Well...I was all set to pull the trigger on the "corrugated" tile

and then I saw this fireplace and am trying to figure out how to translate this idea onto my backsplash. I really love the chevron design and how they laid the backsplash in 3 different patterns.

Leslie, don't want to but in but you've got such a traditional fireplace in your adjacent room. I think you're smart to take so much time and really think the backsplash through.

Every tile you've posted is so modern you clearly want a modern house.

See that vertical pattern in the center of the fireplace? Why not do vertical white subways staggered or stacked, keep it very simple and economical -- do the whole wall that way. It will relate to the fireplace and still look great it the more modern kitchen.

I think that the pull and backsplash decisions are the toughest. Too many choices.

Like the main sink faucet, backsplash is one of the most important kitchen elements -- way underrated. It may seem counter intuitive but finding the tile before anything else makes everything easier IMO.

the brick on the fireplace is approx. 2"X8". Would you go with a similar size on the backsplash or would a 3"X6" "off the shelf" tile work just as well?

Malhgold, where are you stopping your tile behind the hood fan? I remember seeing your kitchen before but now of course, I can't find it. I have the exact same layout as you with the 2 windows/range centred and I'm trying to determine where to stop the backsplash.

I think using the 3 different patterns may be busy as a backsplash since the area may not be that big to get the same effect.

Longer will be more elegant and slightly more modern. But once it's up the vertical lines will dominate and the width will be minimized.

I'd make 2 templates. Draw each size exactly on sheets of 11 x 14 paper and tape them together. Do a top to bottom strip two widths wide (22"). That's as wide as a roll of wallpaper and with one on each side you can see how the scale compares and switch them back to front. Also photo and see how that looks.

When I did my multicolor splash that's how I decided whether or not I could live with it. I colored in the squares tiles and taped them up on the wall.

That chevron is cool! I like everything about that picture, but I still like your corrugated look better. Backsplash decision is so hard!

I'd do the copy machine templates--good idea! Or better yet....someone with good photoshop experience...anyone???

jumab - I'm doing the backsplash on the entire wall.

rococogurl - thanks for the suggestions...

firsthouse - i wish i could get a good photocopy of the ribbed tile so I could tape it on the wall. maybe i need to take the tile to staples because it's not working on my home printer.