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Remodeling Design Dilemma Kitchens

Calling all Pros! Here's a real backsplash problem

4 years ago

This is a true dilemma. Normally kitchen windows are low to the counter and the backsplash may run under it. This one is very high and small. You can see from the photo that the backsplash would run under the cabinet and you can also see the location of the countertop. It also is a raised counter at the end of a peninsula/breakfast bar. Where does it end?? How high should the back splash go??

Featured Answer

itsourcasa

4 years ago

This is tough, what does the rest of the room look like? Where does the raised bar overhang go to? I'd probably do two shelves to the left of the window (with the same space between window and cabinet that you have on the other side) and run the tile under the lower shelf which would be level with the bottom of the window. Also add a chunkier molding around the window.

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Comments (13)

millworkman
4 years ago
Pictures?
Tosh Primrose
Original Author
4 years ago
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I'm not seeing a current picture witht he sink -- just the one with the paper down on the wood which I understand to be before use. That wall looks like it has a raw end of drywall, not a side that is finished (paper or whatever) or maybe even no drywall. It looks like they tried to smooth joint compound in there, either by itself over your studs and built up or over something less than a full side of finished drywall. Joint compound will turn to mud (that's what they call it when it's wet -- hence the verb to "mud" the walls) and dissolve away if it gets wet. Paint will only seal the surface, and if water gets behind it -- well, I dare say it is probably worse than damp sheetrock, which is worse than damp green board. You say they had to sheer away your window sill. Did that sill come below the window too? I don't think you've got clean drywall there. I think you've got a really poor job of mudding and an even worse job of sealing the joint. That's my guess.
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Thank you x6. This is exactly the feedback I was hoping for. Counter backsplash before the rest of the wall art was imprinted on my brain from the old laminate days...but no 4" counter trim is not something I'm use to seeing. The design logic of it looking like an afterthought, and wrecking the visual feel I'm after said it perfectly. And, it is nice to know, in the end, to not take it too seriously as tastes and style change over time...a good reminder. Yes, this metal art is fun!
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cpartist
4 years ago
Why are you doing a raised bar? If you did a counter height bar, I'd end it right before the end of the counter and run the tile to the ceiling.
PRO
Anglophilia
4 years ago
Can the size of the window be changed? It’s proportions are all off.
herbflavor
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I think I might take tile and run it up to top of window and cabinet and to very edge of bar also. Imbed the window with tile all around on that bit of wall along with normal backsplash areas. The window would be better if larger but put tile around /and rest small potted plants on counter there ...raise the shade..you can install a bracket above the window to hold a cascading plant (spider plant?) ...along w tile ...just fill this up w detail.
smiling
4 years ago
How about a single narrow glass shelf installed at the same level as the bottom of the adjacent cabinet. It could hold small plants in pretty pots, and the backsplash could then run at the same level as under the cabinetry.
Momofthree Ma
4 years ago
I would do the backsplash to the ceiling ending at the edge of the bar like this:
zmith
4 years ago
Sorry to break it to you, but this is no more nor no less of a dilemma than the other non-dilemmas that get posted here on a daily basis. Do what Casamacho posted (very nice, btw!), and get on with it.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
IMO a dilemma is something someone can’t solve by themselves and that is what this forum is for .I too like the Casamacho solution but I do not like raised bars , the stools are too high and they hide nothing if that was the purpose.
Tosh Primrose thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
itsourcasa
4 years ago
I'm not a pro btw... hope it helped though!
herbflavor
4 years ago
What is opening (or not any? ))characteristics of window and shade? Care w small objects if reaching across etc . Do not see crank or lever or handle or strings......maybe it's motorized?
Tosh Primrose
Original Author
4 years ago
The window slide open has 4" framed shutters, not motorized. I rarely open it.

Casamacho: love your idea! I think that may work...Thank you! I was thinking to raise the tile to the bottom of the window, but usually run it even w bottom of cabinet which seemed odd to have a small area below the window untiled.

Cpartist: I'm keeping the raised bar because the sink is there...don't want to see the sink or any other messes from the adjacent dining area great room...had that set up previously... cook a lot!

Anglophelia: Changing out the window would be an endeavor, not in the budget right now. Although I do agree the size and height are off.

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