it would also drive me crazy and regardless of what the tiler says i would ask for the extra tiling to be added asap

I think it looks neat and wouldn’t add a small strip of cut tile. What might have looked better is just one row of tile on the window wall.
So important to have a clear plan before tiling starts

I agree it looks unbalanced the tiler should have explained what he planned to do be fore staring and ordering the tiles can you show more of the kitchen.

Only thing that jumps into my mind is to add the strip or tile up to the ceiling and across the top of the window if you can match the tile,

Thanks so much for your help everyone. Glad its not just me looking at it thinking its uneven!

I’ve been talking to my friend whose husband is a builder and he thinks the ruler has rushed and not planned, and the only way to fix it properly would be to remove the tiles and start over again, with the large tiles at the top and the “strip” at the bottom. Obviously the ones under the window would no longer be a full tile, I can’t picture if this would look better or worse? Any thoughts?

I don’t really want to go all the way up to the ceiling and am thinking you’re right in that the strip would look weird.

It’s frustrating thinking of starting again but I will be looking at it multiple times a day so I think it would be worth it if it would look better? Unfortunately I have already paid the original tiler as I had to on the day and at the time I thought it was the only option due to my lack of knowledge on tiling. If taking them off and re-doing would look better I’m happy to write it off and re-order tiles and go again with someone else.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated as my lack of knowledge on tiling is doing my head in!!

I would remove the little square tile, then have a narrow cut tile placed in alignment with the fulls tiles, and also aligned with the other little tile next to your window frame. Do the same narrow tile above the full tiles on the other side of window frame.

I would not remove the tiles, I would not have the narrow tile at bench height. Unless you are looking at the underside of cabinets, that narrow tile will not be noticeable. BUT, you will definitely notice the tile if it is at your bench height. Too much grout near bench appliances also will need more cleaning.

Do you need the sheer cafe curtains for privacy or sun protection? If not, I would remove them. They are dating the new kitchen, in my opinion……sorry.

Haha yes i know… they are the old curtains and are only up for privacy for now. will be refreshing soon! im not sure with what… maybe venietian blinds?

What about an extra row of tiles on the window wall? Both sides of the window of course. Shouldn't cost too much... Shutters look neat a kitchen window ;)

I agree B Joy that could work by cutting the tile closet to the wall cabinet to meet under it.ie big tile with a little "L"., great idea.

Take Down your curtains as they are adding to the problem with the mid rail not aligned

Leave the tiles until you’ve lived with it for a while. Renovating is a series of compromises. Agree that the curtains need to go. Is the window frame being painted? I’d also look bringing the wall colour closer to the tile colour, could be the pic but it looks like a mis match in tones.

While you still have access to the tiles I would do what B joy suggests, no need to change anything else good luck

Thanks for your help everyone. Just took the curtains down to take another pic so you can see better!

Much, much better. Remove the pinkish blind and add a white one. Can’t even notice the tiles now. Note how the narrow tile is hidden by the shadow. Follow @B Joy suggestion, or just leave alone.

Wow, can’t even notice the concern with the tiles now, add gorgeous window treatment as suggested and it will look great.

Thanks all for your help!! unfortunately the shadow only hides it a little at night but not so much during the day! Perhaps i will get used to it in time though. i will definitely have a think about B Joy’s idea which is a good one. And get some new window coverings, the blind is not very helpful for privacy!

Definitely B Joy's solution. That narrow strip is noticeable.

I that case. Start by removing the little tile

Hi Kate, what do you mean removing the little tile? like making an L shaped tile? :)

If you can’t live with tiles as they are then the little tile has to go regardless of whether you decide to add another row or more of tiles or remove 2 rows as I suggested. If you add more then you would have an L shape tile wrapping under cabinet. Hence the little tile goes if you want change.
But first I would paint window frame white to match and add new blind or shutters. Then reassess.

As B joy suggested

without curtains, I would also consider adding a Cornice to the bulkhead above the cabinets.

Thanks all. Yes cornicing is still to come, waiting on availability of a plasterer. Love the graphics you have made! Looks great and much easier to visualise!

All the other window frames in my house are still natural timber so at this point will leave unpainted so they still match. Will definitely sort new window coverings though!

If you can’t get anymore tiles I would colour match the darkest colour of the tile and paint the the wall and window frame and sill so it will draw you eye less to the wall

Hi, This is more of a personal preference thing. I see a lot of good suggestions in the comments, at the end of the day, there is no issue with leaving it as is, adding a strip or tiling the whole wall. Your home should mean you are comfortable and in control of the design choice for this. Your tiler is not incorrect in saying this is usually what people go for but they are incorrect if they refuse to do it any other way which you ask.

In terms of the solutions below, the narrow strip option will complete the look but will leave a cut edge either facing down or up. This is not an issue under a cupboard as the cut edge gets put against the joinery. In this situation, the cut edge will either be expose on the top ( not a great issue if you don't mind the look and the tiles are cut straight and consistently). Or if facing down the top finish will be nicer but you may have a slight raised lip at the join between tiles (not usually too noticeable unless looking for it). OR if cut edge is facing the top you can also put a trim.

A lot of options available, any tiler should be aware of for you to choose.

Good Luck!