Software
Houzz Logo Print
gra8fulgal

Brick backsplash.... lime wash or leave alone?

7 years ago

We have a small area on one wall of our kitchen in which I put in a brick backsplash last year. The bricks are reclaimed and real, cut thin to be used as a tile. The house is log and stucco, so has a rustic feel with lots of natural wood and earthy colors. The brick tones actually go really well with the floor and bring in warmth and texture. But I made a mistake in using dark grey grout (what was I thinking?!?) and rather than being "old world charm," the overall effect is more like a 1965 fireplace gone wrong. It feels darker and heavier than I wanted and I also wonder how someone else might respond to them as we are listing the house for sale soon. I suspect the bricks may be more of a liability than an asset to potential buyers. I cannot remove them and replace with something else that might appeal to a larger audience (I am working through cancer and we already have too many things to do to prepare for sale).


So, please weigh in and help with advice!


Would they likely appeal to buyers or turn them off? (maybe I am overthinking this)


Should I lime wash them? Leave them alone? Paint the grout white but leave bricks as is?


Many thanks for any insights.








Comments (21)

  • 7 years ago

    My first thought would be to remove the brick, patch/sand the drywall, and paint the wall to match the rest of the kitchen. Done. Another idea is to re-color the grout with Polyblend Grout Renew, or some such--lots of colors available--and very easy to apply.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Definitely not lime wash behind a stove.

  • 7 years ago
    You may be overthinking it. It's such a small area that even if a potential buyer didn't care for it, it wouldn't deter them from buying, imo. And it's not horrible, I have seen much worse! Add some accessories like canisters etc. to detract from it and let it go...sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Take care!!
    gra8fulgal thanked Catherine M
  • 7 years ago
    I think it’s fine as is. You could always just paint it the same white as the walls. It would give it an almost subway tile look which is very neutral.
  • 7 years ago

    Just leave it, someone buying this style house is not looking for new fad, I mean it has an exposed log wall.........let them change it, its not going to make or break a deal.

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    It's a small area. I would remove the brick and paint . Or a nice patterned tile.
  • 7 years ago
    Take care of yourself first and foremost. The brick is probably not much of an issue for any buyer...one small area.
    gra8fulgal thanked felizlady
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    IMO brick is one of the worst choices for a backsplash, but most buyers won't make a buying decision just based on the backsplash. leave it and let the new buyers deal with it

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    In the end it will be much ado over basically nothing. Why? There is something every new homeowner hates , in every "new" home purchase. Concentrate on clean and fresh and uncluttered, a bit of curb appeal and take care of you. The money in "fixit "stuff? Better spent on a wekly cleaning lady until it sells, if you don't already have that help : )

    gra8fulgal thanked JAN MOYER
  • 7 years ago

    I would paint the brick the same color as the cabinets. If you are trying to sell I would probably just remove & paint.

  • 7 years ago
    Brick doesn’t bother me much. But I don’t like the granite piece either which bothers me much more. If I were buying your home, I’d realize it’s just a small area, small fix. If I like everything else it would not deter me from buying. N
    gra8fulgal thanked User
  • 7 years ago
    It won’t make or break a deal.
    gra8fulgal thanked Kate
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I would leave it. It would not deter me from buying the home. When we were house shopping, I rarely found countertops and backsplashes that I would have left alone after moving in. It is impossible to do something that would appeal to every buyer, so I wouldn't spend any energy or time on this. Just keep it decluttered and clean, which it already appears to be. Let this go and focus on your health; best of luck to you

    gra8fulgal thanked CLC
  • 7 years ago

    Leave it. Cancer sucks, way more important to deal with. Good luck, you may beat it, I did!:)


    gra8fulgal thanked lizziesma
  • 7 years ago

    I actually like it:)

    gra8fulgal thanked kjoy1
  • 7 years ago
    Leave it. Nobody will walk away because of that. It looks clean and well kept. Don’t worry about it!
    gra8fulgal thanked Michele
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    It has lot of character cos of shades of colour.

    Also going so well with green of counter.

    Being a big fan of brick myself like it as is as cabinets are neutral in colour.

    you could in fact if interested to pep it up, change the handles of cabinets, to add more character.




    gra8fulgal thanked chuppi
  • 7 years ago
    I like the brick backsplash. But then I have a whole wall of it. It’s basically Indestructible. If the dark grout bothers you, get a lighter grout and go over the grout lines. Probably won’t make a hill of beans difference since lately everything Is white and gray. Everyone wants to be different as long as it’s like everyone else.
    gra8fulgal thanked jalarse
  • 7 years ago

    Oh, jalarse, I love your brick! It looks wonderful. Not sure why I like yours so much better than mine. :)


    I will see how much time and energy is left after other much higher priority projects. If there is any, I may change the grout to a creamy tone like the cabinets. I really do like the brick, just not the grey mortar. Doing a German schmear but leaving the brick exposed so it just changes the mortar would be inexpensive and not that difficult, I think (she says optimistically). If not, then I won't worry. I think I have seen too many renovation shows and blogs with kitchens that are all grey with white Carrera marble and thought no one would be interested in this one. I am so grateful to all the posters here who provided reassurance and a reality check that leaving it alone is just fine. I really needed that input. Thank you, Houzz community!

  • 7 years ago
    I just noticed your note about dealing with cancer. I’m so sorry - yes, just concentrate on you, as others have said. The house will be just fine. Sending you healing thoughts.
    gra8fulgal thanked User