I love it! But it’s going to boil down to your preference and your relationship with the contractor. I do think it’s the fault of both parties for not working with a very specific drawing/picture especially after the first mistake. So IMO it would be unfair to make them redo again at their cost. Again, I’d keep it if it were my kitchen.

If you didn’t provide diagrams of what you wanted, that’s a change order, on you to pay. They are t going to redo it again.

Yeah, both ways of setting the tile are “reasonable” choices, so it’s not like the tile setter did something crazy. I personally like the tiles the way they were set because they mirror the orientation/proportions of the cabinets.

I think it looks fine!

The vertical grout lines will make you look taller.

(may be confusing that with clothes)

Mark, I was thinking the same thing . . . maybe I'll look slimmer!

Your kitchen - and the tile and grout - looks stunningly beautiful!

I like the vertical stack on the tiles! It looks very nice, grout color as well.

I think it looks fine.

If you look at the tiles at the very top, by the hood, the grout looks darker, and like what you picked out. The grout just above the countertop looks lighter, but that's because of the under-cabinet light shining on it.

Thank you so much Michele . . . I need for comments like yours for reassurance that it is ok to leave it as is. It's so hard when you have a picture in your mind.

Lindsey, you are probably correct. I'll need to look more closely when I am there. I intentionally selected a grout that matched the silver tile color closely . . . but we all know how different lighting plays into the equation.

Lindsey, I do see the difference in the grout with the lighting. I hope this look evens out when I have the recessed lighting on.

I personally like the "vertical" orientation of this stacked tile pattern. I always give my tile guy a drawing of how I want the tile placed. And then I'll text or email them too!

Looks good!

@Rachel it's an interesting and modern orientation, and I think it looks nice. I agree with Lindsey, the lighting is making the grout look different from above the hood to under the cabinets.

As a frame of reference my tile guy and I would stand together, and lay out tiles on a counter or board, in the orientation I envisioned prior to placing them on the surface; that way there is no question as to what I'm am asking for and what he is going to do.

Having said that, this looks like a happy mistake, it's fun and modern - not like everyone else's kitchen either. Keep it.

Thank you, Dawn. I do wish I'd insisted on being there but it is a relief to know others like it while I adjust my expectations.

there is a vertical stack, and a horizontal stack. (you would think the tile guy would have contacted you with verification before starting this layout a 2nd time!)

I think it looks good. It takes you eye upward and makes the area seem taller.

as for the grout color, did you ever see this pewter done on a sample?

i think if the grout was darker it would blend too much w/the tile color and the pattern would be lost.

and the only reason the grout looks diff shades is because of your lighting. obviously up at the top in the shadow of the molding, it will be darker. That's probably what the real color is. down lower w/all of the light on it, it appears lighter. I think it works well w/the countertop and the tile.

@Beth H, I did look at the grout sample next to the tile at the flooring store. Clearly, the lighting was different there. I am going to need to look at this again with the recessed lights on, because it does look a bit 'muddy' on the top but in the one issue it is obvious that it is the lighting.

@Rachel I like it! I think the area behind and around the hood especially benefits from the vertical stack. If the tiles were set horizontal in that area they would look chopped off and awkward. I do agree with those who say in the future to be sure you clarify directions like this, but this time it turned out to be a misunderstanding that improves your kitchen. (Also, I LOVE your cabinet hardware...simply gorgeous!)

I like it. I had my glass tile stacked horizontal and after seeing yours I would have liked it vertical.

While I like it I’m surprised they placed it that way. It’s not as common. I’d be sure it’s not going to bug you long term. Settling for something that wasn’t the original plan. That said, I don’t think they should have to eat the entire cost to redo since neither were specific and signed off on what was to be done with placement.

1. sketch layout or contractor standard prevails
2. choose/confirm grout onsite

A fortuitous mistake!

I think it looks better laid vertically than it would have horizontally.

It looks different that what everybody else has been doing. And the lines are super straight. I think it looks kinda cool! Go to Home Depot, they have a mortor color pen for after the fact. Then seal the grout. I think the lighter color looks really nice since your cabinets are so light!

Thanks @B Carey. What you don't see in the photo is the island which is cool blue/gray and much darker. I'll need to reassess grout once I have the lights on and can get a view of the entire room.

I agree with everyone else. You are overthinking. Get on with the kitchen, you’ll get lots of compliments.

I think it is "fortuitous happenstance" that they did a vertical stack. It looks lovely.

As to the grout color, is there any evidence of a grout container/package on the site? I do like the lighter color, but it reminds me of the Laticrete light pewter we used. Is it possible they didn't use Prism grout?

Very pretty, I wouldn't change a thing. I too think that the lighting is making the grout look lighter.

I'll check for grout package...the Prism was specified.

They set the tile directly on the top, making a proper silicone joint between the plane changes impossible. You'll have a crud catching gap with seasonal changes; too small for silicone, large enough for contamination.

They should have set a continuous shim on the counter that was the thickness of the grout lines. Tile on top of the shim, grout, pull the shim and fill the gap with color matched silicone. Looks better and much more functional.

Joseph, is this standard practice? I assume this is impossible at this point without pulling it all down.

This looks very pretty. I would never have guessed it wasn't your original intention.

I would have pictured horizontal stack like you did, but I have to say, it does look lovely as is.

As a contractor, we'd make the effort to change it no problem. It's an easy fix, tt would look way better horizontally.

It looks great! Something interesting and different.