Backsplash is driving me insane, need help.

[Jaylegger]

Hi everybody,

I've been going through backsplash samples for a month now and can't seem to find one that wows me. My wife has settled on a multi-color slate ledger which I bought a few boxes to put in place and see I can live with it. It looks nice but I'd rather had something a little cleaner, less busy, more refined, and less country perhaps. I've tried a multitude of glass and stone and seem to gravitate towards darker colors which fade into the background and offers good contrast with the counter. I like the lighter split face travertine as well but not sure if it's wise to put that behind the stove.The counter is ornamental which looks washed out in the photo, and the stove will soon be stainless. The plan is to do the small vaulted area above the cabinets with the same material. Any suggestions is greatly appreciate.

I must add that the wall and cabinets not as dark or yellow/orange as the appear in the photos.

Thanks.

[Derek]

Dear Jaylegger,

I am very much enjoying the cozy, warm style of your kitchen. From the pictures, it looks like the area is a little dark, but maybe taking the photos at night had something to do with that. The slate backsplash looks very nice and does complement the kitchen design, but I am also leaning toward a tile that is less busy and maybe a little lighter. Specifically, I have in-mind a tumbled travertine such as Ivory Classic Fontane. Another option could be tumbled Noce travertine. I've attached photos of my suggestions for your reference.

[Jaylegger]

Hi Derek,

Thank-you very much for the input. The photos don't convey the perceived brightness and contrast of the different elements of the room very well plus I don't have any accent lighting installed yet but the room definitely is on the dark side.

I had a sheet sample of 2x4 tumbled travertine tile on hand and liked it very much but it was lighter than the samples you suggest (don't recall which color) and was a little too light. I'll check out your suggestions, I'm really liking the 2x2 tumbled Noce (I presume is the first photo).

Thanks again.

[Derek]

Jaylegger,

You're welcome! I'm happy that you are enjoying my suggestions. I also had lighter travertine recommendations in-mind but as you've stated, they may be too much of a contrast against your darker design elements. You are correct, the first photo from the left is the Noce travertine. Let me know how everything turns out!

[Jaylegger]

Hi derek,

I can't find the classic ivory fontane sample locally but I put up a couple sheets of the Noce, it looks really good and something I can live with. Just to be thorough and exhaust the options you have in mind would there be a similar color to the Classic Ivory Fontaine? From the online photos it appears to have a very very slight tinge of green which might look good. Also, what lighter color were you thinking of, might as well check that out too.

Thanks again, you have been incredibly helpful.

[Derek]

Jaylegger,

For a similar suggestion to the Fontane, you can check out the color called Mediterranean Ivory Tumbled Travertine.

For a lighter choice, I had in-mind a shade that we offer from our Marble.com line called Oyster Mix Flamed Travertine.

I've attached both of these choices for you to check out.

P.s - come to think of it, when I see them side-by-side, either tile would be an excellent option, but they are lighter than the Noce.

[Jaylegger]

Thanks,

I've ordered 4 sheets of the Mediterranean Ivory Tumbled Travertine to look at, there's none locally but they should be in this week.

After living with samples of the noce for a week or so I've decided that it might be a little too dark for 60% of lighting conditions so I'm confident your lighter Mediterranean suggestion will be just what the doctor ordered.

I'll keep the thread updated.

[Derek]

Sounds good, Jaylegger! The light and warm natural tumbled Mediterranean Ivory travertine will in-fact brighten up the darker design elements of the kitchen better than the Noce shades. Please be sure to let me know how everything turns out! :-)

[Jaylegger]

Ok, it's been a while but I finally have a backsplash in place. The Mediterranean ivory was on back order and after waiting for 3 weels I stumbled on to something I absolutely love. It's a planked travertine, the color just slightly lighter than Noce. I couldn't wait any longer so I order the stuff and installed it. My camera does not accurately depict the color balance and tone of the final product or cabinets but the colors and style looks beautiful together and as soon as it was up it was obvious it was a correct choice.

I wish to thank Derek for his help steering me to the correct color path, without it I would still be floundering. I'll attempt to get some better photos.

Cheers.

[Derek]

Jaylegger,

Wow! That natural travertine stone is beautiful and it's an excellent choice! Sometimes, actually quite often unfortunately, situations such as yours arise in the construction business (material goes on back-order ect) therefore it's crucial to have a back-up choice picked out and ready to go. I see that you are on top of things and on the right track, even a back-ordered tile can't slow down Jaylegger! :-)

From an aesthetic design point of view, this selection complements your Giallo Ornamental granite beautifully. Good job!

I am actually saving your selection of tile in my database of suggestions because I think it's so pretty. Maybe it will help someone else one day!