Whether you’re doing a whole kitchen remodel or just looking for a great upgrade idea, your kitchen backsplash is a design detail you’ll want to pay plenty of attention to.
If you’re scratching your head and thinking, uh, what’s a backsplash? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Everyone's kitchen has a backsplash. It’s the panel behind the stove or the sink that helps to protect the wall from any splashes your cooking or dishwashing might be making. Not everyone has a great backsplash, though. But you can.
Jen Denham of White Plain, MD Reico Kitchen & Bath explains a few simple tips and tricks about backsplash tile, and how it’s more popular than ever to brighten up your kitchen and create some interest.
Get the lowdown on things to consider when you’re deciding what kind of backsplash you’re going to get, and finally wake up your boring kitchen.
Bigger is Actually Better
While this isn’t always a true phrase, it can be very true of a backsplash. If you’re going for a more contemporary vibe with your kitchen space, you can choose to extend your backsplash tiling all the way around the room.
This will raise the price tag of the remodel, of course, but also works to visually trick the eyes and make the kitchen appear larger. That’s a small price to pay for a larger-looking kitchen.
Playing With Color
One of the first choices you’ll make when designing your backsplash is the color. A neutral backsplash sets the tone for a calming, simple space. If you have darker tones in your kitchen with the cabinets and countertops, the lighter hues can create a visually intriguing contrast.
If you want a bold look, your backsplash can play with color. Add pops of green or blue against the other neutral colors in your kitchen in order to create a focal point for your space.
How Tall?
Your kitchen cabinets are often going to be the deciding factor of how tall your backsplash will be. But certain kitchen layouts don’t have cabinets where backsplashes would traditionally be placed, so you’ll have to make the decision on your own.
If you want to go for a more subtle backsplash design, you can choose to end your backsplash before it spans all the way up the wall. The opposite effect can be achieved by wrapping it all the way around your cabinets.
Contemplating Countertops
Don’t ignore the other elements in your kitchen when you’re designing your backsplash. Especially with your countertops, the rule for your backsplash should be all about contrast.
If your countertops are simple and neutral, you can play up your backsplash design more fully. If the opposite is true, you’ll want to go with a more toned down backsplash to play off the rest of the design elements in your area.
If you think you want to match your elements, be very particular with what you choose. Having your backsplash match the rest of your kitchen can make it look washed out if all the space looks exactly the same. If you do want to match, go bold with your tile choice so that your backsplash can stand out as much as possible.
A Material World
One of the other most important design elements in your backsplash is the material you choose. Is your kitchen contemporary? You’ll want to go with ceramic or even glazed to keep that clean look. If you’re more quaint, a hand-painted backsplash can be a beautiful added element. A brick backsplash adds to a rustic hue.
Reico Kitchen & Bath can get you going with your backsplash decision. Whether you know the perfect material for your backsplash or you need a design expert to assist in creating the perfect backsplash for your kitchen as its’ project or part of a bigger kitchen remodeling project, we’ve got the expertise to help you achieve what you are looking for.
