Since backsplashes are the one area of kitchen design that has little to no impact on resale value of the home, it can be a place to let personal expression shine. Use the backsplash tile to highlight the personality of the homeowner and create a unique and different look.
Custom Mosaics
One way to create a unique backsplash is to use custom mosaic tile. There are several ways of doing this. One is to utilize interesting colors combinations or designs already in the kitchen. For instance, taking the colors from some handpainted Mexican plates and recreating the pallet in a custom blend of colors in mosaic. Or recreating a simple pattern mimicked in a print or fabric already in the space.
Utilizing custom ceramic tile mosaics will allow a great deal of expression. It is possible, using this method to determine the percentages of each color, and to vary the shades for a unique or different look.
Another method is to use a stone mosaic designer to recreate a simple map, photograph or picture. This mural could be installed under the hood behind the stove, making a focal point for the eye.
Unique and Different Tile Materials
A natural method of creating a unique backsplash is to use exotic stones such as onyx. Onyx tiles vary wildly from piece to piece and even more so from lot to lot. They are almost never the same twice, and their translucent beauty draws the eye like no other material can. Try to keep the design simple when using these tiles, as they will vein and move quite brilliantly on their own.
Use the Kitchen’s Unique Measurements
One way of making the most of a space and create a backsplash like no other is to use the natural shapes of the kitchen.
Start with one type of material, in any color that suits the space. Make sure that it can be found in multiple sizes from mosaics up to large format tiles. Then begin to lay it out using the measurements of the kitchen. For instance, put the mosaic under window ledges and tight spaces, open the tile up to the next largest size beneath the cabinets, open it up still more behind the stove, and if there is unused wall space in the kitchen, install a large format of the same material upon it. The tiles should roll from small to large and back again as they move through the space. This will create a modern and unique kitchen design.
Whichever direction utilized in designing the kitchen, remember to be creative and take the time to be sure of each decision. Put up pieces of colored construction paper on the walls to simulate the color. Draw a grid of a unique design right on the wall and to scale to be sure that it fits properly. Above all else, be sure to relax and enjoy the process.
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