A Floral Mosaic Backsplash Inspired by Vermont’s Wild Beauty
A mosaic that feels like a meadow in full bloom—this Vermont kitchen backsplash captures the whimsy of wildflowers and butterflies in glass, one tiny tile at a time.
Designing a floral mosaic backsplash is one thing, but making it truly personal is another. For Sandy’s Vermont kitchen, this meant weaving in elements of the local landscape—wildflowers, native plants, and even a butterfly mosaic that brings the space to life. The goal wasn’t just beauty but a connection to the surroundings, turning the backsplash into a piece of art that feels right at home.
The Original Vision - A Whimsical Garden with Peacocks
When interior designer Kari Bennett of KB Interiors first approached us with this project, the idea was to create a whimsical garden-themed mosaic for Sandy K.’s kitchen in her lakeside Vermont home. The initial concept included two mosaic panels: a peacock mural for a bench niche and a lush garden scene for the backsplash behind the range. The design would complement Sandy’s eclectic home, which featured rich jewel tones, particularly navy and blues, with pops of red and orange.
A Shift in the Design - Embracing Local Flora & Fauna
As the project evolved, architectural adjustments in the kitchen led to changes in the mosaic design. The bench seating area was reconfigured, and the peacock mural was removed. Instead, Kari and Sandy decided to focus on a vibrant floral garden featuring local wildlife. Kari sent us reference images of Vermont’s native flora and fauna, including wildflowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even a red-headed woodpecker.
Refining the Details - Sky, Flowers, and Butterflies
To create contrast against the navy kitchen cabinets, we introduced a soft blue sky in the background of the mosaic. The goal was to make the scene feel light, airy, and fun. Discussions continued about incorporating a woodpecker on a structural column, but ultimately, they opted for trumpet vines and butterflies instead.
Client Collaboration - Ensuring the Perfect Design
Throughout the design process, we kept Sandy and Kari updated with renderings and adjustments. There was some back and forth about whether a support column would be needed and if the mosaic design should extend onto it. After an engineering consultation, Sandy decided to proceed without the column. However, after the backsplash was completed and installed, she later reconsidered, and we are now in the process of designing a mosaic for the columns as well.
Bringing the Mosaic to Life - Production and BTS Updates
Once the final design was approved, we moved into production. The handcrafted mosaic was carefully created using high-quality glass tiles, ensuring that every detail—from the delicate butterfly wings to the intricate petals of the flowers—was captured beautifully. Throughout the process, we shared photos and videos from our workshop, ensuring that Sandy was completely satisfied before we packed and shipped the mosaic.
One More Touch - Extending the Design to the Columns
Just when we thought this project had wrapped up, there was a new twist. Originally, Sandy had decided to skip a column in the kitchen remodel, but plans shifted as things took shape. With the backsplash complete, the idea of adding mosaic-adorned columns came back into the picture. After some back and forth, the decision was made: the floral and butterfly theme would continue, extending the design beyond the walls.
We worked through design iterations, making sure the new mosaics felt like a natural extension of the original work. And now, with the latest version finalized, Kari shared their verdict:
The project isn’t just growing—it’s blooming, one mosaic piece at a time.
This project has been a journey of creativity and evolution, and it’s not over yet. With the columns now in the works, the mosaic is set to make an even bigger impact in Sandy’s kitchen. We’ll be updating this space as the project progresses, sharing more about the process and, soon, actual images from the finished kitchen. Stay tuned!
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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