Marilyn- sorry you don't love your new backsplash and that the installer didn't do a great job, but from this view is doesn't look too bad. I agree it's missing something, but do you think your new, good installer could remove the really bad tiles and replace those and then you could pick an interesting accent tile to inset every here and there. It really looks like that's all it needs. I think you were on the right track and think "this backsplash can be saved!" with a few great metal accent tiles and a more capable (and caring) installer. HTH

faleash- the installer said he would come back and replace about 4 of them but on some of them if he replaced them the ones next to them would not be even. He told me to get some medallions and put them on top of the tile and that would take your eye away from the ones that are really off. I bought a few of them at 18.00 each and taped them up, but just glued on top like he suggested, they look like an after-thought. I hate the thought of starting over, but I feel it is so boring, besides the uneven tiles which look terrible. Thank you for your suggestions.
Bill V what do you think about taking tiles out after being grouted and also going right over this tile like suggested.

If you tile over tile that is already uneven, won't it make the new tile uneven? I agree that what you have doesn't give your kitchen that wow factor. What if you went with something that had the texture of fire and ice, but was more of a solid color?

Laurie

mrose, I asked the same question but he assured me that it wouldn't because they put something over the old tiles and can even everything out. I like the idea of texture but the color is so hard to match to this granite. I also love mini glass mosiac tiles but don't know if that will be too busy. Glass Subways?? I dont know where to begin. Also maybe tumbled with accents might work. Keep suggestions coming please..... I was sick of looking and work many hours on my job even weekends so I just one day said- I am going the safe route and went with this creamy tile which BTW looked great on the board even in my kitchen, but boring all over.

But, you got to admit, the Fire & Ice would go great with your spice rack! That's why *we* choose it. ;-)

Jodi-

OK. I'm going against the grain here. But I like how your tile parallels the floor. Yes, it may seem boring at the moment, but it is a look you won't tire of in 10 years. If you want some zippity-doo, change the paint, blinds, accesorize. I personally love your kitchen and I don't say that often.
If you are cooking delicious, aromatic food, your kitchen will never be boring! : )

marilyn... sorry you're unhappy. What a disappointment that must be. What kind of changes are you open too? Do you want to balance the warmth of your kitchen cabs/floor/counter with a cool color tile? Are you open to glass or do you prefer ceramic? I think any kind of tumbled stone, even if you insert some accents is going to give you basically a similar look. There's nothing wrong with it but definitely doesn't have a wow factor. Could you post a close up pic of your counter to help with color suggestions?

I agree with jennibg... maybe you could pick up a beautiful sage or blue-grey paint color from your small rug and then add a roman shade with a cool patterned fabric and see how you like it. It might add just the right amount of zip!

jennibg, thank you for your advise and your kind words. I am painting probably a light sage/grey color and plan on window treatment also. I am going to try to post a picture of how bad the tile sticks out in places, otherwise I would just have doctored it up and lived with it.
Jodi, I have always loved your fire and ice and spice rack since I started looking. I just don't know if fire and ice with my granite may be too busy but I love yours.
remodelfla, yes I am open to glass subways, mini bricks, glass mini mosiacs, if not too busy. I also admired Sharbs mini bricks, but when I saw in person it was really gold at our store. I was hoping you would give me your advise.
I am not very good with computers and I have closeups of the granite on photobucket, my sons girlfriend put them there for me, I will try to figure out how to post the close up of the granite. I just want the tile to make some kind of statement but not too wild right now it is boring.
dinajo, it is funny you said those colors, because the color painted is just sample can from Sherwin Williams. I was going to paint a light sage/grey color and get a roman shade or custom valance, but for the time being just put 20.00 blinds. I will wait and see if I change the backsplash, I may change the color paint again.
Thanks everyone and keep ideas coming please.....

I would replace randomly some of the tiles and add metal decorative ones. Less expensive and can easily be changed again later!

In Photobucket, look under the photo where it says HTML code. That's the one you want to copy and paste into your post here.

Your granite is very pretty. I agree with what others have suggested about adding some pretty accent tiles ... but not on top of an existing tile.

Thank you erikanh, your the best!! Believe it or not the granite is 2 shades lighter than pictures and tile is one shade darker. When walking into the kitchen they are almost the same color, which is probably why they look so boring.
If I can have the tiles removed and they take some random tiles out, what kind of accent tiles would I put. This is limestone wouldnt I have to stay with limestone?? Also if putting decorative metal ones what color would you go?
Bill V is it possible to remove about 8 tiles after being grouted and it has been sealed but not enhanced. Can you enhance after it has been sealed?

yes, yes, marilyn, you can remove and replace what you need to. I had to do it in my bath remodel last year and that was even AFTER it had been grouted. This is easier. I would choose some pretty metal accent tiles with lots of dimension, so they protrude a bit further and give contrast to the limestone in color and texture but are not busy to compete with the granite. They could just be textured or abstract or images (suns, flowers, whatever your pleasure). I really would not do away with the limestone. It works. Just fix and tweak and it will be PERFECT>

If you do not like it, remove it. It will be less expensive in the long run and you will be happier. Take your time, you have time to look now. Look at annsacks.com for unique tile options. Also, search kitchen magazines and galleries for kitchens with the same or similar granite and look what was done for the backsplash. You may find interesting options that way. The tile installer messed up our bathroom floor and layed chipped tiles-- when he removed the chipped tiles, he chipped the nearby tiles. The new tiles did not go in perfectly, the grout is a slightly different color -- it's a mess. Based on our experience, I would not recommend a repair.

Marilyn - I found this picture in my saved photos and thought this backsplash might look good in your kitchen. I can't remember who this picture belongs to.

{{!gwi}}

Laurie

Posting backsplash suggestions would be easy but it really would be good to know if you're heart is set on replacing it, tweaking it, or if you're starting to like it as is. Do you want metal accents or glass? If you change it out completely the possibilites are limitless. I typically lean toward glass subways 'cause to me, the lines are clean and it can be both transitional or contemporary. I also find the glass somewhat "soothing" looking. What does your heart and wallet tell you and we'll go from there.

Usually if you remove the tile back splash, you have to put up new sheet rock cuz the panels under get all messed up. that's been my experience anyway.

I don't think it's boring or awful looking at all. There's nothing wrong with neutral back grounds. It lets everything in the foreground stand out.

I'd have the new guy fix the few tiles he can fix and then paint the exposed walls with more wow color. With new wall color, new window treatments up you may feel differently.

and then I'd suggest you start using your kitchen and stop staring at the walls! ;-) LOL We can all go crazy obsessing over the things we think were mistakes. Unless it was really horrible, the odds are once it's all done, you'll be happy. There was one part of my granite seam I HATED. I don't even see it now.

Amen! to buddyrose's post.

There are people who use the very stone/surface they used on the counter, for their backsplash. You couldn't get more homogeneous than that! and I don't think they look boring. You have a lovely granite and limestone is a premium stone (the very, absolutely, hands down, top of the heap, IMO). If some of them upset you, well try to have those pried out and replaced as you would like. And then take a mental step back.

I have a very "boring" backsplash - sheet glass backpainted white. Couldn't get less interesting. It had been all I ever wanted - I was very clear on that. I simply and totally love it. But when it went up, for about a day, I felt a bit down on it too. That it wasn't very inspired, was a bit dull etc. I was daft. I absolutely love it.

You do need to take a step back - this remodeling really messes with the brain! (Else, almost 3 years after finishing my remodel, I wouldn't still be here!)

I don't think it's looks and probably wouldn't do anything. In most kitchens I prefer a simpler backsplash, and your neutrals put the focus on the rich wood in your cabinets.

If the granite is lighter than the photo and you like the darker look, maybe you can try an enhancing sealer on a scrap.

WOW!! Who makes that medallion????

Hi Marilyn234,
It is too bad you don't like your backsplash. I think it
looks nice. I do understand. I would definitely change since it is making you unhappy.

I don't believe you can tile over tile. That might
get messy. Maybe you need a new tile guy?

Jodi has a great backsplash. I also like Chloe's-mom.
Below is a link to hers. And here are some tile
backsplashes that I think might look great with your
beautiful cabs.

Best of luck
~boxerpups

Here is a link that might be useful: Chloe's mom/kitchen backsplash tile

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Everyone is so helpful with great suggestions. I am always afraid to take chances, afraid it will be too dark, too busy, make the kitchen look even smaller. If I thought he could get these tiles out easily I would definitely put a few metal or glass accents around and I know I would like it alot better. He already has at least 6 that stick way out, so noticable and its not me... I had relatives ask what happened.
remodefla, I am leaning to something completely different. If you have any suggestons I would love to see what you think would look good. I am sick about how much I spent on the tiles @ 16.50 ft, but I have to chalk it up to a bad choice. Sad part is I have about 80 tiles left over.
Boxepups, thank you for the pictures, I really like some of the backsplashes- where did you get the pictures, are they from gardenweb?
mrose, thank you also for all your help. I did like the one you said would go with my kitchen. I think I will be starting all over again.

Do you think you prefer stone, glass, ceramic? Want something sleek, earthy, or classic?

Your backsplash works very well. Don't get stressed out about a few tiles that are uneven. Your kitchen needs a little bit of detailing in order to achive the look that I think you are trying to achieve.

In the close-up picture it doesn't look like you have grouted it yet. It will look different when you do. Use a grout that is an exact match to one of the colours in your granite.

Cut a 4" strip of the same granite as the countertop and run that along the back edge where the counter meets the splash.

Put stainless steel covers on your outlets and switches.

The biggest problem is your window. Paint the frame the same colour as the cabinetry. Get rid of the blind. If you need some privacy there, get a set of wooden half shutters, or a wooden venetian blind. Spend some money - don't try to find inexpensive ones that "do the trick" - they won't.

Get rid of the little rug in front of the sink. Get a large, hand-knotted piece - at least four times the size of what is there right now. It needs to look soft and warm like a big chenille throw - a complete contrast to the stone that it rests on. Otherwise - dispense with the rug altogether. If your feet get sore buy nice running shoes.

Decide if you are going to have things on your counter or not. If so - two regular bottles don't cut it. Get some interesting shapes with corks and pouring spouts and little jars and covered dishes. Arrange them carefully but logically. Groups of five, seven, nine..

Otherwise, keep the counter bare - almost impossible I understand but the "halfway there" look is aesthetically unsatifying.

I think you have the makings of a beautiful room. Good Luck !

remodelfla, I like glass or stone with some glass. I am really open to suggestions. I don't like shiny ceramic but other than that I am open to what will go with my granite. Do you think it will help to post a picture of dining room and livingroom next to this room to see my style?

sailormann, I don't have any leftover granite for the back and it has been done for 6 months so that wont be possible. The little rug is new with tags still on just tried it to see if I liked the colors. The backsplash is grouted, just the closeup it wasn't as I was posting to show color of granite. Thank you for your suggestions.

boxerpups,

Do you know who's kitchen is the 8th picture down? I would love to know which tile and back splash they used.

Has the tile been sealed? If not, enhancing the tile will bring out a richer, golder tone. If so, maybe the sealer can be removed and then it can be enhanced if it hasn't already. I would re grout with a warmer, deeper, honey colored grout to tie it in more with your granite, and add some pattern to the splash.

Gaylemh,
Forgive me, I can not find it. It is no longer in my
history folder.
I did another search but still can not find it. I believe
it may have been from a home for sale site.

Here are some links on the other backsplashes
listed. I will keep looking. I usually put a note
on my clippings that way I can get the link back to
anyone who needs to see it. This time I must have been
not paying attention.

I will keep searching.
~boxerpups

http://atileguide.com/category/tile-backsplash/

http://www.casa-bella.com/installations/backsplash3.html

Can anyone give me suggestions on what backsplash would look good? I like subways or 6 X 12. Actually open to all ideas at this point. It has been a few weeks now and still dont like the one I have. remodelfla any suggestions? Something not too busy but with some wow factor. Tile guy confirmed I can go right over this one. Anyone see any down side to this??

Here's some ideas: This is from Interstylle Ceramic: I like either the tundra color for contrast or glint for more subtle:

GIve some feedback on likes/dislikes and we'll go from there.

Just thought this was different and the colors look like they'd work great:
{{!gwi}}
Stella Pattern Jeruselum Gold with wood onyx dot

remodelfla, I really like lighthouse, very interesting looks almost like sea shells in them. I also like glint. Do you think I am playing it too safe again with these colors. My son is coming home next weekend, so I am going to see if he can photoshop lighthouse for me to see how it would look in my kitchen. Thank you for your help, I am just not good at this. I thought for sure I had the perfect one for my kitchen after months of looking and then installed hated it. I will definitely want to get an idea what it would like this time before installing. You are so helpful and so good at picking beautiful different backsplashes. I should have asked for help the first time around.

I don't think you're playing it safe. I think you're finding your style. We all mess up with our choices. If you take a look at the color tone of all your favorites and the one you installed; they are all light. So that's where you start. A light backsplash is definitely a perfect match for your stone. You cabs are darker and something light with some visual interest will be great. I think people find that visual interest in different things. Yours just happens NOT to be in tumbled stone. One is not "more right" then the other. I happen to find I'm always drawn to glass... it's just a matter where you taste lies. I can't wait to see it photoshopped. I have no clue how to do that or I do it for you!

remodelfla, is the glint one above a glass tile? Do you know of any glass tiles either in subway or other that would look nice. I promise this is my last question, I don't mean to be a pest, but I was so pleased with the remodel up to backsplash. We had little time to make decisions, as our remodel was not planned but due to a leak in the pipe in the wall which caused alot of damage. We had a huge deductible as we never had a claim in 25 years so we didn't turn it into insurance. We had to do fast and on a budget, but kitchen was 23 years old so time for a new one. Thank you again for your time and patience. You are sol HELPFUL!!!