Help - Kitchen backsplash & other issues

last month

Hi,
I inherited a yellow oak kitchen which I desperately wanted to change. On top of that, I have black marble, and ceramic tiles which I do not feel like they go along. I tried to do some small fixes (like the woven wallpaper on the upper cabinets), but that's just a bandage and doesn't really solve my issue.

This is how it looks now

And this is how I want it to look like..... inspiration for the kitchen is:

So, I decided to update (sand and retain lighter) my oak cabinets, change the countertop with a lighter granite porcelain, change the backsplash, and take out the 2 cabinets left and right from the vent, and replace them with open shelves.

1. New mat countertop

2. Removal of 2 cabinets left and right of the aspirator and adding 2 layers of open wooden shelves, left and right from the vent (like the inspiration photos)

3. Adding a hood to the vent

The thing that I am struggling with is the backsplash - what should be the coverage area, given that I do not have upper cabinets, and also what would be the limit on the right side, and what material and color/design I should choose for the backsplash.

To start with the things that I like - I see images of venetian plaster (like the inspiration photos) and I love it! I feel like this is the closest to my taste and if it weren't for the resistance (especially near the stove), and durability issues I would cover the whole wall and the hood. Still, I am not sure how this will complement the overall new look.

What do you think?

1. What should be the area that the backsplash will cover (until 1st shelf vs the ceiling)
2. What is the best material and color/pattern to use (plaster / ceramic / other)

In addition, I have not decided what to do above the peninsula.

3. Should I cover this area with backsplash?
4. What can I do here regarding the backsplash and maybe also to consider to add shelves/cabinets? I was considering a glass cabinet, but I do not want to bring too many different materials, and it's a very visible part of the kitchen so I thought it would be best to keep it clean and minimal.

Any idea/advice is more than welcome! Thank you all

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Comments (12)

George
last month
last modified: last month
My initial thought is at least you have a nice layout and the cabinets (besides the colors) are actually pretty great.

1) Remove the cabinets to the left and right of the range hood. They look really out of place.

2) I don't think the back splash is the biggest issue. You could remove it and just have a painted wall to save money for now

3) That counter looks great! What brand and color is it?

4) You need to update the floor to a wood floor that is darker than the cabinets and matches the counter

4) You might not get the look you want sanding and staining the cabinets. Right now they are too orange so painting a color beige that is similar to the tone of your inspiration might be your best option. People will probably say do this before the counter but honestly for me, I did it after. I just didn't have a good idea of what I needed to do until I saw the countertop on. It looks so much different install than looking at it i a showroom that it's really easy to screw up the cabinets colors (and the backsplash color and the floor color! :-) )
User thanked George
herbflavor
last month
they are not oak cabinets. please do not alter them. it is probably a premium grade of wood species. cant tell... premium character cherry or birch ?? Change counters if that is your inclination [ lighter counters will make the cabinets feel a bit different] ...../ pull splash off/ the entire atmoshphere will change......... I like the change you made on the upper cabinets. I would not take those out. especially to have open shelves in a primary storage area. not a good idea . Do not focus on backsplash until the countertop change is made and decision about alterations to the hood./ plastering etc..... These undertakings to achieve a certain "texture" would be excessive for me... It's just texture.....it is not a particular improvement for the space. In that regard some window treatments using textured solar material and some runners/ mats on the floor can achieve the same thing and be a lot simpler to do. Good Luck w whichever listed items you do but Id refrain from altering the cabinets. .
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Original Author
last month
Thank you, George!

The countertop is from Polo Stone.

I might end up doing wall paint for the beginning as you suggest, and see how it feels, although I prefer to add a backsplash.

For the stain, I found a great product that actually works to lighten the cabinets even better than whitewashing, and creates a mat look, it's from the brand Ciranova.
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George
last month
I hope the cabinet product works!
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dan1888
last month
last modified: last month
If those are European cabinets, the wood can be oak. Different species than NA white and red oak. No open grain. They could also be ash. What Ciranova product are you contemplating, reactive stain? Your goal in the inspiration pictures is beautiful. I wish you all the luck. Sanding and refinishing are arduous tasks.

Porcelain as a counter material has suffered from edge chipping. It can work fine as a backsplash.
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eam44
last month
Your inspiration images don’t really feature backsplash tile. Have you considered using a thin (1/4”) wall grade solid surface (Corian)? It would give you the sleek, seamless look you seem to like.
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dani_m08
last month
If the Ciranova product is Pink Blocker, you need to confirm what type of wood your cabinets are - because Pink Blocker is a two part prodct that reacts with the tannins in wood to change the color. It is typically used with red oak (maybe white oak sometimes depending upon the undertones in the particular white oak that has been used).
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Valinta
last month
Agree changing floors a n backsplash will help. Please do not remove any cabinets, you gave a lot of things on the counters and removing cabinets will either add to that or you may have to make a major purge. Shelves collect dust and grease particles and given the shelf material may be very hard to keep clean, as well as anything you put on the shelves.
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Hellogardener
last month
With the wall finish you’re planning I don’t think you need a backsplash. You can always add one later.
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chispa
last month
You have a lot of "stuff" on your counters ... are you sure you want to get rid of cabinets?

The issues with those 2 cabinets is that they do not go to the soffit/ceiling.
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herbflavor
last month
"lift up" cabinets often float or do not extend to ceiling .

lift up ..... "float" on the wall

Contemporary, clean, warm kitchen · More Info

another option is to fill in spaces w good craftmanship using wood. I like the completed aesthetic look w this inspiration. You have your wall space to the right to use

Glen Park Residence · More Info
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eam44
last month
It is a little odd how undersized the upper cabinets are, and as @herbflavor points out, now it the time to lift them.

You need a backsplash to protect your lower cabinets and everything beneath them, so do choose a backsplash, but maybe wait until you have finished with your cabinet refinishing. Consider a simple tile that pairs well with the background color of your counter with a matching grout might give you the look you want.
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