Home of the San Francisco Chronicle

Subscribe to the weekend Chronicle

powered by
Discussions
Photos
Products
Ideabooks
Discussions
Professionals
Users
by johannak002
3 months ago in Design Dilemma
Help me choose a backsplash for a kitchen in a Victorian home
Hello, I am renovating a 100+ year old Victorian home and need help with the kitchen. We have kept the cabinets as-is and will be installing an Imperial Danby Marble countertop. The hardwood floors were not salvageable so we have charcoal colored tiles in a brick pattern on the floor (with a little bit of warm rust on the tiles).
I am having trouble deciding on a backsplash- the Imperial Danby is quite a white stone but has streaks of grey/green and rust running through that really match the cabinets. I plan on painting the custom island a shade of ivory (and which will also have the Danby counter).
I like a subway tile because it is historically accurate to the home, but I am worried about too much brick pattern going on with the floors.
Also have considered a penny tile or hex tile, and maybe an accent mosaic tile area above the range (see attached basketweave tile).

I am leaning to white tile overall but am not convinced. Perhaps a dark grout would look nice and break up the "whiteness"? Just looking for some suggestions/comments, as no one does kitchens with these color cabinets anymore and I have lots of trouble finding inspiration!
Share:
 
hyweld The Victorian era was one of innovation, also foreign influences flooded the globe from places like India and the Caribbean. How about a light chevron pattern or swirling penny tile?
3 months ago ·
Scott Design, Inc. Look into the Walker-Zanger product line. They have some beautiful possibilities for Victorian
http://www.walkerzanger.com/catalog/ecatalogl.php.
Also www.AKDO.com
3 months ago ·
Urbana ~ Designer Ellen Crystal the example tile could be quite striking in your space. Most folks narrow down a few choices & then make final selection after the counters are in.
Your subway is classic too. Wouldn't compete with the floor at all. I've seen examples of white on white, using a couple of sizes. 4 x 4's then a couple of rows of subway. this adds textural interest, but not too busy.

a dark grout may be more of a focal point in the long run.

If you have a good tile store nearby, they should have example of great combinations.

Also consider your style. If you have a very clear counter & minimal accent accessories, go for a busier tile. Conversely, a simple tile can be a good backdrop for some interesting terrines or glass ware.

Keep in mind your counter has an undertone. a stark white tile could be too grey or blue in comparison.

Look at the Sonoma tiles... stellar line... they have some subtle crackle glazes that would harmonize and yet be a nice accent. sometimes a simple medallion at the stove is all you need to break it all up or use the penny tiles in a frame.

Go for classic and you'll never tire of it.
3 months ago ·
collettec I think if you are keeping the cabinets, given that they are not Victorian era style, nor does the flooring tile appear to be, it matters how the backsplash would work with the existing cabinets and flooring as well as the era of the home. Given that the new countertops, the cabinets, and the floor tile all have pattern and/or color variation, I think a plain subway tile would work well in here. I think white would work great or the base color of the marble countertops you're getting, or else a solid color subway tile in the base light charcoal color of your floor tile.
3 months ago ·
johannak002 Excellent feedback from each comment. Thank you so much! I never considered much the busy-ness of the tile vs. accessorizing, definitely will be a factor, as I enjoy displaying fruit, my kitchen aide, etc!
3 months ago · ·
Sign Up to comment
The content on this page is provided by Houzz and is subject to the Houzz terms of use, copyright and privacy policy.
Copyright claims: contact the Houzz designated agent.