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alyssa_cotler

Please help me finish my kitchen

12 years ago
We are in the final stretch of our extreme makeover, which is a quite a feat for someone with absolutely no design sense. That said, I'm really loving all of my individual choices. This gorgeous quartzite was just installed last night, and while I am still madly in love with it, it's a little more green (and less beigey-blue) than I thought. My final decision is what to do with the sink wall in terms of backsplash and paint color. The current color (SW Olympus White) is present throughout the house (it's an open concept), I love it, and it would be a pain and expense to repaint everything. So ideally if I repaint this wall, it will help tie together the hypothetical backsplash and other walls.

Here's a picture of the kitchen in its current state

Comments (43)

  • 12 years ago
    And here's a photo of a backsplash that I love and was considering...
    backsplash · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    I would do just a simple white subway tile backsplash on that wall and leave the wall color. That will highlight your countertops and maybe make them look lighter and grayer. Are you going for a mostly white, open, and airy kitchen or do you want color in it?
  • 12 years ago
    I agree with the white subway tile. Clean ,eligant & color can be added with appliances,kitchen tools, etc. I just thought of an idea. If you wanted some design/color on your subway tile, what do you think of some stenciling or "tile tatoos"? ( my new invention) The tiles you like are somewhat outdated.
  • 12 years ago
    I like the idea of no backsplash. You don't have much space anyway so it wouldn't make much of an impact, be more money and labor, plus one more thing to be outdated in the future. Use some interesting bowls and vases to make the space look interesting. Looks great!
  • 12 years ago
    Take green shade, like sage. And from ceiling hang roman shade. On kitchen window. Do that on all windows. To tie together. You don't say what style rest of room is? That would help. I see stainless cook top. So stay in brush nickel for pulls. And faucets. Backsplash subway in a green from counters. I Like yr wall color choice. Don't change.
  • 12 years ago
    Bar stools go style of room?
  • 12 years ago
    She's going to need some backsplash behind the sink. One row of 4x4 white tile may work. I think subway tile may be headed out. 4x4 is classic. Try to find matte, not glossy so they disappear from your lovely countertops and cabinets.
  • 12 years ago
    White glass subway tile definitely...can even add accent strip if your heart is set on it :)
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    The tile you posted that you love worries me a little as that natural stone can sometimes take on a pink hue and I don't know that you want a pink and green kitchen. I agree with the white subway tile suggestion (I respectfully think the opposite of beetajane and would say subway is timeless and 4x4 can look dated). If you love the inset mother of pearl in your original choice you could consider using it as an accent around the window as in this photo. For me, I prefer that over an accent stripe.
    Artisan Kitchen Remodel · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks for all the input! Here's the rest of the room (i would consider it half-done). I plan to add a couple more contemporary chairs and/or dark gray sofa to update the look. Open to other suggestions.
  • 12 years ago
    A view from the other side. As you can see, appliances are being installed today. :)
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Alyssa. I agree your square stone tiles look a bit dated. Subway is a classic and if you did glass subway it would be lovely. I vote white glass subway tile. I see you love the pearlescent tile, so you could do subway in that too!
    White 3" x 6" Glass Subway Tile · More Info

    Shingle Style- Kitchen · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I think white subway tile would be perfect. Let your counter be the star. Sam0705 is right. Undertones of natural stone could throw things off. Subway never dates always looks fresh.m just saw the glass subway. That would look great too. Just be careful on installation with glass.

    Can you get a picture with better lighting of the other room? Perhaps some close ups of existing pieces?
  • 12 years ago
    I do like the idea of you getting some of that mother of pearl in there - I love that look and I think it's a nice way to personalize.
    Looking at your other photos, as you decorate, I would try to lighten up the living space as you've lightened up your kitchen. Maybe add a large natural fiber rug under your small oriental and add a couple of light pillows to your settee.
  • 12 years ago
    Small mother-of-pearl subway tile would look great too, and I would do it solid like this:
    Amazing backsplash with Mother of pearl tile · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Paint or wallpaper the insides of your high level cupboards
  • 12 years ago
    Your kitchen is beautiful! You might try a classic tile like what has been suggested, but handmade to give it a bit of character. The basic wall tile that you can get everywhere is priced right, but the glaze has no depth to it. Fine for many applications, but I love to see people use something a little more unique. I really like a series called Residence from Winchester Tile. It's handmade, not too expensive and has many colors and sizes to choose from (if you can find it in your area). The suggestion for glass also has merit, but I can’t help but wonder if it will date your kitchen sooner than if you used a more traditional ceramic.
  • 12 years ago
    Well, there's certainly a consensus forming! White, ceramic tile, probably subway. Maybe some type of "flair" be it in the subway tile themselves or in an accent tile around the window. I found this gorgeous tile from lacava and got a sample, which is a definite possibility.

    I also like the suggestion from sam0705 to add some lighter elements to my living space. With little kids, I just need durability, but maybe I'll go for lighter gray chairs or a happy pattern. And maybe switch out the rug?
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Oops. I think the "glass" tile, not ceramic tile in subway is the consensus. :) But, if you use those accents you love, ceramic tile would look nice too.
  • 12 years ago
    Ah, yes, glass is definitely popular.
  • 12 years ago
    A small MoP mosaic would work as accent strip within the subway tiles and would really stand out if tile laid in columns rather than brick pattern
  • 12 years ago
    Per saratogaswizzlestock's request, other shots of the living space, complete with adorable froggie.
  • 12 years ago
    Some gray easy chairs would be nice addition
  • 12 years ago
    What about this? I had friends over tonight who thought this would be perfect.
  • 12 years ago
    I like your kitchen very much, one thing. Is there a vent for the grille on the island. I like the idea of glass subway tile it would give a light sheen of green to the backsplash.
  • 12 years ago
    Forget the glass tile too much light green. White subway tile maybe a 4x10 to give it a modern look.
  • 12 years ago
    Alyssa, I actually saw something similar to that last tile and thought you wouldn't like it. But, I too think it would look great.
  • 12 years ago
    Oh, I like that window treatment! Never would have thought of that.

    Based on the comment about lightening up the living space, I'm changing my mind from dark gray armchairs or sofa to either light gray or ivory. I would love a pattern, but I'm afraid that will date the furniture too quickly and limit my options with rugs and window treatments.
  • 12 years ago
    I love love love that glass tile. I think it will be so pretty and unique without being too trendy.

    Go for it!
  • 12 years ago
    I like that last one too
  • 12 years ago
    See if you can get a full sheet. The pattern might get really busy over a large area (something you can't see with a limited sample)
  • 12 years ago
    Good point, dclostboy. If it helps, here's a link to the product info with a larger photo: http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/stone-mosaics/glass-stone-tiles/iota-fleur-de-sel-marble-tile.html
  • 12 years ago
    I love the combination of polished and frosted glass. I'm just nervous about how much variability there will be in the marble pieces. I had a similar issue with Carrara layout in this bathroom.
  • 12 years ago
    I see what you mean, dclostboy. But do you think that will be mitigated by the fact that the marble pieces won't be adjacent to each other?
  • 12 years ago
    I love the shape, and would love just polished and frosted glass...your counters are so beautiful that you shouldn't detract from them.
  • 12 years ago
    But I am only one opinion :)
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would say a glass white subway tile and let the countertops be the star of the room and not the backsplash. I love the countertop selection!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    4 x 4 Thassos white marble (pure white) set in a running bond pattern.

    Glass is subject to scratching, during installation and afterward. Also may help to create additional lighting 'hot spots' if you're using undercabinet lighting.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would imagine that the fabricator that installed the Quartzite would have some remaining material, just enough to have a piece to tuck under window casing and run the length of the counter. In that way it has continuity and looks thought out.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Not on subject but no exhaust ventilation over the open burner range?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would definitely carry your present white paint throughout the house into the kitchen. For backsplash, two ideas: either a glass tile that has blues, greens, and neutral tones (perhaps with a natural stone mixed in), or a less expensive option would be a simple white subway tile. Daltile has a variety in various shades of white.
  • 12 years ago
    Looks like, though the curvy tile is beautiful, the consensus is still on white subway tile.