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. Â 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. Â 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. Â What a difference something so simple makes! Â Pookie used a template to make sure all of the knobs where placed just so. Â 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. Â No telling what the hardware would look like if it had been left up to me.
I’m trying to decide if IÂ need to add two more dummy knobs to the cabinets in the corner, to the right of the refrigerator. Â 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. Â Another simple thing that makes such a difference in the room. Â 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. Â An added bonus is that they’re inexpensive too. Â 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? Â 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: Â Jeffrey Court Pearl White Beveled Tile from Home Depot
Black and Carrera Marble Accent Tile: Â Anatolia Venatino Polished Natural Stone Baskeweave Mosaic from Lowes
Carrera Marble Pencil Tile: Â Available from any tile specialty store
Cabinet Hardware: Â Home Depot
Rug: Â Bermuda Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Ballard Designs
Cabinets and Hood – Lowes, Diamond Brand, Amherst style in White and Juniper Berry (gray)Â
Faucet – Delta Savile Pull Down Faucet from Lowes
Lanterns – Thomasville Piedmont Collection from Home Depot
Barstools – Threshold Linen Saddle Stool from Target Â
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!
Absolutely stunning and timeless, Suzy. Love the subway tiles–it’s so classic and elegant. And your backsplash is perfect. I love how everything works together–the granite, tile, grout, cabinetry. This should be on the cover of a magazine.
Thank you! I sure do hope it stands the test of time!
Looks nice and fresh…hopefully some color and interest will be added. Not a fan of all white even though it’s the style now. So sorry, but just my opinion. It’s too bland and drab even if it’s considered “timeless”.
Hi Karen. I know a lot of people who don’t care for all white kitchens. I agree that some interest needs to be added. I’m just taking my time trying to figure out exactly what to do. For now, I’m just thrilled that it’s mostly complete! lol
Wow! Looks great! I love how bright your kitchen is!
Thank you so much, Christine!
Beautiful kitchen. We are moving to a “new” “old” house and our kitchen needs to be redone!! Crazy question, but, could you tell me how wide your kitchen is? Mine may be smaller, but I’m considering the island. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Shelly. Our kitchen is 13′ wide and the island is 36″ wide x 78″ long. The 36″ width includes a 10″ overhang for the bar stools to tuck under. I agonized over whether or not there was room for an island. It really helped me to tape the whole kitchen layout – cabinets and island – on the floor after everything was ripped out. It allowed us to determine appliance placement (fridge and wall ovens) and exactly what size of an island would work best. Our island isn’t centered perfectly – there is 37″ of space on one side of it and 33″ on the other. Hope this helps!
This is one of the most beautiful kitchens I’ve ever seen.
Oh my goodness, your kitchen is adorable! I love the choices you took for the backsplash, beautiful!
Your kitchen is just stunning !
Love everything about it – but that back splash? I’m drooling ( and pinning – and possibly copying in the Spring !!! )
xoxo
Stunning! So crisp, clean and timeless looking!
Lori
Wow! Your kitchen is stunning and definitely will be timeless! Beautiful finishes and nice layout. Love the subway tile and the way you did the basket weave above the cooktop! Everything is gorgeous!
Oh my! What a beautiful kitchen! You did an awesome job!! Looks wonderful!
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Hi Suzy~
Your kitchen is just gorgeous – I also have a white kitchen and love it.
I love the stools, and wondered where you purchased them. Do you like those stools??
I then noticed that you have a list of where you purchased everything – what a great idea.
I have a overhang on my island and want to push the stools out of site to make more room in that area. I love the look.
Thanks so much.
Much love,
Rose
Hi Rose. I guess you saw that I purchased the stools from Target. They’re very comfortable and seem to be sturdily made. They fit perfectly under my 10″ overhang. I could only find one in the store, so I had to order the other two online. Glad you like my kitchen!
Wow! Just stunning. Glad I stumbled upon your blog!
How did you finish the beveled subway tile where it ends on the right? I can see you added a flat subway vertically but doesn’t the beveled tile look obviously thicker when cut in half. It seems as though when you cut a beveled subway tile in half and butt it up to a flat tile it would sit higher than when the full bevel tile meets the vertical tile.
Hi Lisa. You’re right – the regular subway tile running vertically along the edge is thinner than the beveled tile. To account for the difference, my tile guy put more mortar behind the flat tiles so that they would be even with the beveled tile. Hope this makes sense!
what are the color of your island. ? I can not tell too much difference in cabinet & island. I want to do my kitchen colors like this I love this kitchen.
carol
Hi Carol. The color of the island cabinets is a light’ish gray called Juniper Berry. Glad you like the kitchen!
Love the kitchen! I am wondering paint color of wallls in the kitchen. It looks very warm against the white cabinets.
Hi Sue. We used Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige on the kitchen and all of the walls in our entire house.