To Steel or Not To Steel?
This basic kitchen in
the beach community in Coronado, Panama needs some help – and what better place to start than with some backsplash tile?
I’m noticing a trend when it comes to kitchen design in Panama…it seems like the designers and/or architects seem to skimp out on the finishes. I found out this is mainly because the kitchens were spaces reserved for the maids and cooks – not a space that is meant to be enjoyed by the homeowners and guests.
Basic laminate cabinets (pale wood veneer) with stainless steel hardware, stainless steel stove, a black microwave with stainless steel detailing and a vanilla coloured matte quartz countertop - this kitchen needs some colour!
The kitchen in this house is kept separate from the open-concept interior and it definitely needs a pop of colour.
If I had it my way, I’d upgrade the stove and change the microwave to a newer, stainless steel model, but then I’d have no choice but to go ahead and upgrade the cabinets too! Luckily, the kitchen is very functional – the L-shaped design is great for prepping and cooking, and the decent amount of counter space (which you cannot see here but it extends to the right past the stove) makes it easy to cook up a storm. Directly across the counter is a large span of pantry storage that is nearly 7 feet tall (I can only make use of 5 feet of the storage when on my tippy toes) and 4′-6″ wide, and for this, I am grateful.
The selection of tile in the beach community area is slightly limited. I will have to choose a back splash from the beaches because it’s much cheaper than having it delivered from the city (which is an hour and half away). The tile that caught my eye is a combination of stone and glass pieces. The house has orange accents, so these colours would work well.
Oh, and I should also mention that the walls are made of concrete blocks covered in plaster – and this back splash wall is very uneven (it looks quite wavy…makes tile installation even trickier!)
Design Election:
So what will it be? Do you have a favourite? What’s your top choice if you had to pick from these styles?
OPTION #1 - Mixed stone & glass mosaic
OPTION #2 - Stainless steel subway
OPTION #3 - Stainless steel stacked squares
OPTION #4 - Mixed stone mosaic
OPTION #5 - Glass mosaic
OPTION #6 - Mixed stone & glass stacked rectangles
OPTION #7 - Mixed stone & glass collage
My vote? A combination of Option #2 Stainless Steel subway tiles with a running frieze made from Option #1 Mixed Stone & Glass (either 2 or 3 rows of tile). I like the glass mosaics in Option #5, but the colour of the lighter tiles is too “girly” and looks more suitable for a washroom space.
My ideal choice of tile would be a version of a “railroaded” subway tile (so to speak). I think the back splash could benefit from a tile format that helps elongate the wall and make the space feel larger. I’d love to see something like the image below (uncanny how similar the cabinet and counter finishes are, huh?):
Image courtesy of Mbledoz.com
Now it’s time to vote! Put your design skills to use and leave a comment below with your choice, or make a recommendation for a new look.
I’d love to hear from you. :)
35 Comments
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Welcome to Passport To Design! My name is Tania. I love Design almost as much as I love Travel, and here is where my two loves collide. Check out the "About Me" page for more info. Thanks for reading. Happy travels, my dear design-loving friends.
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Twitter: coreasotropa
| November 29, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I’d go for #1 all the way. The pale tones will look good with the countertop and the punch of color will really help this kitchen. Maybe the picture didn’t capture the colors of it well, but it doesn’t look to girly for me!
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thanks for your vote, Jacqueline :) I meant that the glass mosaic tiles in Option 5 look too “girly”. The light peach colour is a bit too soft and subdued…not suitable for a kitchen.
#6 Mixed stone and glass rectangles! Love how the grey tiles compliment the stainless and the coloured ones add some dash to the kitchen. This was fun! Thanks. Deborah, Green Light District Design
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for your vote, Miss. Green Light District Design :) I think the grey is a nice touch too, and the tiles in #6 still have a pop of colour.
Twitter: SogniESorrisi
| November 29, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I like the look of stainless steel but I worry that it’s not very pratical. I can’t see it being very easy to keep clean, shiny and streak free.
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 2:23 pm
You make a very valid point, Connie! It’s definitely a challenge to keep stainless steel appliances clean, let alone a back splash that is constantly being obstructed by items on the counter. It’s tricky to get around to clean it. Thanks for your comment :)
Twitter: Staci_Edwards
| November 29, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Loving the stainless Tania! And the good thing is that Panama is so warm, that the cool material will be welcomed I’m sure!
Can’t wait to see what you do!
xo
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Thanks, Staci! I like all of the options, so I appreciate your vote…tough decision to make ;)
#1 or #6 (which I do realize are the same stone but different tile size) Obvs I like it!!! It sure would add some much needed colour … I bet that don’t have to do a tile backsplash too because of the cement blocks … How are you guys settling in?
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Hi Sharon, thanks for your comment. We’re settling in just fine, thanks for asking. Things are going great and we’re loving the change in lifestyle! Most kitchens don’t have backsplash tile because it’s just considered too much of an unnecessary luxury for a space that isn’t considered important. It’s going to be tricky to install the backsplash, however, because the wall is so painfully uneven. I’m trying to figure out the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing option now (which is why I think the smaller the tile, like a mosaic, the less obvious any puckers and pinches will be!) :)
You could run #6 vertically and then have that railroading effect that you want. Another idea would be to run #2 vertically and add stripes of #6 to add some pop.
Option #2 stainless steel subway tile all the way! Love the subway style with a modern twist. I think the metal surface will reflect light and make it brighter, and subway tiles seem to keep the eye moving around the room, making it seem bigger than it is. LOVE!
I’m no designer but I’ve been around a few houses :-)
I like #7 with it’s random shapes, colours and sizes. It would give me so many options for a plaster finish. So when do you make the decision?
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Good idea about running #6 vertically, Lisa. I think it would be a little tedious to install since the vertical strips are more appealing to me if they were unevenly stacked (like bricks) instead of one tile directly under another, but it’s worth a shot! Thanks so much for your comment.
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I agree, Jane – subway tiles are so beautiful, and the stainless steel ones are quite pretty. Connie makes a good point that they are difficult to keep clean, but I’m not sure that the “client” is looking to be practical in this case ;)
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 4:06 pm
You don’t have to be a designer to have great design sense, Darrell ;) #7 is very cool – it would help play up the rectilinear shapes and forms throughout the rest of the house too, and definitely add a visually interesting dynamic to the space. Maybe the puzzle-piece effect will prevent the unevenly plastered wall from being too obvious…? A decision will be made come late December – I will keep you all posted as to what was chosen!
Twitter: ShannonKFitz
| November 29, 2010 at 4:14 pm
I LOVE option #2, but the bright and colourful girl in me likes #5. Are you actually going to do some renovating??
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Absolutely, Shannon. One of my “jobs” down here is to find some backsplash tile for this kitchen. I will be posting about the process here on Passport To Design once the ball gets rolling. Thanks for your vote :)
Twitter: bumpandhustle
| November 29, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Hi Tania!
I love the idea of the railroaded stainless steel tiles, so my first choice is definitely #2, especially as I think I spy a bit of under cabinet lighting.. That will look amazing. I do have to say though, that working with metal tiles on uneven surfaces is not exactly a rewarding experience.. it probably will show a little warped especially because the subway tiles are larger.
My SECOND vote, heehee, is #5 – the clean, smooth, glass mosaic with that hit of colour is lovely, and might be easier to work with.
I love all the choices. They all conjure totally different flavours! xo
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Thanks for the vote, Kat. I should mention that the under counter lighting is not working – but it would be great to replace them and add some layered lighting to the backsplash. The lighting might reflect too much on the steel and potentially point out all the flaws caused from the uneven wall. Hmmm…lots to think about :)
I’d have to vote for #1. The colors would really warm up the space, and the variable textures would be a little more forgiving of the uneven block surface.
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 29, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Thanks for your vote, Cynthia. I agree about the textures being more forgiving (and the small mosaic format helps too!).
i like option 1 or 6… i love subway tile but not in stainless steel… hope this helps and good luck!
Twitter: bobbypinn
| November 30, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I dig option one all the way. I love the steel look, but it can get overbearing for me. Mind you, I think you should paint a custom design in there somewhere….again…just me :) Love the post!
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 30, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Why thank you for your comment, Miss Clarkston (or Mlle. Pinn?). I think Option 1 would be the most successful in terms of the uneven surface upon which the tile is being applied. I think YOU should paint a custom design in there…you’re the artist ;) Thanks for reading and commenting!
Twitter: Krista Salter
| November 30, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Okay friend….I say Option #1. There are a few things I like about it…
1. it’s colourful! This kitchen needs that pop of colour, as you said. Stainless may make it seems too cold, and too modern. Maybe you need to add a bit of Canadian flavour to the kitchen ;) It will be unexpected by the clients!
2.The differences in the finishes, some shiny, some matte, I think adds the dimension that this kitchen is lacking. It’s not a huge space, so it can take the small mosaics well.
I think that all in all, you can’t go wrong, but Option #1 is my gut instinct. It’s hip, funky, has some elements of modern, some of old world tradition (the stone).
Look forward to the “after”!
K
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 30, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Thanks for the vote, friend. Option 1 seems to be the forerunner here. I think it would be the easiest to install and come with the least amount of maintenance. The kitchen could also benefit from the steel because it doesn’t need to feel “warm” and cozy…in fact, the entire house is designed as if ice and snow were the design concept :) It’s super hot and tropical here so the cooler colour scheme works well. I think the steel could look nice with the cupboard pulls and then warmer wood colour of the built-in pantry and all the milwork keep the space balanced with a warmer tone.
It’s a toss up! I look forward to seeing how it all pans out! (oh, and I should mention that the stone tiles are $4 cheaper per square foot than the steel!).
Twitter: Krista Salter
| November 30, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Agreed…the temperature is something to note. Naturally, as I sit here waiting for the onset of winter, warmth is all I can relate too! :)
Another thing to consider with the steel backsplash is maintenance, as in kitchen “spills”. Maybe #1 will “hide” some of the splashes and spills more than the steel. Naturally, the cost is a factor and so price it out and maybe your client will just say the cheaper one! Don’t they always? ;)
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 30, 2010 at 5:00 pm
You are right, client’s usually opt for cheaper ;) I think my client has her heart set on the stainless steel, although she does like the combination of stone and glass in Option 1. It also would add some nice texture to the otherwise “flat” kitchen. And yes, a couple of other people have pointed out that the steel is difficult to keep clean.
Mixes tone mosiac, but could I have some BLUE in it, lol!
I meant mixed tone mosiac, – where is the edit button, lol?
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 30, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Haha, thanks for the comment, Ellen. I COULD have edited your typo for you..but your response was just too cute not to include ;) There are blue-tile options instead of the orange, but the house has all orange accents so the blue would clash! Thanks for reading, I appreciate your support.
OK so originally I was thinking the stainless subway tile……but I think that maybe I am rethinking that original concept and would go with # 1, 6 or 7 all the way! I think I would leave it in your capable hands, as after all, thats what you are paid the big bucks for!!! (tee hee) I think ANYTHING would be an improvement over the uneven blank concrete….
Twitter: TLC_Designs
| November 30, 2010 at 11:32 pm
And there you have it, folks! The client has spoken… Option 1, 6 or 7 are the forerunners!
I’d go for Option #1, the smaller size of the tiles makes it look a little less rustic, but the mixed colours and textures still brings in a great bop to the kitchen. Otherwise, to be totally unhelpful, I also love Option 7. The mixed directions of the tiles is funky. Have fun with this project, whatever you chose, the backsplash treatment is going to be beautiful.