I like it! I know it is disconcerting but you have a unique look and from what I can see it is well done! Don't tell anyone (except us!) and your friends will go "OMG you are so creative! That is beautiful!" Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

I was just thinking how gorgeous it is BUT why is it sideways ? Rip it out ! He didn't do as he was asked.

I love it!! It is unique and unexpected. Let them wait until after the new year for your decision. Until then, enjoy the look and listen to comments from your guests.

I think it looks great!

I like it

Gorgeous. Why didn't I think of that is what all you friends will be thinking.

I'd have them redo it... but who eats the cost? Re-install especially if it really bothers you. Another reminder to always be there for installs!

Kitchen looks beautiful, btw. even with the sideways herringbone!

Several months ago someone else had similar dilemma. At the time I'd never seen horizontal herringbone. My 1x2" herringbone is vertical, & that's what I knew. Since other dilemma, I've seen other horizontal, not only on bksplshes, but also in bathrooms. If you can live w/ this, you'll save a lot of stress. If you want it the way you specified, that's your prerogative, but it could be a rough road getting there. If you're willing to take it on, your tile contractor owes it to you at his cost.

I think it's gorgeous, but it's not my kitchen. Were written instructions given to the installer? If not, you may have to eat the cost of the re-do.

If it's on them to redo, I'd have them do it the way you wanted it. I think it's a little odd myself.

I'm impressed--it actually looks good. Before the picture came into view I was prepared for something unattractive.

I would tell you the truth. Your kitchen is beautiful and the horizontal herringbone doesn't detract.

Don't stress, it looks gorgeous. Ask the contractor to deduct some $ if that will make you feel better. Sometimes a "mistake" is more attractive than the original intent.

I suggest the same as Chiflipper! And it looks fabulous by the way!!!! Good luck.

Happy Accident! Love it and would have never thought of it until seeing it :). Maybe you can get a reimbursement or have work done in another area of your home because of their error. Win-Win. :).

I would want it changed. However, if it's acceptable to you, I'd most definitely ask for a deduction on the bill.

Seems like tile folks aren't getting the communications straight over and over again. NOTE TO FOLKS having tile work done! Watch this closely because it is going wrong a fair amount of the time.

You'll hate me, but I absolutely love it!!! Also hate to admit it, but I'd "work" the problem a bit, stare at it for a week, say you just can't live through a re-do........."have stressed to the max"..Are soooooooo disappointed" and get the install at a huge discount, AS LONG AS THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE WRITTEN DOWN AND DRAWN WITH A SKETCH . If so, relax, wait for the sincere and enthusiastic compliments and get some money off for what may be non existent Pain". Sorry, but fair is fair. : )

I love it! Leave it but you should speak with them about not listening to your wishes.

I like it! I don't think it will look decidedly different placed horizontally. The tile is beautiful with your kitchen, any way it's laid. Very pretty kitchen!

If you're not happy with it, you should require the tile company re-do it at no cost to you. Every time you walk in to the kitchen, you're going to look at the tile and have a negative feeling instead of a positive one. After all of the time, effort and finances that go into a kitchen remodel, you should be thrilled with the result.

If you don't like it, have it re-done. It's their mistake and they should correct it.

It is absolutely gorgeous!
The installers provided what I would call a " happy mistake". However if you do not like it....they should redo.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the input. While it is beautiful it's not what I envisioned. It's more of a zig zag than herringbone. Yes, I should have stayed home but it wasn't possible (teaching up to Xmas). I'm most upset that the installers ignored my directions and picture. Happy Decorating!

Then they should redo it. Their problem. So sorry. This should be fun not agony. Keep us posted.

Not home at all? Tape a DRAWING TO THE WALL. Rhyme intended: ) So sorry, what a mess to redo, and I still love the result. Happy New Year, new tile we hope.

Get them back to redo it. If it's not what u asked for, then shame on them!

I would redo it, especially if you want a more classic / transitional look.

Keep it, it adds a certain "energy" to the entire kitchen! It's a fun take on a traditional pattern. Love it!!! IMHO

I like it, but agree that if you are unhappy with it, they should redo. You may feel differently about it after a while. :)

another voice saying its better than what you intended. it has movement. when its the 'right' way you get a short number of pattern repeats and then they are clipped going under the cabinet.

this is the way i'd have wanted it installed from the beginning, so be careful not to change it just because it isnt what you expected.

I love it! Nicest backsplash I've seen on this site in a long time. Let us know what you decide.

It does look really nice. I'd live with it for another week. If it grows on you, tell the installer that you need a discount since it was done wrong. If you're still upset with it, tell them they have to redo it.

I wouldn't take too long to tell them it's wrong....

I like it . I don't like to follow the rules and do everything the same as others . I think this is way more interesting

I also asked my tile guy for a herringbone pattern on my fireplace, but I didn't specify what direction, because in my head, there was only one logical way to do it. Whoopsies, I came home and it was exactly opposite of what I was expecting. I thought it looked totally bizarro for the first few days, but I grew to love it. I've gotten loads of compliments on this tile, and not one person has commented on the direction of the pattern. I hope you'll grow to love yours, as it looks great!

If the tile guy eats his mistake, I would have him redo it. If not, well, it will be our secret.

I just stumbled upon this because the same thing just happened to us!

If you can prove he didn’t follow your specific instructions,mi would ask for a full refund. The. You have to decide: ask him to replace it and risk it never getting done or completed and possible retaliation OR use the refund money to hire someone else.

I like it. I was struck when I first saw it as to how it reminded me of a breeze blowing across a rye field.