We've made a lot of decisions for the kitchen
and things are moving along!
We've decided on...
~ White shaker style cabinetry for the parameter
~ Dark stained cabinetry for the island
~ Brazilian cherry hardwood floors
~ Apron front porcelain sinks
and more...BUT...
I'm totally stumped about what to choose for the backsplash!
This kitchen was the closest I could find to our kitchen plan and colors,
white parameter cabinetry and dark island with dark wood floors...
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I'm not sure what the counter tops are in this kitchen but they are dark on the parameter and light on the island which is what we are leaning towards.
More than likely we will go with soapstone for the white cabinetry
and
carrara marble for the stained island...
So the BIG dilemma is what to use for the backsplash!?
This is the same kitchen and they used carrara marble, maybe we should go with it too...
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This kitchen also has soapstone counters with a carrara marble subway tile backsplash...
These next two are soapstone counters with white porcelain subway tiles...
OR, what about a decorative ceramic tile like this one?
It's used with light carrara counter tops in this picture and we are going with dark soapstone, but maybe...
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A tiny carrara mosaic behind the range top?
What about a 3" back splash in soapstone and then find something fancy for behind the range top...
Under this hood is a shelf tiled with light carrara and black marble mixed together...
Or should we totally mix it up with white ceramic subway with other colored tiles in different shapes and sizes...
How about this, it looks like painted paneling...
If painted paneling is a good option for the walls,
maybe we could add a little soapstone behind the range top for a little added "fire resistance"...
And there's always brick,
but since there is a fireplace that is brick, not sure we need more brick...
There are so many options and I'm totally confused!
What are your thoughts, which would you choose, or do you have another suggestion?
I'm all ears...
Here's what we've done so far...Kitchen Remodel Diary.
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Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI always prefer lighter back splashes as it keeps my mood brighter/happier when i am in that particular room. A tiny carrara mosaic behind the range top was my favorite of the photos.
I like things simple in the color palette, without a lot going on (so i can have my accent colors in my dishes, glasses, placemats or paintings on the wall.)
To me, while hardwood cherry floors are beautiful, dark colors elsewhere as well tend to make the space feel closed in or even slightly depressing for me personally UNLESS there are enormous windows everywhere to bring lots of light into the space.
It's all just about what FEELS good to you.
it's a hard choice to make. It'd be great if there was a software program available where you could plug the choices into 'your room' and "see" exactly what it would look like, and be able to mix and match until you got exactly what you loved!
Good luck!
So many pretty choices! I actually love the brick behind the range. Maybe you could do a carrara marble subway tile for the rest of the back splash? We're getting ready to paint our kitchen cabinets white and have decided on a white subway tile for the back splash. The deciding factor was when we found subway tile for .25 cents apiece! That made the decision REALLY easy. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the brick. I also have white cabinets black granite and I am replacing my tile back splash with red brick. I love that choice. Any of your choices, you can't go wrong
ReplyDeleteLOVE the first picture! And I think I am leaning towards the marble subway tile! So excited for you!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
I would vote to lean toward a simple white subway tile instead of going with expensive marble and (with the savings) splurge with a decorative wall bas relief insert. I am saving my money to incorporate a scroll or French flower from Andersen Ceramics (www.andersenceramics.com). I also prefer tile going down all the way to meet the countertop rather than a countertop piece going up the wall---I think visually it makes for a 'cleaner' look!
ReplyDeleteIt could get busy, if there is a third stone. Marble stains easily and I wouldn't put it behind the stove, unless you want a worn aged look. I have honed marble on the sides my stove and we had one bad stain in a year. It took me a few hours to get it out with bleach, which is probably not recommended. Honed doesn't show things as much, but it is not quite as elegant as the polished.
ReplyDeleteIt might be worth it to pay someone to help you select. It is such a big expense, and if it is wrong you will hate it. xoxo
Cindy, I love the look of the rustic brick against the white cabinets and dark counter tops. It adds a lot of warmth. I have no doubt that whatever you choose, it will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love subway tile - I think it looks classic and wouldn't go out of style easily. Also love the white paneled look. And the fancy tile was pretty cool. I like the all the same all over look best I think!
ReplyDeleteI love the third picture,,,,and if I could afford it I would love soapstone countertops. In our kitchen redo this time, granite was way out of the budget because of our massive island,,,,so I went with an arborite product that is pretty close to a soapstone look. I will always be a fan of the white kitchen! Happy deciding,,,it is overwhelming at times. :)
ReplyDeleteI did a similar design to my kitchen too Cindy and you know what I chose, a white mosaic tile. I think the Carrera is a great choice since the soapstone is gorgeous with it, colors with the veining of the marble will tie up well with your countertop! Love the idea of the decorative thing over the range, can't wait to see you kitchen dear!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCindy, I'm book marking this post .. it's filled with so many great ideas. The home we are rebuilding has an L shaped kitchen. We are discussing tile backspace as it will look good against the marble and the black Isle range I've picked out. I also love the brick and that would work perfectly in a more rustic kitchen:) xxleslie
ReplyDeleteCindy- I really like the looks of the subway tile because it is timeless and classic. I think brick waxes and wanes in favor. I can advise you NOT to do marble behind your stove-(having had the experience of doing just that). NOT pretty after a bit of use. Good luck..and you know what? No matter what ANY of us think whatever YOU pick will be perfect for YOU! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteMy taste leans toward the warmth of the brick.
ReplyDeleteWow Cindy you have a lot of great inspiration here. I love them all so no help from me. I know that what ever you choice it will be gorgeous. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteKris
So many great inspiration. I'm totally lost for the backsplash as well... But I'm leaning towards ceramic tiles myself as they are cheaper and easy to clean. Marble is really, really pretty, but I know it needs sealing and I don't want any of those products inside my kitchen. I can't wait to see more of your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI think the marble subway would be very pretty. I for sure would not want anything with a texture, especially behind a cooking surface -- grease spatters, etc. you are braver than me to use the marble as a countertop. I am OCD enough as it is -- I would be stressed over every single spill or water ring!
ReplyDeleteCindy, I am of the mind that it should be lasting. Read up online to see which trend is trending for the next ten years. I hate trends, but in terms of resale value it matters if you are going to put in expensive materials. We have dark granite in our kitchen with a dark granite backsplash. We bought he house this way, and I can take or leave it. I am just not that crazy about dark countertops because I love a light, bright kitchen. But I like what you Re planning. I also love soapstone and marble.
ReplyDeletexo
Sheila
I know whatever you choose will be beautiful! I personally like the look of white subway tile. It's timeless and easy to wipe down to keep clean.
ReplyDeletewhat's coming to mind? whatever is easy maintenance!
ReplyDeletenot the easiest area to reach and some tough cooking cleanup realities...
make your cleanup time as easy as you can - there's more in life to enjoy and time better spent =)
I would do subway tile in the marble or ceramic tile. If you splatter a lot when you prepare food, go with the ceramic. Your kitchen is going to be so pretty!!! I love your inspiration photos. Whatever you choose (based on all the photos) your kitchen will look stunning when everything is done!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, wow this is going to be so good. I have marble subway in my kitchen and it is timeless. Good luck, it's such a fun process.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! They are all so gorgeous! I'm terrible at choosing more upscale decor. Wish I could be of some help. :( xo Jen
ReplyDeleteThere are too many choices! I actually like them all! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love the marble basketweave that is shown as an inset behind the range (picture #10). It would incorporate the carrera with smaller amounts of black. I really don't like my subway tile. I suppose there are varying shades from different manufacturers bit mine looks a little bit off white compared to the rest of the kitchen although it is supposed to be white. Looks like you have chosen some great ideas to work with.
ReplyDelete