From Sirkl to Erassa: Crystal’s Custom Kitchen Backsplash Journey
From sketches and colorway experiments to layout revisions and bold ideas, this kitchen backsplash project captures everything a custom mosaic is about. Crystal’s kitchen in British Columbia is proof of that.
Beginning with Sirkl
Crystal first reached out with a sketch of her kitchen walls and photos of the space. She had been drawn to our Sirkl backsplash mosaic but had questions about how the pattern would translate into her home. She asked, “Would I have any input in how the colour scheme might work or the patterns?”
She was clear about wanting the circles concentrated on the stove side and something gentler under the window. She also wondered about weaving in a few burgundy and purple tones that echoed her artwork and accents at home. “I would also like a few other colours if possible… would that ruin the aesthetic of the Sirkl mosaic?”
We reassured her that customization is at the heart of what we do. After she secured her design retainer, we prepared variations and shared clearer, close-up images of Sirkl. Crystal replied with relief: “You addressed some of the concerns I had about the repeat of patterning but also if it may end up feeling just too busy. But it sounds like we can make some adjustments for creating something really tasteful.”
She sent over a few photos of the kitchen along with simple sketches and measurements so we could understand the two backsplash areas.
Discovering Erassa
As the design exploration for the kitchen backsplash unfolded, Crystal spotted another mosaic on our site: Erassa. She wrote, “I really like this one too. I like the circles and the play with layers. I love the multiple colours as well. And I wonder if the Sirkl option is just a bit too whimsical.”
Her words captured what many clients experience, starting with one design and realizing another resonates even more deeply. When we shared close-ups and a custom colorway of Erassa, her reply sealed it: “I love this pattern… the multicolor scheme is appealing along with the movement of the circles. And the different patterning of the circles is the whole reason for a mosaic and a hand done piece is that the pattern doesn’t repeat.”
Color, Balance, and Flow
From there, the collaboration became a back-and-forth of ideas. Crystal described her vision: “I can see the more dense patterning of the circles behind the stove. And then movement of circles lessening as they bounce through the remaining areas of the backsplash.”
She leaned toward lighter tones but kept in mind the black appliances in her kitchen. The final decision became a blend: layout from one option, colorways from another, with just enough teal to reference her Benjamin Moore Night Train cabinets. “This is looking really lovely,” she wrote back when reviewing the revised presentations
Another challenge came from the layout itself. Crystal asked if the design could flow across two adjacent walls meeting at a corner. “Is it possible to blend the right hand side of the stove area with the left hand side of the sink area?” We agreed it was a brilliant idea and reworked the layouts so the Erassa pattern moved seamlessly from one wall to the next.
The Creative What-If
Crystal also had one wonderfully unexpected idea: “Could we add some circles going up the wall as a feature beside the window area? Kind of random little creative out of the box thought bubbles.”
Our design team explored the possibility, sketching how floating medallions might extend beyond the defined kitchen backsplash. It was exciting to consider, but ultimately the structure of the kitchen and long-term balance of the design made it impractical. Both Crystal and the design team was happy to have explored it.
From Production to Delivery
Once the layouts and measurements were finalized, the project moved into production. We shared photos from the workshop as the Erassa mosaic took shape, every hand-cut tile placed with precision. Crystal’s response said it all: “Wow. This looks so amazing. Thank you very much.”
The mosaic was mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation and securely packed for shipping to her BC residence.
When the shipment finally arrived, her message was short and sweet:
At this stage, we are in touch with Crystal as she prepares for installation. One important detail we’ve shared with her is the use of clear epoxy grout, which we recommend for colorful glass mosaic artworks in kitchens and showers. It not only makes the surface more durable and easy to clean but also enhances the way light interacts with the tiles, keeping the colors vivid and the piece looking intentional for years to come.
A Kitchen That Reflects Her Vision
What began as an attraction to Sirkl became a backsplash that is unmistakably hers. The Erassa mosaic in Crystal’s kitchen is layered, colorful, and full of movement, just as she imagined. It flows across the stove wall and window wall as a single composition, handcrafted for her BC home.
Projects like this remind us that a kitchen backsplash is never just about filling space or making the kitchen wall practical and easy to clean. It can be a true expression of the homeowner’s personality, shaped through conversation, iterations, and collaboration.
Thinking about your own mosaic project? Whether you know exactly what you want or need help finding the right design, we’re here to guide you through every step. Let’s create something you’ll love for years to come.
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