Replace stone with porcelain
Go for large, rustic porcelain tiles with distressed edges in sizes ranging from 18" x 18" to 20" x 20" squares or rectangular 16" x 24" in an offset pattern. Porcelain is half the cost of stone, at $5 to $7 per square foot. A big advantage of porcelain is that it is maintenance free.

Pattern counts (go large)
Creating a pattern with rustic porcelain by using different sizes (16" x 24", 16" x 16", 8" x 16", 8" x 8") achieves that Old World ambiance. For extra drama, add some tumbled sheet mosaics around the island as an accent. Stone sheets with mesh backing at $20 to $40 per foot can be sliced apart and used as a detail. It’s inexpensive, because you get several linear feet from one sheet. Your border costs run $5 to $8 a linear foot depending on the number of rows you choose.

Mix different sizes of the same material
Create a custom design for your backsplash, using different sizes of the same material by cutting off the mesh mounted material. Texture and movement make for a unique, dramatic backsplash. I recommend combining 4" x 4" tiles with 1/2" x 1/2" mini mosaics, octagons or 1" x 3" tiles.

Go for tumbled stone with accents
Combine tumbled marble with architectural metal 2" x 2" inserts to coordinate with satin nickel faucets and sinks or kitchen hardware. Why not try mixing tumbled stone with hand-cast, custom-glazed tile inserts or rustic glass? The look is made very exciting by adding pattern and color, while saving precious dollars.

Try mosaic borders
Pre-designed mosaic borders make a perfect accent over the range.