Or tin?
{{gwi:1832363}}

Hi MMM(mrsmortarmix)
I think the marble looks OK - it pulls in your colors nicely. Just be sure it isn't going to be too pinky overall - paint plus brick plus marble.

I do like that tin - I think it would look great in your kitchen - although I have no idea of the cost.

We will help you out of the ABB club!

Although not usually a fan of small tile - i do like the diagonal herringbone idea but maybe less color.

Sorry, but I don't like it because it is too similar to the brick. You want a contrast here.

I know you say you don't like subway tile, but how about a subway with a twist. Perhaps a crazed subway or a subway that is smaller than the traditional 3 x 6 or a thicker, irregular subway? Or, how about a 4 x 4 tile? With a traditional kitchen with brick already in it, I don't think you want anything that screams twenty-teens-era, trendy tiles as some of the above posted examples do.

Perhaps you should just give up on the idea of finding something in a local tile store and instead try looking online. They will send you samples too. I was very leery of online but ended up being very happy with my online purchase of a crazed subway. And, it is dirt cheap too--$5.38 a sq ft.

http://www.buytile.com/tiffany-crackle-biscuit-3-x-6.html This online store has lots of different tiles, and perhaps you can find one that will suit you.

Beadboard is a nice idea in theory, but I think it would be a problem keeping clean.

I followed your DH's thread when he was building the kitchen. The long wall of brick with arched openings and the raised panel cabinets didn't read rustic farmhouse to me. You'll probably get better suggestions by showing the whole kitchen.

A light gray would look nice with the brick, wall color, and warm wood counters. A mortar-like gray would be perfect! ;) I wouldn't do subways because you've got that with the bricks. I like the small mosaic in Snookums' post, but I wouldn't go modern or busy. You don't need pattern--the wall and cabinets supply enough. I think an uneven glaze might be nice with the brick. I wouldn't do crackle because it's "too pretty" for the brick.

Sonoma Tilemakers has a lot of choices, so I looked there and found a glazed ceramic square mosaic with an organic feel to complement the brick. It's their Artisan line, and the color Absolut is a medium gray. I also saw a mosaic with a few dark terra cotta tiles scattered throughout, and that could be pretty. They make every size, shape, and color imaginable. Their website is a little hard to navigate because of that, and you can't copy their photos, but here's the Artisan selection carried by United Tile, a distributer for Sonoma.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sonoma Tilemakers Artisan tile

I have Sonoma tile in a crackle finish and I just gotta say that I don't think it's too pretty. You have to go nose to nose with it to even see the crackle. It has a nice luster and life but it's solid and utilitarian too. Don't rule it out!!!

I am in love with that tin robotropolis linked! Wowzers that would look amazing against the brick!

Linelle, I'm too used to seeing it in the fancy GW kitchens!

may_flowers, my kitchen is so fancy that it needed a fridge that sticks out just to keep mere mortals from passing out in a state of bliss. :p

Oh, so that's why traffic has been down ever since your reveal thread got bumped! I hope they've all come to by now. ; )

linelle said: "may_flowers, my kitchen is so fancy that it needed a fridge that sticks out just to keep mere mortals from passing out in a state of bliss. :p"

Haaa ha ha! Too funny! But funny because it is kinda true. :o)

I haven't been diligent in the kitchen forum lately. So, I missed your renovating threads.

I agree that we need to see more of the kitchen. I like the idea of beadboard next to the brick, but really have to see the whole kitchen.

Try not to rush this step.

I agree with desertsteph...the brick is the interest. Maybe consider a very subtle texturally stucco type finish painted in a light cream color from the brick.

I think you should consider narrowing your choices by ruling out anything brick shaped or in a brick pattern, and that means ruling out the typical 3x6 subway in running bond. Then I would rule out anything close in color to the brick.

This leaves something in a square format, a vertical format or a shaped tile. Brick often seemed to be combined with a square tile with a pattern on it like Spanish tile or delft tile. The early Bewitched Kitchen had small square tile mixed with the exposed brick:

Here are some random pictures of brick and backsplashes.

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Rock Hill Cabinets & Cabinetry CCS Woodworks Inc.

and close-up of the tiles

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Rock Hill Cabinets & Cabinetry CCS Woodworks Inc.

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Raleigh General Contractors John C. Sanders and Company

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[Transitional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2112) by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Susan Diana Harris Interior Design

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Denver Kitchen & Bath Designers Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

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[Tropical Dining Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/tropical-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2108) by Santa Rosa Beach Architects & Designers Eric Watson Architect, P.A.

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[Industrial Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/industrial-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2113) by Huntington Interior Designers & Decorators AMI Designs

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Los Altos Interior Designers & Decorators Brownhouse Design, Los Altos, CA

updating- The countertops are walnut. The paint color was a nightmare, but I really do like the rusty pink color. It's not nearly as pink as the flash shows it.

Here's the working part of the kitchen. If that helps visualize things. It's kind of messy and unfinished, but you get the idea.

And here's the arched wall with first paint color and without cubby shelves. That door's been replaced too. I was going to take a more recent picture, and then I realized it would require a lot of moving and cleaning, none of which I'm doing today.

EAM44- Not sure I want to paint the kitchen again. This is the second paint color after trying about 4 billion samples. I tried some off-whites, but almost everything I tried looked either yellow (I hate yellow and anything that looks like it could almost be yellow) or it looked awful with the cabinets. Maybe when it needs re-painted, I'll look harder at whites, but until then, the wall color is here to stay. It would be great if I could find something that looks okay-ish with the pink and would also look okay with a non-yellow off-white. I really like the onyx/mother of pearl mosaic, but thought it would look terribly out of place and I also like the hex, but they both read yellow to me, which knocks them out of the running. I'm not too worried about resale. The backsplash can be torn out a lot easier than a wall of solid brick. People are either going to like it or hate it. I'm okay with that.

snookums- I'd really like to stick with one thing across the board. When I see the brick surround with the grey mosaic, it looks busy to me (and I don't think it matches at all, but what do I know)

robotropolis- can't believe you remembered the yellow :) I thought about beadboard, but I'd really like to avoid paint if possible. But it's definitely not out of the question. My concern is cleaning it. The paint is okay to wipe down, but I figure something a little more solid would be better in the long run. We certainly aren't careful cooks. I was washing spaghetti sauce off of the brick last week, and it's about 7 ft to that point :/ I kind of like the tin, but once again, paint.

a2gemini- I'm also kind of iffy on small tile. I've seen very few that I love. I keep coming back to this marble, so there's obviously something about it I like. Maybe because it's smooth and shiny and I like the difference in texture against the brick, but it still kind of looks like the brick. We had considered running brick as the backsplash, but I'm not sure if I'm up for scrubbing that much more.

needinfo1- no need to apologize for not liking it. I'm not sure if I even do. I mean I like the tile and the matching and the price, but it's certainly not love. Dh really likes it, so that may sway my decision some. This is his hard work and his vision (for the most part) after all. I did order some samples online, but none have been good matches at all. All of the subway tiles have been from online, and all have been disappointing.

may_flowers- I don't think I like gray. I think gray looks terrible with walnut and wood in general. I know plenty of people do it, but it's not a combo I'm visually okay with. I'm going to apologize to everyone who has gray and wood right now. No torches and pitchforks required!

linelle- I'm laughing so hard right now. You should see my awesome temporary (I've been saying temporary for over a year!) fridge. I hated the stainless beast lurking in the depths, so I sold it to my brother with hopes to replace it with something non-stainless, preferably paneled and hidden. No one thought it was a good idea to put the fridge in the pantry (convenience or something) I've got a 5' tall, 30" wide, stained white fridge with dents and children's artwork on the front. It sticks out too. The only thing the mortals are doing here is laughing. Do you know how hard it is to find something 36" wide, counter depth, short enough to fit in an arch, with no ice/water, that isn't stainless? I haven't found one in a year, so the future is grim.

mrsmm, I feel your pain. Just like I don't know anyone else with a white kitchen, I don't know anyone with a counter-depth fridge. People have been very kind to suppress their snickers when they see mine standing proud of the adjacent cabinets.

Ooops, didn't type fast enough to see more responses.

ellendi- We haven't rushed anything since I came home to a started kitchen, but we have big plans in the near-ish future, so I think I better start making some decisions. I don't need to rush, but staring at hundreds of tile samples over the last two years hasn't gotten me any closer to a finished kitchen.

palimpsest- not big on the square look of the pictured kitchen. Not big on 4x4 or 12x12 either. I seem to have a problem with not loving anything that works. I'm really trying not to be a PITA, I promise. What kind of shapes might work other than square? I like several shaped tiles, but I crossed them off the list well before I started looking because I didn't think they would work.

nosoccermom-I like several of those, but a lot of them look like they completely ignored the brick, they look stark, or they don't match. Of all of them, the galley with the crystal chandelier makes me swoon. I've been in love with that kitchen since I laid eye on it. I'd move in, replace the tile floor with wood, and replace the table with a bed, and I'd live happily ever after. The others I like have brick backsplashes, but I doubt they fry bacon every morning, or they have a housekeeper they don't pay nearly enough. I don't mind the subway in the herringbone layout, but I'd do it on the entire wall rather than just behind the range.

linelle- I know plenty of people with white kitchens, but they're not new white kitchens. They are metal cabinets or the heavy flat panels from the 70's (???) or another time period that have been painted or thermofoil off the shelf from -insert big box store here-. Trends are slow here, some never even make it. People just don't obsess about kitchens. I've obsessed far more than I ever thought I would, but mostly obsessing about prices. It's really stupid of me to do, because we really could AFFORD to do whatever I wanted to do, but I cannot justify spending thousands on a backsplash or a fridge that doesn't evoke snickers from the masses. I'm frugal, I hate spending money, and I hate making decisions on things I consider permanent. I wish I could let it go so I could buy the Rejuvenation Hood pendants I've been drooling over for years and pick out a backsplash that I want to lick every time I see it, but I think it would take years of therapy to fix my way of thinking, and you know, therapy's expensive LOL.

I love that second batch of pics showing the paint and brick. What an amazing kitchen! I would do a very plain subway tile that pulls the right cream color from the bricks, and do mortar that matches nearly spot on so that the grout lines are just subtle. Then you know it will match the brick and look great with the counters.

I just LOVE that brick, naysayers begone! I cannot remember, tough, if that is original or you had that installed. I too am a HUGE fan of brick in the kitchen. REAL brick, of course!

Because the archway creates a "firebox" around the range, you could use more brick or a brick format tile that mimicked the firebrick inside a real fireplace, but I probably wouldn't recommend that behind the sink. But you could probably get away without a backsplash altogether over there.

The examples that Snookums and Nosoccermom are showing are not examples of "ignoring" the brick, they are examples of highlighting the brick by contrast. You really wouldn't want to do something that looked like a "near miss" because it was really close to the brick: you wouldn't want to look like you tried to match it but failed.

You could do the entire inside of the arch in matching veneer brick if you could find it, but that would be a Lot of brick and I still wouldn't recommend it behind the sink, too.

Hi Mrs. M, I just love your kitchen, it's so pretty!!! I know what you mean about the money and the obsessing. I do the same thing, it's not that I have to be majorly frugal but I don't like to waste money either and I just want to really like something and not just think it's "fine". I hate that word. Like when people tell you you look "fine" and you have knocked yourself out and been in the bathroom all day doing all manner of gymnastics to look really great only to be told you look "fine", get your coat, let's go. That's just so not gratifying. I mean you want people to gasp when they see you and in a good way!! I feel the same way about stuff I have to work hard for and then put in all manner of hours looking for and after all that I want it to look incredible or at least I want to really like it.

I really love those little rhomboids that were shown upthread but I see what you mean about the yellow.

I love the rhomboid tile in this picture under the hood:

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Danville Kitchen & Bath Designers Kitchens of Diablo

This picture reminded me of your kitchen:

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Sullivan Cabinets & Cabinetry Monarch Cabinetry
This one too:

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[Mediterranean Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2109) by Houston Home Builders Thompson Custom Homes
This is kind of nice and peaceful:

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[Modern Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2105) by Oceanside Doors LaCantina Doors
Sort of like Samantha's kitchen (Bewitched):

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Pensacola Interior Designers & Decorators In Detail Interiors

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Nashville Architects & Designers Norris Architecture
Beadboard in the buffet area

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Decatur Kitchen & Bath Designers CR Home Design K&B (Construction Resources)

…and just for fun

Oh dear…maybe an episode of "what not to wear"

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Boerne General Contractors McMurrey Builders

candidate for "just shoot me"

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[Industrial Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/industrial-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2113) by Denver Interior Designers & Decorators Momoko Morton
For future reference when you can't decide on dishtowels just put them all out….

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[Mediterranean Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2109) by Tampa Architects & Designers Gritton & Associates Architects

I actually really like this hammered copper backsplash. It would be inexpensive because you probably could get DH to install a sheet of it and eliminate tile setting. I think it goes well with your brick.

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[Contemporary Dining Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by San Francisco Cabinets & Cabinetry InHouse Design Studio

loving the diagonal copper tiles over the stove, try not to look at the rest of the kitchen, just the tiles.

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Briarcliff Manor Kitchen & Bath Designers Amazing Spaces

There's something about these slate tiles that I like, not especially with this granite, but they are sort of neat.

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Warrenville Photographers RAHokanson Photography
I really like the type of hammered copper in this sink:

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[Eclectic Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2104) by San Francisco Architects & Designers Andre Rothblatt Architecture

You have amazing taste and it will be beautiful because it already is! I like the tiles you posted, they look nice with what you have done so far and going through pictures on Houzz there were certainly lots of subways like that shown with brick. Good luck! (be sure to enlarge with your computer for the best view of the pictures)

Dear Mrs. M

I love your kitchen and my first thought was- I wonder if brushed copper would compliment the bricks? If the brick has the right tone it might work...I also thought about some mostly, little movement white marble???? The marble will give you the slight variation you are liking, but give you contrast. Just thoughts.

I have that marble. I currently have it in my downstairs 1/2 bath and LOVE it and I too love Pink- but I think it'll camouflage too much instead of popping a bit. I have also used a little movement, "beigeish" tile for the shower.

Happy Hunting! paint works until you Love something. I personally enjoy paint that I can change on a whim- I have had no less that 8 colors for mine in 20 years!

Heather

Mmm, I wasn't suggesting gray like the picture. Just the idea, say in a beige type stone color from the brick tones; or to notice how using a smaller tile offsets the brick.

You don't have to like it, just wanted to note the point of the image.

In the just shoot me kitchen, I like the white hoosiers, standing back against the wall, slightly afraid.
Unless you've eliminated beadboard as too rustic, there is ceramic beadboard. Here's a link to a gardenweb kitchen with it,

Here is a link that might be useful: ceramic

So, you should really consider travertine, like the pink trav hex tile I posted. It may look yellow on your monitor, but the most common complaint about travertine is that is looks pink when installed. I think you've got that covered.

So funny that you dislike most yellow tones. I loved 2LittleFishies' kitchen, but generally speaking, I agree with you. I almost never offer tile suggestions when there's a gold brown granite involved. I so dislike those kinds of stone I can't stare at them for the required period of time it takes to get inspired and find the right tile. The FB paint I picked has rose undertones, so keep it in mind for the re-paint years hence.

I don't think the shell tile would look out of place at all, but if you do, might you consider shiplap a la mamadadapaige's kitchen, painted the same color as the cabinets? It's a simple, clean look that could work well for you. I fear beadboard would be too fussy for your splash.

You know, the other option might be a large format tile like Fireclay's Claymonde sheets. They may kill your budget though....

Here is a link that might be useful: Mamadadapaige

greenhaven- Mr. MM installed the brick while I was away visiting family members. We'd be collecting them for years from various places, hoping to use them in a project. I had mentioned using some in a future kitchen, but hadn't really put much thought into how. I do think something simple would be the safest choice, but I've yet to find something simple that coordinates well. You'd think with the thousands of tiles available, there would be one that worked well with everything somewhere.

palimpsest-I had considered a smoky gray/black irregular tile that mimicked the inside of a fireplace. But like you mentioned, it doesn't really work behind the sink. I guess I see how they are contrasting the bricks in the picture, but in the kitchen with the brick chimney and the white tile with black tile accents, I don't understand how the black ties in with anything. It forces me to look for something that it ties to, but there's nothing, so it looks like someone just tossed it there without thought. I'm sure there was thought behind it, but I sure don't get it. Once again, I'm not a designer, so there's probably more to it. Something I do understand is the near-miss. Although a near miss is more pleasing to me visually than contrast.

gr8day- Thanks! I'm quite happy with the way it has turned out, but can't wait to see it finished. I guess I shouldn't be "okay" with something just being "okay" or "fine". I know dh is quick to say I look fine after I spent an hour getting ready. Frustrating! Out of the pictures you posted, the monochromatic schemes seem to be the ones I gravitate towards, even if they aren't colors I love. The "what not to wear" kitchen is extremely busy, and exactly what I'm terrified of ending up with. The "just shoot me kitchen" is kind of fun, but more kids' bathroom fun, not I have to look at this while I'm cooking fun. I absolutely love that bathroom. Very steampunk. If I could make steampunk work in our house, I'd love to do the guest bath in a similar style. I also love that copper pillow-y backsplash. My biggest concern would be lack of light. The brick is a definitely light grabber, and I'd be afraid the copper wouldn't help. I bet it would cost $10k for the two walls lol.

heatheron40- The only copper I have here to test out is my copper bottom cookware. I could shine one up and test it, or I could see if the lumber yard had any flashing in smaller pieces. I don't mind the paint, but I'm just not sure how well it will hold up over the long run to hot, greasy splatters, and I don't see any possible way to do just a backsplash behind the range and have it look nice.

snookums2- Sorry for the misinterpretation. You have to explain to me like I'm 5 sometimes. I do see how the smaller tiles contrast the brick. It does make sense to use something much bigger/smaller or different shaped as contrast.

chesters_house- I just noticed the fearful Hoosiers. hahahahaha. "Please don't paint me purple!" I didn't know they made ceramic beadboard. I mean, I should have assumed, but it never crossed my mind to look for it. I'm not sure if it's too rustic or not. I'm not exactly sure what the kitchen theme is, so I guess I don't know what I should be looking for. There is a great deal of confusion on my end.

EAM44- My monitor must be really off, because on my screen, those look yellow, muted harvest gold comes to mind on one, the others more of a tan-ish yellow. Not sure how to fix that problem, and makes me wonder what the kitchen pictures look like on everyone's screens. Now I'm curious as to what the wall paint color you suggested actually looks like. We looked at some travertine in the beginning. It's kind of got the rustic, textural look I seem to find most appealing, but the colors varied so much, I was hesitant to pick up some to sample. The dreaded case of "the sample I took home matched, but when I ordered 60 boxes, it looked completely different". Worst case scenario with the pink marble is I have to buy extras to replace the extra pink tiles. It's not special order and it's only 45 minutes away, and it's cheap enough that I could buy 400 tiles to pick out the least offensive and return the other 340. Then with all the money I saved, I could buy at least one hood pendant without guilt.

This is an example of a backsplash I would love to lick. I don't know how to find any information about it or a close-up. It's probably another $10k job.

I think the beadboard backsplash would look very nice in your kitchen. I understand your hesitation in regard to keeping it clean however. Have you considered ceramic tile beadboard? There was a thread from SusieQusie60 a few years ago with examples of installed beadboard tile that's very nice. I don't have any idea on cost however.

Here is a link that might be useful: Beadboard Ceramic Tile Backsplash

I was just looking at the ceramic beadboard. What do you do when you need way more than 24" long? It would work fine under cabinets, but nowhere else. I think it would look a bit silly with grout stripes, and I really don't want to add more than one type of tile. So I think that puts ceramic beadboard out of the running. Regular beadboard would still work, but I'd rather just save the money and leave the wall as-is since, I wouldn't be getting away from paint. Edited to add: Also can't use regular beadboard behind range because it's flammable, so I'm still stuck with a second material, so I think beadboard in general is completely out.

This post was edited by mrsmortarmixer on Tue, May 27, 14 at 23:48

Yeah, ixne on the eadboardbe. It's not right for your space.

I want you to know I took a good long breath before recommending or even showing you a trav, but It figured that with your penchant for pink it might work for you. A mosaic like the hex tile will have some variation from hex to hex, but they tend to be pretty consistent from sheet to sheet in their overall appearance. I'm not sure why you think your marble will be more consistent, but I hope you're right. It's usually the subways and 12" squares that show the greatest variability because their larger surface area makes differences easier to spot. You have to make sure your store has a good returns policy when you deal w natural stone.

Good luck with the marble and be sure to show us an image when you're done. And good luck with the grout choice!

EAM44- I'm still not sold on the marble, and I realize it will have a lot of variation. I'd just have more flexibility. I like travertine, so I'll definitely consider it. I never really looked at any at tile stores, just big box, so I have no idea what to expect. I'd just hate to special order something that looks more pink and end up with a ton of yellow. I'm keeping all of these in mind and searching online stores like crazy. I don't want to rule anything out that might work better than the marble. This doesn't have to be done this week, or this month. It would be nice to have it done before Thanksgiving, but it's not really THAT important.

MrsMM I love your kitchen, but I am not sure I am in love with the marble. What about if instead of thinking about the backsplash in terms of the brick color you instead focused on the rich chocolatey walnut goodness of the countertop.
I am thinking of a chocolate glass, or even a walnut plank look perhaps? {{gwi:1832402}}From GW Photos

{{gwi:1832404}}From GW Photos

Hi Mrs. MM. I usually avoid backsplash posts because I am a believer that people should do what they love. Something made me open this thread and I think I know what your problem is.

You keep talking about wanting something that "matches." But that is the wrong direction completely. You need something that complements.

I know a lot of people fear that if they choose something too different, that it will take away from the feature that they love. But reality is that the opposite is true. That marble is so similar to the brick, yet different enough, that the eye can't distinguish what is special about either feature. With a complementary element, it allows the design feature to stand out, as long as you choose one that is less flashy/patterned/etc. then the primary feature.

Good luck! I know you tried the complementary route with paint and it didn't work out for you. I think since your pink has orange and brown undertones, perhaps you need more blue and less yellow in the green. Either way, I think you need to get this idea of "matching" out of your head.

I bought very inexpensive China Black floor tiles from Lowes for my powder room. Because of the reviews, I knew to open each box and examine each tile. I ended up putting together boxes of acceptable tiles, and returning boxes of the unacceptable ones before even removing them from the store. I would then re-order and repeat. It took me three trips, or possibly four, but I got what I needed.

Wherever you buy your tile, just make sure you can return it if you don't like what comes in!

If you're still taking suggestions, I'll keep an eye out.

By the way, are we overlooking the obvious here? Do you have any leftover brick, and if so, the means to cut thin (5/8") veneer pieces from it?

Copper can come sealed -- or distressed and sealed. If the color is at all interesting, it might be worthwhile to buy a sample and abuse it. Frigo Designs, and no doubt lots of others, sells sheets and tiles.
Otherwise, in a completely different direction, why not pattern? The recent thread on colorful backsplashes has examples.

Here is a link that might be useful: frigo

Now that I have seen the bigger pictures, I think I would just leave the paint. The brick is the star, why detract from it? Good quality paint should be pretty scrubable and it is easy to repaint if necessary after a few years. Honestly I think it would be easier to clean than more brick or travertine. Cheap too. And you can change the color anytime you want.

A near miss at matching is almost never preferable to contrast: what looks better, a black jacket and black pants that are just slightly but obviously different, or black pants with a different colored shirt or jacket?

Well, just to add another idea...we used a solid sheet of safety glass as our backsplash. It is available both as clear glass or some tinted choices. We used the clear and just had it set in place over the wall color we had already painted the walls. We LOVE it, it cleans up like a champ with Windex and our contractor has since used the idea in other kitchens. For us it was a great solution.

Linelle, LOL you are so funny. I love your sense of humor and you know that you have my favorite white kitchen.

MrsMM, your kitchen is beautiful. I would go without a bs. You could have plate glass installed behind your range or cooktop to make it easy to clean the wall.

"never really looked at any at tile stores, just big box,"

Therein lies another of your problems finding something. Go to a tile shop, not just any tile store but one that carries the special stuff and the artisan lines.

If you go that route, know that the store samples will vary from the current lot. They often do not take returns either! Get a few sample tiles from the current lot, even pre-order a box, to make sure you like what's on hand. Tile firings can be vastly different.

The tile you want to eat, above, looks like French limestone. Maybe a start as a descriptor. That picks up on the beautiful soft feel of your brick. I think you intuitively know what will personally work for you with what you've already created yourself. So keep looking - outside the big box! If there's a name on the photo, try hunting down the designer. They are sometimes willing to share that type of info.

Get something that makes your day every time you walk in there!

localeater- I will order some samples of browns while I'm shopping. Mr.MM is going to be surprised when the next 400 lbs of tile samples start rolling in.

EAM44- we definitely have more brick, but I'm not sure I want anymore. It's kind of a pain to clean. Maybe sealed wouldn't be horrible, but it's still got a lot of nooks and crannies for things to hide in. I scrub down the brick around the range a few times a year and it takes a few hours, and it doesn't get many splashes, just dusty.

controlfreakecs- Maybe match isn't the proper word, but I certainly don't want to add anymore colors. I'm okay with picking out a color that's already there, even if it's in small amounts.

chesters_house- I kind of like the idea of a pattern, but would it be too busy?

crl- It seems that paint is going to be the easiest, and maybe best choice.

ineffablespace- you're talking to someone who would wear black pants and a black sweater and think it looked okay because they are both black. This whole post is making me realize that my wardrobe probably needs a lot of work as well.

saipanlady- I'm hesitant to do something just behind the range and sink. The sink would probably be okay, but would a square of something look weird with the arch above?

snookums2- I meant I didn't look at travertine only at anywhere but the big box stores. I did visit a lot of actual tile stores looking for other things, though. I also found a bigger picture of the lick-able backsplash after several hours of searching. I'm pretty sure it's way out of my budget. The tile company has absolutely stunning tile though.

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[Mediterranean Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2109) by La Jolla General Contractors GDC Construction

Here is a link that might be useful: Tabarka Studio Tile

This link will provide a ballpark. Sigh.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mission Stone and Tile

Yep, even there clearance tile is way more than I could ever spend. Sigh is right :(

I too was looking at a brick BS but sadly reconsidered :( Just sooo afraid of the mess it will make when cooking , cleaning etc. How about a travertine tumbled look? that is what we are going with now and it still gives us that rustic look we LOVE but without the trials that come with choosing a brick BS :) good luck!!

I too was looking at a brick BS but sadly reconsidered :( Just sooo afraid of the mess it will make when cooking , cleaning etc. How about a travertine tumbled look? that is what we are going with now and it still gives us that rustic look we LOVE but without the trials that come with choosing a brick BS :) good luck!!

The beadboard will look nice too :)

I agree that unglazed brick is not a good material for any kitchen in terms of ease of cleaning, but hasn't that ship sailed?

You've got your brick and your paint and your counters, you may not want to juggle another eye-grabber in the space. A course of three or four brick-high veneers is probably the way to go - or perhaps your hubby can soldier the veneers. Maybe you could experiment with sealing the brick to see how much of a color change you get?