IMHO, I think that will look really nice. I like the idea of either having a shiny countertop w/ a matte tile or vice versa such as those who have the matte soapstones w/ the glossy subway tiles. I love your cabinets....details please......the hardware in particular!

Another way to look at it- subway tile will go out of style again someday, and the more common (shiny) will go first.

I have matte subway and LOVE it. With the granite surface being shiny, I didn't want another shiny surface next to the granite, as I thought it would be too much shine. The matte works perfectly and I'm extremely happy with my choice. I do have a 1/2" glass liner on the backsplash for a bit of shimmer which is one row up from the counter. Our splash design is not busy since our granite is.

I can see our design not going out of style for a long, long time which is also what I considered.

My last client did matte subway and is exceedingly pleased with it. AS with other posts above it was matched with a granite c-top and deep oak cabs.

Rosie - I was surprised at how easily I answered your question (and thanks for posing it). Hands down, the calm texture of a matte tile because I love the quietness of everything in the kitchen, with the granite being the one energetic point.

Peemps - I hadn't thought of the matte soapstone/glossy tile combination which I have admired so much and works so well together. Our custom cabinets are recessed panel, inset, with hidden hinges, white is painted mdf and the ebony stained are maple, and the island will also be ebony which is not shown in the above photos. All hardware is from Restoration Hardware - knobs are polished chrome Hanson, pulls are polished chrome Aubrey and mostly 8", and glass knobs are polished nickel (cause they didn't have them in chrome).

I was always drawn to matte tile BUT this was before I was considering a subway tile. But the shinyness was the one factor I didn't like about the subway tile, which is kind of weird how I ended up getting it! Well, it was due to this photo, which regardless of the actual tile finish in reality, looks matte in the photo.

This forum rocks. I feel better now, and will wait for the tiles to come in.

Just an interesting after thought, I realized how easily I can be influenced by media and social statements - what is in, what's out, what's "classic", what's not. When it comes down to it, I picked the stuff I love in my kitchen (cabinets, floors, granite, pendant lights) due to an overall instinct and my personal design aesthetic, not a "what's in style" motivation. Obviously there are some design rules to consider on what "works" together, but the only reason I had doubts, even though I know I didn't like shiny tile, was because I saw that "everyone else" with subway tile had glossy!!

Here's my backsplash inspiration photo which looks matte, although it could very well be glossy in reality.

I can see what you like about it, and it makes a great backup to that wonderful stove. You're fortunate that you do know just what you like. After all these years, I'm still constantly being seduced from my own happy path by the lovely options offered on all sides.

Personally, I think the matte tiles "read" more modern. Plus, the size reads modern as well. You made the right choice.....

Based on that inspiration photo, I'd say, choose matte (if the tiles actually in the photo are glossy, they read matte, and it's what you perceived that drew you to them in the first place!).

Also, I think matte will give you just enough of that twist or modern edge you've been seeking, while staying true to the "tone" set by your kitchen and cabs.

That said, there is no right or wrong here. Both the matte and the glossy version of the tiles would work beautifully with your shiny granite, it's just a matter of going with the look that calls to you. :-)

I can hardly wait to see it all come together.

It's going to be yummy- yummy cuz I envision your backsplash as vanilla ice cream, the counter as gooey shiny caramel mix, and the expresso as wonderful rich dark chocolate!

I think the matte tile is going to be wonderful (but I'm a matte kind of girl -- I'd always pick it over the shiny!).

I love the look and feel of matte tiles. It creates tension with the shiney granite and cab finish.

redroze, love your inspiration pic. I don't think you've made a mistake. Can't wait to see your kitchen. I think it is going to be breathtaking!

i think the matte will look great. it will serve to soften the feel of the room a bit, with your shiny counters, glass, and shiny cabinet hardware.

if you'd asked me ahead of time, i'd have said go with matte.

by the way, your cabinets are really beautiful.

I haven't read the other posts but honey, with those cabinets, you could put mud on your backsplash and it woudl look great!

I have matte and I prefer it - I'm just a non-glossy sort of gal so I really like the more subtle sheen vs the high sheen.

You've done great!

Anita

I am SO glad...the backsplash is the one decision we didn't consult with our designer on, as we couldn't afford it until we paid off some of our other kitchen expenses. I couldn't justify taking a loan as I've never done that...everything in our kitchen we've pretty much tried to pay off right away. That's how we've always been.

Thank you so much for the wonderful comments, and I will post pics once are cabinets are up so you can all admire them along with us!!! I am so relieved, was starting to worry that I made a big goof, and am excited that you are all on this ride with hubby and I. I think this will be the last of my backsplash posts...because my wonderful MATTEAnn Sacks Heath ceramic tile will be coming in the mail in a few weeks!!!

Someone may have already made this point, but I am in favor of the matte tiles in your kitchen since your granite is shiny. I am going to have a honed counter so that's why I'll go with a shiny backsplash, for contrast. Don't worry....your instincts are great.

Thanks for posting Blakey! I find I've been derailed from my instincts a few times during this kitchen reno...but always good to get confirmation that I was on the right track in the first place.

You're welcome! Now I need to start trusting to my own instincts so I can stop changing my mind every five minutes. I'm driving my family crazy! Looking forward to seeing your pictures soon. By the way, if you're still trying to decide about the backsplash behind your computer, I vote for something warm, and I like the simplicity of paint...

redroze- The matte finish will look great!
I also love your granite- can you tell me its name?
Thanks!

Late posting here but I vote for matte. Besides, anything from Ann Sacks is beautiful!

Shaker26 - Thank you! It's Bianco Antico which translates to antique white, or is sometimes referred to as Brazilian Diamond.

Tartanhabit - Good thing that you voted for matte. I already bought it!!

Shaker26 - Just for you, here are a few more shots of the granite. Good luck with granite hunting!

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