Design Dilemma – Choosing Back Splash Tile

November 1, 2016
IN: back splash, design dilemma, kitchen design, tile

I’m back today with another reader design dilemma. Nancy, who recently wrote in asking for some design help in her recently purchased new construction home, wants to add a tile back splash in her kitchen. Though with so many options on the market today and the overabundance of design inspiration via social media, she’s having trouble making a decision.

When last we left off with Nancy’s design dilemmas we were talking about what to prioritize and selecting lighting. After going back and forth with some ideas. This is the lighting plan she’s going with for her open concept kitchen/dining/entry area.

(Dining, Entry, Kitchen)

The Design Dilemma

Now that she’s chosen a lighting plan she’s ready to move on to selecting tile. She’s narrowed it down to subway tile, but is waffling back and forth between going with grey or white. I think subway tile is a great selection to pair with a granite counter top. Most granites are pretty busy so a solid subway tile is a nice compliment. It’s a timeless, classic option that works with any design style from farmhouse to modern.

I think in Nancy’s situation making this decision comes down to – should she match the counter tops or match the cabinets?

Match Counter Tops or Cabinets?

Either option would be beautiful! It really comes down to which look she prefers.

Subway tile has seen a resurgence in recent years; and while it’s a total classic, it has become a bit “trendy”. I think colored subway tile like grey is a bit more fresh than white but still a timeless look.

(Jenna Sue Design)

(Subway Tile Outlet)

(ABC Mom Life)

Although white, trendy or not, is still stunning. And I especially love it when paired with dark grout.

(Maison de Pax)

(Love Grows Wild)

Team #Grey

I’m on team grey. I’d take the tile all the way up around the hood to create a nice focal point around the hood. And I’d go with the lighter grey, option 2. It’s has a little less blue in it than the darker grey, and I think it will compliment the counter tops a little better. To add a little more drama and a bit more of a custom look I’d lay the tile in a herringbone pattern.

(House of Turquoise)

What’s your vote? Or would you opt for something entirely different?

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I agree, subway tile is classic. I actually am in the camp that white is the norm and the other colors trendy. I do like white paired with darker grout for a more updated look. I would vote for white so that the stainless hood stands out, but darker grout to set it apart from the white cabinets.

I’m definitely team gray and the herringbone pattern. YES!

I too agree with the other commentor that white subway tile is classic and coloured is not so much. I worry that the grey tile will be what the pink late 70s bathroom tile is now… “why did everyone choose this in 201X?” Whereas the white is so classic, no one would be able to pinpoint when it was put in.
I would also go white with a darker grey grout. I do like the different idea to go herringbone though! And I like the lighting choices.

Team white – here also. Although the cabinets look a touch on the creamy side, so make sure the tile coordinates with the cabinets also. I think the grays are too trendy.

I totally agree with Annet M. Go with white subway with dark grout. What if you went with herringbone below the range hood and then the regular rectangle pattern everyhwhere else?

I totally agree with Annet M. Go with white subway with dark grout. What if you went with herringbone below the range hood and then the regular rectangle pattern everywhere else?

I instantly liked the #2 light gray best. Your suggestion putting on herringbone I love. The photo is fresh and modern without being crazy. As with all things styles come and go. My belief is do what you love while still not going crazy that it will be dated. I don’t see gray going away anytime soon, a very nice alternative to neutral without being white or beige.

Absolutely! I completely agree with always going with what you love and trusting your own instincts rather than worrying about if something is trendy or not. I just think sometimes we think we like something mainly because we see it so much.

I agree that white is absolutely a classic choice, but I don’t think grey will go out of style either. Especially the lighter grey, as it’s still a neutral color that will work with any style or color scheme. White kitchens are so common, back splash tile and lighting are two ways to set your kitchen design apart from the rest.

Hmmm….I think I find white to be trendy because I’ve seen it done so much. Just about every white kitchen I’ve come across over the last couple of years has white subway tile. I actually had a lot of trouble sourcing images with grey tile and white cabinets. But I love white subway tile as much as the next person. I just think in Nancy’s kitchen since there isn’t much square footage to cover that the lighter grey will add some visual interest. But white with dark grout would be just as pretty.

I have a very similar kitchen to Nancy – new builder grade house, white cabinets, similar countertop and even the same hardware! We actually went with a grey subway tile quite similar to option #2 and it is absolutely stunning. While I love a white subway tile as much as the next gal, I wanted something a bit different but still classic. I love our grey tile and I definitely don’t think it is too trendy at all. Any of those options would look great and Nancy should go with her gut, but I just wanted to share my personal experience since we personally went with option #2 (and I love it)! Good luck! 🙂

My Vote is Option #2 – herringbone pattern – perfect!

I love the gray tile…so clean and modern, but also classic because of the shape. Perfect combination! I also think it will really help tie in the stainless appliances because they sort of stand out a bit too much in the space (IMO). I think the gray will bring everything together and make it more cohesive. I’m on the fence about the herringbone idea, simply because the wall is a pretty small space and I wonder if the herringbone pattern would overwhelm the granite, rather than reinforce the beauty of the granite. On the other hand, it adds a lot of visual interest. Tough call! I love the herringbone in the inspiration photo, but that looks like a much larger kitchen, more granite to balance, etc. Carmel, when are you going to write a book? I would totally buy it and use it!

HERRINGBONE will look amazing. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the three options color-wise.

Thanks for everyone’s feedback! I really appreciate it. I’m leaning in the direction of the lighter gray in a classic tile pattern. I will say though it’s been a tough decision, as I’m a sucker for white subway tile with gray grout!

I love the light gray tile. Either herringbone or straight…either would look great and give the contrast needed. There appears to be enough white in this kitchen already and white tile might look stark. While light and bright is beautiful, I think too much white can look clinical.

Thanks so much for submitting your design dilemma Nancy! I’d say it’s clear from everyone’s differing opinions that there really are no bad choices here. 😉

Haha! Thanks Sara! If I ever write a book it will probably be more like a novel involving vampires than a design book. 😉

Thanks so much for sharing Meghan! It’s always nice to hear from someone who has a similar look going on and loves it!

The Design Dilemma

Match Counter Tops or Cabinets?

Team #Grey

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