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[FastDogWalker2]

Our kitchen has black granite and an off white classic subway tile backsplash.  I don't like to put a lot of things on the counter - I prefer a streamlined look.  

[Oznell]

Oh, good luck, @DREAMON and @Carmie on your respective projects --  always more protracted and full of questions than it seems at first!   Hope they turn out exactly to your liking. 

@software,  I did use white grout, so there's no high-contrast between tile and grout.  Yet, for some reason, b/c of the smaller size of the tile, I think, the pattern or texture on my wall can look a little more prominent than you'd expect.  I think a bigger arabesque would have a "quieter" presence.  In general, I do love graceful arabesque tile.

I love cork, @Kachina624 , and envy you your cork floors-- so soft, rich and quiet underfoot.  But on the canister front, I was thinking more of the wear and tear on cork lids that would go on and off, perhaps chipping and breaking down, letting air in.  Wasn't sure even if you have rubber or silicone gaskets on them, if they would work quite right.  Gaskets on wood lids, on the other hand, have worked pretty well for me.

[KaySD]

If I had it to do again, I'd choose the smoothest backsplash with the fewest (or no) seams I could, and run it from the counter all the way up to the cabinets or whatever is above. Any material that's reasonably washable (and nonflammable if above the stove) is a good choice. The smooth look will never look dated, and never be hard to clean, which are my personal top priorities. Adding color in the kitchen is easy with accessories, paint, appliances, etc. Changing a backsplash is not. Just my opinion, of course, and I do admire the looks of the small tiles in your photos.

As for the canisters, the ones you are considering are very handsome, and the cork will probably work well. I sppreciate your eye for natural materials. My own solution is a set of square glass ones with lids that have a silicone ring. I like being able to see what's inside. The lids are water and airtight, and the shape uses space effiiciently, which helps in smaller kitchens. I've used them sitting out and in my cabinets and all over the place as my life and space change.  

[Oznell]

Good points, @KaySD !

[just bee]

@Oznell 

Well, because of last year's mishap, everything in the kitchen is new.

When BH and I went out to look at options we were overwhelmed by the choices.  So far we like the granite countertops, but I occasionally wonder if the beautiful natural pattern -- with tiny bits of garnet -- was an error.  You just can't see what's really on your countertops when you have an elaborate design.

BH made a smart choice for the backsplash.  I have always liked white appliances, but we agreed to give stainless steel a chance.  We looked at every possible backsplash and thought we had it nailed.  At the last minute, BH went with a custom stainless steel backspash for the wall behind the stove.

I was skeptical, but now I can't imagine anything else in its place.

[Oznell]

I would love stainless steel as a backsplash, @just bee !  And that fits with @KaySD 's idea of a seamless, smooth backdrop being so pleasing... 

Part of our counter is steel, since we kept the vintage steel sinks and "surround" which extends out on either sides of the sinks to form a counter.   I love it and it's timeless, easy maintenance and indestructable... 

[just bee]

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@Oznell wrote:

I would love stainless steel as a backsplash, @just bee !  And that fits with @KaySD 's idea of a seamless, smooth backdrop being so pleasing... 

Part of our counter is steel, since we kept the vintage steel sinks and "surround" which extends out on either sides of the sinks to form a counter.   I love it and it's timeless, easy maintenance and indestructable... 

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@Oznell 

I wanted to provide a visual.  It's that area between the hood and stove...

[Oznell]

Oh, yeah!  @just bee ,  that steel, and the whole kitchen, is super sleek, and so you!  Light, airy, ready for some serious cooking.   Love!   What a pleasure it must be to work in.

[just bee]

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@Oznell wrote:

Oh, yeah!  @just bee ,  that steel, and the whole kitchen, is super sleek, and so you!  Light, airy, ready for some serious cooking.   Love!   What a pleasure it must be to work in.

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@Oznell 

After cooking in a hotel room, then in a tiny rental house, it's nice to have a little more room to spread out and make an even bigger mess. 

I have to give BH credit for adapting.  It was entertaining to watch him navigate those small spaces and create meals.  He even managed to grill steaks at the hotel!

[KaySD]

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@just bee wrote:

After cooking in a hotel room, then in a tiny rental house, it's nice to have a little more room to spread out and make an even bigger mess. 

I have to give BH credit for adapting.  It was entertaining to watch him navigate those small spaces and create meals.  He even managed to grill steaks at the hotel!

@just bee 

What a trooper! It's amazing how adaptable we humans are! 

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