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lynda24

Kitchen help please!!!!

13 years ago
We installed St. Cecelia granite over a year ago and also replaced the backsplash. I immediately hated the backsplash (I feel the mosaic is too busy and does not work with the granite). I've also come to dislike the maple cabinets combined with the granite. I feel there needs to be a contrast here, either by changing the backsplash or darkening the cabinets. Hubby does NOT want to PAINT the cabinets. I've received quotes to re-stain the cabinets but it will cost about $5000 and I'm not sure we can swing that much. Plus, even if we do stain the cabinets, there are still issues with the backsplash and it would either have to be replaced or modified by removing the mosaic accent and replacing with something less busy. I love the dark granite on the island and how it contrasts with the cabinet color. We need to repaint the kitchen as well. Previous owners used an adobe red treatment on walls. It's time for a change. I am stuck and afraid of making another mistake, so instead we've done nothing. I still have spackle on the walls from the original redo! It's time to fix it and I need help. Should I replace the backslash? Try to change the cabinet color? What color should I paint the walls? Any ideas and/or photos would be so helpful. Thanks so much!

Comments (13)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi lynda24!
    I think that replacing your current backsplash would be better than spending a ton of money re staining the cabinets. Plus, the right backsplash and paint color may make the maple cabinetry and counters work for you. Since you really like the contrast of the maple with the dark granite, why not use a darker tile for the backsplash? Your granite color has dark olive green and buttery yellow tones, along with dark browns. What you can do if you're looking for a more uniform backsplash is do a monochromatic tile in one of the darker colors in your granite. The tile below is from our site, and is a dark gray with green undertones. It's a transparent tile also, so it wont be too dark, and it's glass so it will reflect the light from your under cabinet lighting nicely. The pain color is Benjamin Moore's Marble Canyon, and is a light buttery yellow with gray undertones. These are just ideas for you. Good luck with your design!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I agree the backsplash does not go with the granite or cabinets. The first thing I would do would be to not turn on the undercabinet lights, it just showcases the backsplash. Next I would trade out the black knobs, on the doors, try a stainless handle..large but very simple and knobs on the drawers. Buy one to try. Next paint..I don't know your home color scheme, so I won't suggest a color, only to say keep it neutral, maybe a gray beige would neutralize the color combinations. Before buying paint, buy samples, paint 2 coats on a white board and tape onto your walls to see how it looks before painting. Next accessorize your countertop. Maybe a few large plates on stands..maybe in pewter to not add more pattern. Maybe a few colorful bottles. Decide to paint the cabinets later..it is certainly worth a try.
  • 13 years ago
    Leave your cabinets. If you can swing a new backsplash I would do something in a darker hue like a slate color or chocolate( no border) The rubbed bronze knobs are the right color but the proportion is off. I would use bin pulls for the drawers and larger knobs on the doors. I would stay away from yellow toned paint colors since they will make your cabinets appear more blonde. If you want to go lighter try a greige color like BM overcast. GOOD LUCK.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    the mosaic tile above is a great colour. too small for your kitchen. go with a subway tile 3 x 6 size. It has a better scale & will be simpler impact. Accessorize as suggested. A wall colour that is also the putty grey green would unify your area better than the red . pick out the tones from your granite. Nothing with a pink undertone as that will clash with your cabinets which have a more yellow base. handles as suggested will help too. Urbana Kitchens, Victoria, BC
  • 13 years ago
    @ E Klo - thanks for your reply. I love glass tile and have been thinking that's where I want to go.

    @ Susan - I love the colors you pulled together. I will check out your site. I am thinking the backsplash tiles need to be bigger though. I actually took stuff off the counters before I took the pictures...normally there are all sorts of papers on them. Haha!

    @ Barbara - I never turn on those lights but turned them on today to try to get a better picture of the colors. I will definitely consider changing the hardware.

    @ aniluap2 - I will check out the paint color. Thanks for your reply.

    @ Ellen - Yes, I definitely think the mosaic is too small too. I love subway tile and am looking into that as well. A darker color would provide the contrast I am looking for. The larger tile will have less grout than the smaller mosaics so it won't seem as busy.

    Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate it.
  • 13 years ago
    How about this? Remove the current tile(s) backsplash you don't like. Paint the walls (and walls that now have no backsplash) a greenish/gray (taken from the granite). Put a slab of granite (the same as your current granite) only on the wall above the stove. You don't HAVE to have tile on a kitchen wall counter. After you live the the wall paint and granite stove backsplash...if you don't love it, you can install a creamy white glass subway tile as your backsplash (maybe a beveled tile). But, you may not have to. BTW...the hardware matches your lighting so I wouldn't change that.
  • 13 years ago
    I https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~24561 you want tile "now"... this beveled creamy white subway tile would look fab in your space.
  • 13 years ago
    @ Janell - where can I find this? Does it come in other colors?
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Unfortunately, we do not carry that exact tile color in different sizes, but we do have other colors in that same type of tile (ocean style bottle glass) that would be beautiful with your counters as well! Below is an image of two different color tiles in three different sizes/shapes. Here are links to these exact tiles: http://www.susanjablon.com/1x2-inch-olive-brown-iridescent-glass-subway-tile.html http://www.susanjablon.com/1x3-inch-sage-transparent-glass-subway-tile.html
    http://www.susanjablon.com/2x2-inch-transparent-sage-glass-tile.html
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi Lynda,

    I think the two suggestions I have for you will really help transform the look of your kitchen, without costing you an arm and a leg.

    First, I think a subway tile would work best in your kitchen. We can install a new backsplash right over your existing surface, avoiding demolition and saving you money. I think Noir would be a great look, take a look for yourself here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/subway/

    The next thing I'd address is your paint. I think you need to go with something in the green family to bring the colors together. The maple cabinets can work with noir and St. Cecelia granite, as long as you have something bringing it all together. I really like the Sage Brush from Benjamin Moore- http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/sagebrush

    Good luck with your selection.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    We all agree it's the backsplash throwing you off :) The pink undertone is clashing with the granite. I think replacing it with a very simple, monochromatic tile (no accent), that's larger than mosiac and flows colorwise with the granite, will make a HUGE difference (could be subway tile). Then you will have a very neutral kitchen with many new paint color options. I can picture a taupe paint color working well. Small change, big reward. Good luck!
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks for all the suggestions. I love subway tile. I am glad to hear the general consensus and I think it will help to go with a larger size, darker subway tile. @ Granite Transformations I LOVE the suggested tile. I am definitely going to look into it. Thanks again!