I don't have any suggestions. Did you post on the kitchen's forum also?

Have you ever seen brick when it is white washed? It makes brick looked aged and looks stunning on brick homes.

I would probably do it white if it was my kitchen. Also, think it would be stunning done in black - just wouldn't be my style.

I like the idea of the white washed too-- but it is a more rustic and worn look (very much my style). If that doesn't fit your aunt's style, I agree that black would be stunning-- but much more modern.

Love the granite.. it has great motion!

Who you trying to kid Funky? You don't even like granite. Are we finally corrupting you? :)

Krisfl, did your Aunt replace the hardware when she painted the cabs? If not (I wouldn't want to suggest undoing any of her selections), I think changing it out to black and then doing the backsplash the same would be a cool look.

If not possible, a white wash would look great, too.

I'd paint it black. It would really emphasize the black and white look and then I'd add a bright color for accents.

hahaha.. my secret it out! I don't hate granite as much as I think it is very overdone. I mean no offense to anyone who has granite.. what I dislike is the message that you must have granite to sell a house-- or to have a beautiful kitchen. This one struck me because I see ocean waves in it.. I have seen many other gorgeous granites (Parma's included). So there. Now you all know one of my peeves ;)

I also agree that the hardware could change the whole look of the kitchen. I don't have a good feel for the rest of the room and what direction you are going with the style but the handles could take it in another direction.

I'd get a few pieces of posterboard in colors you're considering--black, white, something funky, blue (my choice). Prop them up one at a time in the space and consider how each looks.

Cheaper than repainting.

Maybe it's because the picture is a close-up, but the silver hardware jumped out at me, but not in a good way. lol. Thankfully hardware isn't that expensive.

I agree with the black brick, and also use knobs on the doors.

Very pretty counter! I'd paint the bricks white too and let them blend in the cabinetry. Then bring in color on the counters with accessories.

I'd remove the brick, but if that is not an option, I think I'd paint the brick white and also the window/trim.

I think I'd do something different...The bricks appear to have a fairly smooth surface; is that the case? The cabinet pulls, valance fabric and the accessories on the counter look like she has a more contemporary taste now.

If the brick is smooth, I might try a simple and clean tile look wallpaper right over it to maintain the new more modern look. Or fill any gaps between the bricks with joint compound and paint the area the wall color, which I can't see in the picture.

I'd also check whatever color she decides to go with next to the wooden window trim first, if she intends to leave it natural. I had natural shutters in my upstairs bath, but painted them when I re-did it a couple of years ago. I love the new look.

I think the white washed look would add another competing texture/pattern with the granite. I'd do white and then add some colorful accessories in her favorite color - I like red or I could see turquoise or lime green with the black and white. I think black would be ok if it was your uncle - seems like a very masculine modern look.

If the brick has to stay, I would paint it white. Not a white wash, but solid white the same shade as the cabinets. I think it would neutralize the brick and draw more attention to that beautiful granite.

I'm guessing that the cabinet pulls are new. If they, and the other items we see, are indicative of your aunt's new vision, I think the white brick would blend in with the cabinets and give her a fresh, clean look. Just MHO!

Thanks everyone!
I'm pretty sure the brick has to stay - this was a low budget makeover - with the granite being the only big budget item.
I think the cabinet pulls are new and I do believe they are going for a more contemporary look.
I liked the suggestion of using some poster board before painting!
I thought the white might make it look too sterile - but it seems that is the majority vote. I will pass on your comments to her and see what they end up doing.
My uncle is very involved in this and I think that is where the masculine look is coming from. Whenever my aunt has an idea he shoots it down - it has to be his way! :)

Maybe this will help.

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Yum....love that black!!

I would do black on the brick and then paint the window trim in an accent color -- something subtle, but definitely a color.

Or, I would do white on the brick and paint the window trim black.

Hate to say it but I love the black hardware in Cam's mock-ups.

I don't hate granite as much as I think it is very overdone. I mean no offense to anyone who has granite.. what I dislike is the message that you must have granite to sell a house-- or to have a beautiful kitchen.

Amen, Funky!

I would paint the brick a semi-gloss white and then change the valance to one with some color. If there are walls in the room I would paint them with a color from the valance.

The mockups are great, the blue is interesting! Remember the you'll have the brick texture which I think will make a big difference.

I'd go with white even after seeing all the colors. Funny how everyone is attracted to different things, but I think the black is my least favorite!!

Here is white.

{{!gwi}}

I would paint the brick the darkest tone of gray in the granite.
Black is too harsh.
White is too seventies, particularly with the pattern and style of the granite.
Gray is a fresh modern choice, makes sense with the stainless, black, gray, and white already there, and makes a good background for everything. It will work well as a transition between the granite and the cabinets, and will soften the texture of the brick, which, left natural, is a little jarring with the other clean lines and smooth surfaces. (Gray minimizes the light-shadow contrasts in a textured surface.)
If you do choose gray, take care to match the tone of the existing gray...there are so many grays, and you don't want it to read green, or purple, or brown, by contrast.

Here's a link to a blog where she installed brick pavers as her backsplash. I believe that she had originally planned to do a wash on them, but ended up painting them cream. Scroll down for pictures.

Here is a link that might be useful: OWCL

Try this link

Here is a link that might be useful: brick backsplash

{{!gwi}}

I would paint the brick a soft gray color. White is going to draw attention to it. A wash will add another element of "Oh, goody, look what I was able to do in addition to everything else?" Soft gray, flat, no shiny, don't try to compete with the granite. Try to downplay the brick. The idea of gray is the best! White just adds more starkness and whitewash is just another "I'm so buusy, I'm so buusy."

Oh, I just absolutely, positively love the red! I can see such great potential for accessories going on in there with the red, which makes the room so cheerful, & the gray in the granite looks stunning with it. Your Aunt could do a very contemporary, sleek look with the red or do a darling vintage look with it as well.

Funkyart, I'm with you in your assessment of granite! I also agree that it is overdone & a kitchen doesn't have to have it sell a house or to look fantastic. Nice to hear someone else thinks that! Personally, I want Silestone when I change mine out. It's the only counter material that has anti-microbial protection. Being a bit of a germ-phobe, that's an exciting concept!

Having said that, Auntie's granite is very pretty. Her kitchen has tons of potential...bring it alive with the red backsplash!

What about a wallpaper liner to smooth the brick, then covered with decorative wallpaper? I did that over ceramic tile and it's beautiful! It's been there for years and is still beautiful, easy to keep clean. And I do a LOT, LOT, LOT of cooking and splashing!

With such an upscale counter material, I'd just tile over the brick. I'd also change out the hardware. If the stove is staying and if possible, I'd paint the storage drawer and narrow almond strip across the back of the range.

I love the brick and wouldn't want to disguise it, but then I've always liked brick :-) I think it adds interest. My vote would be for white, adding a bright color valance and bright accessories such as canisters, toaster, etc. on the counter. Then her color scheme could be easily changed and it would have a bright fresh look. The hardware she has doesn't bother me, looks fine to me. Love the granite!

Instead of a stark black, consider off black or charcoal. I like caminnc's brown too. Maybe a coffee brown could be nice.

A very matte muted grayed out black - not a true black at all.

Smiles:)

i really like the white or black for the backsplash as they photographed above..however another thought would be to use tile or stainless steel right over the old brick if you don't like the brick, or even doing a french plaster technique over it..but that might be a lot more work than painting..use a good primer if you paint..

Caminnc's mock-up gives you the idea...that's actually a much bluer gray than I had in mind, but it shows how much softer and more interesting it is than either black or white.

I think the problem is a MOOD CLASH --

The stark white cabinets, shiny pulls and gray granite read very cool and modern, and the brick, stained wood window, shutters read warm and cozy and old-fashioned. The valance is a cozy old-fashioned style in a modern fabric, so in itself, a Mood Clash. The visible chrome hinges read old-fashioned, except they draw attention to the modern pulls -- another Mood clash.

IMO, they're not playing well together, and brick color alone is not going to fix it.

I'd suggest trying to refine the vision more before doing anything else. Do they want modern and stark? Or cozy cottage?

The granite and cabinets are expensive, so I'd assume they stay either way. IMO, changing the cabinet pulls and valace to something warm and cottagey could easily and inexpensively take the space into a clean country kitchen look. Add some red and apple green, or maybe cobalt blue or golden yellow accessories -- add 'happy' colors and downplay the coolness of the granite and starkness of the white.

But if they're intent on going modern, maybe a sheet of stainless steel behind the stove? Maybe aim for 'industrial urban loft' with black iron hardware? (Though SS commercial appliances would really help this look.) That could pull in the wooden window, or else paint the wooden window stark white or black and trade the shutters and valance for something clean-lined and modern.

I was intrigued with the white wash idea so I tried to mock it up. I think this gives an idea:

{{!gwi}}

I saw a Designed to Sell episode this season where they removed fake brick, similar to this thread in question. The homeowners were flabbergasted by how easy it came off! They replaced it with glass tile and the change was like night and day!

I agree neesie, I think a white or gray glass tile would look wonderful. I think the granite is so busy that it needs something clam and clean. Maybe even a white subway tile.
{{!gwi}}

Kelleng--fantastic mock-up! I'm not sure what they'd like better, but am very impressed with your PS skills!

I would paint out the window in white. The wood is clashing too much. (Ignore the beer cap. I assume it was a long day or I was thirsty.)

Thanks KitchenKelly! Love your kitchen and the gray does look great along with the window painted white. I posted this here and on the kitchen forum and I am shocked at how many more responses I received here! You guys really are the best!!! I've enjoyed reading all the responses and looking at the mock ups - they really help with the visualization.

krisfl, go back to the kitchen forum. projectsneverend posted her kitchen that has a painted brick splash. This might help your aunt decide to go for it cause it looks fantastic. Unfortunately, the kitchen forum has SOOO much activity, that threads move down too quickly. I bumped it for you this morning.

I'll post my painted brick pic here, too. :) (Even tho my cabs are very different, it gives you an idea what painted brick might look like.)

Thanks projectsneverend... your painted brick really looks great.

Kitchenkelly: I love your window and pendants!!! We are just in the demo stage so wondered how long and wide is your window; name of pendents. It's just the look I want!

Thank you!

Whitewash the brick which will bring it closer in color tothe pink/mauve in the granite.
Or remove it totally and use a glass tile backsplash.

Thanks kulagal. The bow window is 5' wide and 4' tall. It is a stock window from Kolbe & Kolbe. The pendants are from Tech Lighting. They are called Torpedo and you can change out the shade accessories (like Barbie clothes.) Mine is called Tinkerbell.

Here is a link that might be useful: Torpedo

Charcoal or black.
I would change the handles too.
The window frame could stay natural as is,but I would add a different valence.