I really love them and thank you so much for the great idea!

Yes, it will be a lot of work but I think you should go ahead with it. I think once it's done you'll be much happier with the look than you are with just a little section up.
It's can be really hard to invision a finished project with such a small sample, but I love the idea and I think once it doesn't look like a half finished diy project it will look great.

Plus, you've already got them, and you don't have a better idea, why not do it?

Hell yes!

LOVE IT! Go ahead and do it! :)

Yes, it looks great!!! The pink counters look intentional, I love the cupboards!

Also, I think it looks great!

I think you're right. Those tiles are awesome, but they just don't do anything for your kitchen. Maybe if you did smaller glass tile in gray, white and maybe even pink? Like these:
http://www.glasstilestore.com/loft-mahattan-blend-p/loftmanhattan1-fslash-2x2.htm

or maybe something like these?
http://www.acpideas.com/index.cfm?XlinkID=12

good luck!

umm... I'm definitely the minority...I could be wrong.

My only suggestion would be to perhaps change out the pattern you are placing them in. Have you thought of a running bond pattern?

YES

im really liking the new tiles

The tiles are nice with the grey, but I think you are right that they don't look as "wow" as they could because of the pink countertop. Too much is going on with the combination of all three. I'd go with white subway tiles instead.

...but run them straight across, I agree with the other post. The "diamond" pattern I dislike.

I don't think they do much for your kitchen.
I second a small square glass tile. Maybe a mix of grey and white, or just white?

I don't like the color. It doesn't work with your floor, stove, or knobs. Especially the knobs. And you wouldn't want to change the knobs because they help the counter and cabinets get along.

I like them!

(FYI - If your landlord was OK with it, you could always resort to painting the counter tops).

i agree with marcellah - really like the tiles, don't like the diamond arrangement.

I kinda like it. But for all you recommending ceramic tiles, I don't think the post's author wants to rip out the old tiles and tile again, otherwise she could choose anything she wanted. (am I right?)

Those metal tiles are designed to be installed over the existing tile, like you see in the pics.

How about trying some new layouts? Like a subway tile staggered pattern with the metal.

I don't dislike them, but you're right that there's not a lot of wow. I think for me the problem is that it looks like you're going out of your way to call attention to the backsplash over the counter (which I know is the point). But with the diagonal and the stainless I think it's almost calling more attention to everything in the kitchen individually instead of making it feel cohesive.

I third smaller square mosaic tiles for a few reasons - 1) you don't have a lot of open backsplash space from what it seems like (like over a sink or range + when you include the 4" base) and so you're not getting enough out of the pattern since the tiles are bigger. 2) I don't LOVE mosaic glass tile backsplashes personally but with a good mix of colors I think the backsplash could be a wow AND pull the kitchen together so the pink isn't as noticeable.

It might be more work (but less money?) but I would just tear off/chisel off the old tiles, re-plaster if necessary, and paint. Then when you do the big remodel with countertops, etc. I would pick out your desired tiles. Do it once, do it right.

Change out the cabinet hardware too for more of a statement.

Ok. Tiles - I like... BUT not in your kitchen. There's too much going on. The pink countertops are clearly the part that stands out. The tiles compete rather than compliment. I'm sorry to say that I don't really have any advice to offer though... I'm racking my brain trying to figure out an inexpensive alternative (because you are in a rental after all) Are there any hand-made tiles available in your area? Perhaps some street vendor somewhere?

I like the grey of the cabinets - Its a great improvement over your original pictures!

ABSOLUTELY! How much "wow" do you need? These are clean and classic and go great with the cabinets. Besides, NOTHING is going to go well with that countertop so long as it's pink. I think this is the way to go.

perfect example of an idea, which looks so appealing in concept but not in application. i see what you were trying to achieve. unfortunately, it does not compliment or improve your kitchen situation at all. in fact, you know it yourself, this why you stopped and seek some outside reinforcement. cabinets look great as they are, but with white appliances and unconventional pink counters it's more of country chubby chic look. new back splashes are from another story, sometimes that trick works but not here. sorry.

Okay, I just re-read the original post. Rental (duh) so no tearing out of tiles. Man, I'm stumped. Pink counters and beige tiles are beyond me. Good luck!

I'm not a huge fan of those tiles, or the original ones, with the pink. I like what a few other commenters have said about getting smaller glass tiles in grays and whites... or something similar.

Go with a lighter grey/white glass tile. Either that, or if you want the stainless steel maybe get sheets of the stainless steel instead of tile so it's seamless.

I aggree with bethaneebee ,I like the white subway tile too, so much more versatile.

If you are second guessing it, don't do it.
It's not an easy change if you hate it once it's up.

I think it looks great. I love the color and diamond pattern. I'd do it to my kitchen =)

Go for it - but I agree with others that you should change out the hardware also.

I'm underwhelmed as well - unless you're going for a retro-diner look?

I like other ppls suggestions of white or grey (or combo) subway tiles.

I prefer white subway tiles

Not feeling the stainless gray. Just feels too modern. What about tin ceiling squares?

The stainless steel tiles look great, they complement the cupboards and also reflect light. That said, if you want to consider the small square tiles others have suggested, you could tie together the gray cupboards, pink counter, and white oven with custom blend mosaic tile squares at modwalls.com. Order sample tiles first to see the actual colors in your kitchen, then mix your custom blend online. Maybe go with 10% pink, 30% white, 30% light gray, and 30% dark gray, etc., they have a lot of great colors to play with.

I think part of the problem is that with the little bit you've laid off, you can still see the beige out of the corner of your eye. I just put two pieces of paper up the screen to 'crop' off the icky beige tile, and it instantly looked better. I wasn't sure I thought it looked good, but once you block of the beige tile entirely, it looks really nice. I'd go for it. :)

No, I think they look terrible. Are your cabinets black or grey, either way I like them. I don't know what to say about the color of the countertops, I'm so sorry you are stuck with them.

I don't really like it. Prefer the subway tiles idea.

I think it may clash with the current cabinet style. Keep it simple. White subway tile with gray/black grout may be the best bet. Love the gray cabinets by the way.

What I like about the stainless steel tiles is that they continue the grey color down to the countertops therefore combining more of the elements in the kitchen for a sleeker look. From the pictures I can not tell how far the soffits above go, but if they are contained above the cabinets, I would suggest painting them the same grey as the cabinets which will make them appear to go to the ceiling. I think this will put more focus on the grey and less on the pink as your eye will go to the grey. This will also eliminate one more color which will give a more cohesive look.

love them!

I like the tiles, like the diamond pattern. It can't get worse than the beige tiles you have now.

By the way... When you are done, do something about the dirt electrical outlet on the right. I really hate this little dirty things that catch my eye and they are cheap to fix.

another thought: you can buy paint for tiles. what if you painted the existing tiles to minimize the cost and effort since it's a rental. painting them a shade of lighter grey to blend with the cupboards might help without drawing extra attention to the pink counters.

I've lived overseas and in short-term military housing for a good deal of my life - When you're in such a place you learn to accept such minor things as oddly-colored counters or tile because you know it's all very, very temporary.

Were I living in SA, I'd be spending my time getting to know the culture & visiting sights such as the Nabataean Ruins or the Tombs of Mada'in Saleh, planning trips to Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait, taking courses in the Arabic language and cooking, teaching conversational English, going for camel rides and getting wonderful things in the local markets to decorate with and bring back home to the States...
...not worrying about things like tile backsplashes.

I like the metal tiles, but I don't think they work for your kitchen. They just replace a wall of beige with a wall of shiny silver, when what I think you need is something that ties your white appliances, pink countertop and grey cupboards together. Something with a pattern.

Have you looked into using cheap placemats to cover the tiles? I'm sure you could find something in a colour and pattern that works. Here are some examples:

http://ashleysrowhome.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-kitchen-facelift.html

http://curbly.com/lilybee/posts/7875-the-dollar-store-rental-kitchen-makeover-again

I don't like it because with all the silver/gray, the pink counter tops really stick out. Why not try something like this:

http://www.stickandgo.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=159&osCsid=ef353b0b4ff8ccb6de6a8cecfc396472

This site has a ton of other options also! Good luck!

I just took a look back at your previous post (prior to painting the cabinets grey). I honestly think that this is the biggest problem. You liked that the kitchen was light and bright. But now given the grey cabinets it's lost a bit of that feel. If anything I would have painted the cabinets a brighter white. The grey cabinets almost seem to make the pink counter-top stand out more. Given what you had before I would go with white subway tiles and new hardware for the cabinets. I'm thinking pretty glass knobs from Anthropologie or something similar. You could even embrace the pink and go with something like this:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=870111&catId=HOME-HARDWARE&pushId=HOME-HARDWARE&popId=HOME-HARDWARE&sortProperties=&navCount=15&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=pin&templateType=&subCategoryId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS

A pretty rug could really tie the whole thing together.

The style of the cabinets is too traditional for the stainless tiles. I think painted beadboard would look better (and might be less work).

I assume the landlord has approved covering the existing backsplash?

If I were the landlord, I would rather pay for better laminate counters than deal with a tenant's attempts to deal with the pink counters.

I like them...all these suggestions for glass tiles are great BUT if you were gonna spend the cash on the glass tiles then why not change out the countertops? I say go for it!

With grey cabinets, white appliances and pink counter tops, the backsplash needs to be mainly white with a few scattered splashes of grey and pink. Paint the existing beige tiles white, and then a diamond of grey with center tile being pink.

The stainless tiles are great, but I don't think its working with what you already have.

I would go with a white subway tile effect. Add some gloss to that gray cabinet and some retro hardware to the cabinets. I would embrace the retro pink counters especially if you cannot replace them. _just my two cents

-Tiffany Brooks, You and Your Decor

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Antioch-IL/You-and-Your-Decor/152610048936

I think I agree with JessMo, the stainless tiles look too modern with the rest of it. I also kind of think that the color clashes with the grey of the cabinets. Tin ceiling tiles could work maybe.

I like the tiles. Can you replace the cabinet handles with something contemporary and shiny silvery? That would update the cabinets and tie in the backsplash.

my opinion: NO... the look is too 80s. can't you replace that counter top?

in the decorating shows they're always doing it for $1,200. maybe this is unrealistic.

I think a smaller mosaic tile would look nicer.

this looks TOTALLY 80s.

Meh.

Could work if you're planning on changing cabinet hardware to stainless or getting stainless appliances in the future.

Subway tiles could work. But that seems like an easy out.: http://twitpic.com/2zw3lv

But I like these pinkish marble stick tiles if you're planning on keeping the countertop: http://twitpic.com/2zw3gt

Found them here: http://karangstone.com/mosaic-pebble-tile-loose-pebble-mosaic-marble-tile-stone-flooring-products

I actually love your grey cabinets and I too am in the process of installing stainless steel tiles behind my stove. They are the aspect tiles. I am alternating long grain and short grain grey color. I think once you are finished with the project, you will be very pleased with the outcome.

Paint the counter tops!

I like the stainless tiles but agree with your gut and some of the other posters that you need more of a "wow" effect to counter (no pun intended) the pink counters ... I have a similar problem with a blue-grey laminate countertop paired with a brown cabinet. I'm going with a tumbled stone tile in rustic shades of beige/rust/gray for mine. For you I think I'd go with a glass mosaic tile. They have great 1 inch by 1 inch glass mosaic tiles available at Home Depot and Lowes, and the tiles come in 1 foot by 1 foot sheets with the small tiles fused together with webbing - makes installation super easy. I've seen these tiles in a mosaic of gray/black/white tones that would look great with your gray cabinets and pink counters.

it looks like you're getting basically the same ideas from most everyone. I love the glass tile idea, and if sticking with the stainless, the cabinet hardware and appliances should have the stainless as well (definitely change the pattern) and how about some under cabinet lighting, rope lighting is pretty inexpensive and will make the stainless tiles really be a statement. Good luck!

So sorry, even just sticking that amount up looks like it was a lot of work. I too don't think it looks as good as you hoped it would. It draws attention to the unfortunate white electric stove and fragments the kitchen even more. The urls for stick-on tile volunteered above have some better options. I'd go with the med. grey/light grey/white combo. And I'd swap that ivory electrical outlet for a white one. Hope you can return the stainless. Good luck.

To transition from country to modern is not easy. Your shiny tiles are too hard edged and modern to go with the pink countertop and cabinets and will just make them look dated. You painted the cabinets a great colour, like an urban barn style, which is a great choice with the pink. Considering the country style hardware, and colour scheme, I think a metallic backsplash that would look really hot and blend everything together would be those large embossed silvery tiles that used to cover ceilings in the olden days. I have seen them used in contemporary designs on Appartment therapy...

I agree with your gut reaction- the silver grey of the tiles seems to blend with the cabinets and make the counter pink pop- which is something I get the impression you don't want to do. How about a white painted tin ceiling tile? That would tie in with the white appliances and be much cheaper than the tile, I think.

No. They don't add anything good to your kitchen I'm afraid. I like the stainless steel tile idea but in this case it just blends in with the grey of your cabinets. I think you would be better off returning the tiles and spending the money on a new counter top. Even if you're still getting laminate, having the right color with get you the "wow" factor you're looking for.
-Laura

Like the tiles. Like the cabinets. Change out the handles and knobs to pick up the silvery of the tiles. Accessorize. It'll be great!

Here's the deal, that stainless steel tile, albeit slick and modern, is cold. There is a warm undertone in the gray of the cabinets. It's like putting two types of gray next to each other. It kind of clashes. I would suggest a cream/almond subway tiles or, I like these tiles: http://www.modwalls.com/moddotzvanillamatte.aspx

Maybe with a gray grout to pull it together. I do agree with changing out the door/drawer pulls.

I can't imagine living in a temporary rental in SA and spending your time and energy on this! Seriously, I agree with bepsf on this. Get out of the house and absorb yourself in the place and moment.

I took my first art history class my freshman year of college, and the professor said the goal of the class was to have something other than our boring little lives and jobs to talk about at dinner parties.

Think of your time in SA as that class. Twenty years from now, you'll be at a dinner party, and what will you talk about?

1) your pink counters and stainless tiles
or
2) your adventures in SA

Seems like the problem is that the backsplash tiles are too shiny for the pink countertop. Maybe something more matte OR darker gray to match your cabinets. Gray + pink should be a good look.

abcornwell is right! So is arroyo. The tiles look fine! SO much better than those beige ones. Change out the hardware to brushed nickle. Accessorize. Then be content and go have some adventures!

No, they don't work. ITA with others that you should do a white tile backsplash, either squares or subways. Cheap, easy, and it will brighten things up with a nice pop.

I'm with those that say: two years in a foreign country! Forget the tiles and go out to explore! Don't let house stuff keep you from stretching your comfort zone and making memories for the future.

That said, sometimes some changes ARE necessary in order to really enjoy a visit. When I lived for a year in London, it was in a bed-sitter with truly disgusting--as in ugly AND dirty--wall-paper. I purchased sheets of cheap wrapping paper to create a colourful retreat around my bed, replaced the scary chenille coverlet with a big wool shawl (that I now never travel without) put a bouquet of flowers on my windowsill with its view of pigeon-shit encrusted rooftop and slept much better for the changes I'd made.

But keep it simple. Another vote for white subway tiles. IMO pink plus gray plus aluminum is definitely retro 80s--and not exactly heart-warming as decor.

Then go out exploring, perhaps setting the goal to take pictures that can be put on the walls on your kitchen to enliven the pink/gray scheme. When you return from SA, these can remind you of your adventures AND the dreaded pink countertops.;-)

I feel like I'd like the tiles if they were larger ... Not helpful, I know, sorry.

and TBH, I too would have gone with brighter white cabinets. Didn't AT just feature a pretty pink and white studio apartment? That's the look I would have gone for.

eh, I don't hate the counter. But then, I agree with bepsf. Forget about the apartment and enjoy your stay.

I'm not crazy about the look either.

What about something like these?

http://aspectideas.com/examples

I think a backsplash makeover would most definitely be worth the effort. However, I don't think you've landed on the right tile.

I would paint the counter tops with one of those new paints made for formica and go with white subway tile.

I agree with those that suggested that the style of the stainless tiles clashes with the overall style of the kitchen. I think that the country style of the cabinets (not just the hardware, but the beadboard panels) does not work w/ the tiles- I think putting stainless hardware on those cabinets would look weird too. Frankly I think that the style of the cabinets is the biggest obstacle of the kitchen rather than the pink counters.

Paint the tiles AND paint the countertops. It's always easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, but if your landlord doesn't thank you later, he's a total nut bar.

I really like the cabinet color with the countertop! I do think that a less slick/modern look for the backsplash would be better. How about a mosaic in tumbled granite?

I'm all for making a rental feel like home BUT 2 years is going to fly by. Every apartment we had when we were in the military had something funky going on, but you just learn to live with it. If you love decorating & want to make it feel like home, I would say stick to minor changes where you can (like painting the cabinets) and focus the rest of your time and energies on things that can come with you when you leave.

Sometimes it's better to focus on the problem in lieu of changing everything around it. Listen to your gut! If you are doubting this solution, it isn't right.

I went back and looked at Amy's kitchen. It seems that the tiles worked because the appliances are stainless. Take a look back at it and imagine if the appliance white, black, or even pink. ;)

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing the final result.

I am definitely in the "forget the ugly kitchen and just try to enjoy your time in SA" camp, but how about a totally different idea? We all agree the pink counter is the problem, right? Have you tried asking if you can replace it with something you like better? If the owner says no, can you change it temporarily and store the pink one until right before you move out, then have the pink one reinstalled? I would think a couple of pieces of laminate counter would be cheaper (and easier to install) than all that tile.

P.S. I think the gray cabinets look really nice.

I think your tiles should be simpler. These don't join the look so much as dominate it. Placing them in a diamond pattern is a bit aggressive too. I would keep what you have and use them some other way, some other time ... and for now, go with a smaller, subtle glass tile, or simple subway. .... Kitchens can be a real b**ch; congratulations on what you've achieved so far.

Oh, god, i see halloween is approaching!! The countertop is really scary..... What you're doing with the backsplash is what's bringing the whole thing back to the civilized world....

Yes. Love them.

I agree that you could change up the pattern of the tiles. You don't even have to do a repeating pattern, it can be more sporadic. Maybe even add another shade of gray or black to make it less more interesting.

I'm positive this can work and look AMAZING. I would definitely keep the tile project.

Check out these links?
http://www.danielskitchenbath.com/Tile%20backsplash%20random%20pattern.jpg

http://www.paulthetiler.co.uk/images/gallery_9.jpg

Please show us what you end up doing!

wow, so many opinions must be overwhelming!! Everyone has an opinion and different styles and tastes. Considering the mixed reviews you got on the original look, go with what you know you like. Personally I'm not a fan of the diamond pattern, why not try it just as it is in Amys kitchen? One thing I must say i agree with is the glass knobs. They will add a soft elegance that you may be missing. Either way, please come back and update!! :)

TBH I liked the kitchen before you painted it grey. Now it just looks juvenile and nothing really jives. The stainless paired with the while appliances looks eh. And the grey looks a bit dark, does it make the room look smaller? I dunno, maybe its just the weird cropping of the photo.

I think the pink counters went way better with the white.

I like the stainless tiles VERY much. They really punch up your kitchen and go with the cabinets. There are others - like the small rectangular stainless tiles - that also look good. Choose the size & layout you like, but keep them stainless. As you can afford to change appliances, I would like to see as many as possible in stainless, too. Then change the counter to some lighter gray look. That will be clean and neat and color will be provided by your food.

I love the idea of these tiles, but not so much in this room. It's looking kind of muddy and leaning dangerously toward 80's. Also, I doubt these are going to solve your issue with keeping your backsplash clean. They'll show every fingerprint and speck of grease. Others have suggested white subway tiles, which would work well to break up your muted colors with something clean and bright and allow your appliances to blend in for a more unified look.

@Astrid Vladi - what the hell is "chubby chic"?!?!

I think they look great, especially for a solution for a rental. A staggered subway-look may suit the space better? I'm not completely sold on the diamond patterning.
Are they actually two different colours? Could you just go with one, and see how that looks?!

They are too much in my opinion. Too shiny and don't really go with everything else. I think simple white tiles would work better.... But overall the look with the grey cupboards and the pink countertop is just dated, very 90s. I don't know but it reminds me Seinfeld's kitchen...

I think you need to paint the cabinets white, then the pink countertop and the beige tiles will work. It's just a rental after all, don't sweat too much and send back the shinies :) ... Good luck! ...

My thoughts are that while it's not horrible, it's not great. It's harder to get a clear idea as the colors of the old tiles are reflected in the stainless ones, as well as the darker gray of the cabinets (which I like). What I'd do, is paint the existing tile white, it'll save time and money while tying in the white appliances. Update the cabinet hardware to nickel or stainless, then use stainless/chrome accessories to add further touches of modern sparkle.

I think it's great you're continuing to pursue your interests while living abroad. I live overseas too, and I find that pursuing my hobbies and interests helps to keep me on an even keel. It's exciting living abroad, but it's also a bit difficult sometimes. Working on a project can bring a lot of personal satisfaction, and having a comfortable apartment to come home to every night feels great.

I think the tiles look fine, but I agree they might look better running straight, not diagonal. I really like the color of your cabinets! Good luck!

Lots of ideas here, and two of them stuck out. I like the idea of white beadboard as backsplash, nice and shiny. It will go with the groovesin the cabinets, too. I also like the idea of painting the soffits above the cabinets the same grey color. A much better statement!

I agree with some of the others who think the tiles should be arranged straight rather than diagonally. Also have you considered painting your laminate countertops? It can be done successfully. It would certainly update things and since your landlord let you paint the cabinets perhaps you could get permission to do the counter tops as well.

I love the tiles with the gray and it makes the pink look intentional.

Just cover half the pic with your hand at a time and it is easy to see that the tiles are an improvement.

What about tin ceiling panels as a back splash? Same great metal look, but different pattern.

I agree with painting the countertops. It is so easy. I helped a friend do this and they have lasted Go to lowes or Home Depot. They have laminate countertop paint. (it comes in tons of colors.) 20 bucks and you have new countertops. That will help.
I like the tiles. I think they are not cohesive with your kitchen. A little too modern. What about white beadboard? Your kitchen is more cottagy to me. You could either get the sheets of it and cut it or get the lock and click kind. You just glue it on!

The stainless looks better than the beige and you're in a temporary place and have the stainless tiles there. Finish putting them up, call it done, and take some of bepsf's advice.

I didn't read all the comments, but someone suggested beadboard. That would be an inexpensive and easy project that you could cover the existing tile without having to remove it all. And painting the countertops is definitely an option. If primed, painted appropriately, and sealed, painted countertops will be problem-free for years.

I think one of the reasons why you're underwhelmed with the tile is that the reflective surface of the stainless steel is still showing you the beige-brown of the original back-splash. Put the tile up.

If you're still not convinced of the look, then change the hardware on the cabinets. ... and I might go a shade or two lighter on them paint-wise, to be honest. The dark cabinets make the tiles recede and the pink stand out more.

But, really and truly, what's going to make the difference in your kitchen is what ELSE you put in there. If it stands alone as-is, it'll always be unexciting to you. Find some fun accessories that work well with your colours. Play up the grey and stainless. Put a collection of blue glass or ceramic containers on an open shelf or in an under-used corner. Give the space some life.

The kitchen will never be perfect. What rental kitchen is, though? Make the changes you can, accept what you can't change, and then adapt it to your life. ... and fill it with the recipes and memories you're learning and making while in this new country.

This is your problem. You have bead board cabinets, there is nothing wrong with them but you need to change the handles , make them more retro like SS curves or rods. Your other problem is the white appliances, they just don't go, if they were black the SS would probably look okay. I would go with the pink and grey glass tiles to make the kitchen have a look of the 50's.

Since this is a rental AND you are looking for an easy, economic solve for the backsplash, I recommend you keep going with the stainless steel tiles. The stainless steel does look great with the grey cabinets. Eventually, new hardware could be considered. The pink counters are the primary issue. You still need to accessorize and add other elements to your kitchen -- oranges and reds that will tone down the pink but will complement the greys. Consider wood elements, too. Natural wood and greys are beautiful. Send pics when the project is finished.

Also, I'm pretty certain you an create an aesthetically pleasing kitchen AND partake in the cultural abundance of SA and that part of the world.

I recently painted my existing backsplash (which was cheap plastic lam) with Modern Masters Metallic Platnium and I am loving it. The brushwork really adds a great textural touch, and it would look great over existing tile, too. You could just try that as a test, and if you didn't like it, go ahead with your alternative tile plans. Just make sure you clean the grout really well, and seal the paint with a clear sealant. Have fun!

(and it's cheap and easy, too)

I like the tiles, but not in your kitchen. I'd go with black and white tiles in a checkboard pattern for a backsplash or plain white ones.

here's my two cents; I'm a personal stylist, and I know that shiny silky fabrics better suit people with shiny silky (typically straight) hair, as textured fabrics better suit textured i.e. curly hair. Why? because they fight each other the shiny fabrics (tiles) make the curly sometimes frizzy, hair look dull and tired. (try this for yourself. I have curly (sometimes fuzzy) hair and shiny tops make my hair look lifeless, where as crepes, georgettes, etc.. make my hair look healthy these are dull (in texture only) fabrics. And this is why you aren't loving your combo. The shiny tiles are fighting your freshly painted cabinets making them look dull and tired. Just bring home a flat (less shiny) tile, put it up and see for yourself....Good luck! Oh and FYI. We just replaced our tired dated countertops with a great granite look laminate and honestly the change is amazing and inexpensive! Ciao

I think the stainless might be a little too modern with your cupboards. I love the gray though. maybe you should go with a nice charcoal subway tile.

personally I think that the only thing that can save this kitchen is to put garden knomes or pink flamingos in your front yard...or let the feral cats loose in the kitchen.

I agree with some other opinions in that the tiles are too modern, clashing with the cabinet door style. I would also simplify the layout of the tile you decide to use.

Agreed with those recommending plain white subway tiles. The steel is great, but it's a total non sequitur in that kitchen.

Personally, I'd tile that pink counter top. You can get 18"x18" granite tiles for around 5 bucks each. With minimal grout lines, a granite tiled counter top can be awesome and a much, much less expensive alternative to replacing the whole shebang. I'd address the counter before the backsplash.

I kind of like the look of the shiny metal backsplash, but I think you'll get sick of it in less than a year. White subway tiles are a little boring, but they're also timeless, classic, go well with everything, and you'll never tire of them.

What are you even doing in the kitchen...don't you have a maid who takes care of everything behind that door? Seriously - you have 2 years in another country ...spend your money on going out and living life!

I think the tiles are okay but it's making your kitchen look a bit TOO gray and the cabinets (which should be a statement) look too washed out. I'd go with something with a contrasting color. I actually think these glass subway tiles would look really good http://tiny.cc/h0v3e, or if that's a bit out of your range I put these http://tiny.cc/ronzo57dxh glass mosaic tiles down in my kitchen and I love them.

I don't like the gray on the cupboards - it's the wrong color for that style. Can you repaint them to something that works with the pink, which you're stuck with? If that's not an option, I'd definitely do the steel tile or something else that at least continues the "grey" theme.

I don't think this kitchen is ever going to look very good, so pick your battles maybe? And spend your money on eating out until you buy?

I like the steel tiles but I think it looks too busy. Maybe instead of the tiles, you just use sheets of steel (I know IKEA sells them). It might give you the look you want, something nice and clean and modern to hide the pink countertop.

Im a huge fan of mixing traditional and modern. I think the stainless steel tiles look great with the color grey you chose! I think if you added black and white accents it will look really sharp and complete. Any pewter, nickel, or black hardware would look great, too. Good luck!

I think the existing tiles are fine and look good with the grey cabinets. The dreary "rose" countertops are the problem. I'd look into replacing or refinishing the counters if it were a home I owned. Rental? 2 years? Get a couple of really beautiful pieces of pottery, or a snazzy mixer or toaster that you can take with you when you go.

this is a rental right ? how can you make all these changes on a rental ?
I can see a rug, curtains , accessories - colorful canisters - to accent a color you want.
even some peel off wall paper - even as a back splash - painting the cabinets and putting up gaudy tile .. wow..... you have balls.

I don't like it at all, sorry. You're looking for honesty I suppose. There's no contrast -- it's just matchy-matchy. Pink and gray reminds me of the 1980s and my gynecologist's office decor. If you're going to invest in something, change out the pink countertop. If you're stuck on that stainless backsplash, then I'd go with "50's diner theme" and paint the cabinets yellow or aqua or white.

Hi Colleen,

I don't think you should worry so much, the backsplash looks great. I'm sure once you have it all finished and have an assortment of dishes spoons and such on the countertop that the new feature will blend right in. Your probably just focusing so hard on it right now that your not looking at the whole picture.

This is just blah. Add a colorful back-splash to liven the kitchen cabinets.

The problem is your cabinets, counters and tiles are all different styles from different time periods. Swap out the counters with the relatively inexpensive IKEA butcher block counters which would go better with the existing beige tiles. I also like the idea of covering the tiles with bead board or ceiling tiles.

I don't know how much the butchers block counter tops are over where you are - but out here, they are top $$$$ and far from 'inexpensive'. The tops for my teeny tiny 35ft2 kitchen just cost me half the price of the rest of my bespoke kitchen!