Kitchen Backsplash - need opinions

[~ Wonderful Life ~]

I need to pick a tile for the kitchen black splash.  I have a bold/colorful granite countertop, so I'm struggling trying to find a tile that will look ok.  I came upon stainless steel tile (didn't know it existed!) and I really love it!  The family is split as to whether it would look good or not. 

I attached a pic of the kitchen area that will be tiled, a close up of the granite and a pic of the stainless steel tile I loved.

Opinions and suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[jeanine123]

I think the stainless steel would look very cool, assuming it matches with the stainless steel you already have.  However, I also think stainless steel tile is rather trendy and might be out of favor in a few years.  Would you be alright with spending the money and time on a trendy backsplash that might not be as popular in 5 years or so?

You could do painted bead board if that fits with the rest of your home.  Or a glass tile that pulls a color out of the granite.

[ChristyMarie]

I think that would be a lot of SS with your appliances as well.  Also, your granite and counters are very warm while the SS has a more industrial/modern/cold look.

I might go with a painted glass tile instead.  Can be very cool to look at but you could get it in a warmer color. 

[thtr4me]

Here are a couple that might look really nice with your countertops.  I would order samples to be sure though.

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/arcticwhite-2x4glasssubwaytiles-pr248-8-1-2-1-1-1.aspx

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/nilegreeniridescent2x4recycledglasssubwaytilepe-302.aspx

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/redux100recycledglasssubwaytile3x6insweeterthanhoneyre36-1150.aspx

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/terramilanglassandstonesubwaymosaictileblend-tgst-3900.aspx

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/desertvistablend-colorwaysand8482glassmosaicblends-sb2039.aspx

http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/flax-colorgroveand8482glassmosaic-kc285.aspx

They also have a tool that allows you to create custom mosaic tile mixes.

[Ola_]

I have the same problem, we really need to get a backsplash going in our kitchen.

For your kitchen I feel like those tiles would be too industrial/modern looking.  The shape and style of your cabinets is a little more on the traditional/classic side.  Do you want your counters to be the focus of attention in the kitchen?  If so, I'd consider a cream subway tile that will look good against your counter, it's a pretty timeless look as well.

[ledzepplon]

I think stainless steel might be so bold as to detract from your lovely counters. Plus, it's a PITA to keep fingerprint/streak free. I like the pp's idea of creamy colored subway tiles. They're classic and also have that "professional kitchen" feel.

[CookiePie]

I think ss is really in right now, but in a few years will look dated as the fad passes.  I'd go with subway tile, it stands the test of time as far as wear and appeal!  

[chattyprincess]

we have a tile in the exact shape/pattern as your stainless sample but it is in natural stones and glass. We picked it up from home depot.

http://www.tileshop.com/mosaics/stoneglassmosaics/Nantucket-Dune-with-Glass/2139.aspx 

http://www.tileshop.com/mosaics/stoneglassmosaics/Ocean-Woods-with-Glass/2135.aspx 

http://www.tileshop.com/mosaics/stoneglassmosaics/Cape-Cod-with-Glass/2138.aspx 

[columbusmomma]

I bought some self-stick SS tiles on amazon. They look great and since self stick there's no long term commitment. You could also use something like this to to test out your idea and see how SS tiles look.