I hate my backsplash! Is it too busy??
Elizabeth M
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (148)
Elizabeth M
2 years agoMindy Thomas
2 years agoRelated Discussions
listello on 18' backsplash('I hate my kitchen' poster) pic
Comments (4)Hi Susanka I was excited to see your choices because we just installed a very similar backsplash and listello. The size will be fine and the positioning is key. We placed ours so that the bottom of the window cut the listello in half. Sounds weird but it actually looks good and therefore doesn't fun into any other outlets or switches. I will send photos as soon as I can figure out how to make them smaller. Good Luck...See MoreIs this backsplash too "busy?"
Comments (54)Wow, thanks so much for the additional input! I appreciate that some of you weren't afraid to say that the backsplash is too busy for your tastes. Hearing a variety of perspectives is helpful. I also now have some terrific ideas for pulling everything together: painting that blue wall white (although a wooden bench will go there, along with a kitchen table), bringing in white accessories to mellow the blue, adding plants, etc. To answer the question about tile, this is the Jute glass collection from Ann Sacks. It was very reasonable at under $20/sf. Our installer needed to back butter each tile and to really pack in the grout to make sure that no black lines showed through at the bottom of the tiles. He did a great job, so that concern is off the table. I think I figured out that I am partially bothered by the style and color of the tiles for a kitchen. I actually have the same tile (1 X 2s in just the aqua color) in my bathroom, and they are perfect in that space. However, something about the color combination of these tiles--along with the texture--does not feel kitchen-like to me. It does not have an "earthy" feel that I sometimes prefer in a kitchen. The tiles are also very contemporary, and I tend more towards a cottage or beachy style. Too bad I have to doubt one of the more expensive items to change! Again, I SO appreciate all of the encouragement and input! I am hoping that I will come around as I hate to think about broaching my husband with this topic. :-) Sara This post was edited by NewEnglandSara on Sun, Jan 18, 15 at 10:41...See MoreI love the aqua paint, hate the busy tile, but need a backsplash
Comments (9)Gray would never go with that stone and those cabinets. The aqua really doesn't work either. You'd need to paint the cabinets, or change the counters to go with all of those cold tones. Your bones are warm tones. You need warm toned choices. Look at removing the 4" splash and going with a warm cream tile. Maybe an interesting shape, since the stone is so regular in appearance. You could do a warm green with lots of gray tones in it for the wall, or take that turquoise and add more green and gray to it, to a more teal gray color....See MoreBacksplash too busy for kitchen?
Comments (48)If you were a client asking advice I'd defer to the design rule of contrast & tension...With your choice of contrasting cabinets & a bold granite creating tension with the light wall colors & uppers, I'd wait until its all installed to pick a backsplash. Lighting changes EVERYTHING and depending on how good the slab install goes the flow of colors will affect your choice greatly. If I see correctly that you've also got wood beam ceilings that match the walnut lowers then I'd say you've already got a lot going on so my choice would be to bring in neutrality so your countertops are the stand out feature (in something like an elongated glass subway tile pulling the cream or light gray from the granite). Just keep in mind kitchens already look busy because of the appliances, countertop decor/etc, and difference in lighting because of upper cabinets and islands....See Morehusterd
2 years agoNorwood Architects
2 years agoPam
2 years agofelizlady
2 years agomarylut
2 years agoSteve8690
2 years agoElizabeth M
2 years agoRTHawk
2 years agoMindy Thomas
2 years agoavribabi
2 years agoSteve8690
2 years agoRedRyder
2 years agoElizabeth M
2 years agohusterd
2 years agomarylut
2 years agoavribabi
2 years agorednutter
2 years agoRTHawk
2 years agoHU-622180783
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agotheresa21
2 years agoRedRyder
2 years agolms_1209
2 years agoWhitney Burgess
2 years agoLeeza
2 years agobehrendt
2 years agogranom
2 years agosusanlynn2012
2 years agolms_1209
2 years agoSteve8690
2 years agotheresa21
2 years agoUser
2 years agohusterd
2 years agoDesign with Vision
2 years agomarylut
2 years agoSteve8690
2 years agospagano
2 years agotartanmeup
2 years agosspychalski
2 years agoRedRyder
2 years agokculbers
2 years agoMary Ryan
2 years agoBabs Fla
2 years agoBabs Fla
2 years agoBabs Fla
2 years agonancymichel
2 years agomodpod
2 years agoGloria H.
2 years ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNThe Best Backsplashes to Pair With Wood Counters
Simplify your decision-making with these ideas for materials that work well with wood counters
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGCan-Do Cleaning Strategies for Busy People
While you dream of having a maid (to go with the cook and chauffer), this simplified cleaning routine can keep your real-world home tidy
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Color: 7 Sensational Yellow Backsplashes
Warm up a white kitchen or add some zing to wood tones with a backsplash that glows
Full StoryTILE5 Head-Turning Tile Styles for Backsplashes and More
If plain subway tile would derail your bold decorating vision, these dashing tiles can help you arrive at a brilliant solution
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Hardworking Style Holds Up to a Busy Family
A Utah designer helps a couple create an industrial-modern kitchen with durable yet playful materials
Full StoryPRODUCT PICKSGuest Picks: Beautiful Backsplash Tiles for Every Budget
Explore 20 tiles curated by a pro interior designer, ranging from everyday affordable to art for the kitchen
Full StoryKITCHEN MAKEOVERSKitchen of the Week: White and Wood for a Busy Family of 5
A designer helps a New Jersey couple create a brighter and more efficient space for their active lifestyle
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNCountertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match
Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration
Full StoryDIY PROJECTSDIY Backsplash Makeover: Get a New Tile Look for Less Than $50
Give old tile a painted faux-stone facade for a brand-new look at a superaffordable price
Full Story
Elizabeth MOriginal Author