Affordable backsplash advice? Small Kitchen Remodel

4 years ago

Hi all, we started a kitchen remodel and seek advice on backsplashes.

Dilemna - what might look best as a backsplash that's also pretty affordable on labor (we are in a very high cost metro)? Contractor was adding 2K for tile backsplash in kitchen generally. The sink wall is most noticeable when you enter the kitchen (a separate room) from living room.

Sink wall has a skylight above sink. We do need something behind slide in range for splatters.

Aesthetic: modern contemporary but fits 1940s small house. We both like seafoam green like a glass tile OR sheets of carrera marble look.

Options:

1) Designer hubby proposing we paint sink wall, and

a) in more saturated tone paint wall from counter to 18 inches up. your views? I think it looks a bit busy. Then can do either a backsplash

b) just over sink or

c) a band on sink wall running 18 inches from top of counter to bottom of lower shelf (which lines up to the space between upper and lower cabinets.)

-Fridge wall we can just have paint between cabinets.

-Oven wall I want backsplash behind slide in range, at least to hood bottom, possible behind the chimney style vent.

Cabinets-white shaker

Appliances; stainless steel, still sourcing

Counter: a light grey quartz

hubby really wants open shelving (I disagree in earthquake country but concede this.)

from photos, all the old cabinets removed. The pantry will be 1 tall piece. the cabinets on sink call replaced with open wood shelves.

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Comments (5)

lizziesma
4 years ago
Paint for now, then decide when the rest is installed.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
4 years ago
Paint really will be fine, if a good quality paint, properly applied. You need a scrub tolerant paint because you will have to wipe it down regularly. It is what I have and had.

Have you considered installing tile yourself? So many folks have posted here having DIY and turned out very well. If pre-mounted on mesh it is even easier I believe. I installed glass tile in my bathroom, on the sink wall, using the 2 sided adhesive sheets -- I had to be very careful to get it right the first touch with that adhesive - once the tile touched it, it was stuck! The key is, plan your layout, then take your time!

I like the sketch with it all the way across the wall.
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Thanks everyone!! dianalo, thanks for the suggestion re:Remodela's backsplash (very nice!). Not sure I understand about going higher than 5.5" for a ss backsplash. If we went with a soapstone backsplash, we were thinking of 5.5" up to the window trim and then stepping it down to 4" for the rest of the perimeter. lavendar lass, we're definitely going for a more traditional look, although the ceiling is a bit more contemporary more by default. We've even considered attaching some beams in the vaulted ceiling to give it more of traditional look. The ceiling will likley remain white but, we'll be painting the walls (either a green or light gray). We are looking to use some simple window treatments (shades?) . We also have a couple of pendants from Barnlightelectric for over the peninsula. Hope this helps give you a feel. Thanks mpagmom. It's good to hear that all-tile backsplashes aren't a problem for cleaning. Is that true for behind the sink and range also? Thanks palimpsest, we're definitely going for more traditional as mentioned above. If you only have the soapstone under the window and glass over the range, are there generally problems with with just drywall everywhere else? Someone mentioned that variations in the wall may leave some separations between the soapstone counter and the drywall. Is that a real concern? One complication is that we really need to finalize the soapstone layout and let them know if we want any soapstone for the backsplash. It might be easier if we could decide after the rest of the kitchen was together. Keep your thoughts and suggestions coming as we're still searching.
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I think we are moving in the direction to do the island, perimeter counters and backs splash (all the way up the wall) in the same White Santorini Quartzite. Any feedback on this? Im sensitive to adding too many different materials into the mix. Is this too much of one thing?
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PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
4 years ago
Backsplashes are easy to live without, and then add later if you like. Agree to paint for now. The backsplash can be a fun project down the road after all the other chaos is over. Also, you won't need a GC to be overseeing it (and adding to the cost with his management fees/mark-up). All you need is a good tile contractor who you hire and pay directly. Usually a 2-3 day project where you'll just remove the stuff on your countertops but still have full use of your kitchen.
acm
4 years ago
you can get that color in glass tile, but that's expensive to buy and to install. for sure, semigloss or eggshell paint has done the trick for decades.

Brag pics · More Info

(Note that this photo has tile up to cabinet level and paint above, a very pale green. Your hubby's idea might work similarly.)

hard to believe you can give up a whole wall of cabinets in such a small kitchen. why not the normal U and then maybe some open shelves right above the sink itself, for lightness?

New England Farm · More Info

Palo Alto Kitchen · More Info

Just another idea.
Kaylie
4 years ago
I'm pretty sure I'm going to use beadboard panels in my new kitchen. They're super affordable and easy to install yourself.

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Affordable backsplash advice? Small Kitchen Remodel

Comments (5)

lizziesma

raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio

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Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

acm

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