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Design Dilemma
frollie

Need help with my design disaster

frollie
9 years ago

I selected a terrible backsplash and need advice as to what I could replace it with that would brighten up the space and coordinate with cabinets and floor. Thanks so much

Featured Answer
  • Darzy
    9 years ago

    Maybe a clear glass subway tile? It reflects it surroundings and sort of changes colors with the light...

    Isabella Beach House · More Info

    Comments (74)

    • kathrynscanlon
      9 years ago

      I agree with the other commenters who said that it's the floor that is the element that is not working here. I like the backsplash and think it looks rich with the cabinets and stainless appliances. The floor looks a bit washed out next to them.

    • Scott Tuttle
      9 years ago
      Like others have mentioned, lighting can make all the difference.

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    • bratcat
      9 years ago

      I’ll agree with Darzy’s suggestion, go with a glass subway tile. Those multi size, multi colored tiles are really busy and will have a dated look in a few years.

    • reginarollis
      9 years ago
      A simple, non-destructive solution is to install a mirror or a large art piece. For example, an abstract painting (if you like that style) with a mostly neutral base and a simple large pattern that will coordinate or compliment the tile color would reduce the visual clutter and create a single focus point.
    • Darla
      9 years ago

      Just like Filipe Custom Woodwork suggested but incorporate your existing glass tile like this


    • PRO
      Inndesign Inc.
      9 years ago

      I don't think it is terrible either as some other's have said. If you have a really good tile person, they may be able to cut some parts out and inlay some satin nickle of stainless or even pewter tile to break it up. Also remember there will be canisters and small appliances in front of it too.

    • Michele Hines
      9 years ago

      There are many options, but it's the material you selected that is the biggest issue. A backsplash attracts grease, and having small grout lines filled with grease is a nightmare to clean and keep clean. I recently renovated my kitchen, and used quartize slab countertops and the same for my backsplash. I selected light colored material - but one of the biggest advantages is the smooth surface.

    • mrsakkr
      9 years ago

      What brand is your stove/oven? Is it a slide in double oven?

    • Nancy Myrick Bigford
      9 years ago
      Add under cabinet lighting to make the backsplash sparkle. I bet you'll like it!
    • kimkat196
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      I'd go with a tumbled tile, of course horizontal not in a vertical pattern like the picture loaded


    • rach125
      9 years ago
      Glass tiles in a kitchen are less practical, get splatter marks and constantly need cleaning.
      I agree accessorise picking out the colour tones of the tiles and stainless steel coffee pots etc , you'll be amazed how it can detract your eye from the tiles and soften the look.
    • pam h
      9 years ago

      I agree with some of the others- the floor and backsplash clash. I agree with you though, better to change the backsplash. Especially if you like the floor. I would not try to salvage any of the tile by banding. If you are going to spend the money to do that, it probably won't cost that much more to get what you actually like- and may be cheaper (due to labor) to just reinstall rather than trying to work around the existing tile. I do like the idea of banding though, and several commenters have shown successful examples. I personally think Alysson B's second suggestion, maybe with the clear glass tile suggested by Darzy, could work with the floor and cabinetry. Of course, I'm thinking of replacing the backsplash I picked out last year (too boring), so what do I know;)


    • PRO
      Stamps Design Services
      9 years ago

      I used a subway tile from Lowes in "fawn" with glass tile behind the stove and as an accent stripe.


      We used schluter strips (edging); metal along the sides of the glass tile and as a border along the subway tiles...



    • User
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      Agree with Melynda-Your backsplash looks great with the cabinets and countertops. I would play around with the accessories and live with it for awhile. Perhaps work on the lighting as others suggested. The flooring is what is throwing you off and is not working perfectly with everything else-we had the same thing happen to us during our kitchen renovation. (You are welcome to look in my "kitchen renovation" idea book.) If you are still unhappy after you take a break, you may consider updating the flooring to either a 12 by 24 neutral porcelain tile or wood floors. There are some great new floors out there... That is future plan, but we are taking a needed break for now! Good luck with your decision.

      3204 East 14th 1/2 Street · More Info

    • woofwoof
      9 years ago
      its not your backslpash. its your floor which looks utilitarian, like the back of a restaurant. can you change that? the counters and back splash actually work well together and with cabs.
    • Laura Patterson
      9 years ago

      I think a nice off white stone would compliment your existing cabinets and flooring. Remember that REAL stone is very porous though, Looks beautiful but will absorb a spaghetti sauce splash. You can use a sealer once year to minimize stains but this is why glass tile as a backsplash is prefferable



    • Fabiane davi
      9 years ago

      We chose a sample idea based on the colors you have. You want to create contrast between colors. Take a look at the picture attached as a sample combo. We chose something close to your backsplash with the intention of re-purposing it. Just keep in mind these are examples of finishes close to your kitchen.


    • Debbie Vickers
      9 years ago
      I like it ... what if you painted your cabinets white? that would brighten it up and make the backsplash pop
    • Janie Burton
      9 years ago
      The backsplash is beautiful! Unusual in a very good way. The problem is the cabinet color. The backsplash and your stainless cabinet hardware will look great, if you paint the cabinets a dark charcoal or even black. It's just the current cabinet finish that is causing the problem.
    • rcarterworld
      9 years ago

      I'm know sure of what your budget is, or exactly how large your kitchen floor is...but is it new? If it is not (and if it is not too much trouble), I would move forward with changing the tile to something with more of a modern neutral feel.


    • mrey999
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      I agree with you, I do not like the backsplash but do like everything else. I think you need a tumbled travertine in a small subway pattern in neutral colors that match the floor.

    • sharonks13
      9 years ago
      I link the backsplash and floor. Paint the cabinets
    • nulek
      9 years ago
      We have same dark countertops and same color of cabinet.
      I should off white for my backsplash, love emmm.
    • Sharon Nemeth
      9 years ago

      Before you go spending a lot of money on new anything, get some quality under cabinet lighting installed. It'll make a world of difference (and probably save a lot of $$ and time/effort)!


    • Susan Lowry_Lamb
      9 years ago
      I vote painting the walls in the green of the backsplash and under cabinet lighting.
    • iamlorilu
      9 years ago
      I agree with the majority here. It's the floor and cabinets.
    • Shana Cardenas
      9 years ago
      Lighten up cabinets with creamy white keep backsplash
    • User
      9 years ago
      Your dilemma is a perfect example of double spending. Instead of consulting a design specialist and spending a few hundred bucks to come up with an original and cohesive look for your kitchen, you are going to spend money fixing the problem, either backsplash or mismatched floor.
      Better to have a plan before going ahead with a remodel. Choosing the wrong materials is not only costly to replace, but you will be reminded of it every time you step foot in your kitchen.
    • User
      9 years ago

      The problem is the floor and it's easy to change. Stop suggesting painting those beautiful cabinets. And while the backsplash is a personal choice it is nice. IT'S THE FLOOR!

    • KL InIdaho
      9 years ago

      I put very similar tile like that in my bathroom, but more gem stone colors. To me, the floor doesn't match. I'd accessorize with more green with a rug or mat (at least on my monitor it looks green) and some color on the counters. You can do a lot with accessories to help the colors homogenize. I get a lot of compliments on my tile; it is really pretty. I wouldn't change it. It's hard to see exactly what the colors are, but what you need to do is pull the overall color from the tile down to the floor and put some of the floor color on the counters with accessories. I'd live with it for a while & play around with color before I'd do anything drastic to the new tile.

    • lanade
      9 years ago

      Use a solid, neutral color back splash that matches the lighter colored stone on your floor. The lighter color will brighten up your kitchen.

      You don't want too many contrasting colors, or it'll just look a mess. The backsplash you chose is nice, it just doesn't go with the rest of your kitchen.

    • km kane
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      While I think the tile floor is bleah, I completely agree with bratcat, those mosaic, multi-colored tile back splashes are already dated, and in about five minutes will be gone from the design centers.

      But ripping up a tile floor is brutal - removing a backsplash is easier by comparison. nuleks's photo, which shows cabinets and countertops similar to your colors, shows a subtle colored backsplash, and I think you'd be well served to do the same. That kitchen, to me, is elegant.

      All too often these days, people are going for these crazy backsplashes. I've seen some wild stuff paired with granite that has lots of pattern and movement, and it just doesn't work. People are over designing, going for trends or what they see in the big box stores.

      You have good bones. Cabinets, counter tops, muted floor color. Try something simple. Off white, matte glass in 4" x 12" tiles, either stacked or in the traditional pattern would be lovely.

    • artforfish
      9 years ago
      A kona stain on floor would be your fix, water based finish easier choice, great look.
    • PRO
      Kitchen Design Partners, Inc.
      9 years ago

      We recommend using a mosaic similar to the one in this photo. It will lighten up the feel.

    • User
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      artforfish, what is a kona stain and how do you apply to tile floors? I thought is was a wood stain. I have a similar dilemma in my home with tile floors but didn't know there was a product you could use on them to change the color of the tile. I'm a bit confused....never heard of a stain to put on ceramic tiles. Anyone else out there familiar with a product like this??

    • Jane Pollard
      9 years ago

      your backsplash is beautiful, but definitely not with your cabinets and flooring... you've received several excellent suggestions above (something with white and tan would be amazing)... hope you enjoy your kitchen when it's fixed.


    • gardengirl999
      9 years ago
      Lots of advise, expensive advise. I'm with the rest that the floor is off, pinkish, the backsplash may become quickly dated, professional advice at the front end would have been useful. BUT it's what you have and there is no guarantee you will love your next expensive correction. You liked each individual element when you picked it. The tile, cupboards and countertop are beautiful. I would just work with what I have focusing on unifying the various elements. Think REPEAT. Repeat, and pick up the green in paint and accessories. Add floor mats and accessories in color or neutral that tie the floor to the backsplash and the backsplash to the floor &/or cover some areas. Keep accessories simple and without pattern, not adding to the complexity of the patterned backsplash, brighten up with undercounted lighting. Careful to work in darks and lights so the room doesn't go to all middle grey tones. You can make it work!
    • Constance Clifford
      9 years ago
      Maybe you could "tie" the look together (floor tiles and backsplash) by adding a strip of stone look tiles through the glass tiles. You may have to choose a shade of color for the strip that more closely coordinates with the color of the glass. But using stone or stone look tiles might just tie it it all together and break up the business of the glass. Use a larger size for the strip, though.
      I'm with some of the other commenters: I like the colors in the glass tiles more than the colors in the floor tiles.
    • km kane
      9 years ago

      artforfish - yes, what are you talking about? stain tile? #needtoknow!!!!!

    • PRO
      RemodelWerks LLC
      9 years ago

      You could keep some of the backsplash above the stove and put a neutral tile for the rest of the area.

      Whole House Remodel Sudbury MA · More Info


    • Joanne Montgomery
      9 years ago

      I think it looks like it should, maybe you don't like that look, but it doesn't look bad in my opinion. Rather than going to the time and expense of changing it out, what about a stainless steel shelf with large accessories set on it to break up the backsplash. Think of gorgeous Crueset casserole dishes and teapots. Google "ikea kitchen shelves over stove" and you can see lots of examples. Of course if you really don't like it, change it. Who wants to live with something they can't stand :)


    • PRO
      Motawi Tileworks
      9 years ago

      A nice pop of color would work well...but it needs to be slight...like this...

      Kitchen by: Dreammaker Kitchen and Bath, Tile by Motawi Tileworks Photo credit: Fred Golden

      OR...


      OR...

      Photo Courtesy: Justin Machonochie

    • Carole Ekker
      9 years ago

      How about just putting a rug on the floor, which seems to be the only thing that really isn't in harmony with the lovely tile backsplash? And as someone suggested adding a few stainless components like canisters and the like will tie the cabinets and tile together.

    • leelee
      9 years ago

      A lighter backsplash would be way better.


    • PRO
      Beyond Redesign
      9 years ago
      Try 3x12 Bliss Elements glass tiles. Very sleek looking. Make sure the tiler knows to round the edges. If they cut them square, they will crack. Virginia Tile also carries a new line of 3x12 glass tiles. Also try SuperBrightLED.com for under cabinet lights. Three levels of brightness and two colors (white or soft yellow) light. They'll tell you exactly what to buy.
    • sheilaskb
      9 years ago

      From what I understand, there is glass tile that is made to look like subway tile, and it comes in a variety of colors. I can understand your not liking the back splash, which is what I describe as zig-zaggy. As people get older and reach the age of 40, it is difficult for their eyes to focus on the zig-zag design. So, it is better to plan ahead and get something plain that someone will like for years to come. The ivory tone in your tile or white would be a good choice, and it will go with whatever you change or add in the future.


    • Jo
      9 years ago

      I just bought an old house that we are slowly updating. I have black countertops also (not as lovely as yours though) and similar though lighter/earth tones floor with maple coloured cabinets. The black countertops and maple cabinets really make for a darker kitchen. We are planning on installing under-cabinet lights to help lighten up the space. My kitchen also needs a new backsplash, right now there is a rediculous black painted vinyl-like sheeting from some kooky renovation project by former owners. After many hours of looking at google images, browsing in stores and using photoshop, I find that the best look will be a beige/tan/grey coloured tile like mrey999 or kimkat196 suggested. You could even accent them with small black accents to tie in the counters. Try to tie in some of the colours in your flooring too. Something light to brighten up the area because of the countertops being black. I do not like those small tiles as they are too busy for me.

      Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash Ideas · More Info



      Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash Ideas · More Info


      Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash Ideas · More Info


    • Susan
      9 years ago

      I have to laugh...I was drawn to the backsplash thinking it was absolutely gorgeous. Have no advice, as I love it. Maybe it photographs better than it actually looks.

    • Carolyn Mello
      8 years ago

      I LOVE LOVE LOVE your backsplash. Go for some under counter lighting. I believe you are having buyer's remorse. As a mother, "Stop doubting yourself. You made a great choice."

    • ellmand
      8 years ago

      I think the backsplash is gorgeous!! I love it! Maybe bring in some pieces that would bring the floor and backsplash colors together.

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