Well, just as I suspected we would, we went for it. We chose butcher block for the kitchen countertops. Specifically, a beautiful, oiled cherry. It just felt right. It’s going to look incredible next to the blue cabinets, and will really pop against the bright white we’re going to put on the walls.
The questions now is: What about a backsplash?
This is NOT the thing I thought we’d have the most trouble with. But here we are, and I’ve got no idea what would look best, and what would look right and not piece-y and would blend well, in our small kitchen.
A simple white subway tile? I don’t hate it, but we’re using that style in the master bathroom, and I feel like you definitely don’t want bathroom vibes in a kitchen.
Something more colorful? Great idea! But it’s going to look really busy in such a confined space.
Pressed tin? Yeah, it just doesn’t look…correct.
Just go without it? I actually would be totally fine with this, and I think it would look great, but butcher block requires some kind of backsplash, since it needs to expand and contract and can’t sit flush with the wall. Didn’t know that before. Do know that now.
We’re at a loss. And we’re up to our necks in tile samples. I know we’ll figure it out, but man, I just really wasn’t anticipating putting so much thought into this. The good news is, this is the last thing we really have to choose. I shouldn’t complain.
So, onward. Another day, another decision. What would you do?
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
The butcher block is very nice! While most of the examples I saw paired it with white subway tile, I think I would go for something lighter than the cabinets but not white. Like a pale blue, or gray-blue in a shade that went with the countertops. The Marza rust subway tile is darker, like the cherry (Home Depot) and comes in a Marza Pearl which has nice tones of the blue-gray with off white color. I would just keep looking until I found the one that pulls the blue and the cherry together without being too dark or too white. I am sure you will eventually find the one that works!
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We found a beautiful turquoise that’s really nice with the cabinet color, but still not quite right. Color is definitely an option! I know that when the right thing comes along, we’ll know it. I just wish it would get here already!
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I know what you mean!
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What about a white tile in a different pattern than subway. Like chevron or a quartzite slab?
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I love a chevron pattern! We’re definitely thinking about that as a possibility.
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Or, off the wall, Aspect makes a peel and stick metal tile which I have used several times in backsplashes. I have always gone with the brushed aluminum but it comes in btonza snd champagne as well. You can cut it with a good metal snip for a good fit. Here’s a link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Aspect-Metal-3-in-x-6-in-Champagne-Backsplash-Panels/50218481
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This is really pretty! I love thinking outside the box. 🙂 A change in perspective is so helpful sometimes.
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I think I would like a pop of color, maybe a pale yellow or deep red for the backsplash. You could pull it all together with a few accents like a large utensil holder, spoon rest, trivets, basket for fruit, a vase for flowers, etc., that are the same color as the backsplash.
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I love the idea of color! The good thing is, the kitchen connects to a dining/breakfast room, and we’ve got plenty of opportunity to use complementary colors in there, even if we decide to play it a little milder in the kitchen. Lots to think about!
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Yes, lots to think about. One wouldn’t want to pick a color, then later, regret it. When it comes to something as serious as a remodel, one wants to give it plenty of thought.
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True! We’ve been pretty laid back generally, but in this case, I really want the countertops to pop. I know the right thing will come along. 🙂
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