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Design Dilemma Kitchens

countertops clash, everything clashes!!

August 7, 2018

So after searching and searching, I finally found countertops that I liked and finally, today they were installed. Problem is, they clash with everything! I always thought that my cabinets were white, now I now that they are more of an antique white. They look terrible and I don’t know how to fix it :( Please Help!! Is there any way to stain white quartzite to a more “beige color?” TIA!

Comments (156)

PRO
GreenDesigns
Well, Rose Quartz and Serenity were the Colors of The Year for 2016. Add in the yellow of the cabinets with the pink of the backsplash and floors, plus the blue of the walls and stone, and it’s a pastel version of a primary color scheme.
March 16, 2019last modified: March 16, 2019
isabel98
looks great!
March 16, 2019
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That's a bummer. I would see about replacing the backsplash instead of the countertop it will be the cheaper option. Either way on of the two need to go. Maybe a ceramic or glass subway tile in a cooler tone? I would paint the walls, I don't know that painting the cabinets slightly whiter is going to give you the contrast you are looking for. You are better off going darker on the walls.
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BM white chocolate has yellow undertones, so if you want white, I would select perhaps, BM Chantilly Lace. As to countertops, it would help to see more of the kitchen to get a feel for sizes, etc. If you have straight runs, you can get pre-cut slabs that might save you some money, but you will have limited choices. With that flooring you will be limited to beige, black, and some grays. You might want to look at White Spring, which isn't really white, but would look good with Chantilly Lace cabinets. There are other off white choices with some browns, like Icy Brown. So my suggestion is take a sample of your paint choice preferably on a cabinet door, and piece of your tile and start haunting the granite yards. It is hard given the colors you are trying to blend together. If your budget can take it, you might want to look at some Quartz products. London Sky by Zodiaq. It is an offwhite with grey understones with a grey veining which would work with your floors. Once you find the countertop, then select the paint color for your cabinets. Granite/countertops are harder to find than the paint color, so definitely don't paint before you get countertop material defined.
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Jo
Great Lily. Enjoy your beautiful kitchen.
March 16, 2019
traci_from_seattle
Very nice! I love how the backsplash turned out.
March 16, 2019
Ellen Tracy
Beautiful!
March 16, 2019
Pam A
Good for you! That looks so much nicer and the whole picture is a bright space that is warm (not cold). And you saved a lot of money compared to a replacement.
March 16, 2019
Hansen
Love a happy ending and love your space.
March 16, 2019
felizlady
Paint the cabinetry a true white to match the white of the quartz, or a light gray matching one color in the counter. The quartz is the most valuable element...don’t touch it!
March 16, 2019
judy1740
Hard to tell because the monitor changes the colour. I would get tile sample boards from the tile store and set them against the cupboards and quartz and see if anything draws it together. Stay away from anything busy. Try and draw from cabinet and counters. If tiles don’t work I would consult a designer because counter mistakes are expensive as you already found out. It will be beautiful in the end. I’m a little confused because one pic looks good with counter and one doesn’t.
March 16, 2019
GeorgiaPeach 1970
I'm so sorry you're stressing. It's still pretty. But good advice to step back,take a deep breath & live with it awhile.
You're overwhelmed right now.
Later on you change out the backsplash.
It definitely seems the culprit. Not a too expensive fix. Good luck
March 16, 2019
GeorgiaPeach 1970
I feel silly! Didnt realize this was an old post.
I felt so sad for Lily.
Yay! It looks beautiful.
March 16, 2019
alenm3
Looks awesome!
March 16, 2019
Nicole R Dsp
Chalk paint huh? Never would've thought that would suffice, but wow that worked out so well! Well done, how's it holding up?
March 16, 2019
mrichter54
But Lily, the photos DO do it justice! :) It’s all beautiful!! Glad you found a solution - you did a great job! Thanks for coming back to post pics :)
March 16, 2019
PRO
Flo Mangan
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I can hear the excitement in your voice and congratulations on finding a great solution! Well done!
March 16, 2019
jkt107
What an improvement. Looks great! Would you mind telling me the color of your kitchen walls?
March 17, 2019
orec3
Love it! Your kitchen is gorgeous. Very smart fix!
March 17, 2019
artemis_ma
Neat. I like your save!!!
March 17, 2019
Lily
Thank you all for the kind comments :)
Yes, chalk paint worked and it’s holding up very well. In case somebody else ever wants to do this, it’s important to know that I mixed it with water, I did a small section at a time and cleaned the grout In that section before moving on. I tried just the paint on a sample and it looked terrible! For some reason in the photos it looks like it has a pinkish hue but in person it doesn’t.
March 17, 2019
Lily
The paint color on the wall is called silver strand by SW. It’s very pretty. It looks like plain gray in the swatch but turns out a pretty silver color.
March 17, 2019
Lily
Per your advice, I did go and found some accessories that were more my style and put them on the counter tops and they do take your eyes off of the counter. I also purchased a natural gas stove top and I think that once it’s installed, it’s going to bring everything together even more! I’m just happy I didn’t have to spend 20K on new countertops or even a couple of thousand on changing the backsplash. Eventually I do still want to change the countertops on the perimeter maybe for a solid darker color but this works for now!!
March 17, 2019
Lily
Another suggestion that worked tremendously was changing ALL the lightbulbs to “day light” bulbs, big, big difference!
March 17, 2019
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
It’s perfect! I love your floors. Do you mind sharing what you have? Also, did you say you were getting a gas stovetop? So you’ll remove the induction?
March 17, 2019
Lily
Yes, Zalco, only two burners work in the induction that I have so I’m going to take the opportunity and get a natural gas stove top instead.
These are white oak wide planks, somebody called it Rubio color.
March 17, 2019last modified: March 17, 2019
crystalpea
Oh no! What brand/model of induction did you get?
March 17, 2019
Val B
Looks really great! And now you know what color tile to get for the backsplash if the paint starts to chip or get worn.
March 17, 2019
kulrn
It looks beautiful!
March 17, 2019
Lily
The induction was part of the builder’s package. I think it’s a GE it’s 4 yo.
March 17, 2019
perky_2
Wow - what a recovery! Nice job.
March 17, 2019
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
What a brilliant job you did! Your kitchen was gorgeous to begin with and you found the perfect way to smooth over a little hiccup. Bravissima!
March 17, 2019
lindag70
The backsplash looks incredible; the entire space looks unifed -- very happy for you! Could you possibly share a bit more about the chalk paint process. Which brand chalk paint was used, did you 50/50 with the paint/water or other split, did you only paint the tiles and not the grout lines, and what was the application method (paint brush, sponge, rag, etc). Any other info or tips would be so much appreciated. Thank you!
March 17, 2019
houssaon
I am so happy for you. It looks great!
March 17, 2019
lbmccarthy418
Great paint job in the backsplash! It looks beautiful, and the countertop is just gorgeous. Great save!
March 17, 2019
Lily
Thank you!
I used the chalk paint from Lowe’s (they only sell one brand that you can customize) And I had them make it the same color as the paint that I used for my house walls.
As for the mixing ratio, I wish I would have measured but I didn’t, I just kept adding water until I was happy with the consistency. I wanted a white-wash effect so it was pretty watered down.
I used a regular water spray bottle to apply it and after I sprayed it, wiped it with a rag.
I did small sections at a time and I cleaned the grout quickly before moving on. It is important that you are consistent with the application and don’t apply twice in the same spot because you will create darker spots where it overlaps.
After you’re done with everything and it’s dry, you start all over again... do as many coats as you need until you’re happy!
March 17, 2019
lindag70
Thank you so very much for taking the time to respond and sharing detailed instructions. I appreciate it! Kind regards.
March 17, 2019
ram123
Turned out beautiful!! I know it was a difficult process but you should be very proud to creat such a great fix!! I think everyone could understand how upsetting this was, so glad you found the perfect solution!!
March 17, 2019
abb_ann
Backsplash does not work.
March 18, 2019
Julie D

Lily--I need to white wash my travertine backsplash--here

is a picture. I love the idea of chalk paint. Any tips? Is it holding up OK and how is it to clean it. Thank you.
May 17, 2019last modified: May 17, 2019
Grey Owl
Just change the backsplash
May 17, 2019
Grey Owl
Sorry I just read your update..looks beautiful
May 17, 2019
everdebz
Your thread showed up - I love the tumbled look, and if you like it better with absorbed chalk paint, even better!

With stainless steel, I think a grey-ish element [counter] blends with them: "light warm and light cool."
May 17, 2019last modified: May 17, 2019
Julie D

in reference to my backsplash question
May 20, 2019
PRO
Beth H. :
Julie, she used the lowes chalk paint that matched her cabinet color tone? In your case I would use an antique white or aged white. bright white will be too white.

just mix it w/water until it's thinned out enough to do a 'wash'. practice on a spare piece first. work in small sections, have a rag ready to wipe and go for it. I will add that if your travertine is sealed, it may not absorb like unsealed stone. Hard to say without trying it on both.

Lily, yours is the first 'painted' stone I've seen that actually looks good.
May 21, 2019
felizlady
Your biggest expense was the countertops....so they stay. Paint the cabinets (not YOU, a professional) and replace the backsplash (another professional).
These kinds of mistakes happen when a person makes choices without having samples of the real materials. Decorating is not guesswork...it is planned, verified, sample-checked and re-checked. Take your samples wherever you go, even if it requires a suitcase on wheels. Look at your samples in your house and outside in the natural light. Store lighting is often bad.
May 21, 2019
everdebz
Seems but in person ? that the flooring has quite a blend with backsplash. Might help that the islands are dark - the contrast seems to draw attention, and some away from the lighter parts... if that helps.
Hearth Room · More Info
May 22, 2019last modified: May 22, 2019
everdebz
With time on my hands, I'm posting a similar look: beige and polished steel, for entry or dining - nice if house has a romantic sofa or chair in softened lilac / lavender imo.
Contemporary Opaleen Chandelier · More Info

Uttermost Layers Landscape Art · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/uttermost-layers-landscape-art-prvw-vr~106523143

https://www.houzz.com/products/contemporary-opaleen-chandelier-prvw-vr~46922648
May 22, 2019last modified: May 22, 2019
everdebz
This has drama with 2 deep colors -
May 22, 2019
PRO
Beth H. :
everdebz, any idea where that deep blue throw is from? love it. That off-center artwork would drive me batty. Needs to be turned horizontally
May 22, 2019
everdebz
lol.... and what a royal blue.... idk where, not that one. Searched royal blue, but not with that burnout-type...
Rabbit Faux Fur Throw Blanket With 2 Pillows, Royal Blue · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/rabbit-faux-fur-throw-blanket-with-2-pillows-royal-blue-prvw-vr~80239672
May 23, 2019
PRO
Beth H. :
close,! I like that other one because it has deep violet tones. almost an ultramarine blue. my fave, fave color!
May 23, 2019

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