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[Bridgegal]

We are giving our small galley kitchen a mini makeover.  New backsplash and countertops are the two main things. I've purchased colorful (white, blue and light cream) mosaic tile for over the sink and stove.  The rest of the backsplash will be white tile.

The colorful tile is in a matte finish and I'm a heck of a time finding simple white matte tile for the rest.  All subway tile or the like that I've found is glossy.  Would you mix the two finishes?  I'm going to keep looking but am afraid I'm not going to find what I have in mind.  TIA

[On It]

@Bridgegal Just a thought. If you cannot find the matte finish, consider using the pattern tile for the whole backsplash. In a galley kitchen the backsplash is somewhat hidden anyway. It could be an interesting effect.

[haddon9]

We just finished a complete main bathroom makeover yesterday....I'm just waiting on the glass for the shower to be installed.  I used a matte tile for the floors and the same tile only in a polished finished for the shower walls and backsplash. 

A polished or glossy finish will be much easier to clean than a matte finish particularly for a kitchen backsplash.

Like you I would want the two tiles to have the same finish if they are going up against one another.  Is there a way you can make the colorful tiles have a bit of gloss to them?

[Trailrun23]

I would not mix the two myself. I also have a galley kitchen which I don't like. It is way too small, but now they are called "stepsaver kitchens".  The colors you chose sound  beautiful. I know from experience the matte tile shows dirt or grease faster. Also, DD just had her new house finished and I went with her to pick out tile, etc. She chose a picket fence pattern that I personally don't like, but the designers talked her out of subway pattern and declared it is going away and said brick pattern was more current. I had my tile laid in brick layer a few years ago and really do like it. You may consider that and may find more tile choices if the size of the tiles is an issue. My tiles are 4x16" long and going longer gave me more options so I could get the glossy ones I wanted. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

I would not mix matte and gloss. In a small area, cohesiveness is even more important.

[stevieb]

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@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

I would not mix matte and gloss. In a small area, cohesiveness is even more important.

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I think you're right. I'd not mix the two finishes either. I'd also strongly consider sticking with only one design in a smaller galley. I'd probably either go with a pattern or a solid throughout to lend continuity to the space.

[ScrapHappy]

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@Bridgegal wrote:

We are giving our small galley kitchen a mini makeover.  New backsplash and countertops are the two main things. I've purchased colorful (white, blue and light cream) mosaic tile for over the sink and stove.  The rest of the backsplash will be white tile.

The colorful tile is in a matte finish and I'm a heck of a time finding simple white matte tile for the rest.  All subway tile or the like that I've found is glossy.  Would you mix the two finishes?  I'm going to keep looking but am afraid I'm not going to find what I have in mind.  TIA

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I am also looking to change out the backsplash in my kitchen.  I just finished up a remodel on a bathroom and asked my contractor several times about it, I just don't think he's interested in doing it.  Mostly because of the hood above the stove and the brick/stone work above the hood and on the sides.  Love to change countertops too but with that stone work, don't think we can do it.  Where are you looking for tile?  If you haven't tried a tile store (not Home Depot or Lowes), check one out.  My go to tile store in my area has a lot to choose from and most tiles are available in matte.

[Bridgegal]

@On It 

That was my original plan.  I read an article that said that it is a myth that a 'busy' decorative tile in a small kitchen is a bad idea.  The article said it can actually make the kitchen look larger and provide cohesiveness.  Then one of the decorators that came out disagreed.  So, now I'm in a quandary.

@haddon9

Good idea about seeing if I can make the matte tiles glossy.  I'll ask the tile guy.  Maybe there is a finish he can put on them.

this is the tile.

[Bridgegal]

@ScrapHappy 

That's it so far.  My contractor says there another tile store in town but I haven't found it yet.  I may have to go to Albuquerque but I'd rather do all of the back splash in the mosaic tile that drive over there.  

I'm going to try to stand squares of the tile along the current backsplash and see what all mosaic might look like.  Thanks.

[AuntG]

Please keep looking for matte. I wouldn't mix the two. In fact, if it's a small area, I probably would have used the blue patterned tile for the whole project.