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Design Dilemma Kitchens Remodeling

Help w kitchen backsplash

last year

last modified: last year

Help! Husband just finished our kitchen reno. I wanted light and airy - he managed to convince me to go w a dark grey backsplash and counter. I think the finished colour looks lopsided and awful - and that we need to change the backsplash to a lighter colour so the middle wall of the kitchen isn't this dark monolith. I feel so stupid and sick about the money and time already spent on this project (and keep in mind our under cabinet lighting isn't done, and we will be repainting the walls). Is there any way to fix this cheaply? See photos in comments.

Featured Answer

la_la Girl

last year

Agree with everyone - looks crisp and classic to me! Hang tight till it’s done - lighting will help so much - this part is stressy but it’s going to be lovely

Comments (12)

Michelle Malk
Original Author
last year
jck910
last year
I don't think it looks bad. Paint the walls. Put some wood kitchen items on the counters to break up the black.
Michelle Malk thanked jck910
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Hi Amy-- Sorry for the bad link. I think I fixed it below. Sadly, my pics don't give you the best representation of the color. Probably the closest is in picture #2, and the Walker Zanger catalog is pretty close to true as well. The green is more muted than bottle green, like a lighly grayed sage. And I have really come to love the subtle iridescence (that originally was a compromise for my husband). In most light, you don't see it, only when a ray of direct sunlight hits... since you're familiar with Oceanside glasstile, you probably know what I mean. We used Laticrete grout in Lichen and then we found Lutron outlet covers that matched the tile color perfectly (installed after my pics were taken). Anyway, your cabinets, Icestone and design are gorgeous. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices you are mulling. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash, link fixed (hopefully)
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jdknyc, this may be too late to help you, but I'll post it anyway in case you are still looking or someone else wants a darker BS to use with white quartzite. My designer recently recommended Nine Lives from the Crossville Color by Numbers collection. It is a medium-dark gray with bluish tones, and the sample we have really worked with the dark vein colors in the slabs we held it up to. I am not sure if we will use it since I pictured a lighter BS next to our walnut uppers. I think the Nine Lives would look great with your white cabinets and white quartzite. It costs under $4 sq ft (at least with my designer's discount). Here is a link that might be useful: 9 Lives
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That's an awesome idea. Lots of color, texture, robust surface for grime, etc. I'd glue 'em down using a siliconized latex adhesive caulk. (Siliconized latex caulk has more adhesion than plain latex caulk, but is much more removable later than pure silicon caulk. An example is a product called White Lightning 3006) Run a generous bead on the inside half inch edge and a zig zag down the middle then press firmly against the wall, checking that they don't shift. This will hold them fine but is also removable later with care. Just make sure the back sides are clean, for the adhesion.
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Posted by budgeteer_s (My Page) on Wed, Dec 31, 08 at 18:18 Thanks for all your suggestions. I wanted so much to follow with ci_lantro's suggestion because then I'm done. I'll gladly let you snatch that paint brush out of my hand. ha ha. But at the same time if a little tiling will tie up the project, then I'm game. jodi_socal: I'm a little disappointed when you said fire and ice won't work. I just LOVE that F&I BS. But then agin, I think I know all along it's a little too much for my kitchen. Caryscott & petra: Thanks for the picture petra, it says a thousand words. Is spectralight glass tiles? Prices are pretty reasonable. What about that milk green color? will it work? maybe with some garnet pieces sparingly mixed in. I will take some pictures and post two HD Behr's paint card to aid in the discussion of color. Thanks again ALL! Correction: My tiles were Alfagres: Gema4x4: different from what caryscott posted: I loved what caryscott linked:
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jackowskib
last year
I like it, wait until cabinet lights are in and add a couple decorative color items on countertop and maybe a runner rug. Paint you can change anytime!
Michelle Malk thanked jackowskib
Rachel Lee
last year
I like it too. It’s simple and clean.
Michelle Malk thanked Rachel Lee
Lorraine Leroux
last year
You said it is NOT DONE. Wait. You are in colour shock and your mind will get used to it and once the lighting goes in things will change. It looks gorgeous and the work looks extremely well done. Congrats
Michelle Malk thanked Lorraine Leroux
Michelle Malk
Original Author
last year
Thank you everyone! You have quelled my panic attack! Lol any suggestions for paint colour??
mxk3 z5b_MI
last year
I think it looks good! I have a dark backsplash, and yes it does look a black hole without the undercabinet lights on, those lights will make a world of difference.

Your paint choice is wide open -- so much will go with your cabinet/counter combo. I would suggest staying away from muddy colors (like the one you currently have) or anything with too warmth -- stick with cleaner colors. What general color direction would coordinate with the rest of the space/house?
Michelle Malk thanked mxk3 z5b_MI
Timi M
last year
It’s beautiful.
Michelle Malk thanked Timi M
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Just make sure all the lighting including the under cabinet lighting is LED 4000K it will be fine .IMO wait to choose wall color until all the lighting in the kitchen is in for sure.
Michelle Malk thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
cat_ky
last year
It looks beautiful. Just get the rest finished, and your decorating done.
Michelle Malk thanked cat_ky
lucky998877
last year
Does your husband like it? Everything is a compromise...

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