Help!!! More tiling issues!!!!! Kitchen backsplash this time...

8 years ago

Hi all, I've run into some more issues with finding the right tiles - this time for our kitchen backsplash. Our kitchen was installed a couple of weeks ago and I love it. Our worktop was installed a little later and I love it too (first 2 pics are with temporary worktop, last with actual worktop). So far so good... I picked out a white bevelled subway tile to use for the backsplash and checked whether it would match the worktop (I had a sample), which it did. However, we've now run into 2 issues - the subway tile is proving really difficult to cut and install in the corners as the bevelling of the tile is not flat but slightly rounded. It might've been possible if the tile wasn't so difficult to cut in the first place (without chipping etc). Secondly (and most importantly), I don't think it would look right either. We've got matt grey cabinets and an anthracite coloured cooker and hood. Our worktop is made of what they call cosmostone and is a glossy white with a slight marble effect (very light and not overly obvious). The worktop on it's own is definitely white, albeit a slightly different white to the subway tile (but workable), however, in combination with the cabinets it appears more grey and therefore the subway looks off. Any suggestions for what else we could use? Should I try a matt white subway tile instead or a totally different tile? Perhaps no tile at all and go for a washable paint? Or something completely different, such as glass or another material...perhaps with a print? I'm not overly keen on the idea of painting alone as I've seen kitchens with washable paint and it is still a pain to keep clean. Somehow I think it would also look unfinished. For info, my taste is of the retro/scandi kind and the kitchen floor will be a water-resistent, oak-like laminate (it's an open kitchen and the floor will be laid throughout the living room/kitchen area). Suggestions would be very welcome!

Featured Answer

PRO

Sustainable Kitchens

8 years ago

There's a few different options depending on if you want something bright or something to stand out. You could go for a glass splashback as a statement piece like this:

It's all about the island · More Info

Or you could go for something simpler like a slate splashback (although this might be too dark)

Cotswold Chapel Kitchen · More Info

Or you could go for something functional like a stainless steel splashback

Colour by Numbers · More Info

Hope that helps! Kitchen's looking great :)

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Comments (32)

PRO
Casa Colori
8 years ago
I would try either a cream color tiles or a gentle pink. You can order sample to check if the suits the kitchen. I think pink would give you the retro/scandi style you like.
refurbexhaustion thanked Casa Colori
refurbexhaustion
Original Author
8 years ago
Ooooo I really like the idea of a light pink, Casa Colori! But I think it may be a step to far for my other half who - let's face it - hasn't had much of a say so far! ;-) I may need to find some middle ground here... I'm also not stuck on making it retro/scandi as long as it goes with that theme and isn't overly modern.
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Thank you for your suggestions and ideas! I love some of the more daring/colourful ideas, but I don't think I'm, personally, bold enough to go with such a contemporary look. I'm going to stick to a traditional/modern style and use large (4" x 8") white subway tiles and dark grey grout. I'm thinking of using a dark grey paint around the kitchen walls and then a lighter shade around the rest of the room, with maybe the dark grey on the wall behind the TV too. Will be a few more weeks before that's all done, but I'll post a picture when I eventually get there. Thanks again!
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I really like the clean lines of your kitchen , it's beautiful and I would not add to much colour but you could use some accessories with green and white that would compliment this minimalistic kitchen. For example adding a bright green plant/s or an accessory the same colour as the clock on your top wall can put everything in a nice perspective!
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Hello trifides, What about chrome? Good at reflecting light.. A dual fuel Smeg range for example... A Dualit chrome toaster.. Architect kettle also Dualit.. Shiny elements will really pick up the light.. With the cabinets and the flooring, consider textures and warm elements to boost the look.. I think chrome is a good addition.. as both red and orange might clash with the flooring and cabinets in the colour and finish you have.. Think of other textures and materials you can introduce ...Chopping boards are lovely stacked and marble is another lovely material to use.. Pestle and mortar and a cheese board (I use mine for toast etc.... (Anthropologie and Habitat.. Maybe you want a cream Smeg retro style fridge.... You could then have some cream tiles or a creamy coloured granite for a splash back.. Then maybe a cream Aga... If you were replacing the worktop.. I'd suggest having an upstand as I love this sleek finish.. You can add the same material behind the oven to compliment.. Keep the worktop as clear as possible and a potted rosemary or two could be lovely... Of course the other thing I could suggest is painting the cabinets should you want to consider that as an option for you.. : ))
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Don't be swerved away from hand painted tiles! The best way to add colour and originality (I make hand painted tiles so I may be biased). I would take the tiles to just under the bottom shelf, and up to the hod. We have had tiles behind our cooker for 21 years, and we don't find the grout staying clean a problem. By the way - I think subway tiles will look dated in a few years, as anything bang on trend tends to do.
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PRO
Casa Colori
8 years ago
:-D I know what you mean. You are lucky because grey goes well with all colors. You could try also http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod44688/belleza-wheat-tile.html; http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod40510/chic-cream.html or a nice gentle blue like this one http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod47011/attingham-powder-blue-tile.html

I hope it helps
refurbexhaustion thanked Casa Colori
PRO
Reed Harris Tiles
8 years ago
Hello,

Sounds to me as you've been having a bit of a time of it recently but hopefully it will soon be over. One of our popular tiles at the moment is called Boston. It's matt and has a lovely sheen to it, the colours are really soft and the size is also good. If you are keen to have tiles, which after all are easy to keep clean, it might be one worth considering.

Hope that helps Karen
refurbexhaustion thanked Reed Harris Tiles
Fiona Tamplin
8 years ago
I'd go for a silver grey glass splash back with under cupboard led lights to set it off.
refurbexhaustion thanked Fiona Tamplin
refurbexhaustion
Original Author
8 years ago
Reed Harris Tiles - beautiful tiles! Do you stock outside of the UK?
PRO
Reed Harris Tiles
8 years ago
Hi

Where about are you based and I can check for you.

Karen
Tani H-S
8 years ago
Glass - easy to fit, easy to clean, many colours to choose from (pale silvery blue would look good with your unit colours).

Would recommend making them higher than the standard 5" though as splashes get everywhere and even my wipeable kitchen paint comes off when scrubbed
PRO
Lynsey Jane Designs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Be bold, with grey units you could really add some drama by adding some funky patterned black and white tiles. It would really give your kitchen some punch.
iolosdad
8 years ago
search google for scandi retro colours there's an amazing yellow that would work well with your cabinets! and a blue .. show us progress pix ? please ?
PRO
Stone Age
8 years ago
If budgets allow you could cut a bespoke piece of stone, marble would add interesting natural details and some wow factor, a limestone would give a block of colour if preferred. Or you could try sintered stone if you are looking for a lower maintenance option.
puffinrock
8 years ago
I had a bespoke one made in enamelled metal, I chose a pattern I liked and it was colour matched and printed onto it. http://vewsurfaces.com/. Great because it is easy to clean but looks like a piece of art rather than a standard splashback.
Kenneth Ramtohul
8 years ago
I would go with a light marble as it will work well with the grey of the cupboards. what flooring are you going for.
Olena Tkach
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
As for your issues with cutting and corners. I haven't photos and I can't google a similar pic right now, but I've seen a beautiful design decision for backsplash made of tiles which are difficult to cut: it just didn't go to the very corner. They stopped at about hand from the corner, and their edges were emphasized, and that zigzag shape was repeated in the kitchen interior by shelves placement and roman curtain pattern. The corner itself was just painted with the same paint as the wall next to it.
PRO
DTStone
8 years ago
what about mosaics?

http://www.dtstone.co.uk/heligon-limestone-mosaïc-floor-and-wall-tiles.html

or travertine in 200 mm x 100 mm:

http://www.dtstone.co.uk/ionian-tumbled-travertine-floor-tiles.html
bebeblubelle
8 years ago
Lush kitchen by the way! What about these soft scandi look ...http://www.tilemountain.co.uk/floor-tiles/p/skyros-delft-grey-wall-and-floor-tile-2434.html or maybe just have them behind the cooker. You can get others that may pick up a hint of the floor colour too.
PRO
Aflux Designs
8 years ago
we often use a painted glass splash back made to order. it can go quite well if you use a contrast to the worktop you are using and have some neat led lighting under the cabinet as well.
Tim Price
8 years ago
I have to say I would avoid tiles if possible. The tiles are alright but the grouting is a pain. It is always the same - over time the grout discolours unevenly. I got marble and had it cut exactly to size. One piece does the entire left side of the kitchen. It is 3 on the right (longer and differing heights due to cooker hob) and one on the end wall. Fitting was not easy as the walls are not flat and I did it alone so sadly one joint does show a bit but the others but up so tight that you can't get a piece of paper in between. With your grey cabinets marble might not be quite what you are looking for but acrylic, glass or stainless steel would look good. Your cabinets are so uniform in finish that one piece splash back seems like it would continue the theme.
PRO
Daniel Woods Kitchens
8 years ago
i think glass would work well too or there is also an acrylic panel called akril which looks like glass but can be cut on site and would work out cheaper for you . i hope this helps
PRO
Lynsey Jane Designs
8 years ago
Be bold, with grey units you could really add some drama by adding some funky patterned black and white tiles. It would really give your kitchen some punch.
Claire M
8 years ago
I agree with Lynsey Jane. Go bold. I recon you could even add a bit of colour to bring something what could look stark when too grey. Nothing too dramatic but something with a touch of colour? http://best-tile.co.uk/moroccan-handmade-encaustic-cement-tiles/moroccan-encaustic-cement-pattern-pre-sealed-03g.html
Tim Price
8 years ago
I like the idea of something like Acril as mentioned by Daniel Woods Kitchens above. Large pieces with no grout to worry about. There is also a picture kicking around somewhere with grey cabinets and a bright orange splash back. So a splash back offering a splash of colour! Nice.
PRO
Pat Oliver Interior Design
8 years ago
Tiles are one way to introduce some pops of colour in your kitchen. If you are worried about the grout discolouring, use epoxy grout which is more resilient to liquid staining. Also, if you use a coloured grout, discolouration will be less noticeable. If you choose textured tiles with rectilinear edges, grout lines are almost invisible.

Using tiles can look more traditional compared to glass or stainless steel. The problem with stainless steel is keeping it looking good. Drip marks and grease are instantly noticeable. Glass is less obvious when splashed. They are both more industrial and modern looking.

What about using the same material that makes up your worktop as the splashback? Most manufacturers of manmade worktops also do an 11mm thick splashback and upstand.
PRO
Casa Ceramica Tile Company
8 years ago
Some good advice here and plenty of options hopefully not to over facing. Certainly a flat gloss tile will overcome the issue of cutting into the edges (I'm assuming you're installing yourself?) there are plenty of colour options out there so my best advice would be get plenty of samples and put them in the space as they always look different when you've got them out of the tile showroom. Don't rush the decision, if you have to wait a few more weeks the walls won't come to any harm.

I'll throw this one in the mix for you that would create a truly unique splash back http://www.roycewood.com let us know if we can be of further assistance and good luck duncan
shellyhock2000
8 years ago
Mirror, mirror on the wall!!!
shellyhock2000
8 years ago
Like this.
gd11
8 years ago
I would just get the kitchen top people to add a small edge the same as the worktop about 1.5"/2" high all around where worktop goes. Keep clean lines. Have a glass splash back above cooker in the same colour as your wall paint. I know you say you don't like a painted wall but it will look more Scandi if you do! Keep it simple and plain, you've got there so far don't go patterned or colour keep on track! Look at the Scandi style kitchens on Houzz to help you keep the look. The light oak floor will look fab too. Don't rush decisions.
clodagh29
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I would also recommend glass. You can get it in pretty much any colour your want and it looks great and is easy to keep clean.

Antiqued mirror is also lovely but pricey.
Mark Webber
8 years ago
My partner's Dad used this fantastic fake polished concrete veneer that is supposed to be used as bathroom flooring as a splashback in their recent kitchen reno - I couldn't believe how great it looks! Plus it was super cheap and because it was designed for bathrooms it is ridiculously easy to clean.
Becky Lifton-taylor
7 years ago
Where is your lovely grey kitchen from please?
bebeblubelle
7 years ago
Oooh, this looks amazing with the grey cabinets. https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/full-refurbishment-and-extension-of-victorian-family-home-contemporary-kitchen-london-phvw-vp~17072939

Help!!! More tiling issues!!!!! Kitchen backsplash this time...

Sustainable Kitchens

Comments (32)

Casa Colori

refurbexhaustion
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Help!!! More tiling issues!!!!! Kitchen backsplash this time...

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