kitchen backsplash grout fail

3 years ago

I chose the wrong color grout and now my kitchen backsplash looks like a prison wall. the tile is villi unicolor matte. It's a glass tile, and the grout is Mapai pewter. The color is bleeding through the sides of the glass tiles and it makes them look dirty and darker. There is an uninstalled tile at the bottom of the first picture and you can see how much lighter it is. I realize I should have asked for a sample board. But when I put the grout sample next to the tile, it didnt bleed through because it was just a piece of plastic. Now what? any suggestions?

Featured Answer

Meghan Terry

3 years ago

Yeah, this also doesn't bother me. In fact, I kind of think it's a "happy accident." It kind of softens the lines of the tile pattern and allows it to subtly recede... making your REALLY pretty cabinets the star of the show!

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Comments (18)

HU-187528210
3 years ago
I totally hear you and validate your frustration!! So so annoying. That being said. Either try regrouting. Which I’m not certain will help. Love with it. Or redo it.
Personally - I would redo it because you shouldn’t have the 4 inch backsplash/ countertop piece there anyways ... good!! Luck!! Really pretty kitchen. Lovely finishes.
Meredith Bright thanked HU-187528210
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago
It looks fine to me.
Meredith Bright thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
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Meredith Bright
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks!
daisychain Zn3b
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have no expertise in tile, but I just wanted to say that I just love your kitchen. Would love to see more pics when it's finished.

I know the rule of thumb often quoted on this forum is no tile backsplash with the 4" counter backsplash, but I don't think that rule always applies (some of the most well decorated spaces are a result of rule breaking) and I think the tile looks great in your application.

ETA: I am intrigued by what's going on above on the range wall.
Meredith Bright thanked daisychain Zn3b
Sandy V
3 years ago
I like it. When remodeling you come across so many obstacles.....some good....some bad.
Meredith Bright thanked Sandy V
Carrie B
3 years ago
Add me to those who thinks it looks great!
Meredith Bright thanked Carrie B
101stretired
3 years ago
Hey, you are the one who will look at it everyday, I'm with you, I don't like it, and imho I would redo it. Others will say it is fine. My wife and I had a difference of opinion on a recently completed project similar to yours. I feared not picking the correct tile and grout, tons of research, came to the conclusion keep it simple and classy. We agreed with some resistance to go with white tiles and white grout. For us, it was by far the best decision in our on going kitchen project. The 6 million dollar question, can you live with it?, and if not, and I know it is a ton of work, a redo is in order.
Meredith Bright thanked 101stretired
Meredith Bright
Original Author
3 years ago
Well we are starting to get used to it. My husband made the cabinetry by hand and he really put his heart and soul into this project, but some mistakes were made. We wanted the tile to recede into the background. I should have done a lighter color grout or a translucent grout, but I will post another picture when it's done.
Boxerpal
3 years ago
@Meredith Bright I like the tiles. I love you cabinets very pretty.
Meredith Bright thanked Boxerpal
salex
3 years ago
It's your kitchen, so your opinion is most important, but I think the backsplash and grout look great - as does everything else, and it all seems to go well together. Your husband did great work on the cabinets (I made my own cabinets and appreciate the planning and work that goes into it!).
Meredith Bright thanked salex
olychick
3 years ago
It's obviously not what you planned or the results you expected, but it really does look nice. The color gives it some texture and it complements your countertops and cabinets. It's possible that when you are more used to it, your disappointment will fade and you will no longer view it as a mistake.
Meredith Bright
Original Author
last year
I wanted to post an update. We decided to live with it and it no longer bothers me. I love our beautiful kitchen!
Sandy V
last year
Your kitchen turned out really nice.
anna_682
last year
Looks great!
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
"Prison wall". Heh. That's how my niece described living with my ex-wife and me to my ex's sister. We were horrible. We bought her a car, made her go back to school, and horror of horrors, get a job. I didn't know prison provided free babysitting.
Meredith Bright
Original Author
last year
@joseph corlett Hopefully Your niece will appreciate it some day!
M Miller
last year
@Meredith Bright - your husband is a talented carpenter! It looks great!