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[Oznell]

Since starting to look for new canisters, I've been looking at a LOT of kitchen photos, like this Crate and Barrell one.  Love to look at kitchen stuff!  I like the graphic effect of this one, and all the textures-- warm wood, wire basket, imperfect, artisan-looking ridged mixing bowls, etc.

Those canisters are neat, but I can't imagine having cork lids-- they wouldn't be air tight, would they?  I need to keep my tea very fresh!

Idly, I started to wonder if that backsplash above would look too "busy" over time?  Am sensitized to that, since a few years ago I chose a smallish white arabesque tile for our kitchen.  Ours looks exactly like the tiles in this stock photo:

I got it because it is timeless, and neutral-- and it's easy to live with.  But the size of the tile makes me sometimes think it looks too busy, especially if you have patterned things in front of it.  Should have gotten the "blown-up" version, ha.

Ah well.  Could be worse.  I'd be interested to know if anyone else has fixed elements in their kitchens--  backsplash, counters, floor-- that they would prefer were different?  What would you like instead? 

[DREAMON]

We are in the process of looking at and purchasing a new countertop, backsplash, and sink.

This is harder than I imagined. We have a very open home and don't want anything too busy. I have another appointment this afternoon..wish me luck.

The ones pictured here are not too busy at all to me.

I prefer the first pic...just not that pattern/direction of tile.

[faeriemoon]

I love the elements in the first photo!!

I have marble canisters.  I have to be a bit careful removing their lids because they are weighty and have no handle.  However, that weight does keep them tightly closed.

I bought them mainly because they coordinate with my marble breadbox and a marble lazy susan I keep on the counter for my sugar bowl, tea canisters, honey, etc.

I got the canisters from William Sonoma.

Regarding backsplashes, I like unusual tile patterns done with a single tile color.  I think things get busy when you mix in more than one color.

[software]

When did a backsplash become a thing?

Not sure if it's because I have no sense of design or just that we were poor, but I don't ever recall a backsplash until recently.    By that I mean the last decade or 2.

@Oznell  when you mentioned the first backsplash might be too busy, my first thought is it's too personal.   In that snapshot, yes it could look busy, but in the entire kitchen it may be just right.    But I don't think it's a common look many people would embrace.

I like the arabesque, it's a classic style.   Do you also use white grout?

[CANDLEQUEEN]

I have Glass Canisters that I bought years ago at Pier One. I love them, keeps everything fresh and they seal air tight! If I ever re-did my kitchen I would probably need new ones! 

[shoptilyadropagain]

As far as the vignettes, I prefer #1.  I love all the various pieces used and I'm not a coffee/tea drinker so the second one just doesn't do anything for me.  Personally, I wouldn't do a vignette as large as these because I have very limited counterspace to begin with.  They would be fine if you have a massive kitchen.

As for the backsplash tile, I love them both but would give a slight edge to the herringbone pattern.

[Carmie]

I no longer have canisters on my counter.  They took up too much room and my counter space is very limited.

Quite a few years ago, I replaced my Formica counter tops with granite.  I choose a dark color.  I wish I would have chosen something lighter.  Streaks and fingerprints show up terribly in natural light.

Around the same time, I ordered some custom made tile from El Salvatore.  It is only border tile.  I am still looking for the perfect tile to go with it.  Right now, I have to be careful...I have no backsplash in my kitchen.  I told my DH that we must finish this project this winter.  

@Oznell   I do like the tile you chose for your backsplash and it is not too busy at all.  I would like something like that, but I need it to be an off white natural clay color, in a matte  finish.

It has been next to impossible find.

[Kachina624]

@Oznell.  Of course cork lids would be air tight.  Just think of what corks do for wine.  I have cork floors in my house.

[wagirl]

Looks nice and clean, however, I am not one to have alot of stuff on my counters---I don't have alot of space. But I do have 6 different sizes of fiestaware canister/ untencil holders that are lined up just to the right of my stove, that hold my cooking utencils---all different colors. I love the pop of color in my *******py 1986 kitchen----- 

[stevieb]

Both vignettes are attractive, but I'm not a fan of the arabesque back splash, preferring the more basket weave look of the first. I don't think either is too busy, especially in solid white. As for cork topped canisters, while I do think they could be air-tight, I'm not sure the corks would stand up to repeated use over time. Personally, while I don't strongly or actively dislike it, I don't care for the pottery in the first vignette.