How To Choose The Perfect Backsplash
Your backsplash should play nice with is your countertops; they should be flattering to each other but stand out on their own as well. Get all of these design ingredients just right, and you'll be more than happy to make some actual recipes in your beautiful kitchen!
When it comes to picking out what you want for your kitchen backsplash, the amount of options out there may be overwhelming. From glass, to tile, to uniform, to patterned and more, the options are endless. Use this to your advantage to pick out the perfect fit for your kitchen!
To help in your decision, we laid out what we talk through with each homeowner when they are picking out their backsplash, and the key questions they process through to end up with a happy & beautiful product. Follow along & let us know what aspects you are going to carry into your project!
Backsplash Location & Layout
A classic backsplash covers the wall between the kitchen counter & the upper cabinets. Variations include covering the entire kitchen and going outside of the cabinets constraints, or limiting the backsplash to large displays, such as above the stove.
Whatever your space, consider these questions:
- If you don't have upper cabinets, how high do you want your backsplash to go? To the ceiling?
- Do you want to use the backsplash as a way to highlight high-functioning areas like a kitchen desk, stove or sink?
- Do you want to extend the backsplash around the entire kitchen?
- Do you want to limit your material to one or have multiple textures and mixed-media?
- How do you envision your backsplash working together with your countertops? Do you want them to be the same material? Same color scheme, but different patterns?
Countertops & Back Splashes
We've seen the best results when home owners choose their countertops & cabinets first, then pick a complimenting backsplash for their kitchen. These big ticket items have more longevity in a kitchen & are more likely going to stay put for years to come. Back splashes can be modified a little easier & are more budget friendly to modify.
Every once in a while, a family will have a show-stopping backsplash they know they want to use & will work around it in terms of cabinet & countertop material, but in general it's most common and recommended to have your big design selections set, then work to find a coordinating backsplash pattern.
Purpose & Maintenance
The actual purpose of a back splash is all in the name, it protects your wall from cooking & prepping splashes. With this responsibility comes little actual exposure to really harsh conditions (think boiling pots & sharp knives), so your options really come down aesthetics & maintenance.
Tiled backslashes tend to have grout that needs to be cleaned of crud & dust, while solid granite or glass surfaces may require more frequent polishing. Do you research on both ends---what do you like that will meet your maintenance level commitment?
Considering Material
A great rule to follow is to match colors but mix material. You can start by mixing metallic tiles with various finishes or marble with granite countertops. We've seen great homes with mixed glass tiles--think crackle, frosted & clear and love the look they give!
Have fun with focal points in your kitchen--the space above your stove and sink are open canvases that are yours to paint--mix and match your tile and material to create a beautiful centerpiece above your stove. Or have it all be neutral to match your classic & low-key design scheme. It's totally up to you, but own whatever you do!
Tile is still the most popular backsplash material, with natural stone quickly picking up the pace in popularity. Subway tile is a great option when you want a classic, clean look. The personal touches you can put on all of the tile options are astronomical, so buckle up!
Glass tile on it's own, or mixed with other materials give an elegant charm to any kitchen. Color, pattern & mixed finish can all be played with to achieve a perfect backsplash.
Marble can be cut and carved into beautiful shapes for your backsplash. They are a top performing material and are a homeowner favorite.
Feeling like you want something beyond tile or glass? Think outside the box with chalkboard paint and instantly have a place in your kitchen for notes, recipes and family to-dos.