Saturday, October 15, 2011

Kitchen Crashing: Back splash Tile

Picking tile was another adventure. Diana wanted something interesting, Kent wanted something that wasn't too busy. Neither wanted something overly trendy. Everyone wanted neutral.

And, if you started reading and are wondering who in world are Kent and Diana, read Kitchen crashing parts 1, 2, and 3. Okay? Y'all with me? Good.
It just seems best to be classic and neutral with cabinets, counters and floors since they are big expenses. Tile isn't something you will want to change often so it needs to be something you want to stick with.

We both started out loving this tile:
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Gorgeous! But Mr. Practical pointed out that the bevels would be a pain to keep clean. We also found the white finish to be kind of bright in person, too stark in the sample tile.

We salivated over this:
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but didn't even think it would be in the realm of affordable.

Diana also picked up tile from local home improvement store. For awhile they were seriously leaning toward a traditional subway tile. And Kent like the idea of stainless steel.


It was kind of cool, but I think we were all a bit worried about how great it would be en masse. It might be a bit too shiny. And too trendy.

So, we looked at stuff like this:
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A nice blend of glass and stone in whites and grays. 
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And this is basically the same but with the addition of stainless steel for Kent.
This was one of my favorites, but neither Kent or Diana were big on the little tiles, and Kent is not big on "busy" (meaning random sizes and colors) at all. It's not my kitchen, so they get to veto me. :) I'll admit as much as I think something like this will be okay over time, it is a bit trendy.

So,after so much searching and debating, Diana went forth and ordered the tile we both really liked:

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It's interesting, neutral colored, the lantern shape but no bevels and not overly busy. It's also a traditional shape so even though it's not common, it's also not overly trendy. We have a winner!
 
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11 comments:

  1. I just found your blog and I love, love, love it. I've been toying with the idea of adding a back splash to our kitchen and I LOVE the title you picked -- classic without being boring. Thanks for creating such a fab blog to visit.

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  2. The tile you ended up picking is beautiful and classic...I think you're right, it won't go out of style any time soon. Can't wait to see it installed.

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  3. My folks are building their mountain house and are trying to figure out their backsplash. Totally sharing this with them. Love the final choice! And your blog:)

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  4. Love your choices and your pick. I tend to go for the more classic with such permanent things! Love your blog!
    -Shelley

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  5. I forgot to mention that Diana scored a deal on Overstock.com. Exact same tile, steep discount, so if you are tile shopping, you should check. I honestly wouldn't have thought of looking there.

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  6. We are just about ready to get started on our kitchen, and here is something I have been trying to remember! What is the most effective way to measure the square footage of your back splash? Also if there is a partial wall (like the one on my blog http://skittaskattfurniture.blogspot.com ) should I work with it, or take it down? I love your posts so far and I am excited to keep reading!

    Felicia

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  7. I've chosen the same tile for my backsplash!! We have the same taste! I, too found it on Overstock, though I have yet to purchase it. I'm decorating my house in baby steps and have not yet arrived at the backsplash portion. I can't wait to see yours completed so my hubby will have a visual!! BTW, I'm a new reader, so nice to meet 'cha!

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  8. Felicia - measure in inches the length and the width and multiply (l x w) and this will give you the total square inches. Divide that number by 144 (the number of square inches in a sq. ft.) and that will give you the square footage for your tile. It is likely you have more than one wall, so I would calculate each wall and then add them together. Then typically you order 5-10% more for cutting and or mistakes.

    And I'm still thinking about your wall. I'll look at it again and let you know what I think.

    Autum-it's such a great tile! You will love it. I totally understand the baby steps thing. We have to pace ourselves, huh? So excited to have you on board. :)

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  9. Hi - I have the beveled arabesque tile (the first one you pictured) and haven't had any issues with dusting it. It was installed this summer. Maybe because it's under cabinets? Don't know, but it hasn't been an issue so far. Also love the tile you picked out without the bevel.

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  10. Thanks for letting us know, Kelly. It's a gorgeous tile!

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  11. We’ve been stumbling around the internet and found your blog along the way.

    We love your work! What a great corner of the internet :)





    pave tiles website

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