Originally once part of the countertop, and used solely to help keep the walls of the kitchen clean, backsplash tile has undergone an enormous surge in popularity in recent years. The number of different types of material, and tile design, has become countless and with them comes the opportunity to turn an ordinary kitchen into something truly special.
What is a Kitchen Backsplash?
A kitchen backsplash is material placed between the counter and upper cabinets, or above the stove top to the hood. These materials can be a continuation of the countertop material, or any type of tile. Ranging in height from 4” to the underside of the cabinets or hoods, backsplashes serve a dual purpose of protecting the walls from water, grease and stains, and adding design and visual appeal to the kitchen.
How the Backsplash can Personalize the Space
The kitchen backsplash is one of the few types of home improvement that can be done where resale value does not become a factor. Backsplashes are relatively inexpensive, as well as easy to change out without disturbing the rest of the kitchen design. While other decisions may have been made with a thought to the next owner of the house, the backsplash can be placed with a view of customization of the space for the current owner. Therefore, when deciding on the type and design of the backsplash to be used, personal taste can become the forerunner in the process.
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
When choosing to install a backsplash as part of the kitchen décor, it is important to finalize the rest of the kitchen decisions first. Have the cabinet door color and style, as well as the countertop picked out, if not already installed before beginning the process. Be sure to bring a sample of each along on every trip to look at tile designs; they will be key in making final decisions.
Keeping in mind that any type of tile is suitable for the kitchen backsplash, it can be overwhelming when faced with the number of choices available today. Subway tile, mosaic tile, tumbled marble, or hand painted ceramics are just a few of the examples of materials that can be used. This is where the choices of counter and cabinet will come into play.
Take a look at the counter. Is it granite, or Ice Stone? Ceaserstone or Corian? Is it one solid color, or are their several different colors flecked or swirled throughout it? This will be one of the driving forces. Very busy materials, such as granites with large swirling patterns, will do better with a simpler backsplash, such as subway tile, running along it, with any decorative tiles saved for behind the stovetop. More tightly patterned or solid colored counters can handle more decoration strewn throughout.
The material of the counter will also come into play. Ice Stone, being made up of recycled glass material, will compliment a recycled glass mosaic tile better than it will a hand painted ceramic. A composite material, such as Ceaserstone or Corian, will handle ceramics, porcelains and dramatic designs better than granite will.
Mixing materials is a simple way of adding extra dimension to the kitchen. Handmade ceramic tiles can be showcased against tumbled marble. Glass mosaic tile can be cut into strips and run through subway tile, as well as framed behind the stove for a dramatic effect.
Be sure to pull colors directly from the countertop, cabinet, and walls. This will help tie all elements together for a finished look.
When designing the backsplash, remember to go with styles that are appealing to the current homeowner. A kitchen can be updated quickly and easily by simply changing out the tile and design over the years at a fraction of the cost of a total kitchen remodel. So worrying about trend, whether something will look tired in a few years, or what the next owner of the house may think are considerations that should be given far less weight than whether or not the kitchen is going to be appealing now. There are no wrong answers in personal style, so the kitchen backsplash is the perfect place to let your tastes show.
 |
 |
