Backsplash Backlash
This morning we excitedly met with our Certified Kitchen Designer to finalize the plans for our cabinets and countertops. We’re super psyched to post pics of all the materials we’ve chosen (KraftMaid cabinets, Stonemark Granite countertops, etc) so stay tuned for that fun stuff. In the meantime, we’re having a moment of indecisiveness about the backsplash.
One easy option is to continue our granite a few inches up the wall to act as a backsplash and then keep the rest of the area under the top cabinets a semi-gloss paint like this.
This option really appeals to us because we would be able to easily change the paint color should our kitchen need a fun update down the road.
Our other option is to nix the few inches of granite on the backsplash and use one material from countertop to the bottom of the cabinets, like white subway tile (our absolute favorite) or some other small tile like this.
The only downside is that this couldn’t be easily changed like paint, and will cost more for installation.
I’m sure we’ll come to a decision at some point (and would totally appreciate your opinions- comment, people, comment!) but until then we’re having lots of fun looking at crazy cool backsplashes in magazines and on the internet. Click here for some fun options like this gorge glass backplash we found on RemodelingMySpace.com.
First two images courtesy of KraftMaid, last image via RemodelingMySpace
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Through the experiences of others I’d go with a back splash that isn’t just a painted wall. The back splash tends to get “splashed” while cooking and some cooking oils and sauces can permanently stain even glossy painted walls. I’d go with a textile that’s easy to clean like glass or tile that you can just wipe. My parents just got tile as a back splash and it made the space in between the cabinets and the counter look really open. I can’t wait to see the final outcome good luck!!
Thanks for weighing in H! We’re definitely going to explore tile options thoroughly. The funny thing is that our last backsplash was just a few inches of gross blue formica (our old countertop material) and we didn’t notice much of an issue with stuff spashing above it. Then again, we’re not exactly culinary masters, and over the years with kids and stuff I’m sure the backsplash will get a lot more action!
Maybe mirror cut to size? Extremely easy to clean, is reflective and can open up the space, too.
What is Stonemark granite and where can I find it?
Hey Rob,
The great thing about Stonemark granite is that most granite slabs need to be sealed annually (an annoying and somewhat costly process) to insure that they stay stain and bacteria resistant. But Stonemark granite is engineered so that it never needs to be sealed and is therefore easier and cheaper to maintain. We’re all about easy maintenance so it seemed like a no brainer to us, but check out your local Home Depot (where it’s sold) for more information.
Sherry
Hi Sherry-
It’s me again! I’m working my way through your blog! ;)
We are thinking about redoing our kitchen and worried about the $$$ involved. We’ve been gradually working up to it – we have upgraded all of the appliance to whirlpool stainless steel, but now we are at the cabinet/countertop decision point.
I noticed in a previous post that you first painted your cabinets. Do you remember what color that was? I noticed there and in the pictures above that you went with an offwhite/creamy color. Our cabinets are white and I have been tossing around the ideas of painting them something like that.
On another note, why did you finally decide to do the entire makeover with NEW cabinets? Should I think twice about the painful idea of painting and just go for it? I’ve always heard that cabinets are very expensive!
I look forward to your response and making my way through the rest of your blog!!
Betsy
Hey Betsy,
Cabinets ARE very expensive! They were around $7000 of our renovation budget to be exact! The only reason we decided to really go for it and replace them was because we were totally reconfiguring the kitchen (moving the fridge, closing off a doorway, adding an entire wall of cabinetry, etc) so trying to match the existing 50 year old cabinets seemed like a waste of time and resources when we could start with a blank slate instead of trying to cobble the old and the new ones together (which really could have been a nightmare).
As for the paint color we went with when we repainted a year before the major reno, it was more of a tan color (although it does look creamy in the pics). It was called Brown Bag from Glidden (good approximation of the color in the name, there) and it was a super easy fix for the time being. In short: if you’re planning to change the layout of your room by adding lots more cabinetry we’d say replace i’em but if you just want a fresh look then painting them is definitely the way to go!
xoxo,
Sherry