We did a heavy textured tile (each tile also has a different imprint design) in the same size but I went with white grout not to bring out the irregular grout lines too much. I feel it gives texture but not over the top! the pic u posted looks badly laid and they are different size tiles. There is great textured tile at Amber tile or colour tile (I'm in Sydney) otherwise I think like your husband suggests and go with the standard subway (but change grout to black for that industrial feel) otherwise how do you feel about a beveled subway? That would of been my next choice!

Subway Tiles make great splach backs. Capping the subway tiles with an Atrim aluminium trim would add the finishing touch, nothing looks worse than the raw edge of tiles being exposed. (It just looks unfinished) You could use powdercoated white trim which would finish the tile while blending into the tiles or you could get a much bolder look by using the anodized matt silver which will match your grout and frame your splash back.

I agree with the three statements above. My initial thoughts were that your kitchen and the example you provided as an alternative idea - is that they are no way alike and I do not think you could ever turn your old kitchen into the new. I also couldn't believe there was a mirror above the oven in the newer kitchen. Unless they are using this for reflective light - what are they thinking? Back to your kitchen - my first thought was ..... the pictures of the chef all around the top of the cupboards have to go. I would also try to remove the cupboards above the stove to add height to that space, as it currently looks like you would have to duck down every time you wish to cook and height automatically adds the felling of spaciousness. You could then add a feature wall of tiles / glass if you wished to (without a mirror). Normally I would never recommend someone paint lovely wood but in this case maybe a lovely fresh white finish may help because your kitchen appears (based on the photo) to be dark (natural light wise) and white is amazing for adding light and freshness. As we can not see the rest of the space and storage maybe at a premium I can not recommend anything else except to perhaps consider replacing the under cupboard lighting with bright mini LED lights (if the lighting is required). Remember the term ..... less is more. Good Luck.

Hi Ellie These are beautiful tile choices and I have used these in my projects too. The decision to stack or brick pattern is a personal preference. Perhaps the style you are trying to achieve in the rest of your home could be your guide. I agree with above comments that stacked is more modern, brick a bit more rustic especially with these tiles as they have a handmade look with a wavey edge. I would definitely do both the kitchen and the pantry the same pattern or it could look like it wasnt a considered decision. Best wishes.