Choose the Right Kitchen Backsplash: 5 Savvy Tips

choose the right kitchen backsplash

There are many choices you have to make when renovating a kitchen. It’s exciting to put your stamp on all of the components of this central gathering space in the home. You’ve got cabinets, countertops, hardware, and light fixtures — now how do you choose the right kitchen backsplash?

As you embark on this crucial step, we’re here to help. Let’s talk through some of the most important pieces of advice you should keep in mind as you choose your kitchen backsplash.

Pick Your Preferred Material

Do you like tile, stone, or brick backsplashes? In terms of trend, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. It’s all about what you envision in your kitchen.

Tile is a classic, stylish look that’s sure to take your kitchen to the next level. You can go with neutral colors or bolder, bright colors and patterns that pop.

If you’re going for more of a rustic, natural, less polished look, consider a brick backsplash. This material brings uniqueness through natural imperfections and adds a hint of color to the kitchen. Red, tan/buff, white/cream, pink, gray, brown and black are the colors that you usually see with brick.

Both travertine and marble stone are classic, timeless materials that will stay trendy and popular for years to come. Just like brick, no two natural stone backsplashes are exactly the same. Each textured element is one-of-a-kind, especially when used in a creative mosaic or pattern.

Pair Intricate Patterns with Solids

You can love the look of a kitchen backsplash before it’s on the wall, then hate the way it looks after installation. That’s because it’s got to look good in combination with the cabinets, countertops, and wall color. If you choose a busy backsplash, make sure your countertops and cabinets are more on the subtle side. Too much busyness can overwhelm the eye and look out-of-place.

On the other hand, if your countertop is a busy pattern with multiple colors, you should go with a more solid, neutral kitchen backsplash that matches it well. Pull some of the color out of your countertops by incorporating it into your backsplash — either in the material itself, or in the grout that surrounds it.

Consider Clean-Up and Maintenance

While the look and style of your kitchen backsplash is important, maintenance matters, too. Is it easy to wipe off splashes and spills? Is it stain-resistant? Definitely think about these questions as you narrow down your selection for kitchen backsplash materials and design. Down the road, when you’re wiping down your kitchen, you’ll be glad you did.

Try a Trendy Pattern

If you like the more traditional kitchen backsplash materials, such as subway tile, but want something unique, switch up the pattern. For example, subway tile in a herringbone pattern creates an understated and simple, yet grand vibe. Another option is to use larger versions of traditional wall tiles or unique shapes, such as squares.

Create a Focal Point

Who says you have to have the same kitchen backsplash material and pattern throughout the entire kitchen? Draw attention to a particular area, such as the stove or island, with a mosaic backsplash that matches the rest of the kitchen. Use an intricate pattern or a different combination of backsplash materials and colors to create something unique.

This is an ideal option if you have a limited budget and can’t afford to do a full kitchen backsplash. Use detailed materials and patterns, such as penny wall tiles, to create a mosaic in a central part of the room.

Your options are endless when it comes to designing a kitchen backsplash, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Focus on the material choice, color, pattern, and maintenance, and you’re sure to love the end result.

Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.