Software
Houzz Logo Print
pegwaters

What looks wrong and how do I fix it?

12 years ago
We are remodeling. This is a hall bathroom that was included in the remodel. I kept the original tile flooring and wood vanity. I liked the stone and the granite, but now I don't like them together. The shower has the same stone as the backsplash. I can't figure what's wrong or how to fix it. Help!

Comments (80)

  • 12 years ago
    I mean with the same colors not saw. Sorry
  • 12 years ago
    The counter and backsplash are fighting each other. That's what's wrong. Do you really need a backsplash with a bathroom countertop?
    Peg Waters thanked User
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Unlike the comments above, I think the backsplash and the granite compliment each other. I would leave those alone. Paint the vanity a cream color or off white. Paint the walls a light color that is in the backsplash. Once the mirror, and accessories are up, it will look great. I like having a backsplash above the sink. Keeps the water off the drywall. Good Luck!
    Peg Waters thanked vjs12
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    how about hanging some shower curtains to cover the shower stone?
  • 12 years ago
    I don't think that there is anymore of this granite for a back splash. I really did think that the colors went together, infact I put enhancer on the back splash hoping it would make it look more coordinating, I think the problem is that they are too busy together! I think Brothers Custom Work had a good idea about useing the same tile as in the shower, easier on the eye. The diamonds also come in solid colors, if that could help. I also think the solution might lie in painting the vanity. I did purchase a big mirror that is black and gold. I'll be talking to my contactor tomorrow, he won't be surprised, I've already told him it wasn't working for me, I just didn't know what I didn't like, just knew that I didn't.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Hi again. Peg. For what it's worth, I think your granite is drop dead gorgeous and I am usually not much of a granite fan. The colors do work together, seems like most agree it's more of a pattern issue. There was just an ideabook by an architect about the difficulty of envisioning a decorating result until it's actually a result. How many of us have painted a wall and been truly stunned at how it looked (I'm looking at you, terracotta pink livingroom.)
    Peg Waters thanked User
  • 12 years ago
    The reason I suggested a 1 square inch x length of the counter backer made of the same granite as the counter is so water wouldn't seep behind the sink/counter area. Also, less obtrusive than the 4" backsplash. Use enamel paint on the walls--it wipes clean with no problems.

    If there is no more granite like the counter then add a piece of wood 1 inch square and paint it with the enamel paint. Make sure you use a good clear adhesive to seal it on the counter and the wall. I've actually done this so I know it works.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would, replace the backsplash with one row of 3x3 tumbled marble tiles with some accents mixed in to pick up some of the granite colors. the splash in the pic is too tall. then I would install a mirror with a dark stained frame. the pic looks unfinished because the mirrors not there yet...... also I would consider staining the vanity at least one or two shades darker than it is, to get rid of that golden oak color.. I think that vanity color is out of place.
    Peg Waters thanked Lindsey Custom Cabinetry
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would add that in the picture I sent, the square cut tile at the bottom is built out (furred out) with 1/4" tile backer board cut at a height that matches the tile height, such that it provides a wider - better base to set the trim - structurally and ascetically.

    If you want to try this, get a few samples of the tile and trim, provide temporary dry fit - mock up to the wall (two sided tape will work). If it looks good to you, do the backsplash before painting the vanity as you may decide that painting the vanity is not necessary.

    When one of our clients wanted a rustic look for the step ceiling in the Family Room - see 1st pic normal application, we provided a mock up of materials before a full commitment - see 2nd pic, and the final results 3rd pic. The barn red color band at the step ceiling cooped with the Foyer color - pic 4, and a wall (not shown) in the area painted barn red at the Breakfast Nook. In all cases, a mock up with materials and - or paint samples were the key to economy and success before commitment of materials and labor.
    Peg Waters thanked Brothers Custom Works
  • 12 years ago
    Have no idea if this is possible, but if it is ... add a row of black tile (on top of existing backsplash) along wall, where counter meets backsplash. Top it off with black bullnose tile trim.
    Peg Waters thanked hatetoshop
  • 12 years ago
    I have 3 bathrooms, none with backsplash. I agree with some of the other comments - your choices were all good, just not all together. I would remove the backsplash entirely and use an easily wipe able paint or mirror.
    Peg Waters thanked Ilana Michels
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Backsplashes do not need to conform to the norm. In a very formal home we took two antique night stands - fabricated a center "skirt" at the sink, and a wooden backsplash. We duplicated scallops at skirt bottom and top of backsplash to mimic those at the bottom face of the nightstands. Our painter did a good job at mimicking the "burl" veneer on the faces of the night stands. The backsplash has multiple coats of sealer.

    The wood backsplash works, as it is in the Powder Room of a formal homes, with an older retired couple owner, sophisticated guest users (including senators and congressmen) and no kids. It is the owners favorite finish detail in the home.
    Peg Waters thanked Brothers Custom Works
  • 12 years ago
    that granite is gorgeous!

    to use leelee's idea, use a pvc quarter round piece, spray painted in high gloss black krylon for plastics. it's very durable, and since it's PVC, it won't be bothered by water. clear silicon for adhesive, as she says.

    and i agree with everyone saying "paint the cabinet!" it's colors are fighting with everything else.
    Peg Waters thanked yoboseiyo
  • 12 years ago
    Take another look at ciscomom's bathroom above. There's no backsplash--it looks pulled together and well thought out. It doesn't seem incomplete or unfinished because there's no backsplash.
    Peg Waters thanked leelee
  • 12 years ago
    Lee Lee, ciscomom's does look beautiful, she also had some wonderful suggestions! I really do like mcbriec suggestion about painting the cabinet black, the tile store also made that suggestion. Today 2 people from the tile store said that they liked the tile, just not the cabinet. I talked to a decorator and she like the tile too, but paint the cabinet and walls. I'll be studying it again tomorrow, but I really have appreciated everyones input! Oh, the reason the back splash is so high is because there is a plug smack in the center of it.
  • 12 years ago
    I see what you are saying. I think that the cabinet, granite, and stone are all competing against each other because they are each so busy in their own right. The easiest fix would be to paint the base cabinet. Painting it will get rid of all the grain that is showing in the wood, and it will be less busy then. I would paint it a dark color, one that is found in your granite. If you decide to change the backsplash, I would choose one that is very simple with out much pattern to it.
    Peg Waters thanked Elizabeth Reilly
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Okay, Peg, I feel like I'm stalking you, but my husband just said you need some type of backspash! (We built our own little home by ourselves so he is probably right. Luckily, he never looks at Houzz so he won't see that comment.)
    Peg Waters thanked User
  • 12 years ago
    Nothing is wrong. Use dark mirror/s to compliment Granite. It looks good.
    Peg Waters thanked TRICIA Gordon
  • 12 years ago
    I love the granite, and I think you can make it work with the backsplash if you paint your cabinets black. The wood tone just doesn't match. Black cabinets would coordinate with the granite and your fixtures. If black cabinets are too dark for the room, you could paint them a cream color. Just pick one of the shades from your backsplash or the lighter color in the granite.
    Peg Waters thanked Heather Baldwin
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You have too much going on between the backsplash, granite, and cabinet's wood grain. I would paint the cabinet, and replace the backsplash with a simple backsplash that is the same granite as your countertop (if it is available that is...)
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Remove the backsplash and its wooden edge. Repair the wall with exterior spackle. Grout the gap between stone and wall. Apply a line of silicone caulk over the grout. Paint the wall with bathroom paint (water and mildew-resistant.)
  • 12 years ago
    Your wall looks unfinished as it is. I went all the way to the ceiling with my backsplash, and I think it makes all the difference.
    Peg Waters thanked Nancy Walton
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    WOW! So many suggestions. I have continued to monitor the discussions, waiting for the clients final decision and pics of the results.
  • 12 years ago
    Ok, the cabinet is getting painted black. Sorry that you can't see the granite or backsplash with it, but it's being done RIGHT NOW. Hope this makes the difference that I need.
  • 12 years ago
    Oh, oh... backsplash and granite don't work together. I have a similar granite in my baths and we brought the same granite up the wall about 6" as the backsplash, then added the mirror which butts up against the top of the backsplash. I know that granite is expensive and you wanted to use what you purchased. It will be much cheaper to remove the current backsplash entirely and see if you can add the same granite instead. The shower is far enough away so it doesn't present an issue. Good luck.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    PW, Now make a digital comment - pictures folder of all pics and comments on this thread - send to me - I will convert pics to water-color wash - break up the comments in various fonts and sizes - colors - hollow and solid - non-sense - overlay or underlay the fonts and pics in random twisted - overlapping - non-sense order collage - print it to repeat on a 24" roll of blank wallpaper media and send it back so you can wallpaper the bathroom. : - ) In this you can remember your troubles and those Houzzarific Homie Heros who helped.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would probably re-paint in a deeper shade to tone the tile down some.
  • 12 years ago
    Backsplash is definitely too busy. Try one with a lighter with a more uniform color
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    What would you like to say?Try think of the total picture.... Hold on.....hang the mirror, fixture & put the towels out. See what it looks like before you decide it looks too much. The only thing you are seeing right now is the tile and the Stormy night granite. Hard to not see it and not the "bigger picture"/ end result.
    Peg Waters thanked Precision Granite & Marble
  • 12 years ago
    Do you remember this? Well, we just finished with the remodel and this is how my bathroom turned out. What do you think?
  • 12 years ago
    Nice job! Looks very warm and welcoming.
  • 12 years ago
    I love it, I'm glad you didn't change anything, I love the backsplash and granite they work beautifully together, the oak cabinet was what was distracting me
  • 12 years ago
    Amazing that changing the cabinet color made such a difference. It looks beautiful.
  • 12 years ago
    Thank You, I like it too! It helps that I have it decorated.
  • 12 years ago
    wow, that was a nice save without wasting anything, just some paint and few accessories. Nice job. I would take out the pea cock feathers....just a tad ,uch. But that's just me! or maybe if you really like it, move it on the other side of the vanity assuming there is a wall there.
  • 12 years ago
    Looks great! May I ask for details on your shower curtain? Brand/style/where purchased? It looks like it may work with my downstairs bathroom (which is also getting a slight facelift)
  • 12 years ago
    WOW! Can't belive what a difference just painting the cabinet, and that mirror is perfect! Tres elegant...
  • 12 years ago
    i think the backsplash is unnecessary because of the patter of the granite and the shower. it makes the room look charged, busy, and heavy to the eye. hope this helps.
  • 12 years ago
    Sage, the shower curtain came from Bed Bath & Beyond. The style is Bombay, $39.99. You should be able to find it easily, I bought it a little over a month ago.
  • 12 years ago
    Looks beautiful. Just a personal preference but I like lower shower curtain, so it covers the
    the tub. Some say that interferes with cleaning but I never have a problem, just flip the curtain over the rod when cleaning.
  • 12 years ago
    Tricking the eye is often the most clever fix, better than tearing out a functional backsplash. Although the mosaic look and stone used in the backsplash do not really "go" with the more dramatic and elegant counter, what you did with the fixtures, black and gold in the mirror, the vanity color, and the shower curtain all pulled the bath together. Well done.
  • 12 years ago
    Beautiful job! Love the mirror!!! Painting the cabinets black was a great idea!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Nice. Looks great. In an abundance of council, there is wisdom.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    It may look good to sand down the base cabinet and go with a whitewash finish instead of the natural. There is so much strong grain and character in both the wood and countertop that they really clash together.
  • 12 years ago
    The backsplash is "ok" but still doesn't go with the granite... But the room as a whole is beautiful. I love the cabinet painted black.
  • 12 years ago
    Good job!
  • 12 years ago
    You might like it better once mirrors are hung. Use Large mirrors that will take your eye away from the backsplash.
  • 12 years ago
    The mirror helps, I think, but something is missing, no pizazz. Maybe that shower curtain could be burnt orange, or turquoise?
  • 11 years ago
    Remove backsplash ! I don't have in my bathroom if you use good paint it will be fine . Get a big framed mirror and hang low people always hang too high
  • 11 years ago
    This was an old post and the room is done, but I think the OP did a great job painting the cabinet black to bridge the granite and backsplash.