Keep, Cover, or Replace 1930's Kitchen Tile (floor, countertop, paint)

[eastwestcoast]

I'm looking for opinions on how to fix up some incongruent kitchen "features" from multiple remodels. The main original element from the 1930s that remains in the kitchen is the wall tile and backsplash. It appears that the previous owners took great effort to build over rather than remove this tile, creating some weird elements of their custom remodel. My wife and I want to eventually fix up the kitchen and are really not sure whether the tile is worth keeping or not. We're not a fan of the color or design at all and they are not in the best shape, but perhaps there is some value to keeping them? Thoughts?



Also, bonus for any ideas about what we can do about these cabinets (custom sized and functional, but cheap plastic veneer) or the places where the tiles are currently covered by the countertop and with black plastic backsplash (the shiny part of the bottom picture).

[Hopes]

The cabinets are way too modern for the tile. They grey walls and the brown cabinets are all wrong for that tile. Being a Pittsburgher, I'm not a big fan of black and yellow décor, but I'm sure some Steeler fans would love that tile even though it's not outright gold. Yellow and black is a bumblebee to me.

I think you'll discover the previous homeowners didn't remove the tile because those are plaster walls. Taking the tile down is going to be a much bigger job than you can imagine. Since the tile goes behind the cabinets, you may have to take out the cabinets to tear out the tile.

It is possible to paint tile. You can transform that into all sorts of styles. Just google painting tile and start researching. I can't advise on specific direction to take the look because I don't know your style.
Tell us your dream kitchen look, and we'll see if we can find pictures of tile that has been painted to better match your style.

[eastwestcoast]

Thanks for the painting suggestion, that's definitely something to investigate. What kind of paint do you think would adhere best? And I think you're right, the walls appear to be plaster... didn't realize that makes removal so much more difficult.

[shirine.asfour]

I wouldn't replace the tile only grouting it and add some glossy cover to it! its so original "I love Black and Yellow", the problem from my point of view is the combination of the cabinet's color and the "Blue!!!" wall painting! I would suggest painting cabinets black the wall fair lemon yellow "or plain white" the floor could be white and black "Stripes /blocks" add some yellow accent and black decorative items! it would look marvels if you could imagine what I have on mind!!

[hotzcatz]

That gray color doesn't "pop" the tile at all. Maybe they are too similar in hue. If it were mine, I'd keep the tile, but paint the walls and cabinets some color that went with it. Glossy white for the cabinets and maybe a soft dove gray if you are gonna do gray. Much lighter than the tiles, though, a very light dove gray. But, that's just me, it's your house so do what makes you happy.

[city living]

If this were my home, I would probably remove it. If this was going to be where I intended to stay for a long time, I would make it what I like and what works for me. Personally, I don't care for the tile so I'd just take it down. Hopes is right---the cabinet is out of place/does not go with the tile.

I would not keep something I did not like if I'm staying somewhere long-term---as long as I had money to change it, I would.

[eastwestcoast]

Originally Posted by city living

If this were my home, I would probably remove it. If this was going to be where I intended to stay for a long time, I would make it what I like and what works for me. Personally, I don't care for the tile so I'd just take it down. Hopes is right---the cabinet is out of place/does not go with the tile.

I would not keep something I did not like if I'm staying somewhere long-term---as long as I had money to change it, I would.

Yeah, we really would prefer it gone. But since we're probably in this house for the mid-term, we're thinking about future resale value as well as our own preferences. I guess another way of looking at it is, would replacing these tiles (along with at least changing cabinet faces) with something more modern help or hurt the home value?

[Ohiogirl81]

Wow, is that nice-looking. I'd keep it as is and change the cabinets to match them.

But I understand you don't like the tile. Look into painting it, as already suggested. There are specific paints and techniques to doing so.

[Meemur]

I agree: keep the tile (clean and fix it as needed), different paint on the walls, new cabinet. Embrace the retro!

I assisted removing tile like that, only pink and maroon. It was a nightmare. Honestly, the tile is basically sound and not that awful pink. You can make it work.

[Ohky0815]

Plaster walls make everything harder, even hanging a simple picture.