The tiny tiny kitchen is getting installed. You would think that a tiny kitchen would get installed fast, but there are all the same pieces and parts that have to get worked. Plumbing, electrical, dishwasher, sink, stove, etc. We have the lower bank installed and countertop is measured, ready to go in on Thursday. The cabinets are high gloss white on purpose. It will brighten up the tiny space and the glossy will bounce light around to appear larger.
I selected white appliances because the space is too small to break everything up with stainless contrast, and the white appliances were cheaper. However, in general the appliances were expensive, relative to their quality. This is because I had to purchase unusual sizes for the appliances and could not take advantage of sales, scratch and dent or anything on a showroom floor. All of them were purchased new and had to be delivered.
Magic Chef 24" x 60" high bottom freezer about $550
SPT 18" wide dishwasher $375
2 burner induction cooktop $250
Whirlpool 30" convection/steam/sensor cook Microwave $550
Stainless sink 22 wide, 9 deep
So now the biggest design challenge is the kitchen backsplash. Because the kitchen cabinets, countertop and appliances are white I want to make a bold fun statement with the backsplash. I have narrowed it down to a really fun cement tile random pattern that has a muted blue, grey and pale. I’ve loaded some photos.
Of course my carpenter took one look at it and said it looked like ‘Grandma’s House’ and I started to doubt my instincts. Sent some photos to my real estate agent and she said young tenants would love it because it is clean, fresh and interesting.
I loaded some photos so the peanut gallery can comment on Grandma or OK
What amount of space are we talking? 6 1/2’ x 18-24"? Kinda busy for MY tastes…but with that small of an area, I think it will work. If I were renting, I’d be thrilled with all the bells and whistles in the unit…probably wouldn’t even notice the backsplash…
Is this going to be permanently visible from the living area of the studio? If so, my advice is to tone that backsplash down. If not, it could be OK. I would not want to look at that backsplash all the time.
On of my friends did a solid color backsplash with only a few, strategically placed printed tiles. It is very distinctive without being too busy. That may be a compromise.
I like the folkloric pattern on the tiles! If you squint your eyes and look at them, some are more bold and contrasty than others. I would pick one of the less contrasty ones, so it fades to a glimmery gray from a distance.
I don’t care for the randomness of several different patterns; looks like you had a few stray leftover tiles from five other projects and threw them on the wall together. Maybe confused Grandma? It seems a very particular taste.
I see what you’re trying to do with the tile. I get the fun vibe but am concerned it is too busy. Still, I would choose it over any of the others suggested here.
Personal preference varies so greatly! I’d probably go with glossy white subway tile. That would let the renter choose their own color scheme.
