I think the backsplash looks just fine!

I think the backsplash looks great but the hardware style does not work with the cabinets.

I think bacsplash is perfect ... hardware needs to be changed I think

I will be honest: I don't think the backsplash works with the countertop. It works with the cabinets, and the counter works with the cabinets, so it should be fine, but... the two together seems off. Disparate.

I would try to live with it for a while, mainly because it would take me some time to convince my husband that it was worth the extra money, but I'd swap out the backsplash for something slightly different in color.

Are we actually just talking about your backsplash coz as I read on if your dilemma it sounds like you want to replace everything. Everyone is right about the hardware it's a bit too heavy for the cabinets have you thought about purchasing the porcelain hardware

Claire, I like the cabinets. I plan to replace the hardware and the pendant lights, and in the future we'll replace the counters and the island top.

Thank you all for the input! Any suggestions on where to find Matte black hardware?

I think you did an awesome job. I will echo others that back splash looks great and with an addition of black hardware, it will wrap up things nicely. The counter tops are throwing you off and this is why you think that something is "off." but as you said, this is a project for the future. So for now, place a bowl of colorful fruit (limes, lemons, oranges...something with yellow undertones) or a bouquet of flowers with similar colors and it will tie the counter tops with your lovely floor beautifully. All what you did looks really great. Congrats!

I would have used the same counter material for the backsplash.

I know you like the cabinets but I don't know why you want to change the countertop in the near future its beautiful with your cabinets

Its too stark white it makes the countertops look yellow. The photo of the sink run looks better because of the warmer bulbs. Changing out the bulbs behind the stove is a great suggestion.

I suppose the more I look at it, I do love the back splash because it looks really good with the cabinets, just not so sure how well it goes with the counter top anymore...

Keep the backsplash it looks nice. I agree that black or oiled bronze hardware will make you happier with the outcome. It will give it a bit more pizazz . Well done !

Rebekah...I agree with you completely ...the backsplash is not cohesive with all the other elements...(in color or style)...and the black grout just adds an exclamation point that draws the eye and over powers the other elements...adding other black elements will only accentuate the problem more...

On the other hand I think the counters are lovely and go perfectly with the rest...

To me the only thing worth trying .....is altering the grout color...taking a pale color from the counters will hopefully create a feel of a better color/tone ...match...if this is not tenable ...start saving for a re-do or hoping for a change of heart...

Also ....want to point out that subway is so overused that we are all sort of lulled into thinking that subway tile is the super safe choice to fall back on..so don't beat your self up...

Can you change the countertops without damaging the backsplash? I guess that's the thing for me... I have it in my mind that you'll have to redo the backsplash when you get new counters anyway, so why not go with one now that's more cohesive?

If you won't have to replace it, I'd just leave it as-is, so it motivated me to save money quicker for the countertop. :D

I'm not a designer but came across this on Pinterest that looks similar to your kitchen. Maybe you can change the grout color like above mentioned and maybe a different design. You can save the hardware and the countertops. I think they look fine! Good luck!

You won't want to hear it. Keep the counters!! . Change the faucet to a matte black, or soft warm brass . PAINT the cabinetry a very soft white, ( or go deeper! To charcoal) the hardware is in all the wrong places anyway. Add rustic "brass"hardware; Add pendants...

. Rip the splash to a more toned in selection, even a stone mosaic if tiny enough/ with a change in scale from the counter tops

MY bet is you'll have a great kitchen, for less than the "future/long while" counter top change. I can't lie, nothing is really working.. It is VERY hard to do a kitchen in piecemeal fashion. .... very : )

how about a medium gray grout?

As for the joints next to cabinet, you could get a grout/caulk that's closest to the cabinet color or use the same grout color if you are going w/the medium gray.

DeLorean

oyster grayblack

matte black pulls

matte bronze:

or switch over to satin brass/gold or a combo like this one

and you might try switching out the under cabinet lighting to more of a warmer bulb. it will take away the bluish tint of the white tile and warm it up a bit

I am with you, Gennifer B, I think the counter-tops are too brown and they just don't go with the backsplash and cabinets together. I don't really like a predominantly brown granite with this much movement (just personal preference). After a bit of research, I don't know if I could get away with replacing the counters and not the backplash, so maybe we'll do the two down the road at one time. Now I know! Jan Moyer is right. It's tough to do this piecemeal.

I'll post photos when it's all done and we're moved in!

I think this tile work looks beautiful. Have you considered painting the cabinets?

I like it!

I'm just going to echo everyone else who doesn't like the countertop, cabinet, backsplash combo. It's really the countertops that are throwing this look off. But not enough that you can't live with it for a while. You should be just fine until you are ready to make the countertop change.

Choosing the right style of backsplash is very important to the overall look and feel of a kitchen. This kitchen we designed is complimented nicely by Ann Sacks Nottingham Collection tile and stone backsplashes and mirror.

You will notice we did a different style of backsplash for the various areas in the kitchen. I could see this approach being very beneficial to your kitchen as well.

I hope this helps!

Wow to me it looks great!!!

The counters are beautiful. The subway tile and black grout are not. I'd change the backsplash, not the counters.

You asked about sealing the tile with matte sealer---don't do it. Eventually it will peel off and then you'll have a mottled mess. Sealers should only be used on grout or porous natural stone, etc.

I think the back splash looks great. The dark vertical line between the cabinet and tile would be less noticeable if it was the color of the cabinet or even if it were white, it would not distract your eye as much.

I agree with everyone that wait until after you do the black hardware and I like the window sill painted black.

Brass fixtures aren't my favorite for this space but it does bring in some warmth. It also may make the counter tops feel more 'correct'.

Also wanted to say that the warmth of the floor also works with the counter tops and the brass fixtures. Before you rip out and spend a lot of money, I think you should make your easy (and not such big $) changes and I think you will be pleased with the results.

Rip the counters to soapstone. Add the warm brass accents, skip the black accents entirely.

Bottom line is you can't get the look of a great kitchen in any piecemeal fashion , It never works. . There are too many elements that need to work harmoniously. You're stuck with a foot in both a warm and cool palette. .....and you obviously are resisting the options to make the warmth look very good.: ) "Ka ching" is necessary if you're going to be happy.

Rebekah Madrid Don’t you feel like yelling

I agree, your counters are beautiful! The tile is absolutely fine a bit light, but works fine IMO. Completely agree you need different hardware to warm it up.

Viola!

Love the cabinets color! Your counter has warmer tone, beige/gold. May be using a matte brass finish accents/hardware would put things together.

Your kitchen is lovely. I think the only thing that sort of looks out of place is the hardware and it's placement. I would change that and see if that make it look more cohesive to you.

It looks like some have shown some nice choices in hardware. Let us know what you do. :)

Thank you all for your input! We’ve decided to make some changes and are gathering our materials now. I’ll post photos when it’s completed!

I love it! The backsplash ties in the sink, and picks up the whites in the counter tops. The addition of darker hardware will really pop. I’ve found that sometimes you have to see the final product which is hard to visualize so patience is the best option! Hang in There! It will look great!

What I don't like about your backsplash is not the tile, but the dark grout. White, or slightly off white grout would give it more of a farm house feel and then you can add the black pulls to it. There is nothing wrong with the tile.

Question: Is it possible to paint grout? Is that an option in this case?

There is grout paint. I have some but haven't tried it yet. You can do an internet search and see some bloggers and pics of how it looks.

What annoys me most about this kitchen is the installation of the sink, it shouldnt be flush with the cabinets but instead fush with the counter overhang.

Just saw this article in Houzz

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-grout-color-should-you-choose-for-your-tile-stsetivw-vs~89929909

Just wanted to update those who care to see :) we painted the cabinets, changed the backsplash, and made some other updates. Grateful for all the help!

It looks beautiful

Beautiful!

Beautiful, it looks like a magazine photograph.

It looks Great!!

Very nice updates, beautiful

I took about 10 months after we completed the kitchen renovation for me to choose a backsplash. I ended up going with one piece sheet of copper which I bought at a local sheet metal place, they cut holes for the outlets with the measurements I gave them.
However I was thinking what about somethings stainless without any lines.
I’m not crazy about the lines that the tile adds to the backdrop for me it’s distracting to the eyes. My first choice was to do exactly what you did but I held out. I’m glad I did. Whatever you decide I hope it makes you happy and you enjoy every day. Peace and love from Connecticut

I think you could avoid replacing anything here but, maybeif you change the lighting it might make a huge difference in how you perceive the color in the backsplash tile.

oh I didn't see the changes before i commented...looks great!

Looks great! Actually, it looks awesome. You are over thinking it.

NIce job!

To me, it looks great!