What Backsplash To
Use In My Kitchen?

by Tina
(Alberta Canada)

I have a new kitchen with black pearl granite countertops, with Cherry cabinets, the stain color is called sunset. I also have a black Island that is cherry wood, stained black that is very rustic. I kind of like the tin backsplash look but I don't know what would look good. My flooring is slate.
If you could help me with some ideas that would be great!!!!
Thanks


Hi Tina,

I am happy to help. A backsplash is one of those areas that seem to have endless possibilities and materials that will look great. It seems to me you are already on the right track.

From what you describe about your kitchen it would seem to me that you may need to brighten it up a bit. A tin backsplash will help you with that.

Tin is a great material that can be painted, powdercoated, or lacquered any color you desire.

From your description I would recommend going with a pre-finished light satin gray finish for the tin. Plus it comes pre-sealed for easy cleaning. Here is a sample photo of what I'm thinking would look great for you. What do you think?

Using the satin gray color will bring all of the design elements together without overpowering them. Raw new tin can be very shiny, but does get darker with age and natural aging gives a more authentic aged look. The "pearl" in the granite, the grays in the slate floor, and the sunset stain all benefit from neutral tones. Gray is a neutral color that goes with many colors including blacks, earth tones, and other neutral tones.

If you desire a more rustic, or plain, look the tin can be bought with a "patina" already applied to give an aged look. Although this will give a darker gray than if you went with a light gray finish. Tin can also be quite contemporary, so if you want a more rustic look them a simpler pattern may be in order.

You could also go with tumbled marble and a mural. Here is a photo of what I'm talking about. Although with tumbled marble you only get earth tones.

You might also want to mix the different materials. Using the tumbled marble over the range and sink while using the tin for the rest of the backsplash, or vise versa. I think it would be a better choice to use the tin over the range and use the marble for the rest of the backsplash area.

If you want a touch of a contemporary feel you can aslo go with stainless steel over the range while using another natural material for the rest of the backsplash.. If you have stainless appliances this may also be a good choice to bring the design together.

Here are some links to pages in this site that will give more information and help you decide on a backsplash material:

Kitchen backsplash ideas
Tin backsplash
Stainless steel
Mosaic backsplash

I hope this was of some help to you and feel free to ask if you have further questions.


Toby