Winning slate

I went out to Island City Tile yesterday to look into less expensive alternatives to a solid granite backsplash in the kitchen -- penny saved, and all that -- and they almost mugged me to say they wondered when I was going to ask about that.

Eighteen inches of granite on top of a granite counter is a bit much, they thought -- soo cold -- but had held their tongues.

I found some South American slate that adds interesting texture as well as wicked colors that pick up the peacock green granite and the cherry cabinets. Diamond-setting it will be an eccentric contrast to the rectilinear march of the cabinets. Seal it, and it's waterproof.

(Disclaimer: Color values are for general reference only. If you want to see the real thing, come with me to the stone yard in Miami.)