White or smoke grey subway tile?

7 years ago

This is my first time posting here so please bear with me. I am buying a house from a builder and choosing the colour options. I really want an all white kitchen so I'm going with a white quartz countertop with glossy white cabinetry. The floor will be a really dark brown/black laminate. I have the option for a white subway tile (2"x6") or a smoke grey glass subway tile (same size or just slightly different). What do you recommend? I really like the look of an all white kitchen, but when the builder offered the free upgrade to the smoke grey glass tile I got confused. He said it would look better since the cabinets are glossy (although the white tile is glossy too).

Thanks for your feedback!

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PRO

Kitchen and Bath Classics

7 years ago

Both options are very nice. It may come down to your gut feeling about the aesthetics of the space. If you've always wanted a white kitchen, that may be the way to go.

Another way to think of it: if the grey tile cost more, would you be considering it at all? Best of luck!

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Comments (12)

jck910
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Don't use a builder to decide your colors. Go to the tile store & have them show you both options with your cabinets
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
7 years ago
Exactly this is your space , I happen to like a bit of contrast but an all white kitchen can be stunning IMO I would see if you could pay an up charge and install your own and get large format tile but either way have them installed in a stacked pattern with the smallest grout lines possible and with matching grout
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susanalanandwrigley
7 years ago
Agree with jck910, bring both a cabinet sample and a countertop sample with you to the tile store, look at options, bring home samples to see in your own light. Narrow it down, go back to tile store, exchange until you find the right tile. Lather, rinse, repeat until done. Also if possible don't choose back splash tile until the rest is done, so that you can really see what it looks like in your space with your lighting.

Even if you decide on a white subway tile, there are a lot of variations out there so you really must investigate and choose in person.
acm
7 years ago
I don't think the poster has complete tile store freedom, just a few builder options to choose from.

Either white or gray could look great. Agree that you need to see the samples all together, and also look at photos where white or gray backsplashes are used with white kitchens. I often like gray for some contrast, especially when there is a gray vein in the stone, but you might find that just having the shiny texture would be enough for you. It also depends a lot on the shade of gray. For sure don't be swayed by the fact that one option is framed as an "upgrade" -- aesthetics are very personal.
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Navi
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone for your comments. acm is correct in that I don't have the freedom to go to a tile store, I am selecting from the builder's options. I have seen the samples in person and put them together to see how they go together. There is no gray in the quartz countertop, it is just plain white or at least I didn't notice any. The smoke grey glass tile is a very light slightly warm grey.

The pictures I have attached are very similar to what is being offered.
susanalanandwrigley
7 years ago
Your second option shows a gray countertop though. It will be different with everything else white. I think in your situation I would go with white - or a subtle glass tile of a different color, is gray all that is being offered? I could see a pale green or blue looking beautiful.
acm
7 years ago
Those are nice options, so you probably can't go wrong. Which of my examples did you tend to like better? That's all there is to go on. Also, are you likely to find the all-white effect more crisp or more stark? (Note how they warm it with wood shelves and some color.) People do tend to post queries here asking how to keep their lovely new kitchens from feeling "sterile"...
PRO
Imperial Flooring Inc.
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Backsplashes · More Info

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Here is some photos of our completed projects. Good Luck!
PRO
TORLYS Floors
7 years ago
Do you have any photos of the floor, countertop, and the cabinets together? It may be easier for us to assist with pictures of exactly what you're working with!
Navi
Original Author
7 years ago
The only options are the two colours I've posted. I want to keep it a neutral colour to allow the option of changing decor and such later. I plan to add some wood accents as well and some greenery in the kitchen, including a soft natural jute runner between the cabinets/sink wall and the island.

I think I have my answer. Going to stick with my gut and go for the white like I originally wanted!

Thanks everyone! This was a very positive first experience on houzz :)
acm
7 years ago
Yay! enjoy your new space!
Navi thanked acm