Interior Design Tips for your Kitchen:
Transitional Mixed Mosaic Tile Backsplash
We were recently asked this interior design question, through "Ask Andrea":
"I have off-white maple cabinets with hazlenut glaze and dark chocolate cherry cabinets with a White Spring granite countertop. I like transitional look. What backsplash will go with it? Glass or stone/travertine tiles or a mosaic blend?
Second, should we get the 4" granite backsplash and then do tile over that or just do tile everywhere? My husband only likes the tile in the cooktop area going over the custom hood to the ceiling and plain 4" backsplash everywhere. What is the design recommendation on doing different style of backsplash in different areas of the kitchen?"
And here's what Stanton Homes' on staff interior design expert Andrea recommends:
First of all, let me say that I love seeing a mix of cabinet finishes in a kitchen--what a great look with the White spring granite.
You have asked several good questions regarding tile choices for a back splash however since you said that you prefer a transitional look, I am going to make some specific recommendations.
Make Use of Your Design Space
Firstly, since there is not a lot of area to tile in a backsplash in the first place, you are kind of working against your look if you have both a 4" splash and then tiles above it to the cabinets.
I would go without the granite splash and just install tile from counter to cabinet to make the most of your design and the impact it will have on the kitchen.
Secondly, since I work with married couples all the time who have different preferences at times, I always try to recommend a compromise--in most cases this means a blend of both preferences.
I think the best way to enjoy your home is to make decisions together and that the decisions, where possible, should reflect both tastes. How better to create harmony?
Mosaic Tile Range Area
In this case, I think that either a glass mosaic or one of the transitional mixed mosaics would be a good choice for the range area.
There are some very beautiful mosaic blends available that incorporate natural stone, glass, and metal all in one mosaic. They are truly works of art all by themselves.
Rectangle Tile Backsplash
Then, for the rest of the back splash area I would recommend using a large rectangular tile in a dark, rich, earthy hue. I think this would off-set the granite very well.
There are some rectangular shaped tiles now available in more irregular sizes such as 4 x 7, 4 x 9, 5 x 9, etc.
The traditional 3 x 6 brick design (the subway tile) has stood the test of time for well over 100 years, and now tile artisans are spicing it up and making it transitional by breaking into larger sizes of all sorts and by using very rich colors.
By mixing both a large brick tile for the main back splash areas with a mixed mosaic for the cooking and hood area, I think you will have a transitional look and will have created something that caters to the preferences of both you and your husband.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Finally, don't forget under cabinet lighting to make the most of everything you have done.
Custom Home Design Series by Andrea Enns
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Andrea Enns is an on staff design expert at Stanton Homes, offering FREE professional design selection services to custom home clients as part of Stanton Homes' exclusive custom home packages.
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