backsplash common sense rules?
kitchennovice44
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (27)
Luvspring
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosandesurf
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
What's the proper way to judge counter/backsplash, cabinet colors
Comments (41)No worries on the hijacking. This thread ended up way more interesting than it started and got to the crux of the matter, even if I didn't realize that's I was really asking. The consensus thing is interesting and so right on. I am constantly looking for validation for my choices. I consider this to be a character flaw and I'm trying to change my ways. So the way I deal with things is to not tell anyone what our decision is (well other than a few people like the friend who has been weighing in on design decisions for years and people who I know will nod politely even if they hate it). It is easier for me to be all confident and take on the attitude of "it's my kitchen and therefore the opinions of my DH and I are the only that matter" when I've not opened myself up to hearing negative comments (real and perceived) about our choices. The second I hear something negative it takes a little joy out of it for me. Like I said, it's a character flaw. That's why I don't ask for opinions on GW unless I REALLY want to know the good the bad and the ugly of it. Because people here are honest. That's a good thing, by the way, because it's the kind of honestly you won't get from the "oh that's nice" nodders and sometimes you really need that. You'll notice, for instance, that I never came back to this thread to mention what the decision actually was or to report that I did make one (thankfully just a few days after starting this thread so I could move on with my life). People here tend to be much more positive when they see a kitchen finished not only because they see the whole vision completed but also because they realize that it's not changing now so there is no need to say anything but positive comments (that reaffirm those pesky decisions). The nightmare: a finished kitchen post that only gets a handful of comments because you know people are doing the whole "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything." And of course that's when you wish you had asked for some truthful opinions while you were making the decisions....See MoreProgress pics: backsplash learning experience
Comments (16)Ncounty, is this for your outdoor sink? I saw your post on that (and was going to suggest that you have my white sink, so that I can get another colour - hahahah!) I chose this particular sink (Kohler, SmartDivide, Irontones) bec it is the best of both worlds - it can be installed either self rimming OR undermount (how cool is that??) It doesn't have any holes for faucets, so it can be installed with the smaller basin to the left or to the right (also very cool). But back to your question, I knew that I wanted the sink, but shied away from undermount in the butcherblock as I was nervous about how well we'd be able to cut out the hole for the sink (and with good reason - it is pretty rough), and, when I read the instructions, it said that I'd need a 36" cabinet for undermount, and I have 32". Turns out that we hacked into the adjoining cabinet anyway. I've also read that some of these deep sinks are even deeper when installed undermount on a thick counter (3 cm granite or thick butcher block). If I ruin my butcherblock and replace it with the same, I might consider undermount as I find it to be a bit of a pain to oil between the soap dispenser and faucet and the sink. Plus, my faucet turns on with a simple touch, and manages to surprise me each time I try to wipe in such a spot....See MoreKitchen granite/backsplash questions
Comments (4)Travertine is beautiful - it makes a lovely counter top too. But think about the look you want. Stone counters with stone backsplash can be a very heavy look as in the image below. Some love it, I do not. A lot of GWers use inspiration photos. Scroll through houzz.com or other sites looking for images of counter and bs combos that look appealing to you before you worry about picking out your materials and colors. Benefit from other's artistic eyes. With the right combination of materials (as in the travertine image below, shown with solid surface) you can end up with a very pretty space. But don't commit to a bs material until you know what your counter will be. Here is a link that might be useful: [travertine[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/travertine-backsplash-phbr0lbl-bl~l_35794)...See MoreCountertop as backsplash
Comments (5)I respectfully disagree with Northcarolina; I do not think the 4" backsplash trend is coming back. Its purpose from the 1950's through 1970's was to cover up gaps between a countertop (especially formica) and the wall. With modern countertop scribing and fabrication techniques, this gap-cover is no longer needed. People do opt for the 4" backsplash cause either (a) they like the look, particularly if they are going for a vintage-y mid-century kitchen, or (b) they will be having no other backsplash other than the 4" strip. If the OP loves the look, then she should absolutely get it. Since she wants soapstone, she may be going for that vintage-y look, and the 4" backsplash may go well with that. But I will list the reasons why I am not a fan: - if you will spend a lot of effort designing a beautiful tile backsplash, why cut it short by 4". - the additional horizontal line of the 4" strip will visually make the space between your counter and upper cabinets look smaller and more cramped. - the 4" backsplash creates a small "ledge" which collects dust. Yet one more thing to clean. - you will be charged for the material and installation for the 4" backsplash; money that you may have preferred to spend elsewhere....See Moreellendi
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agopalimpsest
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agomarcolo
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoharrimann
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agokitchennovice44
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agorococogurl
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agotoddimt
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agomuffinqueen
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoformerlyflorantha
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agopalimpsest
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agodeegw
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamielynn
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agopunamytsike
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofinestra
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agopalimpsest
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agokitchennovice44
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoDaveSNJ
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agochristina222_gw
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agobobbie2010
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agomarcarr
8 years agolala girl
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoTheron Walker
6 years agoTheron Walker
6 years ago
Related Stories
MOST POPULAR5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense — and 5 That Don’t
Find out which projects offer the best return on your investment dollars
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES7 Design Rules and Why You Should Break Them
Think tile is only for kitchens and bathrooms? Art should hang at eye level? Time to consider breaking these old rules
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNDream Spaces: Spa-Worthy Showers to Refresh the Senses
In these fantasy baths, open designs let in natural light and views, and intriguing materials create drama
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESHouzz Tour: Layered Look Adds a Fresh Sense of Style
Midcentury art, pottery and a mix of furnishings bring a hip edge to a traditional Los Angeles home
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNRoom of the Day: Geometry Rules in a Modern Master Bathroom
Careful planning pays off in this clean-lined bathroom with his-and-her vanities, a semiopen shower and a soaking tub
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES4 Ways to Break the Rules in Your Garden
For a more creative landscape design, take a different approach to planting
Full Story8 Ways to Break Design Rules in 2012
Rethink wallpaper, framing, furniture, over-organizing and more this year
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESFeel Free to Break Some Decorating Rules
Ditch the dogma about color, style and matching, and watch your rooms come alive
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESDitch the Rules but Keep Some Tools
Be fearless, but follow some basic decorating strategies to achieve the best results
Full StoryMOST POPULARThe Polite House: On ‘No Shoes’ Rules and Breaking Up With Contractors
Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter gives us advice on no-shoes policies and how to graciously decline a contractor’s bid
Full Story
lazy_gardens