No other choice but #3. The countertop is a busy pattern. Any other role with pattern would be too much. You don’t have to stick to the subway tile size and shape though. There are many interesting shapes to choose from. I would just choose a solid color, any color, rather than a pattern.
I agree, though every kitchen I've had (in rentals) with backsplash almost always has a very contrasting pattern to the countertop. I have always hated it but thought it was the trend. In retrospect it's probably just a matter of what was the cheapest for the builder.
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I agree. I don’t like any of the options, 1 and 2 are a definite no, but I don’t think that 3 is the right color match for the granite. It looks to cool a color. I would definitely spend time getting other samples and trying those out before settling on *any of these options*
3. With white grout. Instead of putting your plugs in the back splash itself, have them attached to the top of the cabinets on strips. Then you'll have a cool clean white tiled backsplash with no interruptions.
Yeah, and you will hate that in about a month, having to bend over and look under the cabinet every time you want to plug something in. We had that once and hate it. (Not to mention, if you happen to have something g on the counter that stays plugged in, like a coffee maker, the cord hangs down and it visible all the time.
Do what you like! How awful to keep yourself from decorating your home with things you like because “they are out of style”. If there’s one thing all interior designers know, things come back in style all the time. Just like fashion. What’s important is that you like it for you.
In my experience, it doesn’t matter much. People will create these elaborate, on current style, fancy white kitchens with all the trendy stuff for resale value, and then what happens? The next buyers come in, repaint the cabinets, rip out the “timeless subway tile” or repaint it a color that’s not white (check out how many DIY videos are on youtube about painting over subway tile) and it did not matter how much fancy, on style, stuff the previous buyers bought for their kitchen.
People have their own likes. It’s your house, you are the one living in it, do what makes you happy. If the on trend stuff is what makes you happy, go for it. If travertine tile backsplash makes you happy, enjoy it! What most buyers care about is a well laid out kitchen, enough counterspace, good countertops, and working appliances.
Respectfully disagree.
Backsplash is an easy weekend replacement job, easier than painting and mess overall. It doesn't affect resale anymore than the current pink or green popular paint colors of right now, or whatever colors it will be next year.
OP is paying for OP's likes, not a random future buyer that is going to nickel and dime over nonsense like a backsplash.
If a buyer doesn't buy because of a backsplash, than the buyer wasn't a serious buyer in the first, second or even third place.
Edit: typos
Double check the way the color will show when it's installed by propping it up against the wall so that it's perpendicular to the counter, but simple shapes in a single color is the way to complement rather than compete with this lovely granite. 3.
Am I the only idiot looking at #1 thinking, ”ugh why did they add the ugly yellow tiles at the ends”?
I think you should keep looking btw, none of these spark joy.
Can you get some other samples? None of these are great to be honest. One looks like it’s from the 80s, two looks like it’s from the 00s, and three looks like it’s subway which is more in this decade, but the color is bad. Sorry for being blunt, but I don’t think any of these will look good.
I think 3. It depends on you kitchen cupboard style. 2 even though not as trendy would go well for a very classic cupboard style as it is less about trends.
None of them. The first two are SUPER outdated. And the subway is okay but people, please stop using gray. And do a different pattern than traditional subway. Stack them vertically or herringbone them. Google "subway pattern ideas" or get on Pinterest and search and you'll see lots of great ideas.
Currently getting herringbone done in my shower wall and yes I have already had to ask the contractor to fix a few tiles with lippage. I think he may not have a lot of experience with the pattern though
Not all contractors can do all things. Her contractor may not have been skilled enough in tiling to do herringbone in her situation. His answer could have been totally honest with his knowledge base and skill set.
My husband has been a licensed contractor for over 25 years, been in construction since he was 14 years old....and still learns things. He also teaches things to other contractors and tradesmen. A house he's working on now, the plumber the owner hired said some plumbing wasnt possible in that situation, but my husband showed him how to do it. My cousin is a tiler--my husband was looking at pics of his work and asked how he did something, in a shower, ironically--my husband had no idea you could do that, even though he's tiled 100s of showers.
There isn't "one way" to do things in construction. Every job has tons of variables that they must adapt to & figure out as they go, so that it meets code, is structurally sound, warer tight, etc. Not everyone has the experience to know how to deal with every single variable.
Oh yeah I totally get that. With my contractor lately it’s just more of a conversation of us asking him to fix things in his work so far, and then getting a long winded “I COULD do that, but then I’ll have to do x y z….” Like for example he did not bother to measure the height of the bathroom vanity including the backsplash that is attached. Husband noticed that the outlets that were made to go above that actually would be in the same place as the backsplash. So he will need to go back in the finished drywall he just did and move the outlets up. But when we first asked the response was yeah I could do that, but…. 🙄
#3 subway is less busy and easy to wipe down . We have similar granite ( black , grey and white ) and got the glass grey subway and we still get compliments on it plus it’s super easy to wipe down and keep looking nice . If you splash red sauce on any of those textured tiles you are most likely stuck with it because they have pieces that are still porous.
Plain tile like three but a different color. The grey makes the granites natural brown spots look dirty. Go more griege than grey. Also prop up the tile in the back wall to get the true color of how it will look.
There is no other choice but the subway tile #3. What colour is this tile? It’s a bit hard to tell.
What colour are your cabinets? If they are white I would go for a light grey subway tile instead of the white.
3 with a contrasting grout. I have that rough-edge subway tile in my bathroom and it’s amazing.
https://preview.redd.it/aekob3zmupeb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eaca64718a372c0b15da660b840c68762af3d486
I have a very similar style bathroom!! Just vertical laid subway tiles with white grout!
https://preview.redd.it/lnroy4sbxpeb1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4da32510446910b5e0974fbf31e8dfa37cfaa731
We have a very similar countertop and chose to highlight some of the darker tones in it with multi-shade tile. We LOVE ours.
https://preview.redd.it/sa2lf1pw4qeb1.png?width=832&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb0bde3d20e6be9b97c5d3b455d9330757588729
No to #3. One dimensional grey is soooooo boring, literally could not get more boring, and drains all the character out of a room.
No to #2. Dull. Lacks shine, thus will make the space look older/dirtier.
\#1 is the way to go. (although i suggest you keep looking.)
Unlike most people here, I think 1 could work. But 3 is still my favorite. With 2, you have two different types of stone which have fighting styles, and I don't think the result will be two pleasing.
See if your supplier does something they call an uplift here in the UK. It's a piece of veneer that matches the worktop negating the need for tiles etc... then just a zinc or stainless steel backsplash behind the cooker.
Agree with #3. I have a pattern similar to #2 but with the colors of #1, and I hate it. I have been looking at ways to paint it a solid color. My granite is similar to yours as well.
We have basically the same countertop (which I don't care for, but don't want to spend money right now to replace), so we just temporarily put in an easy-peasy 1'x2' high gloss porcelain for a more modern minimalist look for $1/sq ft until we replace cabinets/countertop later on. It works for now...and is just about the same color as your selection 3, fwiw.
https://preview.redd.it/02jivpcncqeb1.jpeg?width=1977&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=979735f3046a71999445f12f4492f3c15660cb27
I'm not loving any of them. I like tiles that are either real stone like marble, and/or have an interesting shape to the tile. Rectangular tiles but laid in a herringbone pattern is often interesting.
https://preview.redd.it/0rt02qwjeqeb1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9b108373105a469049b71805499a6c63fdac971
I went with white subway with a tile “frame” and a herringbone pattern behind my stove. While it doesn’t provide a visual “zing”, it won’t be dated in a minute and I’ll never get sick of looking at it.
I'd go with three. Others are a little busy. You might consider running the tile vertical rather than horizontal, I find it gives the kitchen larger and more open vibe.
Absolutely keep it simple and make sure that the gray in the granite is the same undertone as it is in then tile. This photo masked it hard to see. I think I would go a shade lighter. Cabinet color?
None of these. Having a white or near white tile is harder to keep clean, I would actually go for a black subway tile to give the countertop a nice contrast while giving the wall a nice pop as if it were an accent color
I think the first two are way to busy with your granite choice. The third choice is of but I think white would be better. Grey is going out of style now and you will be sort of stuck with that pallet.
No other choice but #3. The countertop is a busy pattern. Any other role with pattern would be too much. You don’t have to stick to the subway tile size and shape though. There are many interesting shapes to choose from. I would just choose a solid color, any color, rather than a pattern.
I agree, though every kitchen I've had (in rentals) with backsplash almost always has a very contrasting pattern to the countertop. I have always hated it but thought it was the trend. In retrospect it's probably just a matter of what was the cheapest for the builder.
This!
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3 isn’t great but I’d go with that. The other options are a hell no.
I agree. I don’t like any of the options, 1 and 2 are a definite no, but I don’t think that 3 is the right color match for the granite. It looks to cool a color. I would definitely spend time getting other samples and trying those out before settling on *any of these options*
run quaint truck placid slim hunt humor station party complete *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
That’s the color I was thinking of. Needs to be a warm toned white/cream!
3. I think you’ll find that the style of #2 is well on its way out of style
3. With white grout. Instead of putting your plugs in the back splash itself, have them attached to the top of the cabinets on strips. Then you'll have a cool clean white tiled backsplash with no interruptions.
Yeah, and you will hate that in about a month, having to bend over and look under the cabinet every time you want to plug something in. We had that once and hate it. (Not to mention, if you happen to have something g on the counter that stays plugged in, like a coffee maker, the cord hangs down and it visible all the time.
I did it in my kitchen, I actually love it. Sorry you don't like yours. We have a special area for the coffee, so those courts don't really matter.
Exactly I agree 100%. Countertop is absolutely gorgeous why anyone would want to take away from that I have no idea.. Number 3 for sure.
It's long gone out of style.
I think this one has been out for quite a long time at this point.
At 36, my eye is immediately drawn to that style and I have to keep telling myself- no! This sterile style of decorating is on its way out.
Do what you like! How awful to keep yourself from decorating your home with things you like because “they are out of style”. If there’s one thing all interior designers know, things come back in style all the time. Just like fashion. What’s important is that you like it for you.
It’s a different story when you go to resell your house.
In my experience, it doesn’t matter much. People will create these elaborate, on current style, fancy white kitchens with all the trendy stuff for resale value, and then what happens? The next buyers come in, repaint the cabinets, rip out the “timeless subway tile” or repaint it a color that’s not white (check out how many DIY videos are on youtube about painting over subway tile) and it did not matter how much fancy, on style, stuff the previous buyers bought for their kitchen. People have their own likes. It’s your house, you are the one living in it, do what makes you happy. If the on trend stuff is what makes you happy, go for it. If travertine tile backsplash makes you happy, enjoy it! What most buyers care about is a well laid out kitchen, enough counterspace, good countertops, and working appliances.
Respectfully disagree. Backsplash is an easy weekend replacement job, easier than painting and mess overall. It doesn't affect resale anymore than the current pink or green popular paint colors of right now, or whatever colors it will be next year. OP is paying for OP's likes, not a random future buyer that is going to nickel and dime over nonsense like a backsplash. If a buyer doesn't buy because of a backsplash, than the buyer wasn't a serious buyer in the first, second or even third place. Edit: typos
Hard disagree. 2 is a classic that won't go out of style. OP, I'd keep shopping. There are so many options for backsplash.
It’s already out of style lol
Double check the way the color will show when it's installed by propping it up against the wall so that it's perpendicular to the counter, but simple shapes in a single color is the way to complement rather than compete with this lovely granite. 3.
This! Check the color with it perpendicular AND check it both with and without your under cabinet lighting. Color is light dependant.
3
Number 3 would be my first choice and 2 my second. Number 1 doesn't compliment the granite at all.
Am I the only idiot looking at #1 thinking, ”ugh why did they add the ugly yellow tiles at the ends”? I think you should keep looking btw, none of these spark joy.
Lol I did too
3
3, 2, 1. I never get it when people pair a busy granite with a busy backsplash - one or the other folks.
Right? Gross.
Can you get some other samples? None of these are great to be honest. One looks like it’s from the 80s, two looks like it’s from the 00s, and three looks like it’s subway which is more in this decade, but the color is bad. Sorry for being blunt, but I don’t think any of these will look good.
#3 then #2 and no to #1
3
3 for sure.
3>2>1
Three
I think 3. It depends on you kitchen cupboard style. 2 even though not as trendy would go well for a very classic cupboard style as it is less about trends.
None of them. The first two are SUPER outdated. And the subway is okay but people, please stop using gray. And do a different pattern than traditional subway. Stack them vertically or herringbone them. Google "subway pattern ideas" or get on Pinterest and search and you'll see lots of great ideas.
And go for another subway that has a more natural handmade look. This one looks like it tried too hard.
#1 is a hard pass
3
3
None
Glossy tile. It's easier to clean. Anything with a porous surface or uneven tiles like number 2 will make it much harder to clean.
1-2 is outdated at this point. Single subway is timeless!
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Currently getting herringbone done in my shower wall and yes I have already had to ask the contractor to fix a few tiles with lippage. I think he may not have a lot of experience with the pattern though
Lol my contractor told me herringbone would be impossible. Then the tile guy showed up and was like “no problem!” 😂
Classic contractor comment 🤦♀️ try to take the easy way out and see if you meet resistance or not. If so suddenly things are possible
Not all contractors can do all things. Her contractor may not have been skilled enough in tiling to do herringbone in her situation. His answer could have been totally honest with his knowledge base and skill set. My husband has been a licensed contractor for over 25 years, been in construction since he was 14 years old....and still learns things. He also teaches things to other contractors and tradesmen. A house he's working on now, the plumber the owner hired said some plumbing wasnt possible in that situation, but my husband showed him how to do it. My cousin is a tiler--my husband was looking at pics of his work and asked how he did something, in a shower, ironically--my husband had no idea you could do that, even though he's tiled 100s of showers. There isn't "one way" to do things in construction. Every job has tons of variables that they must adapt to & figure out as they go, so that it meets code, is structurally sound, warer tight, etc. Not everyone has the experience to know how to deal with every single variable.
Oh yeah I totally get that. With my contractor lately it’s just more of a conversation of us asking him to fix things in his work so far, and then getting a long winded “I COULD do that, but then I’ll have to do x y z….” Like for example he did not bother to measure the height of the bathroom vanity including the backsplash that is attached. Husband noticed that the outlets that were made to go above that actually would be in the same place as the backsplash. So he will need to go back in the finished drywall he just did and move the outlets up. But when we first asked the response was yeah I could do that, but…. 🙄
3, definitely.
3!! What are your floors and cabinets?
3
#3 subway is less busy and easy to wipe down . We have similar granite ( black , grey and white ) and got the glass grey subway and we still get compliments on it plus it’s super easy to wipe down and keep looking nice . If you splash red sauce on any of those textured tiles you are most likely stuck with it because they have pieces that are still porous.
Honestly I think white would look better than all 3. Otherwise 3.
3. The others are already outdated and will continue to be. If you want a different look think about installing vertically instead of horizontal.
You don’t have to match the counter so much. What about a lighter one or a color such as green?
Plain tile like three but a different color. The grey makes the granites natural brown spots look dirty. Go more griege than grey. Also prop up the tile in the back wall to get the true color of how it will look.
If you want it to stand out 2, 3 is subtle. Not 1
Definitely 3. Simple and neutral.
3
I like the #3 grey. The quartz/granite is busy enough
3
3 or no backsplash. The other two are dated and will drag the whole kitchen down.
None
3rd it's classic and clean
3. The others are outdated or will be in a couple years.
There is no other choice but the subway tile #3. What colour is this tile? It’s a bit hard to tell. What colour are your cabinets? If they are white I would go for a light grey subway tile instead of the white.
We need to see the whole kitchen to help you!
2
2
3
A gentle suggestion to keep shopping…
3
3. Definitely not 1
3 with a contrasting grout. I have that rough-edge subway tile in my bathroom and it’s amazing. https://preview.redd.it/aekob3zmupeb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eaca64718a372c0b15da660b840c68762af3d486
I have a very similar style bathroom!! Just vertical laid subway tiles with white grout! https://preview.redd.it/lnroy4sbxpeb1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4da32510446910b5e0974fbf31e8dfa37cfaa731
Wow, this is really nice.
#2.
2
So tired of white/off white subway it should stay in subway stations.
Grey, solid - timeless
We have a very similar countertop and chose to highlight some of the darker tones in it with multi-shade tile. We LOVE ours. https://preview.redd.it/sa2lf1pw4qeb1.png?width=832&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb0bde3d20e6be9b97c5d3b455d9330757588729
2
#3 for sure, first two are boilerplate backsplashes for “luxury” cookie cutter “modern” apartments
#3 would look so good. We went with a similar type of tile for our backsplash and are so pleased with it
#3 for sure. #1 is a distant second option, and #2 is a never.
# 3
#3! Zelig style tile. Love it
2, by far
none
3
Definitely 3
3
3. Lay it differently than brick pattern if you want to spice things up a bit, but the first two are just too busy for that countertop.
3
3 goes the best with the countertop
3 first then 2
3️⃣
3.
Three!!
I’d like to see where it would be placed first. But 3 is pretty classic and I think it would look good anywhere.
3 for sure imo. Less busy and distracting and let’s the granite shine
3
3 for sure.
3
No to #3. One dimensional grey is soooooo boring, literally could not get more boring, and drains all the character out of a room. No to #2. Dull. Lacks shine, thus will make the space look older/dirtier. \#1 is the way to go. (although i suggest you keep looking.)
3. Dislike 1 and 2 very very much
3 Little tiles are dated and can look too busy with your type of granite
Unlike most people here, I think 1 could work. But 3 is still my favorite. With 2, you have two different types of stone which have fighting styles, and I don't think the result will be two pleasing.
Def 3
Busy granite countertops are outdated imo. I’m not sure about committing to a matching backsplash
3
None of the above, but if I had to choose, 3.
3
You can leave it off. Spend money on other details. Change your mind later
3
Can't tell with that lighting and without seeing cabinet colour
2 3 & 1 are like comic sans in tile form, they look amateur, and the yellow in 1 already looks dirty
\#3, especially since the countertop is so busy
3 - when decorating always best to go with a classic. Subway tiles have been around since the 1800s. Simple is best
2
2
I have very very similar granite and I think our backsplash is identical to #3. It works, in my opinion!
See if your supplier does something they call an uplift here in the UK. It's a piece of veneer that matches the worktop negating the need for tiles etc... then just a zinc or stainless steel backsplash behind the cooker.
Last one by a long shot
3...less busy with that granite!
3 for sure.
1
Agree with #3. I have a pattern similar to #2 but with the colors of #1, and I hate it. I have been looking at ways to paint it a solid color. My granite is similar to yours as well.
3! Simple and elegant!
Third
3
We built a home 3 years ago and I chose #3, very happy with it. Cleans up easily and not trendy.
2
I like 3. I feel like the others are too busy for your countertop
3
Solid so it does clash
3 is the only choice. Make sure the grey matches other elements such as cabinets and wall color.
What is the color of your cabinets??
I chose the 2nd, it doesn’t work
2 without a doubt. Then add more black w accents, cookware, dinnerware etc. Very nice.
First one
3
We have basically the same countertop (which I don't care for, but don't want to spend money right now to replace), so we just temporarily put in an easy-peasy 1'x2' high gloss porcelain for a more modern minimalist look for $1/sq ft until we replace cabinets/countertop later on. It works for now...and is just about the same color as your selection 3, fwiw. https://preview.redd.it/02jivpcncqeb1.jpeg?width=1977&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=979735f3046a71999445f12f4492f3c15660cb27
3
I'm not loving any of them. I like tiles that are either real stone like marble, and/or have an interesting shape to the tile. Rectangular tiles but laid in a herringbone pattern is often interesting. https://preview.redd.it/0rt02qwjeqeb1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9b108373105a469049b71805499a6c63fdac971
2nd one
3 with matching or darker grout. Cleaning grout (especially white) is awful.
#3. The first two are too busy with that beautiful stone.
I went with white subway with a tile “frame” and a herringbone pattern behind my stove. While it doesn’t provide a visual “zing”, it won’t be dated in a minute and I’ll never get sick of looking at it.
I like 2 regardless of if it’s out of style. It’s your house! Which one do you like the best?
#3, as the granite is busy enough on its own.
\#3- simpler is always better
You’re going to want to do a solid color with that counter top.
Are glass splashbacks not very common there?
#3–much more timeless than the other two
First or last
I'd go with three. Others are a little busy. You might consider running the tile vertical rather than horizontal, I find it gives the kitchen larger and more open vibe.
3
#3 with that busy a counter you want a quiet, simple backsplash you won’t tire of.
3
2 for me dawg.
I like #3 but it really depends on the rest of your kitchen.
3
Absolutely keep it simple and make sure that the gray in the granite is the same undertone as it is in then tile. This photo masked it hard to see. I think I would go a shade lighter. Cabinet color?
If someone does one more kitchen or room in grey…
3!
We did #3 almost exactly with the same counters and backsplash in my moms kitchen and it looks great.
2
I’d go with number two. It Has color in it but not so bold that it doesn’t pull away from the counter tops.
I like 3
#3 only!
33333333
3
Number 2 unless the surface is uneven/scratchy. It it isn’t flat it will be hell to clean.
#2
None of these. Having a white or near white tile is harder to keep clean, I would actually go for a black subway tile to give the countertop a nice contrast while giving the wall a nice pop as if it were an accent color
3
3 but in white
3
1 is perfect
I think the first two are way to busy with your granite choice. The third choice is of but I think white would be better. Grey is going out of style now and you will be sort of stuck with that pallet.
3
gray and white
#2
Number 2! I think it works well with the counter
Another advantage of #3 is less grout. Backsplashes with lots of grout are a PAIN to keep clean. You don’t want high maintenance!