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How to neutralize yellow in granite?

11 years ago
We bought our home with this renovated kitchen (see pic). I really hate the yellow river granite and backsplash, but don't want to do an expensive remodel. I am thinking of redoing the backsplash only with something very simple and modern (house is 1960s- very midcentury). I really hate the yellowy brown in the granite - reminds me of upset stomach. Is there a color for backsplash that would help me neutralize and draw attention away from the granite? Thanks!!!

Comments (19)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    I would put in a solid black backsplash, preferably glass panels. This would make your countertop look intentional and interesting, rather than just wrong. Also change out the bar pulls for knobs on the doors.
  • 11 years ago
    Oh, I like the bar pulls.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    If you can take a close up of the actual granite and post it, might help to see other colors in the granite to suggest some ideas. Suggest take a picture into the store and get some ideas; would a dark or metallic steel color work, since it ties into the appliances? I have seen gray or blue gray as a suggestion to tone down yellow.
  • 11 years ago
    Here is a closer one
  • 11 years ago
    There is some gray in there but hard to see in photo and I'm really scared to try to match. Scared it's gonna be too pink or green.
  • 11 years ago
    On closer examination I think they are st Cecelia granite. Still hate ;)
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Depending on the backsplash material , it might be paintable if trying to avoid cost. I would try some sample colors on posterboard; there are boards you can buy from an art or photography place, or get a small steel sheet or steel look board and see if it helps solve the issue to decide the color of the backsplash regarding if you replace or paint. The beige of the backsplash is adding to the strong yellow. I might also look at whether a glossy black or very deep burgundy gloss can tone down the yellow vs stand make it stand out more?. I understand gray can be affected by what is around it. Often, there are color consultants in dedicated paint shops that can assist on a consult, bring in close up and full room pictures.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Also, not looking to match the exact gray in the granite; might look for a neutral to blue toned/dirty gray.
  • 11 years ago
    Poster board/foam board great idea! I think I'm going to back paint glass/acrylic in some sort of gray for a really sleek backsplash. But painting the hideous tile in some sort of gray has been on my radar too. I'm worried it will still be too busy with all the small movement in the granite.
  • 11 years ago
    Oooo I like the white too! I've been looking for a pic like that too see white! Thanks for posting!
  • 11 years ago
    try a glass tile backsplah with similar colors.
  • 11 years ago
    I would not use a glass tile backsplash like posted above- much too busy and I feel these tiles are going to be very dated look. I like the white tiles best.
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    I wholeheartedly agree with linlac. Use a simple white backsplash tile that matches your cabinets--doesn't matter whether it is ceramic, glass, subway, whatever, as long as it is white. Then the granite will be a nice accent in an otherwise white kitchen. Do NOT do a busy backsplash of any kind. That will only draw attention to what you don't like, as the current one does.
  • 11 years ago
    Wow! This is just primer but it already looks so much better!! I am not sure whether to go creamier white or more gray. Not sure if I can match white of cabinets. But even so, vast improvement! Thanks for any other tips on which white to choose.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Not surprised, the backsplash beige had a lot of yellow in it
  • 11 years ago
    Turquoise blue on the walls neutralized the yellow in an old cultured marble sink we had to live with until we renovated the bathroom. It just made the sink look so much brighter. I love the last picture you posted!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    Not in all cases is when we have to gut the entire kitchen in order to upgrade the look and functionality of the kitchen.
    In this case, my client's goal was to put the property for sale and to get maximum return on their investment, and before they took this step, I got to come in and update the interior and exterior of the house for this purpose.
    Here are some pictures;
    "Eclectic, trans-modern with some mid century touches"
    Remember, combining a number of different colors in most cases works well and provides character and warmth.

    In your case, even by just changing the backsplash to white subway tiles or glass tiles with a clear or white color, the kitchen will have a totally lighter and much nicer look.

    Hope this will give you some inspiration.
    Good Luck,

    Best,
    Karen
    Fidelity GC
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Don't worry about trying to match the exact shade of white. it is not necessary .
    Good Luck

    Best,
    Karen
    Fidelity GC