Okay y’all, ready to see the tile I chose?? I am so excited to share the backsplash that I just couldn’t wait any longer! It is actually almost finished, but today I am just going to share a few photos I snapped with my phone as it was going up. I’ll save the grouted version for the big reveal!
I had not a single idea of what I wanted when I started looking. On a trip to our local tile shop, I found that I was attracted to ALL THE SHINY THINGS. I’ve included affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
This pretty iridescent glass tile really caught my eye:
I bought a sample and brought it home, but it was $19.99 a square foot which is really expensive and when the light hit it, it reflected lots of purple and pink tones. That was not the look I was going for, plus I didn’t love the tiny squares.
I decided to get online and search similar tiles but that had more of what I wanted, and that’s when I came across this tile on Amazon:
This is mother-of-pearl and I loved the classic brick pattern. Plus it was half the price of the first tile I purchased. No brainer!
It comes in a pack of six 12×12 pieces so I bought one pack to see how I liked it, and I knew right away we had a winner!
Here it is going in:
It has all the pretty neutral tones that I love, but has some sparkle too! I used a product called Simple Mat (in case you’re wondering where the mortar is) to adhere the tile to the wall. The tile is pretty thin since it is real mother of pearl and I was afraid that mortar would ooze out and make a mess.
Here’s the whole stove wall:
Bling bling! I love how it reflects light. And the mother-of-pearl works perfectly with my love for all things coastal.
It will have a totally different look when it gets grouted so it will still make for a fun reveal.
Okay so there’s your sneak peek! What do you think??
I’ll be back for Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday sharing our barstools (not really trash) unless I can find something cute to make out of the cabinet doors that were above the stove (trash!)…maybe a cute sign for above the stove? We are heading out of town for the weekend for some waterpark fun so we will have to see what I get done before then!
Here are some of my other kitchen posts if you’ve missed any:
New Pendant Lights and we have Glass!
Kitchen Island Makeover with Beadboard
Kitchen Makeover Progress: We have paint!
UPDATE: Check out how our stools turned out HERE!
Enjoy your weekend! 😀
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Carole Larsen says
I love it. It is so pretty and the sparkle is great. You sure have great taste.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carole! Love the sparkle! XOXO
Heather says
That tile is so gorgeous, I love bling too! Good choice, cannot wait to see the final reveal. You go girl!
Christy says
Thank you, Heather!! Any not add a little bling to the kitchen, right? Maybe it will making cooking more fun lol! XO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow those are lovely! You picked right for your kitchen. I love the look. Looking forward to seeing it with grout. You have fun and relax, you have earned it.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I am so glad they worked out like I hoped they would! Definitely going to enjoy some downtime this weekend. Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Sandra Long says
Hi Christy, Another beautiful addition to your beautiful kitchen! I love all the shiny touches . This tile really complements the chrome hardware and those amazing pendant lights. I’m a bling girl so this is right up my alley. Love it 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! I love little bling added to the kitchen too! Makes me want to be in there all the time! XOXO
Denise says
One word — stunning!!
Okay maybe more than one word — your backsplash is going to be beautiful when finished. And you are so right, after grouted it takes on yet another look. Great selection.
Enjoy your fun weekend. Denise
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! I am so excited with how it’s coming together! And yes it does look totally different with the grout! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
The mother of pearl is PERFECT!!!! I’m in love with it! Can’t wait for the big reveal!
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila!! I’m so glad you love it as much as I do! It’s just about finished and I can’t wait to share it! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love it up! The Mother of Pearl is perfect! Can’t wait to see it finished with grout. 🙂 Have fun this weekend! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! I am so excited with how it’s turning out…looks totally different grouted! And yes…I am ready for a fun weekend AWAY from the kitchen lol! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, I know you are loving this tile. i look forward to seeing it grouted. 🙂
Christy says
I really am! It looks totally different with the grout! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Bonnie Hipps says
That is so beautiful, great choice…
Christy says
Thank you, Bonnie!! XOXO
JamieK says
It’s beautiful and has your name written all over it❤️❤️❤️
Just completes your space perfectly! Whoohoo!
Christy says
Thank you, Jamie! I don’t think I could’ve found anything that was more me LOL! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Petra says
Looks really good Christy 🙂 I’m so looking forward to seeing it grouted, as I’m sure you are 😀
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! The grout gives it a whole new look! 🙂 XO
Deb says
Can’t wait to see it finished.
Love the mother of pearl.
Different but still has classic looks.
I am sitting here trying to figure out what color of
grout you are using because I think that is the hardest
decision to make once you have decided on the
color and style of your tile. Have a great weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Deb! I won’t keep you in suspense lol…I used white grout, and it looks totally different! XO
Becky says
Can’t wait to see it grouted! So far it’s looking really good! Aren’t you happy some brainy person thought of mesh sheets for tiny tiles?!? : )
Christy says
Thanks, Becky!! Oh my goodness could you imagine having to lay this tile by tile?? Those mesh sheets were pure genius! XX
Marcie Lovett says
I’ve never seen real mother of pearl tiles! These are beautiful, Christy, and add just the right amount of sparkle. The kitchen is so lovely, in such a short time. It’s like your own One Room Challenge!
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I had never seen anything like this before I started searching either. I just love they shimmer. And yep my own one-room challenge LOL! XOXO
Kellie says
Simply gorgeous. I never thought of looking for tiles on Amazon, great idea. We bought all of our acid stain for our basement on there though.
Christy says
Thank you, Kellie! I always search Amazon first since I’m impatient, and I know I can get most things in two days LOL! XO
erika says
Wow, what a great choice! I luv it! I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Christy says
Thank you, Erika! I am too! XO
Shellia Ventura says
Pretty, your kitchen is turning out soooooooooo nice. My daughter has the same back splash and it is just so beautiful. Pictures look good, but to see it in person it’s so much prettier. I just love what you have done, great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! I had never seen this tile before, and you’re right… it’s hard to capture how pretty it is in pictures! XOXO
Ange says
I think it looks marvelous!
Christy says
Thank you, Ange! I’m so glad you like it! XO
Sherry says
That is both beautiful and perfect for you! Can’t wait to see the finished look.
Christy says
Thank you, Sherry! XOXO
Sheila Moore says
Christy…love the tile you chose and I’m looking forward to the whole reveal. You always come up with great ideas.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sheila! Hoping to share the reveal next week! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
You have excellent taste. I love the mother-of-pearl tile. What a woman!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sherry! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Denette says
I LOVE those tiles!
Christy says
Thank you, Denette! XO
Robin says
Hi There, I’ve included hints for your installation. I would definitely use a sealant since the installation is over the stovetop. Grease and food splatters will not stain when they occur (pasta sauce???). Plus the myriad of grout lines will also be sealed. Otherwise, it is a real eye catcher. Such wonderful shimmer!!!
Regards,
Robin
Clean excess adhesive before it completely dries on the tiles with a damp cloth, sponge, or brush.
GROUTING
When the tile is firmly set, we recommend using a non-sanded grout. Depending on the application, an epoxy grout may be desired. Excess grout needs to be cleaned before it hardens.
SEALANTS
Mother of Pearl tiles do not have to be sealed but we strongly recommend sealing the grout after installation to help prevent it from absorbing stains. This will help keep your installation looking clean.
CARE & CLEANING
Mother of Pearl tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The tiles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. Keep surfaces clean from abrasive dirt and do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper. Do not let soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on the surface. Seashells consist primarily of Calcium Carbonate. They will react with acid including vinegar, acidic foods and carbonated beverages.
Christy says
Thank you for all the tips, Robin! I will definitely be sealing the tile behind the stove! XOXO
MaryJean says
Isn’t Amazon great! Whenever I’m looking for something and I can’t seem to find what I want I head to Amazon! Good choice, it looks like the perfect compliment to your new kitchen. Enjoy your weekend!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary Jean! You can’t beat Amazon prime… Free two-day shipping? I’m impatient so that is why I love Amazon ha ha! Have a great weekend! XOXO
LeAnn Hileman says
I like it. The small tile gives it a texture which contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of your countertop. A winner in my humble opinion.
Christy says
Thank you so much, LeAnn! XO
Michelle says
Love your tile choice! It’s perfect! Did you find it difficult to install? Your kitchen is beautiful. Thx for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Michelle! It wasn’t too bad at all actually. After my kitchen reveal, I’ll share a separate post of the tile install just in case anyone is interested. XO
Janice says
Love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! XOXO
Ivory says
Fabulous job, and I love the backsplash choice. Kitchen looks even more gorgeous
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ivory! XO
Barb S. says
I like the tile! It’s pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Barb! XO
Cecilia says
Oh perfect! So glad you shared a sneak peek!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecelia! I just couldn’t hold out any longer ha ha! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love the one in the second row to the left as so unique a shape!
Christy says
Wasn’t that gorgeous?? There were a ton of beautiful ones. That one had a little bit too much green for me, but I did love it! XO
Addie says
WOW!!! and it’s not even finished. It is the perfect blend to the black counter tops!!! Pulls it all together and makes the black not seem harsh. I bet you are happy you kept those countertops now!!!! I was sensing you were not favoring them….but…..they are perfect now!!!
Are they granite? Quartz? I think it all looks like it was meant to be!!!!
Have fun in the sun!!!! XXOO
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! Actually I never minded the black countertops, but I am relieved to see how well it is all working together! I wasn’t sure at first if the black would be too harsh. I think it’s just the contrast this kitchen needed though! They are granite. You have a great weekend too, my friend! XOXO
Jackie C says
Oh my goodness!
I am in love with this!!!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Probably my favorite backsplash EVER.
Did you put up backer board or is that the sheetrock? (I know you’ll cover all that in the reveal post. I’ll wait) ????
Christy says
Oh I am so thrilled that you love it as much as I do, Jackie, thank you! I will put together a post of the tile install separately after the reveal in case anyone is interested! XOXO
Claudine says
Beautiful choice for tile! I love it! It ties in perfectly with the kitchen and with the house. The kitchen will be amazing when done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Claudine! I’m so thrilled that it worked out so well! XOXO
Margie says
Best choice ❤️
Christy says
Thank you, Margie! XO
Debra A Wise says
So gorgeous Christy! I didn’t know there was a mother of pearl tile. You taught me something new. Can’t wait to see it with the grout. Know it’s going to look amazing!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! I didn’t know either until I started looking for tile online! I am loving how it shimmers! XOXO
Barbara says
Just gorgeous! Great choice
Christy says
Thank you so much, Barbara! XOXO
Paula says
Perfect!! I’m so glad you found that!
Christy says
Me too!! Thank you, Paula! XO
TerryM says
Love the back splash tile, it’s very classy looking and goes so well in your kitchen. You can even see a reflection of it in your counter top! Good choice, I’d like to have this myself!
Christy says
Thank you, Terry! It is just the finishing touch this kitchen needed! XOXO
Susan says
Love Love it!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! XOXO
Brenda Johnson says
It’s very pretty. I wasn’t sure if I would like it at first, but I think it is beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Brenda! It looks totally different now that it’s grouted! XO
Patty says
Love it, Christy – it suits you! Looking forward to seeing the finished kitchen – you are amazing:) Enjoy your weekend – you deserve a break!
Christy says
You are so sweet, Patty, thank you! The space really does feel like me now! I am ready to unplug and have a fun weekend…enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Linda Petersen says
It’s beautiful! Definitely has that coastal flair????. Can’t wait for the grout. Have a fun weekend! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! You know I love coastal! And thanks…looking forward to unwinding this weekend! Have a great weekend too! XOXO
Lara says
The mother of Pearl is beautiful!!
We used simple mat for our backsplash too and it was so much easier than attempting thinset. Out of curiosity, what was your backsplash wall made of prior to putting the simple mat up? (Ours was a laminate continuation of the countertop…)
I love it, it’s turned out beautifully.
Awesome job,
Lara
Christy says
Thank you, Lara! I’m happy to know that your backsplash is holding up with the simple mat. Our wall was just regular drywall, but we added a layer of Hardiebacker board over that since we needed to bring the wall out enough to fill the small gap between the counter and the wall after removing the original 4″ granite backsplash that was there. Hopefully the simple mat won’t have any trouble adhering to that in the long run. It stuck up there pretty well. XO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
What a gorgeous tile as I love mother of pearl too. It’s looking amazing, Christy!
Christy says
Than you so much, Larissa! I couldn’t be more pleased with it! XOXO
Heidi says
Wow, that is so gorgeous. It will be a real statement in your kitchen and so refined. Who would have thought that you can get tiles on Amazon and MOP tiles at that. Likely not here in Canada, but amazing nonetheless. Can’t wait to see it finished.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Heidi! I was so thrilled to find it! XO
Donna says
Pretty tiles! Perfect for your kitchen! Who woulda thought to look on Amazon?
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! I buy just about anything on Amazon, but had not really looked for home improvement items before…who knew?? XOXO