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j8sw32

I hate my new backsplash

10 years ago

I hate my new backsplash. It's too white for the cabinets, and with our old dishwasher it just clashes. What can I do? Can I paint it? I'm so sad.

Comments (29)

  • 10 years ago
    If you replace your stove w a stainless version to match your refrigerator and then paint your walls to match the backsplash (and put a few brightly colored accessories on the counter) it will all blend and be less of a mismatch. That's the least expensive way to tackle this. Or you are looking at painting your cabinets or just biting the bullet and redo the backsplash. Sorry.
    j8sw32 thanked thinkdesignlive
  • 10 years ago

    Oh, poor you! Are the cabinets new? If so, I'd take a deep breath and rip the back splash out. If the cabinets are old, (although they look lovely) you could paint them. In your comment did you mean the old stove not dishwasher? If at all possible, I'd say that white top also has to go. Harsh words I know!


    j8sw32 thanked Debbie Smith
  • 10 years ago

    Yes that's what I meant. Maybe I can get a new stove. Backsplash was put in by my husband while I was at work. I wish I could have seen the progress. Cabinets are new and were so beautiful before this competing backsplash.

  • 10 years ago

    Your cabinets and hardware are beautiful. But yeah, hate to say it but the backsplash just throws everything off. I guess you'd have to compare the costs of redoing it to painting (?) it. I don't see how changing appliances or wall paint is going to help this much. So sorry!

    j8sw32 thanked ecpt
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    It might be the colored grout (vs white) that is throwing things off and making the individual tiles pop too much. It may also look better if you add a few things that are also bright white like the stove top and off white like the cabinets, because right now it's just all out of balance; i.e., 70% off white, 25% white and 5% bright white. If that doesn't help, yes, you definitely can paint the tiles and grout - just google it. There are lots of people who have done it and love it.

    UPDATE: Here's a photo with similar color cabinets and hardware with the white backsplash and white grout. If you hate this look, too,

    then you should definitely just paint the whole thing :) (much easier and less expensive than starting over anyway).

    j8sw32 thanked mjcj88
  • 10 years ago

    The corner tile pieces would drive me insane. I don't think that you can fix this without tearing it out and starting over.

    j8sw32 thanked dd75
  • 10 years ago
    Yes you can paint the tiles. Do your research on it but I believe you have to lightly sand tiles, prime with the correct primer and then paint. My sister do hers years ago and it worked out fine.
    j8sw32 thanked Tina
  • 10 years ago

    I think this pic is very similar to your kitchen. They painted their walls to match cabinets and added pops of color on the counters. If you can't change the stove to stainless, maybe a bright colored teapot would help :)

    j8sw32 thanked outshopping422
  • 10 years ago

    yes, its a mismatch. but once all of your kitchen need-to-be-theres are put back, it will be less of an issue. i wouldnt ungrout or paint tiles or do anything without things put back. up the color of canisters or towels, see where it gets you.

  • 10 years ago
    Paint the backsplash--not a big deal.
  • 10 years ago
    If you can afford the extra expense, rip it off cuz whatever you do to fix it you will never be happy with your backsplash. It will always stay in your mind that you didn't like and had to put up with it. Believe me, i've been there. Good luck.
    Evy
    j8sw32 thanked Evy
  • 10 years ago
    Thanks all for the advice. Is it possible to paint just the grout a lighter color? That will hopefully make it look more like the picture. Maybe I should just paint the cabinets a whiter color. What do you think?
  • 10 years ago
    I need help figuring out what kind of art and rug would look good in my entryway.
    Don't know if I can put an abstract or need to stick to a more traditional picture. Also I wanted to incorporate a little orange in the mix. Any ideas?
  • 10 years ago

    I don't understand your flooring. Is it not completed or should I be looking at it another way? I like the idea of painting your back splash tiles. It's probably much easier than replacing them-if you do not like the tiles at all, replace. Lots out there to choose. Agreed, a POP of color would make a difference in the whole scheme.

    j8sw32 thanked Carm Scanlon
  • 10 years ago

    Please don't paint your cabinets...they are beautiful !!!! I think the bright white stove top is throwing things off...even if you changed your backsplash tile you might not be happy.

    j8sw32 thanked outshopping422
  • 10 years ago
    My contractor did a terrible job with the grout lines for some white tile in my basement bathroom. The grout was originally grey and we were able to use a grout paint over the original grout and the problem faded away. The finished product looks like grout and no one would know it was painted. Good luck
    j8sw32 thanked aniluap2
  • 10 years ago
    I agree that the grout color is the issue. Start small, recolor the grout the color of the tile. If your not happy after that then you can rip it out or change appliances etc.
    j8sw32 thanked linlac
  • 10 years ago

    Flooring is going to be all wood Laminet. But our fridge leaked and we had to pull a portion of it up. The guy is coming next week to fix the floors.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Choose a cream grout and regrout. It's the grey grid that's throwing everything off. The white tile will harmonize much better once that cold grey is gone.

    Btw, painted tile will never look as nice as clean tile. You may get a colour that you like from across the room, but everytime you're working at your counter you'll look at those painted tiles and be sad. Not to mention that a painted surface is less durable than a tiled surface.

    j8sw32 thanked Jennifer K
  • 10 years ago

    I agree with those that say 1) the first step is to change the grout to white or cream - and definitely don't paint your cabinets, they're beautiful, plus changing the grout is a thousand times easier; and 2) adding in the decor elements that will tie it all together. Those two things will make a significant different and one you'll hopefully love!

    j8sw32 thanked mjcj88
  • 10 years ago

    Okay I think I will work on changing the grout color then. Thank you all for your help and advice. This renovation project is not easy

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    Home Depot carries an inexpensive faux pressed tin design that may give you the look you want a more economical price point then replacing with tile.
    j8sw32 thanked Rugged Gentleman Design
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    There are 19 color choices, and come in 18"x24" sheets. It will likely not alleviate the issues with the stove though.
    j8sw32 thanked Rugged Gentleman Design
  • 10 years ago
    You have to do something or it will always bug you...a new stove and microwave would be as much as replacing, however either way you should update to match your fridges. I agree change the grout colour and add some other colour splashes and you'll never notice!
    j8sw32 thanked LA Gardner
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    By replacing the grout color to a much lighter white tone would make a significant difference. You should go with a Snow White or Alabaster Color Grout. I have attached a link that might help you with Grout Removal. You Tube- How to Remove/Replace Grout

    Best of Luck!!!


    Taylor Warner Kitchens

    2907 W Kennedy Blvd

    Tampa, Fl, 33609



  • 10 years ago
    Old post
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Don't touch the cabinets, they are beautiful. Just paint the grout white and see if that looks okay - it really should.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Whitewash paint tiles. Research techniques. If new stove is to expensive there are paints that are non toxic you can use on appliances to change colors. Also, accessorize with bright kitchen items, flowers or plants. Biggest issue is that stove top and grout. Would recommend changing hardware on cabinets but I know you said they are new