Jennifer, your kitchen looks fine but there's something not matching between what you imagined and the actual.

It sounds like you're unhappy with the gray counter. it doesn't look as gray as you expected it too. It's leaning brown, is that right?

Are you also unhappy with the white of the island counter and how it looks against the backdrop of the white cabinets?

Yes, I feel like it's two different kitchens. The gray/white island and then the creamy white/gray perimeter cabinets. I guess I should give it some time to adjust to the change. Maybe i'm overreacting..

If you want a whiter look on your perimeter cabinets and counter, i would recommend you to try changing your lights to led as it gives a bright (colder ) white than regular light bulbs .
You could definitely install led undercabinet lighting to get your counter look more grey than brown !

First, I would do what Diane suggested and wait a few days. Maybe change our the lights and see how you like it over the next couple days. It might be different than you expected, but it might still be something you love when you adjust to the shock of it. I think it looks good, but the pictures are small, so it might look different in person.

If you still don't like it after a few days, here's my take on it. Your island doesn't look gray to me. It looks like wood. It could just be the picture, but making that more gray could help it feel more like you envisioned.

Notice how the island and the perimeter counters are similar in color.

Also, the pictures might post better in the comments.

This is a photo of the island in better lighting (before countertop) it's definitely gray. It just looks really dark with the lighting. Thanks for the pics and comment.

ok, I hope these pics are bigger.

Also, we are going to be refinishing the floors - they look really orange in these pics.

Hi Jennifer,

We have a similar situation...warmer white cabinetry but our island comes across more grays and tailed than warmer tones. We selected this backsplash which ties all of the color's together. Some you don't have any heavy patterns in your counters, your kitchen could handle a backsplash with some variation.

I think it all looks fine, at least in these photos. Both the island and the countertops appear to be a brownish gray. I agree with others to change your recessed light bulbs to brighter led bulbs. A backsplash with tiles that are similar to your countertop could work to tie it together, and bring some of the brighter white into the space. Also, once you paint the walls you will have some contrast with your cabinets so they will appear whiter than they do currently against the drywall.

Ok, i'm definitely going to look into the lighting situation. We were planning on doing subway tiles on the entire back wall, including around the windows.

The subway tiles will be very important in pulling everything together. Have you decided on color/shapes?grout? These will all make a different especially since that is the main "wow" in this space.

We are trying to figure that out now. We were thinking the standard 3"x6" subway tiles in a a glossy bright white (vs off-white) would help pull in the island countertop that I'm concerned about. For grout, maybe tan or light gray? I'm worried the two different whites (cabinet vs subway tile) won't look good next to each other, based on how I don't like the island color and the cabinets.

You will not like pure white against off white cabinets. It will make them look yellow. You either need a bone color or go completely different and match the gray of your island base cabinet with glass perhaps. Trying to bring off white and pure white together is not a look you will like. Since you have dark perimeter countertop I would suggest a marble tile which has variations of grays and some browns might be worth looking at. I'll post some ideas for you.

Now photos on Houzz and monitors are completely unreliable, but this is a Ceramic Carrarra Marble like subway. It has mostly white, but some gray veining. If you could find something like this with a bit more of the colors you are looking for, that could work. Then with cabinet hardware, your range and hood, etc., you can make this work together.

there are several different looks you cold employ to "get a really nice" look. The herringbone Calacatta Gold Italian Calcutta Marble Honed 1" x 2" mosaic might be a good fit. Or a tile with a accent dot in a color you want. You will just have to go and get a whole bunch of samples you like and test out in the kitchen itself. But there is a good solution out there, just takes a little time to find it and get happy with a look somewhat different than you originally thought. It goes with the territory! It will all work out, trust me!

I think it looks nice and once you have adjust and take out your counter essentials etc it will look great!

I think we need to see some daylight pics. Your lighting is really throwing off the colors in these pics. I can't really tell what color I'm seeing. I just see dark grey/black island and white or cream cabinets.

Thank you Flo for the advice! I was initially thinking of a mottled gray tile but then seeing the whites together threw me off. I will look into that.

You will find something. Since everything is "plain" in terms of colors (cabinets, countertops etc) that leaves room for motion on backsplash. You could do veined choices, or plain the gray grout to give action. So, you will be ok. Bring samples to your kitchen and test in your light.

Any decisions?

Did you work something out? Not sure I would do white subway tiles. You may want more warmth. Also, I am not sure what color the cabinetry of your island is, but it is what stands out. You could always have the cabinets painted a warmer gray to pull the gray and white and cream together. Like others, it is hard to see the exact colors in the photos. Also, putting a few accent pieces in always helps pull things together. Even if it is a big bowl with fruit in it, but something that blends the colors. Hope you start liking it more.

Ugh, I haven't decided yet. It's been too busy with Christmas stuff and getting the kitchen in order. I want to take better, daylight pictures for you so cabinet colors are more representative. I have thought about gray subway tiles but I don't know if I want that much gray. I really wanted white subway tiles. :(

Jennifer, what will be going on the wall to the right of the window over the sink? Will you have cabinets or an open space?

We are going to have two 4-foot long "reclaimed wood" shelves from West Elm.

I will say we have our appliances in now (range, dishwasher, fridge), which are stainless, and I'm really liking how everything is looking. I was initially panicked (as you can tell). I think it's going to look really cool but I just have to make sure the tile works with everything.

Oh, good, glad you are getting happier with it. Post a picture when you have it completed.

The gray tiles scare me for sure, especially now with the information on the wood shelves from West Elm (warm color). I really hope you can wait until you get the countertop and the shelves in because it will affect the colors. Also the lighting in, that is huge factor. Merry Christmas and hope Santa is good to you!!

no gray or bright white subways! I like Flo's suggestion. everything is very neutral. accessorize your kitchen w/the backsplash.

Do you like that herringbone marble? Would play w/your shelves nicely. this is the Calacatta 1X3 herringbone (you can get this in a larger format as well. Even subway tiles). This has the grays and tans to tie in with you other colors.

carrara and bardiglio herringbone

crackle glass in a white/tan. would also work w/your shelves.

Blah gray subway. At least they did something behind the stove.

The first one Beth posted it what I'm talking about. Would tie everything together and the small herringbone design would add just that touch of interest without being overwhelming. Grout probably light light gray. Just off white. Even white would be OK.

I agree. the colors would be perfect w/your kitchen. bring home a sample or order one online. (I believe they even sell these here on Houzz)

Since your counters don't have any movement you could go with a more interesting "center of attention" backsplash.

I'm not loving all the patterns, although the colors are pretty. I'm surprised everyone seems to be anti-subway tile, since that's practically all you see in kitchen pics! The shelves are going up on top of the tile.

If you don't like the patterns then stick to the nuetral subway tile. Since you are putting shelves on the tile, I think simple is better. You can do a simple pattern with solid tiles or look for tiles with some soft variation of color. Be sure to see the samples in your home with your lighting before you decide.

Doing shelves on top of tile is tricky business. Make sure if you are doing this, you know what tools to use and techniques. If builder is doing, make sure you order extra tile :)

hijacking a little but still on topic. does doing open shelving in this manner over tile make it a little less tricky? https://www.houzz.com/photos/south-pennsylvania-street-contemporary-kitchen-denver-phvw-vp~70898113

I am worried about putting the shelves over the tile, but my husband seems confident so I'll let him worry about it! ;) The colors in that first set of herringbone tiles are really pretty and I think they would work wonderfully in out kitchen. I'm just nervous about going for it and then not liking it. My husband is also enthusiastic about the white subway, but I'm worried it won't have any pizzaz. I'm off Thursday so i'm going to post daytime pics then and i'll be eager to see what everyone thinks. I live in gloomy Seattle so it's dark most of the time here in winter.

OK, to be more specific, the tricky part is drilling through tile, hitting solid surface, or using proper mollies to ensure the shelves stay up! Not easy. I would avoid doing this. Second, here is an idea for using the subway tiles, but do one or two rows of pearly small accent tiles (1" or less) across between rows of tile. In other words, do a row of subway from the countertop (measure and laid out in advance) and a second row of subway tile (assuming 3 x 6" subway tiles) and then above that second row, lay in a row of 1.2" pearly white accent tiles. (these come in 12 x 12" sheets, that you cut the size row you want from it.) Now these type tiles are thinner, so you have to put a thin piece of backer board on that row to get the "level" right. Run that row across the area you are tiling. Then add another two rows of the subway tile, and another row of the detail tile. Figure out the spacing based on the size of the subway tile and the height of the space under counter top. This adds a little bit of sparkle without doing a huge amount of detail tiling. Simple look but quite elegant. You could do the row in other color detail, black for example, but I like the white on white approach the best. Keeps your options open for other countertop items and window treatments, etc.

Ya know, they make the Calacatta marble (the 1x3 herringbone pic I posted that you liked) in a subway tile. It's beautiful.

You could grout with an off white of very light gray. Order a few samples and see how you like it. The difference w/Calacatta as opposed to Carrera is the gold/tan veining.

As for your shelving. Make sure you find the stud locations before you tile. You can premark them so that when you drill, you, hopefully, can drill into the stud. There are plenty of ways to do this. You could also set a lag bolt into the stud, then tile, then slide your floating shelf onto the bolt that is extended. That's basically what I'm doing on my tile wall in the shower.

your tile setter would be able to cut a hole, or tile up, underneath the shelf without having to drill. Like I said, different ways to set the shelving. talk it over w/your GC and your tile setter before you lay the tile.

I love that tile for the backsplash. I think it would look great as well as the plain white. Just a matter of personal preference. I knew you had a good way to do shelves and tiling Beth! I was thinking along those same lines. I got the input her hubby is doing the install, so he needs this input if he hasn't already thought that through. I hate drilling tiles!!

oh absolutely. he can also do some heavyset mollies as well. I just like the studs better (ahem, don't we all? )

The only thing I would warn is work out the shelves and your tile so you aren't cutting bitty slices around them.

This is how "me and Bob do it".

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-floating-shelves/

set the shelving first, then tile around it.

here is a good how-to with the anchor system.

http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/how-to-install-shelves-on-a-tile-wall-using-wall-anchors/

Or, drill holes into your nice tile like this! lol. I wouldn't be putting heavy objects on here tho. If you are using them just for decoration for light objects, this will work.

I just am wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to just tile to the bottom of the first shelf above the countertop. That way, no problem now or for resale. If you take the shelves down and have "tiled around" them. Not a good thing. Guess you guys can decide what approach to take.

yes I thought about that. But if thats the case, then just leave the new buyers with tile that will fit in the spot should they decide to remove the shelf. Hell, by that time, they'll prob want to redo the whole thing anyway! Whichever way they choose (drilling or tiling around it) removal of the shelving is going to leave issues. But seriously, if the house is sold, no longer their problem!

We're definitely going to drill through the tile-he is going to mark the stud location so we can find it after tile is on. I hadn't thought about the weight factor. I'll look at those videos. I love that Calacatta tile! I wonder if it's too fancy to have wood shelves on?

Love the juxtaposition of rustic with marble. Wonderful look. You will love it! Just buy extra so if needed, you have some replacements. I'm sure it will all go well, because you are doing your homework! ;/

Ok, here are photos with better lighting.

Hmmm, my photo attachment isn't working...

The kitchen colors are cohesive. However, I think your kitchen would look lovely if you added vanity. Try checking our idea boards to see the layout of different kitchen styles and from there you can decide how you'd like your kitchen to be arranged.

@furnishr, old post, kitchen is done. Add a vanity? Huh?

Furnishr,,,you keep commenting on ancient posts. look at the date before you comment w/you expert advice.