Backsplash disaster

9 years ago

I want to cry we put so much time into remodeling our kitchen everything turned out great except the back splash. We took out a wall we put in all all new cabinets new floors new appliances new lighting new counter tops everything was the way I pictured it and the backsplash ruined it. It looks a lot darker in the picture than it does in person but I hate it. What can I do even if I have to rip out and redo what tile would work?

Featured Answer

drdeb1234

9 years ago

Rip it out. It's too busy (and dated) and competing with the countertop.
You will breathe a big sigh of relief when it is gone. Even if you don't immediately replace it (just paint temporarily) it will be so much better.
Just do it!

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Comments (21)

zennifer
9 years ago
It is pretty busy! I'd change it out for something that is all one color, like subway tile or glass or something.
Junee Bug
9 years ago
I am so sorry about the backsplash. It doesn't seem to work due to color clash with the rest? I also feel it takes the beauty away from your countertop. Yes replace them with solid colored backsplash. It's not that much work, but it will cost about a couple grand considering new material and labor but if you are not happy with it, look at the grand scale of things, you already remodeled what's a few $$ more.
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simstress
9 years ago
Your countertop is pretty and should be the one star in the room. Demo the backsplash and get a single color tile that coordinates with the countertop and cabinets. It can be something other than subway, but keep to one color and use a grout color that blends. Good luck!
Junee Bug
9 years ago
Also the light on top of the sink has a warmer color than your recessed, it's making your kitchen yellower. What color is your cabinet? White or cream? Try a solid cream or white arabesque.
suezbell
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Beautiful kitchen except for the backsplash ... oh, my eyes. You have my sympathy.

Like your choice of windows. Does it serve as a pass thru to a patio or deck?

If you opt to replace the backsplash, a solid medium gray 4" backsplash with paint above would work well.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/81/cc/a1/81cca12063afafa773573e541cd8a855--beadboard-backsplash-backsplash-ideas.jpg

Alternately, more budget friendly options would be to prep and paint it and/or you could use paneling to cover part or all of what you have -- at least on the wall with the sink above windowsill height. There are extender boxes available for the outlets.

Agree that the light above the sink makes the cabinets appear yellow in pic. If it does in person, too, you might consider trying a blue bulb for that light.
Trem Wills
9 years ago
Everything else is perfect! Good job. Remove it for sure and if you redo, don't do the wall to the left of the dishwasher. I agree with previous comments that just paint would look good too.
dyliane
9 years ago
subway tile
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i'm a real 'live with it a while' kind of person, but i'm afraid this has to go. use a solid color, like the lightest color in your countertop.

live and learn!
Angel 18432
9 years ago
So sorry that you dream kitchen has fallen off the tracks. It is very busy and awful.

Before you redo, bring home some samples and see them with you cupboards, your lighting etc. etc. (don't know if you did this originally). Also, don't do the side splash (on left side of counter). A very simple, basic tile is needed. Remember KISS.

Better to tear it out now, than later and don't feel bad, you are not the first to tear out a back splash that was just done.
Tonia Tussey
9 years ago
Well, the good news, once you get the backsplash changed to something simple, you will have a perfect kitchen. The rest of your kitchen is gorgeous! Love that floor! Congratulations! So just look at the bright side, the backsplash is the least expensive change, everything else is great!
Michelle Lynn
9 years ago
Something like this would be a better option
Michelle Lynn
9 years ago
Here are better photos. Glass or ceramic would be beautiful!
acm
9 years ago
I'd go a warm gray to bring out the veining in your pretty counters. But an appropriate near-white would be nice too.

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Carolina Kitchen & Bath
9 years ago
I'm sorry this happened but I really admire your willingness to recognize a mistake and go through the effort and expense of changing it. The one thing that would be worse than re-tiling would be not re-tiling at all.

Good luck, I really feel for you because I've done the same type of thing; I'd guess everyone here has had their own "Ack! I've messed up!" moment.
njay
9 years ago
I agree that the backsplash does distract from the rest of the kitchen. Before you rip it out, perhaps you could investigate painting it. It would give you an opportunity to see how a soft color would tie into the rest of your lovely space. If you like the painted tile, you could live with for a while. If it doesn't work, then you can remove and replace it.
simstress
9 years ago
You are not alone. We paid for demo, repair, and a new installation of tile too. Writing the check hurt, but the new tile makes us smile when we see it.
PRO
Brian Gannon
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Problem is you chose the tile not what worked with your kitchen. Common mistake. .

Good thing most backslashes arent set in thinset so they are fairly easily removed. Live with it a little as removing now or in a month won't change the price. It is busy but things always look different in a pic then real life. Give it a couple days and see how it looks. It isn't horrible by any means.
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
my rule of thumb: if you are going to have to change/fix something to sell your house 'some day' you might as well do it now and enjoy it as you'd like it while you are there.

the installer might give you a break on the labor since he already is familiar with the job.
btydrvn
9 years ago
A temporary fix may be to paint an accent wall in the darker color from the backsplash...something for the darker color to relate to...
btydrvn
9 years ago
Altho the tone of the backsplash may be off as well ...so choosing the right color from the mosaic would be crucial