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beautiful4

I’M BACK -HATE THE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

8 years ago
To : Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design, ACLB, Sammy, beckysharp, cpartist, Kariyava, Eclipse Designs Inc. by Celina Basagoitia, and the others who were nice enough to comment the other day with my backsplash dilemma.....well, here we go again. I’m sooo upset. My quartz countertops were just installed. I hate them. Like the backsplash, it looks very dated. Looks nothing like it did in the store. It has too much cream/or yellow ....I don’t know how to explain it. My kitchen & dining area are painted “Straw” by Benjamin Moore....now I feel that I’ll definitely have to change the color...it almost matches (see attached picture) ...I need some suggestions for paint color. Unfortunately, it’s too late ....I’m stuck with it ...unless I hit tonight’s lottery. If you great folks can give me some ideas. Now, I’ll have to pick a really good backsplash & paint color to try to work with it/make the best of it. NO money in the budget to replace/re face the cabinets ....and I can’t replace these awful countertops....I’m stuck. Thanks for suggestions & prayers.

Comments (115)

  • 7 years ago

    Brickwood Builders posted a Neri bone subway tile on this thread. Might be a possibility but not in the bevel. [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/kitchen-backsplash-dsvw-vd~5468044[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/kitchen-backsplash-dsvw-vd~5468044)

  • 7 years ago

    This link shows cabinet colors similar to yours with an almond tile

    https://www.daltile.com/products/tile/rittenhouse-square/field-tile/almond/standard/standard

  • 7 years ago
    Hi Ted ! I saw your message this morning ....soo sorry I’m just responding -crazy day ! I can’t thank you enough for your sketches - so nice of you. By the Grace of God, I was able to get a decorator here (actually two) ....two wonderful ladies who work together. I’m adding pictures to my Kitchen Idea Book - would love your opinion. The ladies & I discussed quite a few things ...directions in which I can go. We did discuss painting my tin tile ceiling -I’m not keen on doing that ....so we’re leaving it as is. I will eventually paint my cabinets. We will do something in a light gray. The options we came up with (I posted pictures) are Collingwood or Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. There is also a brand of paint especially for cabinets - INSL-X Cabinet Coat ...I guess also by BM. They have a color called Marble Plinth...I’m not sure if I like that one. I’m leaning towards Revere Pewter ....it might be too dark. AS FOR THE BACKSPLASH- the ladies took me shopping ....we picked out an Ivory Ceramic Tile. It’s by MASIA. They like the plain (not wavy pattern) and in 3x12 size...it’s long -but that’s what they suggest. We will paint my small kitchen/dining area in a white ...which will have to be extended into my entryway. They suggest Soft Chamois or Cloud Cover - both by BM. Would love to know what you think. AS FOR LIGHTING....they suggest I move my small dining room fixture into the kitchen....it’s a bad picture (sorry) ....they liked it & thought it would add a little sparkle/elegance. I will now need to buy a new fixture for the dining room. Sorry for the novel : )
  • 7 years ago

    Beautiful message me. I live right near you and actually grew up in Great Neck

  • 7 years ago
    To : cpartist - How do I message you ?
  • 7 years ago

    I need to digest this more and will get back to you tomorrow. In the mean time I think you need to really think this through as whether you really are going to paint the cabinets or not. In the "moment" it is easy to get excited about everything. Let me know tomorrow what you are thinking after you've slept on it and then I'll know whether to put more time into their proposal. And see what cpartist has to offer.

  • 7 years ago

    Click on my name. There should be a button on the upper right hand side that says message. If not, click on the the button below the picture that says activity and then it will take you to another window that has the message button.

  • 7 years ago

    I actually just messaged you.

  • 7 years ago
    To: cpartist- I’m still having a problem messaging you. I see the message button.... but it looks like I have to save you in my contacts first ? Does that make sense ?
  • 7 years ago

    I understand that sinking feeling when you have spent time and money and then you do not like outcome. What I have also learnt is that we need to be patient. I have often not liked a design decision and THEN when all the other pieces are completed, I feel very differently and realized I was disheartened for nothing....The BIG picture, in the end with everything completed ,often makes what drove you crazy suddenly............. looks good!! I think your counters are awesome ...not dated at all.

    You have talented people helping you,,,,Your kitchen will be great!!

  • 7 years ago
    Thanks very much stefanie ! It is the stress that goes with all of it...which makes it difficult. I have to focus on the big picture....it will be worth it in the end.
  • 7 years ago

    It looks similar to my countertops. My cabinets are white w/ backlash that's similar in color with the countertops. It's a clean look imo.

  • 7 years ago

    Beautiful, I am so glad you got help. Sometimes that is all you need. Someone to hear your ideas or loves and help you process them into a space that can be great. I like your counters and I think your light fixture is lovely. Those wavy tiles are really pretty and will make you like your counters again. Thinking of you and hoping everything falls into place for you. ~boxer

  • 7 years ago
    Your cabinets are beautiful classic I would not paint them get some good lighting in there first Beth posted a nice ceiling light I would not go with the lighting from your dining room
  • 7 years ago
    Your cabinets are beautiful classic I would not paint them get some good lighting in there first Beth posted a nice ceiling light I would not go with the lighting from your dining room
  • 7 years ago
    I think Ted has a lot of great ideals
  • 7 years ago
    To me ..the problem is not your countertop ...and if in doubt you should use the same material in your backsplash ...but what I see as the glaring problem is the color of the floor and the cabinets ...I would change color of the cabinets , even though they like nice ..but don't go with the floor ...to one of the colors in your countertop ..can't tell if it's a grey ..in there ..a grey would be nice or light creamy beige . Or change the floor color into one of the colors in the countertop ...
    You have too many colors going on in that kitchen.....make everything work with the countertop ..and don't introduce another color unless it's a color from the countertop ...one that is the lightest or is the color you like best in the counter .
    Then you will have it all in harmony ...
  • 7 years ago
    To :tedbixby, Hi Ted. I love the idea of painting the cabinets....since I’ve never been fond of the honey color. It’s really not in my budget now .... but I think I will look to do it in a few months. I MUST pick a paint color a.s.a.p -decorator suggested Cloud Cover or Soft Chamois. I might need to pick one by this afternoon, actually. I am rethinking their suggestion about putting my small dining room fixture into the kitchen.... I like it in the dining area. Would love your opinion on that.
  • 7 years ago
    To :tedbixby, Hi Ted. I love the idea of painting the cabinets....since I’ve never been fond of the honey color. It’s really not in my budget now .... but I think I will look to do it in a few months. I MUST pick a paint color a.s.a.p -decorator suggested Cloud Cover or Soft Chamois. I might need to pick one by this afternoon, actually. I am rethinking their suggestion about putting my small dining room fixture into the kitchen.... I like it in the dining area. Would love your opinion on that.
  • 7 years ago

    I have 4 recessed LED lights in my small kitchen. We redid it in 2014 and I'd do that again for sure. It's clean up there always :)

  • 7 years ago

    If your floors are staying, then I'd agree with painting your cabinets, when you're able to. But I'd go with a soft white. Not starkest white, but not creamy -- just between. There's a color called Dover White by Sherwin Williams that's part of their Neutral Nuance collection. (Just an example of a non-cool, non-warm white that you could use, even if only as a guide.)


    I see you have a window there! Assuming your kitchen is naturally well lit ..... if you paint your cabinets a soft white, (and since your countertop is already light colored), I think a backsplash with some color depth between them would be beautiful.


    It may tie your floors nicely into the design, along with your countertop speckles, and tin ceiling. I think your countertops can become more beautiful to you in the end.

  • 7 years ago

    Regarding the paint for the walls. Will this color affect anything else besides the kitchen, hallway & your eating area? What does your dining table look like?

    Is your hallway flooring different than your kitchen? If so, what one is in the dining area?

    I'd keep your dining light fixture where it is.

    If you are going to paint your cabinets, I would look at a creamy color- it won't date them like gray will eventually and it will go with any wall color. That Dover White that spisland mentions might be a possibility though I only looked at it on-line.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Dover White looked quite yellowish on sample boards in my home. If you try that color, maybe get a sample at 75% or even 50% if you want an even lighter look.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Beautiful4, what is the quartz brand and name? Maybe you said this already. I got lost going through all the posts. I am asking because sometimes you can find the maker of the quartz and they recommend different paint colors that can work. Cambria has some ideas on their website. Once you find the perfect color, your wall and cabinet paint will go nicely with the counters. It is all about finding the right color. I think you are wise to wait on painting the ceiling.

    Paint colors I have been looking at that you might like too are Simply white. YOu can see it below.



    Cambria quartz gallery

    I love the cloud cover.






    Oh but this is really pretty tooo...

    Whatever you decide is going to be great!

  • 7 years ago

    Boxerpal- she hasn't told us the quartz name. It would be helpful if she did though with her lighting I think we are going to have difficulty putting something together unless she gets out there and starts bringing home samples.

  • 7 years ago
    Yes, the color of your light bulbs may be making your Quartz look different than it did in the store. A reputable and experienced lighting store consultation may help you select the correct lighting. Take a piece of Quartz with you if you have one.
    In my opinion, which us rarely humble, I encourage selecting a backsplash material which exactly matches one of the lighter colors in the counter material.
    Don't despair. Help is available. Houzz people are full of experience and enjoy helping. Don't let the word "putrid" in a previous comment get to you. I prefer the word "off"....much softer than the p word.
  • 7 years ago
    I think you will ultimately like your countertops, especially since you have so many suggestions. I went from light countertops to dark ones and the dark shows everything. I like the way they look when they are spotless but keeping them that way takes a little more time. Looking forward to your dilemma solution! Happy days ahead.
  • 7 years ago

    I found a tiny sample of that Dover White in my paint chip collection :) Ive never used it though.

    Apparently it’s thought of as a neutral; it’s the whitest on their Neutral Nuance pamphlet.

    This photo was taken on

    my very white counter, and here’s a paper towel white for contrast reference. But I’m sure there are many others that would work well for you.

    I think Ted is right about not necessarily going with gray.

  • 7 years ago

    I can't thank all of you enough -so many great people on here ! I did consult a decorator. She feels I sould paint the kitchen & my small dining area white. The more I look at (Soft Chamois) one of the BM colors she suggested - I don't care for it. It almost has a gray tint to it ...really weird ? My contractor recommends a true white....I guess a crisp/clean white.I really will consider painting my cabinets (not in the budget now) ....probably a very pale gray. I think it's wise if I wait until the kitchen is painted to decide on cabinet color & lighting. OF COURSE, when this is all done....I will post pictures. : )

  • 7 years ago

    Is your contractor a decorator? If he is, then he would be telling you that paint color for walls are chosen after everything else is decided upon. Guess it's the easiest way for you to go without you having to put any effort into it. Good luck in picking out a true white that will work with your current finishes and future backsplash.

    Funny that you don't like the gray tint to the Soft Chamois but would paint your cabinets a pale gray.

    Good luck and enjoy your new kitchen .

  • 7 years ago

    To: tedbixby & boxerpal .....I'm embarrassed to say that I have NO IDEA who my Quartz is by or the name of the pattern. At this point, I don't know that I can get it (long story). Today, I ordered backsplash -ted, I posted a picture of it on my idea book. It's an Ivory Ceramic Tile ...made by Masia. The decorator said we should do it in the 3x12 size. I thought that looked big ....but I trust her judgement. Ted, you asked about my dining table ....I'll try to post a picture. It's kind of funky - I bought it when I moved in 2 yrs ago....it's Parsons (concrete top) by Crate & Barrel. It was a very risky purchase for me. Years ago, I would never think of picking someting like it ...too modern for me. I saw it at the C&B in the city & then again in their store close to where I live & it grew on me. My taste seems to be all over the place these days....maybe that's my problem.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I don't need the name of your quartz now and you don't have to post anything for me any longer as you seem to feel you know what you are doing between the 2 decorators and your contractor. Good luck.

  • 7 years ago

    beautiful4, do you not have your receipt/work order for the quartz? You should save the receipts for anything that you install, since it can be deducted from any profit when you sell the house (it becomes part of your "cost basis"). If you have lost the receipts, ask the supplier for a duplicate. The name and manufacturer of the quartz is typically on the receipt/work order.


    Cloud White is another that can read a bit gray, but that might work very well with your quartz. The only way to tell is to get samples, prime over the yellow wall then paint some samples near the quartz. White paints especially can read differently on the wall than when you are looking at a paint chip and comparing it to other whites. For example, my room painted in Simply White looks very white! but if something that is pure white is held up next to it (like a sheet of copy paper) or next to other white chips, I can see that it does have a warm tone to it.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    FYI I am a designer for over 20 years....

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Look at soft white backsplash...paint cabinets mindful gray..keep tin ceiling...match soft white tile with soft white walls...

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Penny tiles would be a great mix with the tin ceiling...

  • 7 years ago

    BEAUTIFUL..I would not overthink it ....do what HIWE suggested!!

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Thanks Stefaniebogles! Appreciate your support:)

  • 7 years ago

    After everything everyone has said trying to help you regarding the warm coloring/tint of the lighting... have you still not simply put cooler 4000-5000k bulbs in your existing light fixtures to see the impact that the color/temperature of your lighting on your kitchen appearance? (and then post photos of your kitchen with quartz and cabinet wood in clean (un-yellowed) lighting here?)


    Contemporary LED bulbs use minuscule amount of electricity compared to wattage of candescent bulbs that have been in your home for years... no issue with capacity of your existing wiring...


    If you really were interested in understanding what you have as a foundation to work with, you would also get a $10 can of white primer paint, and a $0.99 disposable sample paint brush and spend 15 mins covering a few sq feet of the yellow paint with white primer on your wall next to a section of counter & cabinet!

  • 7 years ago
    Yes but bemocked she has to paint the walls as well. She seems to have white lights in her chandelier but it’s the other that needs changing
  • 7 years ago
    I would suggest a color extremely devoid of warmth for the backsplash to absorb the yellows in the room and provide balance before doing anything extreme. The color needs to harmonize with the floor too.
  • 6 years ago

    Coastal- Just wondering if you went to the Cambria web page and looked to see if what was installed looks like what Cambria shows on their site?

  • 6 years ago

    Coastal, many years ago I ordered carpet from a sample and the carpet that was installed looked nothing like the sample. The company agreed the sample I had retained looked nothing like the installed carpet and they replaced the carpet. I now keep a sample until my flooring, marble, granite, upholstery, etc. is completed. Hope you have a satisfactory solution. I know your disappointment and angst. Good luck!

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Hello Coastal Atelier, we look forward to the appointment you have set with our representative to assist you with this matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Cambria Customer Care team at 866-226-2742 should you have any further questions. Thank you.

  • 6 years ago

    Was wondering if you ever finished your co-op kitchen etc. would love to see it

  • 6 years ago

    Hi Kathy, I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t completely finish my kitchen. I was sooo stressed out with the few things I did do, that I needed a break....money was tight also. I’m still on the fence about changing the color of the cabinets. I feel I should. Thinking about what many suggested.....to paint them a light gray. Some friends & family tell me to keep them as is....they are in great shape. Also, need to replace the light fixture. I’m clueless as to what light to buy. Many of the decorators who were nice enough to offer advice on my first few posts, felt I needed to deal with the lighting first. I’d like to get started again. Would be nice to complete the kitchen before Christmas.

  • 6 years ago

    Honestly your countertops aren’t bad at all.


    Here‘s SW Sea Salt paint in a very small beachfront condo that has warm-toned cabinets. I could see this paint as an option in your space as well, if you don’t prefer just white.


    And this tile can easily marry warm and cool tones together, while not competing with your particular countertops.

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry forgot photos lol




  • 6 years ago



  • 6 years ago

    Thank goodness real life is not a TV show and you can take the time you need. Where did you end up? Did you paint the walls?