Hi Everyone!
So weve reached that point in the kitchen reno that Ive been dreading. The point in which Naomi has come to me and said “Shavonda I really need you to figure out what’s going on with the backsplash because this hole-y drywall is driving me crazy.” Ummmm uh-oh!
I don’t know what it is with us and backsplashes. It took us almost a year to come to an agreement on a backsplash in our last house.
A freakin year people. If you recall Naomi and I wanted completely different things so it took us a while to find a happy medium. I wanted marble and she wanted glass, so finding this marble and glass mosaic tile was the perfect compromise. I can’t blame it on compromise this time around. Naomi gave me free rein over pretty much every design aspect of the bungalow, so this time the indecision is all my fault.
So why am I so stuck? Here’s the thing. I’ve got this major internal struggle going on. Im kinda paralyzed in fear of making the wrong decision here. Yes, I know its not that serious. Don’t judge me! The vision I have for our little kitchen is kind of all over the place. I want it to be a little bit classic cottage, a little bit modern, a little bit rustic, a tad funky, sorta boho, have a nice helping of color, and include a dash of the unexpected… all rolled into one. With that being said, I’m perplexed.
We still have lots to do in this space, but for me the backsplash is THE most important element from a design perspective. At first glance the decision seems very easy. Classic white subway tiles. Its timeless, perfect for a cottage kitchen, and will never go out of style. #doneanddone. Not really.
While I know going with a white subway tile makes TOTAL SENSE in here, it just doesn’t feel right to me. It feels a little too expected. I even thought well why not go with a beveled edge tile, or lay it in a herringbone pattern, or use a contrasting grout to amp it up a bit…still doesn’t feel right to me. Yes, all those options would be beautiful, but they wouldn’t be very Shavonda I don’t think. Now Im not saying Im not timeless or classic, I just really crave vibrancy…or something a bit more interesting. And I think this little kitchen really needs that.
Lately I’ve been going back through my fav shelter mags and online publications, and trolling Pinterest to see what speaks to me and I’ve found a few things that do.
1. Colored glass subway tile
I posted this pic on IG a while back. I swear it gets me every time. I just love the deeply hued tiles here.
2. Patterned tiles
Because seriously! This is so fab.
3. Wallpaper
via
This is where things come back around full circle for me because I can totally see a classic white subway tile backsplash with a bold wallpaper on the walls.
What’s a gal to do? I haven’t a clue. But I know whatever it is I need to figure it out fast because I’ve got a frustrated wife on my hands now, and you know what they say…….happy wife, happy life. Until next time loves…
Xo-Shavonda
Catherine says
I love the patterned tiles!!! I totally get your subway tile dilemma. I love classic white subway tile, and it always looks beautiful, but it’s just become so ubiquitous. I think your kitchen wants something a little more funky. Have you looked into arabesque tiles? If you did white you’d get the same effect of subway tile just a bit more interesting, but they also come in clay which is beautiful and tons of fun colors! Also – are you keeping the checkerboard floor? Because I love it.
Shavonda says
Hi Catherine!! Thank you so much for chiming in sweets. I havent looked into arabesque tiles yet, but I definitely will. I think it needs something funky too and I love clay tiles. We absolutely are keeping the checkered floor. It was the one thing in the space that I refused to touch. I love it.
Brynne@TheGatheredHome says
Those patterned tiles – INCREDIBLE!
Shavonda says
Arent they though!! So incredible. Happy weekend Brynne.
Tricia says
OMG- patterned tiles alllll the way- love your option. It would be classic yet boho funky. You can incorporate color in other ways. It would look amazing with the counters and floor. I bet you would not regret it. I really hope you do pattern!!!
Shavonda says
Im with you Tricia! I just cant get them off my mind. I don’t think id regret it one bit:)
Katrina says
I love classic subway tiles in your space (just not in white) and I also think patterned tile is also classic and perfection, when you find the ‘right’ tile you’ll know! Until then, keeping gathering your ideas!
Shavonda says
Thanks Katrina. And thanks for letting me brain dump on you via random text messages throughout the day. Youre the best.
Anu says
The blue subway tiles are lovely. You could mix in white subway tiles to give a little more visual interest.
Shavonda says
hmmmm never thought of that Anu. That’s definitely a good idea:)_
Gretchen says
ooh! the blue subway tiles are SO pretty! I love your other inspiration pics, too, but those blue tiles really got me 🙂
Erin says
My vote is for a colored handmade subway tile. And in a size other than 3x 6. I think bringing in color and a different size will be a bit unexpected but the classic shape of the subway tile and pattern will be something you won’t tire of. If you need any samples or pricing I’d love to help you. I’m sure you get a designer discount at many stores but if your interested we can hook you up with something amazing (and at a discount). I love the colored subway tiles from Clayhaus but I would say Fireclay has some great ones too! Check out the Sark handmade subway tile. Better price point than Clayhaus and Fireclay, less color options though.
Shavonda says
OMG I looooove Fireclay tiles but holy smokes even our 35 sqft of space will run us more than our entire kitchen makeover this far. Ill def give Clayhaus and Sark a look. And I will absolutely take you up on your designer discount offer. I really love colored subway but my heart just wont quit with the patterned tile. Im so so torn.
Shavonda says
those blue tiles draw me in too Gretchen. They are hard to forget that’s for sure.
Kimberly Duran says
Ahhh I totally know what you mean about being paralysed with indecision – I have been debating my worktops for literally 3 years (!!) and have lived with my crappy laminate ones for all that time because I have no idea what I want. I love the idea of doing something a bit boho – and those coloured glass tiles look amazing. But erm… I also love the idea of patterned tiles (also quite boho/eclectic). I’m really no help here, am I? I honestly think whatever choice you make, it’ll look great. So ya know, there’s that. Good luck and eager to see where you land on this one 🙂 xxx
Shavonda says
Youre right my friend, absolutely no help! But that’s ok because I still have no idea what the heck im gonna do. My heart is seriously torn between patterned tile and colored subway.
Patricia says
I have the same problem, It has been months and I still don’t really know if I even want one. Luckily, my walls in the kitchen are just white and I can procrastinate a little longer 😉
I reaaaaally like that blue subway tile for your space, it would look amazing!
Jennifer@decoratingdelirium says
I reiterate all of the shot outs for colored subway tile. It would be modern and unexpected in the right colorway. While I like the wallpaper, I don’t think is the most practical option. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!!
Shavonda says
Thank you Jennifer!! I do love a good colored subway tile. I just cant let go of the patterned tile.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Yup it’s a tough one because it’s all gorgeous and they do have wipeable great wallpaper, so I’m not scared about the kitchen mess. Grout is a pain the rear to clean too, hate it. But whatever you come up with, I know it will be awesome
Sabrina says
LOVEEEEEEEEEE the colored subway tile but for some reason I see you using a more vibrant color or even more of a tealish …. LOVE LOVE LOVE the color posted as well cant wait to see what you end up with
Shavonda says
Thanks Sabrina!! I take it you really love the colored subway tiles;)
cassie says
i agree with elizabeth- pattnered! the wallpaper may look nice, but with all that goes on in a kitchen, it really isn’t the easiest to maintain i would think. and where you live, patterned tile fits right in! do it. no regrets.
Shavonda says
Hmmm never thought of that about the wallpaper before. Definitely something to consider. Thanks Cassie.
Jen says
Keeping my fingers crossed for the colored glass subway tiles, I really want to see that combination in your kitchen, classic but with a twist of color. Love the patterned tiles too, but for some reason, I just really am pulling for the glass.
Shavonda says
Thank you Jen!! 🙂
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I’m glad you put it up there because it is what came to mind immediately when I saw the pic of your kitchen – patterned tiles. It would look great!
Shavonda says
This is why I love you Elizabeth. I think we may have been separated at birth. I seriously loooooove patterned tiles. Especially as a backdrop to a kitchen that looks like its been around forever. It makes my heart really happy. Im leaning HEAVILY in that direction. I just have to source some.
Lakitia A. says
I really like the color subway tiles. I saw the Rehab Addict put some in a bathroom and was instantly in love!
Shavonda says
They are wonderful right. A good mix of classic and fun!