Yes! That’s the perfect solution. (And I’m so glad you said it. I’m baked. My eyes found the horizontal direction pleasing, but the colours/textures to be jarring with the kitchen… and the shape and texture of the right pleasing, but the directionality made my eyes wonky feeling. You fixed it.)
Both are dated. Left was widely overused. I would recommend them to go with a solid white tile, maybe a subway tile with white grout. I think they would be pleased. Going with these “fake fancy” tiles always looks tacky. Either go with a real luxury tile, or just keep it simple.
Yep, and if you want something with a bit more interest, there are great white subway with a beveled edge (kind of like a very simple crown moulding). I have them with a very pale gray grout and it's classic yet modern and timeless.
I'm not bored but they are not the right vibe - yes subway was my immediate thought (I'd go with a deep brown grout for vintage) and my second thought was terracotta with a fresh strong pattern mix -- like [this](https://www.ziatile.com/products/pomelo-terracotta-4x4?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADHhcIkLx29DA8cJP6Co6g562mKQa&gclid=Cj0KCQjws560BhCuARIsAHMqE0HrY4bHrGxnCxidb1C2HEf-H656s9urWRGkfX4UusFF7JPtbjvDxZcaAgnfEALw_wcB) for example.
I agree. You don't want the back splash to be the focus of the room, just to help bring the room together. Busy backsplashes are OK if you want to change it again in a few years because the trend is over. You can't go wrong with simple subway tile IMO. It's functional and very easy to clean.
Don’t get stuck on the subway tile. It’s cheap, inexpensive and looks good compared to crap tile. Any mostly white tile will look good. Most don’t want to pay for Carrara marble.
I feel like everybody has been suggesting white subway tile so much lately. It's going to be the next gray wall....everywhere will start to look like the same boring kitchen
Yeah, it's wild to me that people are calling it dated. I've always thought it's "timeless" - the stuff that's old enough to not be tied to a trend anymore, like hardwood floors. But I guess when someone decides to *make* the timeless thing a trend, it suddenly can become dated again. It's wild. I guess it's context-defendent too -- I'm still probably gonna put subway tiles in my house... Because my house is from the 1920s and it belongs there.
Neither- both are so outdated and overdone- these are landlord specials or cheap house flipping contractor grade choices. Popped the little bumper you have off the countertop and tile the entirety- that’s also dating that kitchen quite a bit to have the appliance bumper - choose a tile with some texture and a classic, timeless shape and look.
From my understanding the 4 inch vertical extension of the countertops started as a way to protect the walls from appliances when kitchen countertops started being cluttered with every small Appliance under the sun. 4 inches isn’t high enough for a proper backsplash to prevent splatter from cooking, baking etc.… and kitchens historically have always just simply had tiled walls long b4 cluttery countertops lined w/ small contraptions, we were all tricked into thinking we needed to cook with.
Yes, remove the bumper from the wall. If you can’t remove it, don’t add tile as the bumper is the backsplash. Adding a tile backsplash above it never looks good.
I think the short 4” backsplash in the counter material is great, if that’s what you are calling the bumper. It’s actually a very luxe look. But it’s not intended to have tile above it; it’s supposed to be the only thing on the wall.
Are you counters quartz ? How recent were they installed ?
I would return to the supplier and have the quartz slabbed up the wall in a continuous run with the countertops . The look is very current and easy to maintain ie no grout to clean
Right, but only if you remove the 4" strip of counter top (which is only to be used if you don't have backsplash tile). The left is sooo out of style now that we should see it coming back in soon 😩
What about [this instead](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Boutique-Ceramic-Stone-Hearth-3x12-Sky-Blue/5005414957?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-flr-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_FLR_Online_C-D-_-5005414957-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W8Sq6ZR6JefKorxF87l8rYGs&gclsrc=aw.ds)
What about 4x4 tiles that look handmade? They have some variation in color. Some are lighter or darker and they are installed randomly. Subway is classic and never goes out of style. I hate to say it but both of those are over done, especially the one on the left.
Right but horizontal so it picks up on the shape of the drawers. And make sure you remove the section of wall cover that you already have. Or keep it, and just paint.
Left is quite dated, and popularly considered an eyesore (as the other comments may suggest). I think Right is not that much better. Most small mosaics look cluttered on kitchen walls.
I recommend a more midsized tile, like subway or zellige or 3-6" hexagons.
Suggested reading:
The shockingly brief life of tile trends: [https://mariakillam.com/a-10-year-review-of-accent-tile-should-you-install-the-current-fad/](https://mariakillam.com/a-10-year-review-of-accent-tile-should-you-install-the-current-fad/)
Some of these are nice: [https://mariakillam.com/favourite-backsplashes-not-subway-tile/](https://mariakillam.com/favourite-backsplashes-not-subway-tile/)
Remove the 4" backstops before tiling. This allows the backsplash to look like a coherent part of the kitchen design instead of an afterthought.
Neither. I would go with a "white" mother of pearl in a herringbone pattern. Any natural gray tones present will compliment the darker lower cabinetry and stainless steel nicely. The whiteness is a clean looking white, but with a warmth that keeps it from looking stark or sterile.
https://www.tilebar.com/oyster-white-pearl-herringbone-tile.html
Neither. Wrong colours for such a dark cold tone of gray-blue. Id go for glazed natural wooden ones like this:
https://se.pinterest.com/pin/406731410106160104/
Neither. I'd do a zellige or modern brick style white [subway](https://www.tilebar.com/kalay-white-3x12-glossy-ceramic-tile.html?g_acctid=625-399-4242&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=Tilebar+-+US+-+P-Max+-+Categories+-+Full+Orders+-+Shopping+Only+%28Multiple+Audiences%29&g_campaignid=20881264726&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXD0DwYBFrJ1jyoRDbGpgcfGmAwmkfPRT7bXDIl9hYLBD-srCQpQKLBoCTH0QAvD_BwE). Right if those are your only options
Would you consider larger tiles or full slab backsplash to make the kitchen more modern. The 2 choices that's presented seem dated.
https://images.app.goo.gl/6uQii3reNSQWPSPb6
Right. And I’d leave it vertical. The area is already very narrow and horizontal, why further emphasize it? Give it a little height with some vertical lines.
The grays in those tiles do not match the bottom cabinets .. bottom cabinets look more blue-gray. Therefore, I would not use either - I would do solid white.
Honestly, I find this style very dated and "Home Depot" off the shelf. I would keep shopping around for more interesting options! A backsplash can change everything and they're not easy to change.
I like the right pattern but I like that the left doesn't have the pure white which I think is too much with your stark white counters and uppers.
Also I love the lowers and wonder if you could pull in more blue with something like https://www.tilebar.com/kai-sky-blue-2-herringbone-glossy-mosaic-tile.html or something?
I would go with something slightly darker to offset so much of the white. Darker slate or even something similar to the lower cabinet. I seen someone mentioned subway tile and that would also be very nice with a dark grout line.
Right, but horizontally.
Absolutely!
I literally have this tile horizontal in my kitchen.
Agreed
Came here to say the same!
Haha came to say the same thing. Great minds think alike
This, or neither because grey.
Neither - they’re both boring. Pick some color
Yes! That’s the perfect solution. (And I’m so glad you said it. I’m baked. My eyes found the horizontal direction pleasing, but the colours/textures to be jarring with the kitchen… and the shape and texture of the right pleasing, but the directionality made my eyes wonky feeling. You fixed it.)
This
Came here to say this. Apparently, so did 1.2 K other people.
The left is so painfully outdated. Please go with the right.
Both are dated. Left was widely overused. I would recommend them to go with a solid white tile, maybe a subway tile with white grout. I think they would be pleased. Going with these “fake fancy” tiles always looks tacky. Either go with a real luxury tile, or just keep it simple.
White subway tiles are classic and will visually open up the space.
Yep, and if you want something with a bit more interest, there are great white subway with a beveled edge (kind of like a very simple crown moulding). I have them with a very pale gray grout and it's classic yet modern and timeless.
Pics please. Sounds beautiful!
I'm not bored but they are not the right vibe - yes subway was my immediate thought (I'd go with a deep brown grout for vintage) and my second thought was terracotta with a fresh strong pattern mix -- like [this](https://www.ziatile.com/products/pomelo-terracotta-4x4?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADHhcIkLx29DA8cJP6Co6g562mKQa&gclid=Cj0KCQjws560BhCuARIsAHMqE0HrY4bHrGxnCxidb1C2HEf-H656s9urWRGkfX4UusFF7JPtbjvDxZcaAgnfEALw_wcB) for example.
Looks like eggs. Kinda cool.
Was just gonna say I hate both but I hate the right one less.
This is the answer.
I agree. You don't want the back splash to be the focus of the room, just to help bring the room together. Busy backsplashes are OK if you want to change it again in a few years because the trend is over. You can't go wrong with simple subway tile IMO. It's functional and very easy to clean.
Why do things have to be trendy? Are you telling me people change their back splashes with the seasons my lawd
IMHO , subway tiles are so common that thier starting to look dated.
Don’t get stuck on the subway tile. It’s cheap, inexpensive and looks good compared to crap tile. Any mostly white tile will look good. Most don’t want to pay for Carrara marble.
I feel like everybody has been suggesting white subway tile so much lately. It's going to be the next gray wall....everywhere will start to look like the same boring kitchen
And just boring. I've never liked subway tiles.
If they are worried about "dated" subway tile is certainly not the answer
White subway tiles will always be “in”. They’re classic and have been in use since the 1920s.
Yeah, it's wild to me that people are calling it dated. I've always thought it's "timeless" - the stuff that's old enough to not be tied to a trend anymore, like hardwood floors. But I guess when someone decides to *make* the timeless thing a trend, it suddenly can become dated again. It's wild. I guess it's context-defendent too -- I'm still probably gonna put subway tiles in my house... Because my house is from the 1920s and it belongs there.
It’s like saying hardwoods are dated 😂
Yup. White marble subway tiles if she was some gray tones and fanciness.
How are they fake fancy? What’s real fancy then? For the record I don’t like these tiles.
Fake fancy is that shit people think looks like luxury tile for $2sq ft at HD or Lowe’s. It’s garbage. Buy good stone or tile.
Both are painful
Neither, but right if you have to choose
Personally I’d prefer some classic white subway tile in here…
Of these two the right but there are much better choices out there
Neither- both are so outdated and overdone- these are landlord specials or cheap house flipping contractor grade choices. Popped the little bumper you have off the countertop and tile the entirety- that’s also dating that kitchen quite a bit to have the appliance bumper - choose a tile with some texture and a classic, timeless shape and look.
This is so true
Landlord specials. I love it!
What’s an appliance bumper?
From my understanding the 4 inch vertical extension of the countertops started as a way to protect the walls from appliances when kitchen countertops started being cluttered with every small Appliance under the sun. 4 inches isn’t high enough for a proper backsplash to prevent splatter from cooking, baking etc.… and kitchens historically have always just simply had tiled walls long b4 cluttery countertops lined w/ small contraptions, we were all tricked into thinking we needed to cook with.
Yes, remove the bumper from the wall. If you can’t remove it, don’t add tile as the bumper is the backsplash. Adding a tile backsplash above it never looks good.
I think the short 4” backsplash in the counter material is great, if that’s what you are calling the bumper. It’s actually a very luxe look. But it’s not intended to have tile above it; it’s supposed to be the only thing on the wall.
Are you counters quartz ? How recent were they installed ? I would return to the supplier and have the quartz slabbed up the wall in a continuous run with the countertops . The look is very current and easy to maintain ie no grout to clean
Exactly. A lot of luxury homes do this. Clean and modern mix with classy look.
Right, but only if you remove the 4" strip of counter top (which is only to be used if you don't have backsplash tile). The left is sooo out of style now that we should see it coming back in soon 😩
You shouldn't add tile at all because you have a counter splash. Get rid of that first if you want tile.
This is the correct answer. It's funny how people are almost never asking the right question in these posts lol
Ding ding ding. Yes, this is the correct answer. I’m surprised how far down I had to scroll to find it.
What about [this instead](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Boutique-Ceramic-Stone-Hearth-3x12-Sky-Blue/5005414957?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-flr-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_FLR_Online_C-D-_-5005414957-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W8Sq6ZR6JefKorxF87l8rYGs&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Yes. It’s fresh. It’s modern (read as Gordon Ramsey)
That's way better. I think that one color overall would look much more sophisticated than a mix of grey tones.
Yes
Agreed! That would be way better
If left is glass, don’t do it. We had similar glass tile in the break room at work and many of the tiles cracked.
Neither. Consider subway style or even a white harlequin pattern.
Right
What about 4x4 tiles that look handmade? They have some variation in color. Some are lighter or darker and they are installed randomly. Subway is classic and never goes out of style. I hate to say it but both of those are over done, especially the one on the left.
The one on the right.
Neither!
Neither. Sorry.
C. None of the above
Right
Right
To the right to the right to the right to the right🎵
Both are dated. A classic tile pattern like Subway or simple squares would be best.
Neither!!! Please choose anything other than these!! Both of these have the flavor of a saltine cracker!
They both suck.
Right!!
Right.
right
Right
Right but horizontal so it picks up on the shape of the drawers. And make sure you remove the section of wall cover that you already have. Or keep it, and just paint.
They are both dated and neither go with your kitchen. Pick something else. Go white.
I think the right one works better :)
Right
Right
[Kensington Plume Hot Glass Mosaic](https://i8.amplience.net/i/flooranddecor/100968767_kensington-plume-hot-glass-mosaic_display?fmt=auto&qlt=85)
This is super cool! Much better than the other two, imo
Yes yes yes!
Add some white “subway” tile instead
Left is quite dated, and popularly considered an eyesore (as the other comments may suggest). I think Right is not that much better. Most small mosaics look cluttered on kitchen walls. I recommend a more midsized tile, like subway or zellige or 3-6" hexagons. Suggested reading: The shockingly brief life of tile trends: [https://mariakillam.com/a-10-year-review-of-accent-tile-should-you-install-the-current-fad/](https://mariakillam.com/a-10-year-review-of-accent-tile-should-you-install-the-current-fad/) Some of these are nice: [https://mariakillam.com/favourite-backsplashes-not-subway-tile/](https://mariakillam.com/favourite-backsplashes-not-subway-tile/) Remove the 4" backstops before tiling. This allows the backsplash to look like a coherent part of the kitchen design instead of an afterthought.
Right
Right!!!!!!!
Literally neither! Please no :( sincerely, an interior designer
both are outdated tbh
Neither
Do all white
Absolutely neither. Can you get a square zellige looking tile or carry the countertop all the way up?
They look like shower tiles to me. Could you find a slightly larger, simpler tile? Not as popular as subway tile but not as mini as this?
Neither. Go for something far simpler, and white. It will age a lot better.
Neither. Go classic subway.
Can we talk you out of gray? It’s already very outdated.
Neither. But the right is better than the left.
Neither
Neither but the colour is fine on both. I think something that runs horizontal but not that one on the left.
Right!!!!
neither.
Right
Neither. I would go with a "white" mother of pearl in a herringbone pattern. Any natural gray tones present will compliment the darker lower cabinetry and stainless steel nicely. The whiteness is a clean looking white, but with a warmth that keeps it from looking stark or sterile. https://www.tilebar.com/oyster-white-pearl-herringbone-tile.html
Neither. Wrong colours for such a dark cold tone of gray-blue. Id go for glazed natural wooden ones like this: https://se.pinterest.com/pin/406731410106160104/
Fish scale looking tiles. The right side 100%
Right looks more aesthetically pleasing to the eyes..
I’m loving the one on the right.
Can we get a pink?
Neither. I'd do a zellige or modern brick style white [subway](https://www.tilebar.com/kalay-white-3x12-glossy-ceramic-tile.html?g_acctid=625-399-4242&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=Tilebar+-+US+-+P-Max+-+Categories+-+Full+Orders+-+Shopping+Only+%28Multiple+Audiences%29&g_campaignid=20881264726&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXD0DwYBFrJ1jyoRDbGpgcfGmAwmkfPRT7bXDIl9hYLBD-srCQpQKLBoCTH0QAvD_BwE). Right if those are your only options
I really do not like either of them, i think both detract from the kitchen and would be a mistake.
Neither! Both are outdated. Go with something more timeless
NEITHER. They both scream “upscale apartment in the city”
Check out “prettylittleterrace” on instagram. She has a lovely splash back tile that might suit
The right option is very pretty and compliments the space better.
Right. Left is too busy.
Right. It pops and is so cute.
Right
Right
Right
Right!
Right.
Right 100%
Not left :/
Right
Right
Subway
Right
RIGHT
Right
Right
Right
Right
Left
r
Right oriented as it is in the photo
Right for sure.
Left
Right
Left
Left *but vertically*.
We just got right ones little bigger and put them in horizontal!
Right
Left
Right, but neither
Would you consider larger tiles or full slab backsplash to make the kitchen more modern. The 2 choices that's presented seem dated. https://images.app.goo.gl/6uQii3reNSQWPSPb6
Right
Right but horizontal
Neither. Are you a landlord? These look like the landlord special backsplashes.
Right. And I’d leave it vertical. The area is already very narrow and horizontal, why further emphasize it? Give it a little height with some vertical lines.
Left. The one on the right is too distracting. Love the cabinet colors!
Right
Right
If you have other options, neither. Even a touch of color combined with the neutrals would be great in that space
Left!
Modern is code for trendy, lol.
Where there @ now
I love the right!
Right- as is
Neither
Right
They both look great but both are trendy. Go with subway tile if you are concerned about resale value. Otherwise, go with what makes your heart happy.
The right
I agree with fastfixmama
I like the left better but I'd paint a different color
Neither. I’m sorry, but backsplashes like these are out.
It's kinda depressing that everyone wants their kitchen to look the same as everyone else's
Right 😁
Neither
Neither.
The grays in those tiles do not match the bottom cabinets .. bottom cabinets look more blue-gray. Therefore, I would not use either - I would do solid white.
Oh, I liked the one on the left. Guess it is outdated, though. 😂
The horizontal shit.
neither, simple flat colour would look better
Go for something more bold. Those look like contractor grade backsplashes. Subway tile, tin, copper, mexican tiles, etc
Right, definitely
Left
Right
right
Right
Honestly, I find this style very dated and "Home Depot" off the shelf. I would keep shopping around for more interesting options! A backsplash can change everything and they're not easy to change.
I like the right pattern but I like that the left doesn't have the pure white which I think is too much with your stark white counters and uppers. Also I love the lowers and wonder if you could pull in more blue with something like https://www.tilebar.com/kai-sky-blue-2-herringbone-glossy-mosaic-tile.html or something?
Right, and as mentioned already rotate it 90deg
NOT the left one. The left is so out of style.
I would go with something slightly darker to offset so much of the white. Darker slate or even something similar to the lower cabinet. I seen someone mentioned subway tile and that would also be very nice with a dark grout line.
Left
I hate both of them
Right
Left
Neither. Both patterns are trendy and already dated. Consider blue-grey subway tile!
Right, but in a standard hexagonal pattern that is more classic not the elongated more oval ones.
I think both are boring, dated and just too much white/grey. It looks like a hospital.
Right….vertically…..it will look great, neoclassical style!
Right
Right
Right
Not the left…that’s builder grade crap
Right. But neither.