Backsplash!

9 years ago

Looking for advice. We will only be in the house for 5 more years so resale is important. My ideal kitchen includes white cabinets and a marble herringbone backsplash. The kitchen is in great shape and wood cabinets seem to be the preference for buyers in this area so changing them is not cost effective. The granite is also in great shape so changing it would not add value... I'm trying to lighten the kitchen and incorporate a little of my style while keeping it classic. Everything I love seems to clash with what's here. I'm not a fan of brown but I do like cream. White seems like it would be too harsh against these warm tones. I'm definitely a fan of cooler tones. Any ideas? Thanks for the help!

Featured Answer

acm

9 years ago

I would have the 4" granite backsplash removed, and then tile from cabinet to counter with cream subway tile. It will lighten and modernize the room, and it should be easy to find a tile that coordinates with the tones in your stone. (A taupe or very pale gray might also match, but the cream will bring the most light.)

Urban Cottage · More Info

Kitchen examples · More Info

Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. · More Info

If you want a little glitz, you could go with cream glass, for some sparkle and extra modernity, but it might or might not be worth the extra labor cost.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Liz Liller
9 years ago
Here are 2 versions of herringbone style tile in a cream and a basket weave. I've seen these herringbone tiles done in white and it is beautiful. The cream would lighten the area. Another option would be to paint the kitchen a lighter color.
andrealeea
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks! I like these a lot and have seen similar in the store. My worry was the small pattern would be too busy with the granite? Are you thinking to not do a backsplash and just paint? The current color is colonnade gray. Here's a shot looking into the living room.
Related Professionals
Tupelo Interior Designers & Decorators · Cleveland Interior Designers & Decorators · Show Low Interior Designers & Decorators · Durango Interior Designers & Decorators · California Architects & Building Designers · Moline Architects & Building Designers · Bangor Architects & Building Designers · Great Falls Architects & Building Designers · Sheridan Architects & Building Designers · Montgomery Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gulfport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bartlesville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Portland Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Marquette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fairbanks Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Liz Liller
9 years ago
Here is an image with a similar size tile with a granite counter. See if you like it. You can see how it brightens up the area. I'm not fond of the grey paint with the warm colors of your cabinets and counters, but that is my personal preference. You could find a color that compliments both your living room and kitchen.
andrealeea
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks! I love all of these ideas. I agree about removing the backsplash! I've heard there can sometimes be a large gap between the wall and granite that tile won't cover. Any ideas for how people handle that? Or materials that are thicker for a backsplash? I like the cream glass tile. Good to know that installation can cost more though.
jhmarie
9 years ago
If your kitchen is more of a simple style, a cream subway is pretty. This is mine:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087
andrealeea
Original Author
9 years ago
I picked up some samples. I'm usually decisive but this is hard! Any thoughts?