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Help me love this backsplash

4 years ago

Recently bought a home and I don’t love the backsplash in the kitchen. With the accented color of the island it all feels a bit too….busy. Planning to swap out the chandelier to hopefully give it a more modern feel but trying to avoid ripping out the backsplash and replacing for now.

Would love any and all suggestions on decor/ colors/ anything to help tie this together.

Suggestions on a replacement chandelier style would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Comments (17)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Oh that's a hard one, yeah a bit busy...I like it better with the lights off, that is not a good sign..lol.

    since it is just a stop gap measure:

    I would paint it the same color as the cabinets for now. Use a high adhesive primer and cover with semi gloss. I have done it before as a quick fix for a black tile with red accents (so dark) between move in and remodel and it lasted 5 years without any touch ups.

    You could get some peel and stick backsplash, you can't tell unless you put a knife to the backsplash. obviously these are temporary measures.

    lovely kitchen though! The lighted cabs are cool.

  • 4 years ago

    If you can afford to, yes replace it. However, take your time deciding. No need to rush.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Would a decorative tin backsplash be a possibility for you? Most are patterned but solid in color. That might be a route for you. Also, tile can be applied over existing tile as long as the substrate tile is in good shape. As Rawketgrl said, it can also be painted if you use an appropriate paint. Good luck!

  • 4 years ago

    I will usually paint anything and everything but I might tackle this in stages - I would likely try to get a stainless panel mounted behind the range to break that part up - then would use some vintage cutting boards or a large vintage platter or 2 to break up the BS in a few spots and then i would re-assess. if it was still super bossy (which is probable) then i would give in and paint it — now all this assumes you don’t have the time/budget/energy to replace it bc that would be the best option. its a nice big kitchen! :)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    oh dont pull the chandelier. I think the candelabra bulbs can be had in LED now....check the lumen availability.....leave that in place for the aesthetic....it looks very yellow w those bulbs..I think they are incandescent left over from their supply..I'd actually lower it a bit........ you dont need frou frou around a chandelier.. lots of eclectic spaces even w in urban settings can be played w an accessory like that. I would look for a new backsplash tile for sure. some solid color???? or a beautiful white subway.......you have illumination under the cabs so something will enhance the space..take time to search and go w a new look whatever that may be....not sure about two fixtures but chandelir can work in fairly plain white kitchens ...backsplashes remain subtle . I'd get polished nickel hardware in a simple traditional or transitional style.....not black and chunky.....

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  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Your kitchen makes me think of cookies & cream ice cream, which isn't all bad.

  • 4 years ago

    Yeah, definitely something that is very taste specific. At least the colors do go together. I wouldn't spend any time or money on temporary fixes right now. Save the money for the replacement down the road.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I would paint the backsplash a solid color for now, maybe a medium gray such as SW Dorian Gray, it blends well with stainless appliances. Or SW Agreeable Gray if you prefer a lighter color. They are both warm grays, should go with the beige wall in the background, but make sure they match any undertones in your white cabinets. Since your beautiful kitchen is fairly traditional, a modern light fixture could be an unexpected pop of bling, much more unpredicted than just another crystal chandelier (I'll try to find some examples)



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Can you cover the island granite with white formica? No? Remove the top and purchase white quartz? How about just painting the island itself white to match the cabinets? I think your third photo is the most attractive because it eliminates a large contrast.

    Your backsplash is really pretty, but it probably means you're going to need to Pin****t style your counters and the island top. Like an IG influencer would i.e. No paper towels.

    Here is a Houzz story that might give you some styling ideas. I don't think you can push your kitchen into modern, but I agree you should lower the fixture. If you paint the island white, a linear black or brushed nickel pendant might complement it and the tile.

    https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-ways-to-amp-up-your-kitchen-style-with-patterned-tile-stsetivw-vs~121552378

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Sorry but I think the backsplash is very dated. Along with that granite, it's so busy, I honestly can't see easy way to redeem it. Normally I'd suggest some DIY solutions to cover it up, but this looks like a high end kitchen and it deserves better.

    If you need a low cost temporary solution, have somebody rip it out, patch and paint a dark matte color. It would look a tiny bit plain, but way better than what you have now. This would be a holdover over until you are ready for bigger changes.

    Or if you plan on keeping the countertops, honestly, just go ahead and have it re-tiled to something much simpler and get the kitchen of your dreams. In the grand scheme of home renos, backsplashes are relatively inexpensive.

  • PRO
    4 years ago








  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Help me love this backsplash? I can’t! I’m sorry. Even seeing the image makes me long for a plain white tile 😂 And there’s a third pattern on the floor 😬 In may ways, that’s your biggest issue. Changing the bs tile is not going to be enough to correct the space.

    In the short term, to prevent seizures, cover it. Then, as @eld6161 says, wait. You‘ll be changing out the floor or the island stone eventually too. Gather inspiration images, like @herbflavor’s first image, and plan your changes to create a wholistic change in the space when you can do that. Congratulations on your new home.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Outdated?? Is your backsplash a waterjet glass with metal inlays?



    And herbflavor's first two photos show white islands, an easy change here.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    You will keep on fiddling with changes and this kitchen will not "calm down" until that backsplash is covered. You can absolutely tile over tile, but let a tile setter do it with the correct prep and tools (less costly for now than ripping out and repairing the drywall). Back painted glass would look great but will be $$$$. Since you don't have a prep sink, it would be easy to place a solid color runner (linen?) on it and a bowl/vase.

  • 4 years ago

    The backsplash is not that bad. Swap out the crystal chandelier for a black lantern. Put a large black or silver vase on the island — add flowers. Live with it. Beautiful cabinetry. The backsplash and countertop don’t actually clash and are not nearly as dated as some. Do not paint the backsplash. It’s a little quirky, but it’s interesting.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Have you considered changing just the black square trim behind the range? It draws the eye.

    The chandelier is lovely but I think a black plainer fixture would look better.

    I like the cabinets. Very nice.

  • 4 years ago

    Good lesson in how fast unusual, taste specific and tooo much pattern, is tiring. Some fixed elements just should not be the folly of they latest decorating fad!!! All the fixes are huge amounts of money and not in most new homeowner's budgets!!! I find the black frame over the burners the toughest to embrace.