Interior Decorators...need some help with kitchen ideas.

[rykertest]

OK, so here I am trying to redo a few things in my kitchen. I have decided I am going to use stone veneer as my back splash. By stone I am referring to the kind you use on the outside of your house, like this:

http://www.qualitystoneveneer.com/Default.aspx?Page=PhotoGalleryDetail&app=5

(look at the second pic down on left that says kings pointe on it)

I love the way it looks, and I'm set on using this. The problem I run into is what to use for my actual counter top. I was looking at granite, but my house is a lake home/rustic cabin type feel, and I want to keep with that theme without spending 3 grand on a countertop. I prefer natural stuff that is simple looking, but very solid and rustic at the same time user friendly. I was very close to oak butcher block as my counter top, but the price is quite high as well, and I'm on a tight budget.

I thought about a large tile that matched the stone and using a very thin grout line, but not sure about that either. If so, what color to use?

I have heard of some houses that used actual wood as their countertop, just large wooden planks and sealed then very well.

Any help from you that decorate or have an eye for this stuff is appreciated.


If it helps, I have oak wood floors stained clear, distressed antique white cabinets, brushed nickel hardware and stainless applainces. The grayish stack stone for the backsplash is what I am planning on using there.

Thanks!

 

[gonelifting]

The tile idea sounds good to me. I personally wouldn't go that whole route, but it may work for your place and look. It's very inexpensive. Few dollars a tile... Seal it well.

 

[feisty11975]

I like the stone idea.

Definitely go with the tile

Post before and after pics too.

 

[rykertest]

The tile idea sounds good to me. I personally wouldn't go that whole route, but it may work for your place and look. It's very inexpensive. Few dollars a tile... Seal it well.

you mean the larger tiles with the ultrathin grout line? I did see I can get granite tiles for about $8 a tile and they barely have a grout line. I thought about that as well. The thing I am concerned about is having a "busy" looking backsplash with all that stone, and then having a "busy" looking countertop as well. I assume I would want a mellow countertop to balance out the busy backsplash right?

I know how to do the work, but I HATE trying to get thigns to match. I'm not good at it at all.

 

[rykertest]

I like the stone idea.

Definitely go with the tile

Post before and after pics too.

DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO WOMAN.




Just kidding, thanks. If the stone is a grayish/brown, then what color would I want to use that would match with all I have in my kitchen? Tan maybe?

 

[feisty11975]

you mean the larger tiles with the ultrathin grout line? I did see I can get granite tiles for about $8 a tile and they barely have a grout line. I thought about that as well. The thing I am concerned about is having a "busy" looking backsplash with all that stone, and then having a "busy" looking countertop as well. I assume I would want a mellow countertop to balance out the busy backsplash right?

I know how to do the work, but I HATE trying to get thigns to match. I'm not good at it at all.

You definitely don't want it to be too busy. If you decide on the granite tiles, go with a more conservative backsplash and vice verca.

If you do the stone backsplash, go with something a lil less busy looking on the countertops.

 

[gonelifting]

you mean the larger tiles with the ultrathin grout line? I did see I can get granite tiles for about $8 a tile and they barely have a grout line. I thought about that as well. The thing I am concerned about is having a "busy" looking backsplash with all that stone, and then having a "busy" looking countertop as well. I assume I would want a mellow countertop to balance out the busy backsplash right?

I know how to do the work, but I HATE trying to get thigns to match. I'm not good at it at all.

I agree^^^ and that's where you lose me. I don't know how to match those things either.

My only opinion is try and get a solid color tile for the coutertop. Not one with patterns etc... good luck

 

[feisty11975]

DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO WOMAN.




Just kidding, thanks. If the stone is a grayish/brown, then what color would I want to use that would match with all I have in my kitchen? Tan maybe?

grayish/brown stone plus tile with a grayish or brownish tint...either/or I would make sure that the colors are very similar. If too different, may look funny

Use a tinted grout too...not white!

 

[rykertest]

You definitely don't want it to be too busy. If you decide on the granite tiles, go with a more conservative backsplash and vice verca.

If you do the stone backsplash, go with something a lil less busy looking on the countertops.

I agree and thats my problem. I don't have any eye for what will match that busy backsplash. I was going to use slate tiles, but have since learned they can chip easier than I thought and they seem a bit more busy as well.

Do I at least want the same type color as the backsplash, but just more plain looking or do I need to match something else. I wish I could afford stainless stell countertops, that would be sweet.

 

[alien amp pharm]

I recently redid my kitchen. Good luck and enjoy kissing goodbye to the next month of your life due to the project.

 

[feisty11975]

I agree and thats my problem. I don't have any eye for what will match that busy backsplash. I was going to use slate tiles, but have since learned they can chip easier than I thought and they seem a bit more busy as well.

Do I at least want the same type color as the backsplash, but just more plain looking or do I need to match something else. I wish I could afford stainless stell countertops, that would be sweet.

Let me see what I can find for you. I'll pm you.

 

[rykertest]

grayish/brown stone plus tile with a grayish or brownish tint...either/or I would make sure that the colors are very similar. If too different, may look funny

Use a tinted grout too...not white!

I agree on the grout line color. I have to spread some more k around before hitting you up again.

 

[feisty11975]

I agree on the grout line color. I have to spread some more k around before hitting you up again.

clean out your friggin pm box

 

[rykertest]

I recently redid my kitchen. Good luck and enjoy kissing goodbye to the next month of your life due to the project.

It's all good. I can do the work ok, it's making sure I am doing something cosmetically correct that is my problem. I've overworked the ladies at lowes and home depot with ideas. lol

 

[rykertest]

clean out your friggin pm box

whoops, I lost my plat status and have to go clean it out. be done in 2 shakes of a fiestys tail.

 

[rykertest]

inbox cleared out baby.