The New Kitchen Backsplash
Come see the backsplash I chose for our new kitchen!
Even though we have been working on a ton of smaller projects around the house, our main focus has been on completing the kitchen. Perhaps it’s because finally getting a new backsplash in the kitchen is a lot more exciting than things like new baseboard and new towel bars!
The kitchen is so close to being finished. It hasn’t been given it’s final paint color yet, but I couldn’t wait to share our new backsplash with you.
I had three requirements when it came to selecting tile for the kitchen: a) it had to be an updated style, yet timeless – nothing too trendy, b) it needed to be neutral so that I wouldn’t be stuck with a specific color and c) it couldn’t be so busy that it fought with the granite countertops.
I must have brought home a bajillion samples, but nothing ever seemed quite right. That is, until I picked up samples of faceted subway tile, basket weave tile and pencil tile to use for the “frame” around the basket weave. As soon as I saw it all together in my kitchen, I knew right away that this combo was THE one!
When we started down this remodel path, I was convinced that I didn’t want white tile for the backsplash and I for sure didn’t want subway tile, but look what I chose – white subway tile. Go figure. Now don’t get me wrong – I love subway tile, but I was afraid that it would be too much white. But THEN, I found a faceted version of it and that was all she wrote. The facets in the tiles throw light and create shadows so that it breaks up all of the white between the upper and lower cabinets.
To keep the look clean, I used white mortar and for a little more interest I laid the tile in a brick pattern.
The only place that I used the basket weave accent is above the cooktop. On the other side of the kitchen, where the coffee pot is located, I used white subway tile by itself.
We’ve added hardware to the cabinets since the last update on the kitchen remodel. What a difference something so simple makes! Pookie used a template to make sure all of the knobs where placed just so. The pulls on the drawers below the cooktop were a bit of a challenge to get lined up perfectly (even with a template), but I think he did a great job. No telling what the hardware would look like if it had been left up to me.
I’m trying to decide if I need to add two more dummy knobs to the cabinets in the corner, to the right of the refrigerator. Those doors unfold when you open them, so I don’t need knobs to make them functional, but it kind of looks like I’m missing knobs on two of the doors.
If you have sharp eyes, you’ll notice that I added a rug in here too. Another simple thing that makes such a difference in the room. It’s a brown and white indoor/outdoor rug which is perfect in front of the sink.
I’ve fallen in love with the 100% polypropylene indoor/outdoor rugs that are available now. They’re hard-wearing so they’re perfect in high traffic areas and are a snap to clean so they’re great in a home that has pets. An added bonus is that they’re inexpensive too. I have three more located at doors coming into the house and will probably use one in the family room as well.
And the counter height barstools? Yeah, I’m pretty much in love with them.
Other than giving the room its final paint color, we only have one more project to do before I can officially declare that the kitchen is finished, and that is to add light rail below all of the cabinets to help hide the under cabinet lighting.
Explore the breakfast area of the kitchen HERE.
KITCHEN RESOURCES:
Faceted Subway Tile: Jeffrey Court Pearl White Beveled Tile from Home Depot
Black and Carrera Marble Accent Tile: Anatolia Venatino Polished Natural Stone Baskeweave Mosaic from Lowes
Carrera Marble Pencil Tile: Available from any tile specialty store
Cabinet Hardware: Home Depot
Rug: Bermuda Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Ballard Designs
Cabinets and Hood – Lowes, Diamond Brand, Amherst style in White and Juniper Berry (gray)
Faucet – Delta Savile Pull Down Faucet from Lowes
Lanterns – Thomasville Piedmont Collection from Home Depot
Barstools – Threshold Linen Saddle Stool from Target
Granite – White Pearl from Lowes
Everything looks beautiful, Suzy!!
Thank you, Kirby!
Your kitchen is just stunning GF!! Everything coordinates just perfectly! The basket weave couldn’t be more PERFECT to go with your granite and your drawer pulls the final jewelry to it all. Oh, and I’m loving your giant clear canisters too!!!
Awww…you’re too sweet! You’ve helped me so much with your advice and encouragement along the way!
Suzy everything is beautiful. I love all your choices. I can hear and feel your excitement.
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! So glad you like everything.
Beautiful kitchen – it really did come together wonderfully!!!
http://www.BundleMeBaby.etsy.com
Just gorgeous! What a dream kitchen!
Thank you, Marty. Now, if I could just do some dream cooking!
I am in sheer kitchen envy….you and your beloved have done such a fabulous job with the kitchen and love that backsplash…have always admired that basket weave design!…
Thank you, sweet Shirley. I’m so happy that we’re almost finished!
I love your choice of tile for your backsplash to complement your granite Suzy! Your kitchen is beautiful and will make cooking a dream 🙂
Thank you, Mary!
I love absolutely everything about your new kitchen Suzy – awesome job!!!!
Thank you, Lauren. Hope you’re doing well!
Beautiful job! Love your all choices as IMHO they are just right. (i.e.: Not overdone yet still very aesthetically pleasing and functional as well …. ☺.)
With that said; as your layout in this area is very similar to mine, may I ask if the French doors are another entry way or do they conceal a pantry configuration of a base unit depth? (In other words, stationary or pullout shelves or drawers.) THANK YOU! -Brenda-
Hi Brenda. The double doors beside the wall ovens are to the pantry. Nothing fancy in there – just wire shelves. So glad you like my kitchen!
Thank you Suzy. With much appreciation. -Brenda-
Looks great! I love how it looks so clean and fresh.
Oh – if only it stayed clean like this all this time! lol I’m glad you like it!
Suzy, I love your bright white kitchen. Looking good!
Thank you, Kim! This kitchen looks a lot different that the last one that you saw! ;p
I’m drooling! I love subway tile and plan to use it for my back splash if we ever do some kitchen updates. Your tile is beautiful, and your feature block is very pretty, especially with your counter top. Lookin’ good! 🙂
Thank you, Kim. I love the basketweave tile in above the cooktop so much that I wanted to do the whole backsplash with it, but I was afraid it would be too much.
Suzy, your kitchen is gorgeous!! Love it! I used an indoor/outdoor rug in my kitchen too and love it. I’ve cleaned up dried spaghetti sauce…no stain.
Thank you, Amy. That’s good to know about the spaghetti sauce. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before I spill something like that!
It’s absolutely stunning! I can’t believe the transformation … amazing! It’s only a matter of time before I see this featured in a magazine!
You’re too funny, Becca. Guess I should hang by my phone in case BHG calls. hahahaha I’m glad that you like it though!
Your kitchen is amazing Suzy! That backsplash is perfection.
Thank you, Stacey!
Hi Suzy, I’m coming over from WOW. Your kitchen is so beautiful and I think you definitely achieved the updated timeless look you were going for. I love how you incorporated the basket weave accent tiles. And what a great idea to use an indoor/outdoor in front of the sink! Pinning the look.
Sally
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sally. And thank you for your sweet comments!
WOW! I love your kitchen! The everything is beautiful but I just adore the lighting!
Thank you, Gilly. You wouldn’t believe how much I agonized over the size of those lanterns!
It is all so bright and beautiful! Your choice of tile on the backspash is gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Kim!
So excited to see this coming along! The backsplash is beautiful and classic! I love watching your kitchen evolve as I plan my kitchen renovation. I have very similar tastes. Also – those indoor outdoor rugs are perfect in the kitchen! I have one under my kitchen table (from Ballard also) and I have been so happy with it! Enjoy your gorgeous kitchen!
Shelley
Thank you, Shelley. I’m glad that you agree with the use of indoor/outdoor rugs in the kitchen. Have fun with your kitchen reno!
WOWZA it is gorgeous! Love the whole kitchen!
Thank you, Kristin!