The Perfect Subway Tile...

Hi Christine,
This is my kitchen. In the spring we painted the cabinets white, changing the hardware, installed black granite countertops and an undermount sink. But my husband and I cannot agree on a backsplash. We've spent the past 6 months arguing about it. Help! I want a backsplash before the holidays get here! I like white subway tile but he thinks it looks cheap. What would you do for a backsplash? We live in a suburban Missouri neighborhood and need to keep it pretty neutral for resale purposes.
Love your blog!!!
Thanks!
Kelley

Kelley,

Your kitchen is looking great! I think we can find a perfect solution for you. A subway tile that does not look cheap. No problem!

I have four types that I would like you to look at.

1. Beveled edge
2. Stone
3. Handmade
4. Glass tiles

The subway tiles with beveled edges have a really nice depth and a more striking pattern to them. I know that Porcelenosa has a nice one. But just go shop at your local source and ask for a subway tile with a heavily beveled edge. Make sure you also get a flat one to show your husband the difference. Show it to him installed if you can.

All kinds of stone come cut in a subway tile shape. Any nice neutral travertine or marble would look terrific. You get your subway look- he gets the richness of real stone. If you want to keep it white like a traditional subway tile- no problem- you can get a carrara marble in a subway cut. (at least you can in California :)

Hand made tiles have such a terrific richness to them. The lack of perfection- makes them perfect. Jeffrey Court- Walker Zanger, Country Floors- there are many sources- again- go to your local tile source and ask for hand made subway tiles. They will cost so much your husband will never mistake them for "cheap."

Glass is the hottest new surface in backspashes- and comes in a lot of neutral shades- not just the blues and greens. A subway shape and size will also be simple to find.

Hey readers- what do you think? Which way should Kelley go? Or do you have another idea for her altogether?

If you still have problems- you can call my sister- in- law- she is a Ph. D. and does relationship counseling. She is very good. :)