A new kitchen backsplash can really add personality to your kitchen. It can define the kitchen design style as classic or funky, or soft and neutral or loud. The tiles you select to highlight the space between the countertop and cabinets and above the range should compliment the color scheme and design of your kitchen. Ultimately, that backsplash is a great opportunity for a creative focal point in your kitchen. There are so many options when choosing backsplash. Keep the following guidelines in mind when choosing the backsplash for your kitchen redesign.
Mix materials but match colors. With so many beautiful tile options, it is hard to make a decision. Choose a favorite and try it out for few days by taping color and tile samples to the walls to see how they look during the day as the natural light changes. Countertops often influence the backsplash color and style, but you should also consider lighting and hardware.
For backsplash materials, you can mix metallic tiles in various shades with different finishes, like stainless steel, bronze or antique brass. Consider incorporating the countertop color by including little tiles of marble or granite. Another option is glass tiles that have a crackle or frosted finish.
Invest more in the area that will have the most visual impact. There is a lot of wall space over the range and sink, making those great places to play up a pattern in your backsplash. Consider a neutral tile for the rest of the kitchen, then bring in a fun glass tile to design a great centerpiece over the stove. This area is usually a two by three foot area, so it is the perfect place to display a pattern. Some options might be applying tile on the diagonal, or installing a staggering brick pattern with thin subway tiles. Since the area is still fairly small, you can always change it down the road without tearing out the rest of the backsplash.
Keep your budget in mind. If you are working on a tight budget for your kitchen redesign, you may want to avoid trendy tile and consider ceramic tile instead. Classic white ceramic tile costs less than one dollar a square foot. Make sure to use really nice grout though. That is not an area to skimp on. If you are trying to cover a large amount of area, a wall for example, consider metal panels. Stainless steel sheets can be found in a broad range of finishes. Metal panels are very durable, but they can be more difficult to keep clean. Tiles with grout, for example, will collect dust and grime, while some stone materials may respond poorly to cooking oil and other byproducts.
Consider how much cleaning and maintenance you can handle. This is most important of course in the areas behind the stove and sink. Gather information about how to clean the materials you are considering for your backsplash. Tiled backsplashes have grout that can collect dust and grime.
Consider options that are earth friendly. Cork mosaic tiles can be placed on walls or floors. These tiles are made from 100 percent bamboo and make for a very contemporary backsplash. Another earth friendly option is tile made from recycled glass. Some big benefits of glass tiles include being stain resistant and coming in a wide variety of unique colors as a result from melting and repurposing recycled glass. The tiles also come in many sizes.
Are you ready for a kitchen redesign with a new backsplash? Call us at 952-985-5383 for a free consultation.
Sources
http://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/g1412/kitchen-backsplash-ideas/
http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/kitchen-remodel/picking-a-kitchen-backsplash
