Rustic and iridescent black tiles are two successful looks.
Black counters – particularly soapstone and granite — have been a standard in kitchens for the past ten years while inky backsplashes have not enjoyed the same popularity. In fact, it can be difficult to even find a photo of black tile behind a range or a sink! The power of black to absorb light is one deterrent as is finding black tile that doesn’t come off as too bathroom-y.
Yet there are so many kitchens where black – or near black — seems a logical choice for a backsplash. In an all-white kitchen, one strategy is to do a reverse Oreo with black as the filling. The rustic gunmetal color tile [top], from Gothic Tile, is striking and the surface texture adds a metallic richness that’s deftly picked up by the weathered shades on the handsome pendant light.
Glass mosaic can be tricky but the slight iridescence in this butler’s pantry by Kelly Deck gives it a modern sophistication. What also helps is the “gray scale” cabinet color scheme with graduated light to dark gray tones beginning with the base cabinets and moving up, although the lightest color in the mix is reserved for the counters. It’s very urban and beautiful at night when the lighting accents what’s inside the cabinets as well as what’s behind the sink.
That first picture is really unique! I love that look!
The butler’s pantry is fun, and a good type of spot to do that. The kitchen is absolutely breathtaking. A lot of the reason it works for me is because the white isn’t white and the black isn’t black, so it’s a softer contrast. Very elegant and the backsplash connects with the metals in the room.
Hi…can you tell me th name of this beautiful backsplash and where it can be bought. Thank you
Hello Joan,
The first backsplash, as noted in my post, is gunmetal color from Gothic Tile.
I don’t have a specific source for the black mosaic in the second backsplash but I do know that Porcelanosa, a leading tile manufacturer, has something that is very close to this look.
With thanks for dropping by,
Jane