Software
Houzz Logo Print
jared_delawder

countertop nightmare!

8 years ago
Just had the backsplash and floor done in my rental property kitchen. Thought I had the colors matched up well but I didn’t not. I think the countertop is the issue. What can do to make this kitchen look better without replacing the countertop? Maybe a countertop paint? (Ignore the walls, they will be painted)

Comments (20)

  • 8 years ago

    The counters, floors and cabinets are fine. The pale green paint is the first issue, the busy backsplash is the second. The green walls are making the counters look more reddish against the backsplash.

    Paint first - a neutral that looks good with warm and cool colors. Then I would try changing to a cooler light bulb to tone down the warm tones in the counters and floors.

  • 8 years ago

    The countertop is fine. It's the backsplash that's causing the "nightmare". What made you choose that color and pattern in a backsplash? I'd remove it.

  • 8 years ago

    try painting the wall a different color.

  • 8 years ago
    It honestly all looked great in the store. I had the opinions of 5 different people. Just looks not so great in person.

    Changing the backsplash is not an option. I do not have the funds to do that.
  • 8 years ago

    Can it be re-grouted? It may be just my monitor but it looks like a very dirty tile that used to be white. Maybe a lighter grout will save it somewhat?

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    The light in your room, your wall color and your cabinet color are impacting the way the choices look in your space. Matching "neutrals" is tough. If it is any consolation, there are lots of posts here from people who are disappointed by the look of their neutral choices in their space.

    Try new cooler light bulbs.

  • 8 years ago

    With the short splash of countertop material, the backsplash tile is superfluous and is clashing with the other elements. If you could remove that and repair and paint the drywall maybe a creamy color, you’ll be all set

  • 8 years ago

    Not understanding why you used the backsplash tile on the wall. It looks too much like something you'd do in a bathroom. That backsplash and countertop are just not the way to go. Not much you can do except replace them.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    In my opinion it's the backsplash. Wrong for the space. Too high, too busy, too industrial against what appear to be a more Victorian and elegant cabinet. If you don't want to change the tile, I'd go white on counter. Possibly consider painting. They do have the new quartz cover for laminate and Formica counters but I haven't done so personally. If you could water down the tile that would help, but it's the absolute wrong color. Id go with something like this and tie it all together. Here's our showroom bathroom with a similar palate. Something like this tile would have tied nicely. And below is another counter-top color option.



    and here's a laminate replacement that may work better

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Wilsonart-48-in-x-96-in-White-Juparana-Laminate-Kitchen-Countertop-Sheet/1000317989?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY--Kitchens--SosCountertopProuctAndAccess-_-1000317989:Wilsonart&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000317989&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=c69d94f4-1165-41a1-91d7-d8a1a538720a&gclid=CjwKCAjw68zZBRAnEiwACw0eYTRw0pPgOWqS3bWHDKZ8t1yxT56lYHF9p6ytc_bfRxuZbDRjOGe_TRoCOd4QAvD_BwE

  • 8 years ago
    What about painting the tiles? I’ve done some brief research on it and it seems possible. Any color suggestions?
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Countertop paint? Okay if it's in a trailer park, I guess. The same goes for painting tiles--they are both hillbilly solutions. Do it right or live with it. And you can't just leave painted wallboard on that wall in a rental property. That makes no practical sense.

    But seriously, how do you think paint--any paint--will stand up to knives and pots and pans and water and scrubbing with a scouring sponge? You need materials designed to withstand the daily use of people who have no real investment in keeping it looking new. That's not a diss on renters at all; I firmly believe that landlords get the tenants they deserve and that tenants take care of the property to the level that they think the landlord cares about them. But nobody is going to take the same level of care that an owner would.

    And Sophie's right (as always) about the tile itself. It's clearly not wall tile, so it's always going to look odd, and that has nothing to do with the color. It was the first thing that struck me when I looked at the photo.

  • 8 years ago

    Remove the tile. Paint the walls SW Linen White or maybe Accessible Beige. Update the hardware on the cabinets so it matches the sink (brushed nickel would work).

  • 8 years ago
    The landlord will not be pleased because the kitchen is a probable issue with the next renter.
  • 8 years ago

    It looks like the floor and counter are pink-beige and the backsplash is yellow-beige. I’d just remove the tile and consider it an annoying lesson in color undertones.

  • 8 years ago

    Paint the wall a tone of the backsplash only lighter. Then, when you put the refrigerator back in that space next to the counter, and I assume that is what belongs there, the backsplash will be hidden and it won't dominate the space. That's all you see and that is a roundabout solution to this mistake.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    No need to take out the backsplash, especially since it's a rental. Instead take the very palest tan from the backsplash as your wall color. It's hard to judge paint in the paint store. The mint is all wrong. Get some large posterboard to try out the new light tans under daylight and artificial light. Oh, and make sure it plays well with the floor color. All the elements have to harmonize. Paint is usually the easiest solution.

  • 8 years ago

    Take a back splash tile to the paint store and ask them to mix paint a shade lighter for the walls.

    Put all appliances back.

    Add large Canisters on the counter it will take the focus away from what little tile you have left.

  • 8 years ago

    I think painting the cabinets a vanilla or cream color would help. If it still doesn't look good...you can paint the grout a lighter color. They make grout paint.

    Alternately you could swap the counter for butcher block or self made plank countertop. There are a number of diy options....you could stain them a walnut color.

    Good luck!

  • 8 years ago

    I understand about staying on budget. Paint would be my suggestion. Cabinets, walls and grout. Paint could be the key to making it all work. After the appliances are replaced, the exposed backsplash will be minimized. I chose my granite first, then after it was installed in my small/medium kitchen, everything was too dark. I went to my local paint store and spoke with a professional. It worked out for me, even if it was a little more labor intensive. Good luck.