Why Everyone on Reddit Says This Kitchen Backsplash Style Is a Big Mistake

There are countless places online to find design advice, but if you’re looking for unfiltered opinions from strangers, Reddit is hard to beat. One user recently turned to the platform for help deciding what color to repaint the wood cabinets in his already dated kitchen.

While he was expecting users to share paint suggestions, he ended up with entirely different advice. Then, we asked a designer for her professional opinion on the situation. Here’s what everyone had to say—and all the clever solutions they had to offer.

What to Do With Dated Kitchen Cabinets

The Reddit user’s dilemma is a common one that many people face: His kitchen is probably 10 to 15 years old but looks to be in pretty decent shape, at least from a functional standpoint. However, his wife is sick of their wood cabinets. While the space needs a major renovation, it’s not in the budget.

But several users didn’t think his cabinets were the problem; rather, other elements of the kitchen were making the entire space look dated.

Will a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Help?

Several Redditors told him the backsplash was actually dating the kitchen and that it should be replaced. However, keeping his budget in mind, one user recommended going with peel-and-stick.

Speaking from experience, a peel-and-stick backsplash can make a major difference. It covers up the old backsplash, and most people can’t tell the difference. But if you want it installed properly and looking its best, you need to be an experienced DIYer or pay a little extra to have it professionally installed. 

However, peel-and-stick backsplashes aren’t as durable as the real thing. It’s also a terrible choice if you live in a humid climate or boil a lot of water for pasta. It might be a great option for rental homes, but these sticker tiles aren’t ideal for a home you own and plan to live in for years to come. 

Interior designer Emily Ruff also thinks peel-and-stick isn’t the right approach for this kitchen. “I would suggest changing out the tile backsplash, as it would be a more polished and lasting update,” she says. “If you’re looking for a quick fix, re-grouting the existing backsplash could help freshen things up temporarily, but if you can, a proper tile backsplash is the way to go for a more custom, finished feel.”

Could a New Countertop Be the Answer?

Some users also told him a new countertop would make a big difference. While it might, the homeowner definitely didn’t want to do that, and Ruff agreed. “I’d leave the countertops alone for now,” she says. “They’re a lot easier (and less expensive) to swap out later if you want to make more changes.”

Should the Kitchen Cabinets Be Repainted?

While some Redditors supported his idea to repaint, they advised against gray, as that aesthetic is already a bit dated. Ruff shares a similar sentiment.

“As for painting the cabinets, I would definitely recommend it—fresh paint can completely transform the look of your kitchen,” she says. “I’d suggest going with a warmer neutral putty-like shade, something that’s not too white and not too gray. It’ll feel fresh but still cozy and timeless.” Her picks are Sherwin-Williams’s Balanced Beige, Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, or Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak.