Last night we pulled the cardboard up and I realized I had made a big mistake.
The backsplash I had picked out was way too dark. 🙁 And the last thing I wanted was a dark kitchen. Why I didn’t just choose a white tile in the first place is beyond me. I am a plain Jane. I always have been and I always will be, and anytime I deviate from what I know in my heart I love, I fail miserably. 
So I rang Girly Girl early this morning to see if she had anything else she thought I’d like and she brought over this…
Arabesque 12×24 tile by Emser.
What do you think? It would be installed vertically just as shown.
~Mavis
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Gina says
i don’t think the tile you had installed makes the kitchen dark at all. i think it adds a nice contrast and helps tie the color of the floor into the rest of the coloring of the kitchen. but, it’s your kitchen and you have to live with it, so go with what speaks to you. go vertical as shown. it makes your brain think tall and thin, and not horizontal and fat.
Kathy says
Mavis my darling, backaplash is fine. But, as it’s not my kitchen, go with your heart. I like a darker one, the white subway tile I have now is a pain in the buttocks to keep clean, but there’s also moee of it then in you new kitchen. Love the look of the new stuff.
Joye says
I agree with the floor contrast comment, you dont want it to be too light
jess says
I like what you have up but I know when I redo my kitchen it will be white subway tile…you do have to keep it clean as mentioned above…so I understand where you are coming from. It is ultimately your decision but I really like that white pattern!
Susan McClellan says
I love your new backsplash! Also love the white Arabesque. Could you try living with the blacksplash for awhile and see if you grow to love it? Sometimes it takes time to get used to new changes.
Mavis Butterfield says
The backsplash has been up since last Thursday so we had all weekend to look at it. I even tried putting white bowls and fruit next to it and they just didn’t “pop.” 🙁
Tess says
Do you have undercabinet lighting? If so, keep the tile you just put in! The contrast is beautiful, as the others said, and it does really look great with that floor! I would say no question but it is your kitchen!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, under cabinet lighting is being installed.
Sarah says
Are you going to install under cabinet lighting? I think if you are planning UCL, that backsplash could look great to you. It’s just in the shadow of your uppers right now and looks extra dark.
I think it looks nice, especially the way it coordinates with your flooring. However, if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. I do think it’s worth giving it a few days, though. We once had new flooring installed in our bathrooms and the first time I saw it I burst into tears right in front of the installer. After a few days, I really really liked it. In retrospect, my reaction was that the end product just didn’t match up with the expectation in my mind’s-eye, but it was still a good choice.
Ashley says
It’s a little dark for my taste, too, but I do think it looks fine. Like Susan said, maybe you should live with it for awhile and see if you change your mind. Luckily, you don’t have too much of a back splash, so it’s not a major deal to change it. I like the white. We have dark cabinets and floors, but light walls, similar color counter and white subway tile.
Elyse says
I like the way your kitchen looks as is. When you started talking about white cabinets, I was wondering why. But, with all the various grays in the kitchen, the cabinets look good. I am not a lover of white, but the contrast helps the cabinets stand out. If you installed white tile instead, you’ll lose some of the appeal and it will look bland.
Tanya says
What about adding a little color. I love that white tile with the design in it, maybe adding some splash of color with a few glass mosaics in-between, just so its got a little flavor.
Cheryl says
I love that Arabesque backsplash, but I think it may be too plain for your kitchen. I agree with other commenters — under the cabinet lighting would help tons! (You may need that anyway, even if you go with a lighter backsplash.) Give it a couple weeks and see how you feel. Your kitchen looks beautiful, by the way!
Katy says
There are 2 potlights in the photo that aren’t on – did you try with all the lights? I really like the design of the white tile. However, with white tile and white cabinets, don’t you need a little color in your life?!
Mavis Butterfield says
The lights are not working right now… but the electricians will fix them.
Sarah says
Is the white tile textured? If so, that would be a massive pain to keep clean, but I do think that a lighter backsplash would look great.
Kathleen says
I’m the dissenting vote here. It’s too dark. I love the light tile much better.
Michelle says
Without knowing (remembering?) how much stuff you typically leave out on the counter, a good portion of that may be blocked by counter-top appliances and other items which could provide a good backdrop for them. I really love the color & texture within the whole of the kitchen. I feel it accentuates and enhances the light colors that are already present. The new tile is beautiful, but I think it would have the effect of making your palette look washed out rather than striking.
Mavis Butterfield says
I like clean/bare kitchen counters so we’ll probably only have the Keurig and KitchenAid on the counter… both of which are great and get lost in the brown tile but would pop with a lighter background.
Bea says
I agree with the suggestions to try it for a couple of weeks to see how you like it.
Adding some colorful bowls with fruit in it, colorful appliances, flowers, etc. may soften this to your liking.
I think the new tile pattern is great, however, from my view it has a bit of a rose tinge that doesn’t mesh up with the more beige of your countertop.
You have fabulous plans and intuition. Please go with what makes your heart sing.
sarah says
I too thought the tile looked a little pink compared to the cabinets. Glad it wasn’t just me 🙂
laura says
I like the backsplash! I agree that it helps tie in the floor and the white backsplash would be too much white. I think you should put in some under cabinet lighting. I think it would make it look better and brighter. Get a few lights and give it a few days.
tc says
I love the dark one, an amazing contrast and it looks beautiful, try it for a while. The other one looks cheaper, the one you put up is elegant but not too dark and not too much
Leanna T. says
I love the one Girly Girl brought over.
Janet S says
I agree that the backsplash initially comes off as too dark, but I think you should place a couple of things on the counter before you decide to rip it out. In design, a darker background helps to make things fade away, so any mess or clutter in the foreground (not that this ever happens at YOUR house) will be less noticeable. As opposed to having a lighter background, against which any little thing will stand out in vivid detail.
Chrystie says
What she said!!
BUT!
If you DO decide to change the backsplash, I think what you have picked out will be beautiful!!
Erin Wilson says
I like the white tile, but I have to admit that it reminds me of patterned paper towel.
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha! Bounty?
Kari says
I initially, it looks a bit dark, but may look better with a FEW things on the counters. I have the same color floor, with a similar granite. Our backsplash is more cream, and has been VERY easy to live with. However, our cabinets aren’t stark-white, but a bit creamier. I can’t figure out how to insert a picture here, so I’ll try emailing it to you.
Mari says
Leave it as it is…. by the time you put your kitchen gadgets on the bench, it will just merge and be a lovely backdrop. I was actually thrilled to see you were using something other than white…. your house needs colour. I think the back board you are looking at using is awful…. so out of character with the rest of your house and the pattern will stick out like dogs balls. I feel using it will be something you will regret as it will irritate your structured mind. Your kitchen is bright and light and the darker tile looks fine. Live with it for a month then if it still rankles, look at other options, but for now, LEAVE IT ALONE!!! Its not a huge area, it looks great and is fabulous with your benchtop.
Lisa says
I think some nice iron pieces on your walls would help tie everything together. I love the pattern in the white tile but think it will get lost in the lack of contrast between the cabinets and countertop. Give it some time and really live in the remodel before deciding. I love it as is…warm and rich!
Rosaleen says
The dark is a little stark, but the second tile next to the white cabinets and trim looks dingy. Maybe go with more of a tan/cafe ash lait/ecru, etc., so it is obvious that you installed a non-white backsplash intentionally. You ay have to change the sunny yellow, too. What about the same paint as the adjacent room? It looks like it harmonizes well with the counter top.
Vicki says
Ok Mavis, I love your backsplash. For me though it’s too dark with the counter and cabinets. The white is going to blend in too much. Can you pick out a color in the countertop and go from there? Just my opinion, you have to go with what makes you happy.
Meghna says
Hey Mavis, How about some silver backsplash to go with your appliances ? Or a backsplash with some more color to it – maybe your favourite color or something you plan to add to your living room. It will help with the flow 🙂
Beth says
I love the current tile….I think there will just be too much white if you do a white back splash too….I know you like it simple though so you have to do what’s best, but the current tile is perfect with your floors, it doesn’t look dark at all and it gives your kitchen some character instead of just blah white….(although I love your cabinets!!!) Pretend you are in Italy and you are cooking in a nice Italian kitchen. HA HA!!! SO my vote is keep it.
chrisM says
I say go with your heart if you can afford to change it. Better to just do it over now, while you have the workers. Tile guy won’t be mad, you’re giving him more work : ). One thing you might consider though, are the corners on your counter-top. Can’t tell you how many times I hurt myself on the corners of our old counters. Our new ones have rounded corners!
Diane says
I always thought the backsplash and floors were too dark for white cabinets, but it isn’t my kitchen! I don’t like the pattern on the white tile at all. Plain white subway tile would be better for me.
My cabinets are white, and my walls are a cheery yellow! Linoleum floors because I drop things a lot and tile breaks!
Regina G. says
If you really really hate it, change it now. BUT, since your asking us, I’m guessing you’re still a bit undecided. That’s so? Then wait, I think you might realize it suits the kitchen, and is far easier on hiding the dirt / splashes. I adore the tile with the counter & floor, I think it helps everything pull together, yet be defined to the eye. The cabinets “show off” better, I think then if you would switch to the solid white tile. LOL, think it’s funny that “we” finally get to help you. Thank you for all you do, really enjoying your FB, youtube, and website!
Lana says
The one you have is great! I love it!
anne says
Been following for awhile I have to give my 2cents=Too dark just doesnt blend well. Almost looks like an”add on”. The white cabinets are very rich looking and the back splash takes away. Go with the lighter and it wont be the focal point of the kitchen. Anne
Jess says
what about under-cabinet lighting to brighten it up and show off the colors in the backsplash? If you’re bent on white, I’d go for a plain white subway tile. Going fancy like the tile you’re asking about, you’re more likely to get sick of it. If you stay simple you can dress it up with nice bowls, or whatever, on the countertop.
PattyB says
What a hard choice. I think it should be more closely matched to the counter top… not exactly, but something light in color that enhances the counter top and vice versa. When I saw the dark tile I went, Whoa! Go with your heart!
Janet says
I love the backsplash esp with your industrial stools.
Alison says
Hi Mavis!
Go with what you love as you will likely not make a major change again for many, many years.
Make sure that you love whatever you choose now! Just my .02 cents worth!
Tina B says
I think your kitchen looks absolutely lovely as it is right now. If you were to put in white backsplash, the kitchen would be too white. You are installing under cabinet lighting, so it truly shouldn’t seem dark. The beauty of the darker tile like that is that it shouldn’t show every little splash and splatter that working in the kitchen inevitably leads to. My walls are still “builder white,” in my kitchen, despite the house being 24 years old now (we hate to paint, but it desperately needs it), and every little splatter of something that isn’t white shows on the white walls behind my cupboards. I would say keep the tile, but that’s just my opinion and it’s only worth what you paid for it. 😉
Janet says
Agreed, too dark. The white is better. Even tile that is identical to what’s up there except in white would be great.
AaltjeT says
What about a similar tile with a blend of lighter colors? The tiles add texture to an otherwise bland kitchen. I don’t like the patterned white tile shown as a possible replacement – the design on it does not fit a modern kitchen, it’s too fancy even though it is the same color. Just my opinion. If you are undecided, can you live with it for a while before making a decision? When your other accessories are in place they may totally change the look of there seeming to be too much contrast in an empty kitchen. JMO
Barb says
If you hate it now, you’re going to hate it next week or next month. I personally don’t think the color goes well with the countertop, but then I don’t think a white backsplash would go well either. The “texture” of the current backsplash looks good–if only the colors were a variation of the lightest colors in the tiles.
Christina says
I think the backsplash looks great and I wouldn’t change a thing. You should live with it at least a month and then consider changes.
Don’t rush into anything yet.
Teckla says
Agreed that it’s too dark! I’m not sure I’d go with the stark white back splash even if it does have a raised pattern. But definitely something lighter. However, as most have said, it’s your kitchen and you need to love it. So go with whatever makes you happy, especially since you said you keep your counters cleared except or a few basic items! I do love the overall “flavor” of your kitchen! You have good taste, so go with your “gut!” You’ll never regret it!
randy says
I tired not to read what other people said. I think it will create a visually pleasing dark area in your kitchen. LIke earht in the spring, it seems too dark than the plants grow and you see very little of the ground. It is very organic in color. The under the under the counter lights make a huge difference. I feel the piece you put up is too mamby pamdy. Think about the items that rest on most counters… toaster, coffee pots blenders canisters. I think it was a beautiful choice and you will love it. Now off to read what others have said.
Maxine says
I agree. With the under counter lights it’ll be nice, goes with the floor too. Otherwise too bland. But you have to live with it so if it bugs you now it probably always will.
Heidi Ho says
NOOOO I LOVE the one you have!! The kitchen is beautiful!! The contrast is great with the white cupboards and the very light counter top and the dark floor and backsplash are great, if you whiten the back splash it will look too washed out.
Cecily says
IMO I think changing the back splash to a tile similar to what you have around your fireplace would lighten up the kitchen and tie the two rooms together
Onilee says
I love what you have. You have tons of natural light from your windows and I think it adds a delightful contrast. You could add some under counter lighting to have during the evening hours and a few brightly colored items on your counter that added splashes of cheery color and I think you would be happy. I’d live with through two seasons before you switch it, you may find you LOVE it!!!
Jennifer P says
I love how your kitchen turned out! The contrast of the white cabinets and light counters looks amazing with the backsplash. If you really don’t like it, then I would pick a tile in a neutral color from the countertop. I think white cabinets and white backsplash may be a bit sterile looking.
Sue from VA says
Wait for the lighting before making a final decision. It may make a world of difference.
Add some color, like a big bowl of red or green apples. It will really pop. The orange in the window looks great.
PeggyK says
Leave it as it is! The dark makes a nice counterpoint to all the light. The white subway tile will be a bear to clean and keeping the grout clean on white tile – yikes! It’s really nice the way it is and give nice contrast and texture to all the light! I say keep it!!
Rebecca says
Okay, don’t think I’m crazy, but what if you taped white poster board up along the current backsplash for a few days? That way before you go to the expense of removing the old and live through more mess, you’d really know that you were sold on the white. Oh, and I like the tile Girly-Girl brought over, but as awesome as that trend is right now, do you think you’ll still like it in ten years? As much as white subway??
Mavis Butterfield says
I like your idea about the poster board!!!! Thanks!
Elza Verona says
Mavis,
From what I can see, your countertop matches the color of your walls. Have you thought about using the same as your countertop? I think it would look great and would not be too much of a contrast.
If you are not happy with the backsplash now, I don’t think you will be happy with it next week or even a month from now.
There, you have my two cents worth! Ha!
Rita Chiricuzio says
you totally should do what makes you happy seems like you like it lighter I made you a Pinterest folder (Mavis) if you want to look at some examples. ☆♡☆
CathyB says
I like the backsplash tile by itself, but I have always thought it was too dark for your kitchen – but it is YOUR kitchen and everyone has different tastes. I like the white tile you showed but wonder if it will feel too ornate for the style of the rest of the kitchen. I think I would prefer a subway style. What about doing the backsplash in the same stone as your fireplace, or a similar style and color? It seems like it is light but not completely white. Not sure how well it matches up to your counters, but you could go with a slightly different color in the same style. I agree, however, that you should wait until the under cabinet lighting is installed and live with it a bit, as that may change your mind about it being too dark.
Heather McWilliams says
I liked it better before you put the back splash in so maybe go with beige.
Kathy says
Mavis
I think you over thinking this it looks great I am so jealous.. With the colors you choose you can change the accents to almost anything as your taste change over time. I used to be all about greens and now I find myself leaning toward browns and yellows.
🙂
Susie says
Wait till you have the hardware and lights on- you might like it then! It’s a neat back splash, but a white would be nice too! 🙂
Diana says
Having been a kitchen designer for a number of years, your reaction is not unusual. I would wait until the under cabinet lights get installed and see what it looks like once they’re on. I agree that it’s a bit dark, but that could just be the picture. As for the new tile, I think it’s too white. I like a pattern, but you already have a pattern in your countertop – too many patterns are just unpleasing to the eye – too much going on. I think the pattern of the current tile is nice, just lighten up the palette a little. You said you like plain Jane. Every now and then we have to spiffy ourselves up and be Mae West. 🙂
Joy says
NO!! I love the contrast of your original choice. So much more interesting than a more monochromatic selection.
Mary P says
There is so little of the dark backsplash and such an expanse of windows (color me jealous!) that I don’t think your kitchen is dark at all. I love it!
Anita says
The backsplash is lovely the way it is (IMO). Like others have said, you need more lighting there to pull out the lighter colors I see in your close-up pics. The white one you’re considering is just too trendy and will be out of style before you know it. Give it some time (and some more light) and then make your decision. It’s not a now or never situation…;)
Linda says
Love the kitchen. If you put lightening under the cabinets it will make a difference.
Love the double oven. Send me some energy! Can’t believe what all you do.
Tracie H says
I LOVE the white tile Girly Girl brought over. The dark is very nice, but for me, I would want to go ahead and change it out now. It’s your kitchen, so whatever you decide, love it!
Kim carlin says
I like them both but the white tile pattern is beautiful. You do what you want with your kitchen. No need to listen to other people’ s opinions.
Mindy says
I LOVE the white one. Love it.
Lisa says
I like what you have up and it goes great with the wooden floor!
Vy says
Change it! The guys are right there, and you have a lovely alternative. If you hate it now, you’ll never love it and you are starting fresh and clean. Don’t let a dark backsplash get in the way of your perfect kitchen! (Plus, that white tile truly is lovely.)
jumbe says
If you do keep the dark tile I think painting the wall areas above the tile a similar dark color (or even tiling it all the way up) would make the cabinets pop and make the tile look more incorporated. If you do switch I would consider a high gloss but low texture stone or tile and would also see how much more it would cost to take it to the ceiling, it doesn’t look like it would be that much more and would add a lot.
Debbie says
Before you take down the dark back splash tile – try under cabinet lighting.
It will totally lighten things up.
If you still don’t like it go for the light tile you have chosen. Its your kitchen and you should love it.
Lissa says
The “dog balls” comment from Mari is a classic. I agree with many commenters: the current backsplash is too dark, the new white sample from Girly Girl is too light. Take your time and keep looking. The white poster board suggestion is brilliant! Check out different back splashes on Howzz…
ann in E. oregon says
Hey Mavis ~ I have to say that your kitchen looks great!! I do agree w/ some of the other commenters that once you have all your “stuff” on the counters there won’t be so much backsplash showing. I think the contrast is stylish and very clean. I hope you put off the decision until you’ve “lived” with your kitchen for awhile. :-)) Best wishes. :-))
Mary says
I think you should put in some colour subway tiles, cheap to do and some of the colours are gorgeous and would give your kitchen a pop.
Heidi says
Hi Mavis, I’m with the wait and see people. With the under cabinet lighting, I think that the shininess do the tile will look really good. And the white backsplash will make the cabinets look less good. Isn’t picking stuff out hard work, even if it is a first world problem?!
Tracy L. says
I’m in the minority here. But I also am a plain jane, and LOVE LOVE LOVE an all white classic clean kitchen. I would of loved classic subway tile. I think the backsplash is to dark, it’s to stark against the white. And I loved the floor, then the cabinets, then the countertops, and then was disappointed by the backsplash. But that’s my preference. You have to live with it, so you get to decide!! : )
Angie D says
Here’s my 25Cents worth: I think the contrast looks great! I am a Plain Jane, Neutral Gal also: I love seeing others’ homes filled with color, but when it comes to my house, certain colors and patterns freak me out. In fact, I fear buyer’s remorse, so I often wait until whatever I like is no longer trendy or available and I don’t even like it anymore.
Picture this: I assume you have white dishes because I saw a white cup. Imagine a few of those dishes out or trays filled with Mavis’ specialties on the counter on those white plates and some of your colorful platters and trays with a white backsplash.
Close your eyes: Now imagine them with the current backsplash. I know you don’t like clutter around on the countertops, but somehow I think the backsplash is going to blend together the adjoining room seamlessly. Place some furniture in the adjoining room along with window treatments (or not) and I bet you’ll really feel like it’s one large room rather than two separate rooms.
Close your eyes again: Now imagine a lighter grout (maybe even close to the cabinet color) and see whether it feels right.
You didn’t make a mistake. Of course, you should do whatever you like, but I think you have to imagine what it will be like with everything complete (or just about). Too much white will make it seem very stark and very separate from the adjoining living room. I think it will seem much larger if you leave the backsplash and consider a lighter grout, maybe even one that matches the cabinets or the paint color of both rooms.
Have fun!
Maggie says
I’m with the wait until the lighting is in crowd. And I agree with the poster who commented on the lighter tiles looking like paper towels. Not a fan of that design. But, you and your family are the ones that will be living with it. So do what makes you happy.
As a slightly off topic question, I’m having a hard time visualizing where the office wall was moved from/to. Any chance of a floorplan posted for us?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, I will post more pictures as soon as the hallway is clear. 🙂
Anna says
Gotta agree with you Mavis. Too dark IMHO. I still stand by my preference ( on your last backsplash post) of a classic, traditional, plain ‘ol white subway tile. Not too in to the Bounty paper towel look myself. Other than that, love, love, love, your new kitchen! When’s dinner?! 😉
Anna says
Oh! I also want to add that the backsplash area that gets dirty is mainly behind the cooktop ( I noticed previous commenters concerns with regards to a light color). You have a window behind your cooktop so just keep the windex handy and you’re good to go!!!
Kate says
I love, love, love that white tile!!!!!!! I had to chose boring, snoring white brick-sized tiles and I would have loved something as snazzy at that. The other tiles are lovely but, I agree, they are too dark.
Sheri says
I’m not wild about the white textured tile. If you are not happy, look at more samples. It’s a small area of backsplash in your open kitchen. I would add a pop of color…bluish grays wth or without beige or a light gray glass tile. The possibilities are endless.
Good luck to you!
Jill says
I think white backsplash would look wonderful, but 12″X”24″ is really big. How about some smaller subway tile set vertically if you like that? If you hate the backsplash, chane it and be at peace.
Love the look of he cabinets and your new space.
Sherri P says
Although I’m not a fan of vanilla normally, I think I like the lighter tile. Having the dark floor and the dark back splash makes it look chopped up. Go with your heart.
athena says
I say don’t make any decisions until all of the lights are working. You commented that right now 2 pot lights are not functioning and you are installing under cabinet lights in the near future. Those two things could really change up how this looks, trust me! We just replaced 3 lights fixtures in our house and it made such a huge difference, so much so that I almost wish we hadn’t already prepped our hallway for new paint because the existing color is now really nice whereas before I thought is was just ugly and dingy. If you still don’t like it when the lights are in and functioning properly then by all means change it. It is your house and it should be what you want. There’s nothing wrong with white subway tile. When we redo our counters and backsplash that’s what I plan to put in and we have white cabinets too.
Carmen says
I agree with you Mavis. Whilst I like the current tiles, I’m not keen on how they work in your kitchen (they draw your eyes right to them and command too much attention IMO.)
I like the white tile sample, but personally would put in white metro tiles. I’d also consider a contrasting grout, like beige to tie everything in together. Or maybe the new smaller metro tiles which I think are lovely!
gina says
NO!!!! Don’t change a thing. LIVE WITH IT FOR A WHILE!!! Okay, here’s what i think….if you have stainless containers or clear glass ones with white flour in them, they will look gorgeous with the darker contrast back splash. Also, you may choose to put a lighter- than- floor throw rug on floor in front of sink. The white tile shown would look better w/o a mottled colored counter, ie quartz. The dark tile is rustically beautiful! And easy to keep clean. Trust me, with light accessories in front of it, It will rock!!! but if you decide later, after living with it six months, then you can change it to plain white.
Suzanne says
I like what your daughter brought over. It’s unique.
Tamara says
You have been living with “light” colors for a while with paint, cardboard, etc., and your mind has acclimated to it. Give your brain time to register the new colors/contrast. I like the dark backsplash and I do think you should wait until the lighting is complete. Put a red bowl on the counter and it will look great.
mari says
The backsplash is dark, but looks good with the floor it breaks up the white. It just looks super dark right now because you have not put “stuff” back in kitchen. The arabesque is too light, it will “wash up” all the white.
Stick with brown.
Elza Verona says
Hey Mavis,
I sent you a message on your contact page. I have a picture of a beautiful kitchen using subway tiles. Also, there is a subway tile sample you can look at. Just send me an email.
Decisions to make, but it is still so much fun. Your kitchen is looking great!!!
Jenn in Indiana says
Mavis, I wouldn’t change anything. I think the color of the back splash is a great contrast to the white cabinets and goes great with the floor. I think your stainless mixer up against it will look great and I also thought the red pan on the stove looked great in front of it. I definitely do not like the tile your neighbor brought over, too much white and I don’t like it up against the counters, it does look like paper towel pattern. When I saw the first pic, I thought “WOW”!
Jenn in Indiana says
Also, I think when you add more lighting and also get the knobs on the cabinets you may like it way better. If I remember right the knobs/pulls will be stainless/chrome look? That will provide a great contrast.
Mia says
I think the back splash is fine. Are you installing under cabinet lights? Because I think that could help you from having to re-do it.
Kathy W says
My initial thought when first seeing your selection a couple of weeks ago was, “Wow, that’s dark for Mavis.” But I quickly remembered how you are in a time of much change so I thought – Go Girl! Those warm shades of brown and tan remind me of many lovely things – soil, trees, coffee, tea, chocolate, Lucy eyes, etc. If you add some green and blue accessories, it would feel like the outdoors inside. So please try to recall why you picked the lovely brown backsplash and hopefully you’ll keep it. And since you asked – don’t like the pale alternative at all but if you do, go for it.
Wendy Steele says
Well, at first I thought what was up there was too dark. Then I read that you were getting under-cabinet lighting. I think that will lighten it up considerably–AND show it off. And it does coordinate with the flooring, which is fab!!
Under no circumstances however, do I think you should put any kind of WHITE tile–subway OR the Arabesque you showed us—it just washes the whole kitchen right out……if you MUST remove the dark—go for something right in between the very dark brown that’s up now and the white you’re showing.Just my opinion.
HA!!! If you had gone with kitchen counter granite #1–like I liked–that current backsplash would match more….lolololol!
Peggy says
Honesty, I think it would be a waste to pull that off and throw it away. It looks great! It isn’t dark. It’s a very light kitchen. You need a bit of contrast. 🙂
Laura says
Well, if you like the whole industrial hospital chic, go white. Me, I detest white with great passion so would rather saw my arm off than have white tile, so perhaps I am not the one to ask. I would do what others suggest and live with it all lit up and see how you feel. I love the contrast and think it is very important so as to not look too bland and monochromatic, but it is yours so you gotta live with it. Good luck!
Helen in Meridian says
I think that tile is too dark. I really like the new stuff Girly Girl brought. Change it quickly and have a great Thanksgiving.
HollyG says
I like the idea of using the same granite as the counters. It’s a lovely neutral and no grout to try to keep clean.
SJ Smith says
I wouldn’t change a thing. I think it’s gorgeous. (I’m jealous…. it’s truly gorgeous!)
The only advantage, if you should change it, is that it’s easier to clean.
The only time you want that much white, is when a room is super small and you don’t want to see the lines and edges of the room. I think your kitchen is big enough that the visual delineation is eye appealing and brings interest to the room. If my vote counts, keep what is already installed.
Maranda says
Thank you for posting about your kitchen remodel. We desperately need to remodel our kitchen. The last owners expanded the kitchen but then never added more countertops or cabinets! Our mish-mash of make-it-do bookcases and tables is driving me crazy. Seeing that a remodel is step by step makes me more confident that I can take on this project too. Wish me luck!
Mavis Butterfield says
You can do it Maranda. 🙂