here a couple of days ago. DH is ecstatic.

That's what was standard in our home when it was built in 1950 so that's what I am looking at getting. I have always loved old stoves. My grandma has a 1939 or early 40s Wedgewood stove (a brand that was only made and sold in Northern California) and it's the best. My uncle also says he has his wife's aunt O Keefe & Merrit in his garage so we also have that option when our stove dies and I'll have to keep you mind in regards to where to get it fixed.

[StantonHyde]

I am just in the planning stages of a new kitchen. I went to the library and grabbed 3 kitchen idea books. They had lots and lots of hood options. I am probably going to do the stove top on a big island so will have a hood above it. I saw some that have a metal post and a glass hood so they are really unobtrusive.

For above the stove I love copper hoods or you could do a stainless steel (I don't like those as much). I really like the hammered steel ones. You can have the cabinet guy make a plain one to match your cabinets --just say no to the scrolls. (I am surprised he showed you that because your kitchen is not a particularly "scrolly" style)

I love the pix of these kitchens--very nice cabinets ladies.

[smilequeen]

We just built our house a year ago. The backsplash kind of stressed me out :) In the end I went kind of simple, natural stone tiles with an accent over my cooktop.

This is my kitchen
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/4527_1160935348550_1382815785_30430510_7073405_n.j pg

This is what the accent actually looks like close up. It has a lot of texture to it and it turned out really cool IMO :)
http://daltileproducts.com/images/products/zoom/DP_DTNSTUSCG12SP.jpg

[happymom]

I'm in the middle of choosing a backsplash too! So hard to choose isn't it? We are working on a somewhat strict budget, so I went to Home Depot to see what they had there. They actually have a LOT of nice options! They have some glass tile (like Annie's but in 1" mosaic) sheets- all different color options for $5 a sheet! (Each sheet is 12"x12" I think) I think we may end up going with a simple travertine backsplash- similar to Ohiomom's first link. Its basically brick style, but they are small-each tile is probably 1"x2" or so. It comes on a sheet of mesh backing like the glass tile. I will probably use some accents as well...

It would probably help you a lot to check out Home Depot. Also, check out this link for ideas...
http://finishedbacksplashesslideshow.blogspot.com/

[DrSally]

I really like my travertine tile. I have natural cherry cabinets and a gray/black granite with copper accents. The travertine has some orangy tones to go with the cherry, and some grayish tones to go with the granite, and general brown/tans. You have to seal it so gunk doesn't get in all the crevices.

They say, you should decide if you want a shiny (glass) or natural looking backsplash. I love the look of glass, but I was advised to let the granite stand out and do a more subtle backsplash. It still adds a lot of warmth to the room. Also, I was advised not to go too small on the tiles, b/c then you end up with a "grout backsplash". There are some websites that show completed kitchens. Maybe you can get some ideas. I know pictures always help me tremendously.

ETA: In your kitchen (love your stove) I could see doing something decorative (smaller tiles) above the stove. We couldn't do that b/c I have a micro above the stove.

[Joolsplus2]

We just went from plain cream colored walls (actually, some hideous horrible plastic tile shaped plastic sheeting...did I say plastic? :P) to glass tile (in the stick on sheets from Lowe's), I think DH only spent about $320 and he had it done in a weekend and I really like it... http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/Backsplash#

[happymom]

We just went from plain cream colored walls (actually, some hideous horrible plastic tile shaped plastic sheeting...did I say plastic? :P) to glass tile (in the stick on sheets from Lowe's), I think DH only spent about $320 and he had it done in a weekend and I really like it... http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/Backsplash#

Beautiful Jools! Those are the tile sheets that I saw at Home Depot for $5 a sheet. Its a great deal if you can find a color that matches your kitchen. My home depot had one that was all shades of brown, one that was greys/blues/whitish, yours, and I think a few others that I cant remember right now. I loved the grey/blue one for a bathroom. So peaceful.

[StantonHyde]

Now someone needs to fess up here :p Did you folks shovel all the stuff on your counters to the side and THEN take the pix? Please tell me people do not have kitchens this clean in real life. If so, I really need help. :D

ETA: Love, love, love the backsplash blogspot. Really good ideas.

[JTsMom]

That's what was standard in our home when it was built in 1950 so that's what I am looking at getting. I have always loved old stoves. My grandma has a 1939 or early 40s Wedgewood stove (a brand that was only made and sold in Northern California) and it's the best. My uncle also says he has his wife's aunt O Keefe & Merrit in his garage so we also have that option when our stove dies and I'll have to keep you mind in regards to where to get it fixed.

You know what's funny is that the stove came from the Long Beach area- Lakewood actually. Our realtor advised us to yank the stove out pronto before anyone saw it in there, otherwise we'd have real battle trying to tell people they couldn't buy it with the house. LOL

[JTsMom]

I am just in the planning stages of a new kitchen. I went to the library and grabbed 3 kitchen idea books. They had lots and lots of hood options. I am probably going to do the stove top on a big island so will have a hood above it. I saw some that have a metal post and a glass hood so they are really unobtrusive.

For above the stove I love copper hoods or you could do a stainless steel (I don't like those as much). I really like the hammered steel ones. You can have the cabinet guy make a plain one to match your cabinets --just say no to the scrolls. (I am surprised he showed you that because your kitchen is not a particularly "scrolly" style)

I love the pix of these kitchens--very nice cabinets ladies.


Your plans sound amazing! Our hood is actually built into the cabinet (another one of those planning the kitchen around the stove things), but we want to just add a wood piece to the bottom so it's totally hidden.

[JTsMom]

It would probably help you a lot to check out Home Depot. Also, check out this link for ideas...
http://finishedbacksplashesslideshow.blogspot.com/

Thanks! :)


I really like my travertine tile. I have natural cherry cabinets and a gray/black granite with copper accents. The travertine has some orangy tones to go with the cherry, and some grayish tones to go with the granite, and general brown/tans. You have to seal it so gunk doesn't get in all the crevices.

They say, you should decide if you want a shiny (glass) or natural looking backsplash. I love the look of glass, but I was advised to let the granite stand out and do a more subtle backsplash. It still adds a lot of warmth to the room. Also, I was advised not to go too small on the tiles, b/c then you end up with a "grout backsplash". There are some websites that show completed kitchens. Maybe you can get some ideas. I know pictures always help me tremendously.

ETA: In your kitchen (love your stove) I could see doing something decorative (smaller tiles) above the stove. We couldn't do that b/c I have a micro above the stove.

Thanks for all of the tips! I definitely need something easy to clean b/c I tend to trash the kitchen when I cook.


We just went from plain cream colored walls (actually, some hideous horrible plastic tile shaped plastic sheeting...did I say plastic? :P) to glass tile (in the stick on sheets from Lowe's), I think DH only spent about $320 and he had it done in a weekend and I really like it... http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/Backsplash#

Very pretty! Good for your DH. I'm debating doing it myself, but I'm betting there is something in the materials that isn't good for pg women- haven't checked though, but that's how it's been every step of the way. DH is handy, but this sort of thing is not his forte'.


Now someone needs to fess up here :p Did you folks shovel all the stuff on your counters to the side and THEN take the pix? Please tell me people do not have kitchens this clean in real life. If so, I really need help. :D



ETA: Love, love, love the backsplash blogspot. Really good ideas.We just moved in a week and a half ago-give me time. That's why I took the pics immediately! :ROTFLMAO: Just don't look on top of the fridge.

[JTsMom]

We just built our house a year ago. The backsplash kind of stressed me out :) In the end I went kind of simple, natural stone tiles with an accent over my cooktop.

This is my kitchen
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/4527_1160935348550_1382815785_30430510_7073405_n.j pg

This is what the accent actually looks like close up. It has a lot of texture to it and it turned out really cool IMO :)
http://daltileproducts.com/images/products/zoom/DP_DTNSTUSCG12SP.jpg

I don't know why, but I'm having multi-quote issues today.

Your kitchen is gorgeous! The front of your hood is something more like I had in mind for mine.

[JTsMom]

You can have the cabinet guy make a plain one to match your cabinets --just say no to the scrolls. (I am surprised he showed you that because your kitchen is not a particularly "scrolly" style)


Yeah, he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and has been a nightmare to work with. Unfortunately, he's contracted with the builder, so there's not much we can do about it.

On the plus side, his slacker ways actually got us the upgraded cabinets for FREE! :boogie:We were going with the standard ones b/c I wasn't convinced that the upgrade colors would work, but he ordered cherry instead of pecan, and of course they were installing them 2 weeks before we were supposed to close, and ordering the right color would have taken 6 weeks plus. Meanwhile, the upgrade cabinets were made locally, and would be ready in time for the close. Insert evil laugh here. ;)

We had issues every step of the way with this build. This one actually worked in our favor, and I'm so thrilled with the upgraded cabinets, I can't even tell you.

[chozen]

We just built our house a year ago. The backsplash kind of stressed me out :) In the end I went kind of simple, natural stone tiles with an accent over my cooktop.

This is my kitchen
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/4527_1160935348550_1382815785_30430510_7073405_n.j pg

This is what the accent actually looks like close up. It has a lot of texture to it and it turned out really cool IMO :)
http://daltileproducts.com/images/products/zoom/DP_DTNSTUSCG12SP.jpg

i really like your backsplash, where did you get it?

[sste]

Not great at this stuff but I am wondering about sage or celadon colored subway tile. I think you want something that is clean but still vintage to play up your stove . . .

[JTsMom]

What do you guys think about something like this?
http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/2006/06/auzzys-kitchen.html

[DrSally]

Nice. I really like the colors. The cabinets seem very similar to your color cabinets. How do you think it would work with your color granite?

[JTsMom]

I think I could find something similar enough and make it work. The counters have some little brown flecks that are the same color of the cabinets, and the main color would be close to the main color of the counters. Then I could work in that darker brown to match the island.

I figure I would probably have to go get some tiles samples and see how it matches up in person.

I like that it's somewhat neutral, but then has that little pop of color. I think it would also tie in well with the family room colors.

Do you think it's too busy? I just worry about having old and new, stainless and 2 colors of wood, biscuit and white, black furniture nearby, and then adding in another element, kwim? LOL I don't like everything to be totally matchy-matchy, but I don't want it to look like a jumble of mis-matched stuff either. I'm hoping b/c the bulk of it is neutral and I'd pull the other colors from stuff that's already there, it might work.

ETA: I really should try to post a better pic of the counters that represents the real color better. They are much a warmer tone than they look here.

[trales]

We are getting ready to put in glass subway tiles in neutral but with a spash of color.

I am going to do it myself. I took my kitchen pics into a local tile shop and the woman really helped me out.

[DrSally]

You know, part of me does think it's a bit busy, but it all depends on your tastes. I like *very* simple looks, so my backsplash is totally neutral and kind of fades into the background while still adding a richness (it's also in a brick pattern layout). Sometimes I think when you do a diamond layout, that too makes it more dynamic and visually interesting, so you have to think about that too. Depending on the amount of space you have btwn the counters and cabinets, you may or may not want to do that border. That can be the part that makes it look busy if there's not a lot of wide open space. IDK, like I said, it all depends on your style/tastes.

[DrSally]

We just built our house a year ago. The backsplash kind of stressed me out :) In the end I went kind of simple, natural stone tiles with an accent over my cooktop.

This is my kitchen
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/4527_1160935348550_1382815785_30430510_7073405_n.j pg

This is what the accent actually looks like close up. It has a lot of texture to it and it turned out really cool IMO :)
http://daltileproducts.com/images/products/zoom/DP_DTNSTUSCG12SP.jpg

Smilequeen, this is *exactly* my backsplash, except it's in a brick, rather than square, pattern. I would've loved to have done exactly what you did above the stove, but I have a micro above the stove. I love that mini tile.

[Smiles81]

Does anyone here have cream or white cabinets in their kitchen. We are building and I would like to do those colors but I am really worried about maintenance with kids and messy cooking. What do you all think?

[JTsMom]

We're getting closer- I need more opinions please.

I found a tile I like, and I'm going to throw in some pics of it. Our original plan was going to be to do something like this:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7499/1036/320/auzzy.jpg
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7499/1036/320/auzzy2.jpg

Here are samples of the tile I chose- they are actually two different colors, but we liked the color of the large tile (4X4 tumbled), and the size of the smaller one (2X2 mosaic):
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BaH9n_OFZF0/S5u_XezTyvI/AAAAAAAAFd4/534EDQaWOU0/s720/2010_03_11_IMG_8929.JPG

And a better representation of the countertop color:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BaH9n_OFZF0/S5u_W16FtaI/AAAAAAAAFd0/q01o2mqv0oI/s512/2010_03_11_IMG_8933.JPG

So the plan was to do the mosaic on a diagonal on top, the ORB colored trim piece, and 3X3 squares on the bottom. The 4X4 only comes in the tumbled look, but we figured we could do 6X6's cut down to 3X3's. So something like this (excuse the over-exposure, you get the idea though)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BaH9n_OFZF0/S5vCZ9c9KHI/AAAAAAAAFeE/qi8i8JlpvWc/s576/2010_03_11_IMG_8937%20edit.jpg

We had an installer come out to give us an estimate, and he felt that with the size of the 2X2's, the edges would look way too crazy if we did a diagonal b/c there would be so many cuts, especially around the window. He gave several recommendations for alternate ideas, said that the vast majority of people will do 4X4's, and now we're totally stuck.

I still prefer the 2X2's, but I can see his point about the diagonal, so I thought maybe we could do them straight, still do the border, and use 3X6's for the bottom pieces. DH is now totally freaked out that the 2X2's are too small, and thinks we should do the 4X4's, possibly still on a diagonal, even though he doesn't want the tumbled look (we'd have to find a similar color). Other thoughts were doing a brick type pattern, or doing all 3X6's. I'm having a hard time picturing everything together.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Drag0nflygirl]

I {{PUFFY HEART}} your stove!
I have to agree with your tile person that the smaller tile would look way to busy. Also that size tile is frequently used in bathrooms.
Now - just to utterly confuse things - what if you took the narrow boarder tile and outlined the area above the stove, then set just that area with the small tile - straight, not diagonal? Or, do your small tiles everywhere else and big ones over the stove to break things up a bit?

[AnnieW625]

I like the look of the smaller stone, I would even go smaller than the small one you have. I think that the large one would be too much.

[JTsMom]

So far we are at 50/50 then? Great. :ROTFLMAO:

We did talk about doing something differently over the stove, but the only problem with that is that if we ever needed to change it out, or if we moved (DH would probably leave me here before he'd leave that stove ;) ), we might not end up with something so high.

[DrSally]

I {{PUFFY HEART}} your stove!
I have to agree with your tile person that the smaller tile would look way to busy. Also that size tile is frequently used in bathrooms.
Now - just to utterly confuse things - what if you took the narrow boarder tile and outlined the area above the stove, then set just that area with the small tile - straight, not diagonal? Or, do your small tiles everywhere else and big ones over the stove to break things up a bit?

That was my first thought. Use the small tile (horizontal, not diagonal) over the stove with the border. That would add a lot of interest. I agree that the small tiles make things look too busy in a backsplash. I think you could really do that special treatment over the stove (it's a big space) and then just 4x4's or a brick pattern in the rest of the backsplash. But, I tend to prefer a simpler look.

[DrSally]

So far we are at 50/50 then? Great. :ROTFLMAO:

We did talk about doing something differently over the stove, but the only problem with that is that if we ever needed to change it out, or if we moved (DH would probably leave me here before he'd leave that stove ;) ), we might not end up with something so high.

You could always buy some extra tile in case that ever happens. The guy who did mine said that tile is just like carpet, no 2 batches are ever the same, so you want to get it all from the same batch.

[shilo]

We're getting closer- I need more opinions please....

Anyone have any thoughts?


hmm, so i think you've got a couple of things to take into consideration which might help you narrow it down...

first off, in the pic of the backsplash you're drawn to, is it the combined look of the bottom horizontal anchor row with the diagonal set squares above, or is it just the diagonal you're wanting? if you're wanting the horizontal row to anchor it, i think part of what may be throwing things off is that you have less space between the counters and your uppers than the inspiration backsplash - so that's going to really change how many rows you get to see, depending on how wide you go with for the anchor row at the bottom. and if you are wanting the anchor row, you may actually be better off with the 2x2's in your case, b/c you'd get to see more of the completed pattern (with 4x4's you'd probably only get 3-4 rows of diagonal set tiles above an 8-10" anchor row, depending on your base tile and trim strip i'd think? you'd have to run the numbers with your measurements of the tiles vs. your splash height). so all that to say, i don't necessarily agree with your tile sub that 2x2's would be too busy... it's all about proportion. it looks to me like you have enough space for only one element (the 4x4's) if you go with something larger. but if you like the layered look, then proportionally, you _should_ be looking at smaller tiles to achieve the effect. otherwise, it will just look choppy.

i couldn't find a good pic of a smaller anchor row with 2x2's, but this actually has a similar 'feel' b/c of the 4" granite turn-up splash. you could use the 4x4's as an anchor strip, a trim strip and then run your diagonal 2x2 all the way up to your uppers...
http://www.danielskitchenbath.com/kitchen%20backsplash%202x2%20tile%20glass.jpg

or, you could just run diagonal 2x2's all by themselves:
http://flatrocktile.net/backspash%20pics/019.JPG

you mentioned setting the 2x2's at 90/90, so here's an example of that alone, and it actually has pretty similar colors to what you're trying to achieve - trying to balance white appliances with warm medium toned cabinets and counters:
http://media.merchantcircle.com/28083263/2x2%20glass%20backsplash_full.jpeg

the other thing i've seen done before with smaller splashes with 2x2's which i think i personally might like best would be to invert the 2x2's and anchor strip so that it becomes an accent strip on top instead... i think this looks particularly great when you run it into your stove splash, b/c you just follow the same line across but run your accent tile all the way up and the effect is 'wow' in my book...
http://kitchendetails.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/peakes-place-041.jpg

this example shows how you'd continue it up above your stove... http://flatrocktile.net/025.JPG

i like it better in the kitchen above with a nice trim strip to delineate top/bottom, but here's another example that just blends it into a square mosaic strip just for ideas: http://tile-stone.ca/2x2%20diag%20slate%20with%201x1%20above%202_edited .JPG

anyway, i feel your pain. i had my 'aha' moment during tile selection when i realized that i didn't want tile at all (the backsplash in the kitchen in the new house is my granite which i adore). hope you get your 'aha' moment soon as well!

[JTsMom]

Thanks for the help guys. Lori, those pics are incredibly helpful. I think our cabinet height is actually the same as it is in the inspiration pic, assuming a couple of things. I know that the standard distance is 18" between the cabinets and the counters, which is what ours is (except above the stove, and below the microwave, both of which have larger distances).

It looks like they used 3" squares though, so the diagonals= a little over 4" highX3= close to 12.6 or so, 1" for the dark strip= 13.6, so the square-ish bottom pieces would be about 4.4". Right? Or maybe my math is wrong, which is entirely possible at this point of the day! LOL

I think the biggest concern the installer had with the diagonals is that the edges would have a ton of cuts showing since there are no border pieces. It would be especially problematic around our window b/c the wall is narrow there. Every time I look at pics of the smaller tiles on the diagonal though, I still love them.

We have another installer coming tonight to check things out, so we'll see what he thinks.

Thanks again for the input!

[LexyLou]

Our backsplash is granite slab. I really like it and it's easy to maintain.

[shilo]

Thanks for the help guys. Lori, those pics are incredibly helpful. I think our cabinet height is actually the same as it is in the inspiration pic, assuming a couple of things. I know that the standard distance is 18" between the cabinets and the counters, which is what ours is (except above the stove, and below the microwave, both of which have larger distances).

It looks like they used 3" squares though, so the diagonals= a little over 4" highX3= close to 12.6 or so, 1" for the dark strip= 13.6, so the square-ish bottom pieces would be about 4.4". Right? Or maybe my math is wrong, which is entirely possible at this point of the day! LOL

ahh, ok, i was running the mental math based on the inspiration pic being 4x4's, but you may be right that it is 3x3's. if it were, you'd be looking at 4.25ish x 3, plus another 1/2" in grout if they did 1/8" grout lines, plus it looks like between the trim strip and the base tile, they're making 6" squares (at least that looks proportional based on the diagonal field being 3x3's). so that gives you 12.75 + .5 + 6 = 19.25 - which i've read is a common height used for tall people for uppers spacing (as is my 16.75" for short peeps like me ;)). so if all that's true, then i still think that proportion wise, what you're proposing - a 2x2 diagonal field with your ORB trim and a 6 x 6 cut down to 3 x 3's will give you a very similar look to your inspiration splash.

i personally wouldn't be so worried about the cuts around the window - you'll have the sill and casement for your cut edge to dive into, the same as it would at any edge that terminates into a cabinet facing. (looks similar to: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Bill_Vincent/backsplash2j.jpg) another option you could consider under the sink at the window would be to only run your base strip and trim across there and cap it with a quarter round (see below) and forgo the diagonal field tile just under the window.
kind of like this: http://www.greendesignskc.com/images/qc_gallery_images/kitchen-rennovation-3-cambria-victoria-bull-nose-edge.jpg . i can't see what comes after your sink, but especially if there is a mirror image upper on the other side of your window, you could totally end your diagonal field with a quarter-round cap, bring it down to the height of the trim strip, miter it, run it across the trim strip, miter again and then run it back up to where your diagonal field would start again under the upper to the right of the sink.

what _i_ personally would go super anal on my tile guy about using the 2x2's would be the corner where you turn from the sink wall to the stove wall... i'd have them start the layout there with a perfectly centered cut (like in the first link for the window above) vs. (to avoid the mismatch like is seen here: http://tile-stone.ca/2x2%20diag%20sl...202_edited.JPG) and then work out from there.

then the last issue would be the backsplash edges where they don't terminate into a cabinet or wall (like your microwave nook would be a non issue if you just plan on running the splash on the back wall from the corner to the fridge wall. i don't think you have a photo up that shows what the edge terminates into on your sink wall? but assuming it's open ended like the wall on your stove wall where it will be an open ended/floating edge finish next to the doorway, then i'd say you might want to look at a quarter-round or beveled/bullnosed rectangle end cap piece for both if you're really worried about the cut edges. if you cap it, it will give you a perfectly smooth edge where the end cap tile goes from the cut edge to the wall to fill that gap. looks like this: http://www.sensible-chic.com/images/gallery/Demarest/DemarestAfter-(1).jpg or this http://www.sensible-chic.com/images/gallery/morse/morsebacksplash.jpg or this http://www.danielskitchenbath.com/Kitchen%20remodeling%20tile%20backsplash%20picture s%201.jpg

if you're not that worried about it, you can have your tile sub do anything from a 1/8-1/4" eased edge (aka 'pencil edge' - looks like the free floating backsplash edge to the right where it ends into the wall - but you can see the pencil edge itself really well on the window inset to the left: http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh59/tlcflorida/KitchWBackSpl/?action=view&current=100_2525.jpg) to a full blown bullnose where they will sand down the cut edge to give it a nice smooth edge on the grinder where it will be exposed. you will still see a bit of the grout divot you get at the edge of a cut tile, as opposed to the end cap piece, but either one would give you a nice finished look. i can't tell from your sample boards if the particular collections you're looking at come with a quarter round cap, but many to most do IME.

hth. tile bit my butt hard in our build... can you tell ;) lol.

[DrSally]

Lori, you are so knowledgable about tile! All the choices make my head spin. I kept mine *very, very* simple so as to minmize the choices, partly. Also, the space btwn my cupboards and counter is pretty small.

[JTsMom]

Lori, can I just hire you? :bowdown: :) You really, really know your stuff.

The guy that came last night was a bit more open to our idea, and basically suggested a lot of what you did. The more I look at the pics you posted, the more I'm convinced that the smaller tile is right for us. I think we just need to figure out a way to finish it at the edges.

I'm going to shop around some more and see if I can't find something that has a bullnose, etc. available. I'm seriously considering mocking up a wall with little paper tiles just to make sure it'll work. I may need an intervention soon. ;)

Thank you again for your thoughtful and helpful posts. They really did make a big difference.

[shilo]

Thank you again for your thoughtful and helpful posts. They really did make a big difference.

you're very welcome. now just post some photos when it's all done so we can ooh and ahh.

also, if you or anyone you know has some photoshopping skills, you can cut/past a back splash from one photo into a picture of your kitchen taken at a similar angle/perspective. i'd offer, but i lack the skills lol. might be easier than trying to tape papers up in your kitchen tho...