How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash for Your Home
If you’re looking to find the perfect backsplash for your new home or looking to renovate your old one, this blog is for you! Your backsplash is a lot more than just a protection against splashes and stains, it’s an extra layer of design that can change the style of your entire kitchen.
Selecting the perfect tile (or stone!) requires a lot of thought you might have not even considered like the type of tile, the finish, and even the grout color! No need to fear, we are sharing everything you might need when deciding on the ideal kitchen backsplash.
Considerations Before Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash Tile:
Before jumping on different websites and visiting your local tile stores, there are 3 things to know:
The Length of Your Kitchen: take measurements and know how much square footage you’ll need. Will your backsplash go across your stove? All the way to the ceiling? Do you have a countertop backsplash you’ll want to keep or remove?
The Direction of Your Backsplash: from the size of your walls, decide what the best direction of your backsplash will be whether it’s vertical or horizontal.
Any Obstacles For the Backsplash: count the light fixtures and find any other space that may require special cuts or arrangements like range hoods or open shelving.
Timeless Tile That Outlasts Trends
After you’ve determined the logistics of the space and your backsplash, it’s time to decide the fun stuff! What is the style you are looking for with your kitchen? Remember, Pinterest or Houzz can be your best friend when deciding. The most popular styles we have been seeing at our projects on Anna Maria Island are coastal, contemporary, and Scandinavian.
When it comes to aesthetics, decide on a timeless design rather than following current trends that could go out of style. A backsplash is not something you want to replace frequently, so choose a style you’ll love for years.
Lastly, prioritize the type of tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, you won’t want your new backsplash being easily stained by red sauce or cooking oils. Remember, you are in a kitchen after all!
Backsplash Tiles For Kitchen to Consider:
There are 4 backsplashes we recommend to our clients when designing their dream kitchen, each with its advantages! Here are some to consider:
Ceramic Tiles: These are the most affordable and versatile! You’ll easily find these styles in stock and in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Porcelain Tiles: These are known for their durability and resistance to moisture, so they are a great option for the kitchen and other high-traffic areas like the butler’s pantry and wet bar!
Glass Tiles: Glass tiles easily reflect light, making small kitchens appear more spacious. They're also easy to clean and have a variety of colors and finishes!
Stone: If you’re looking for a full-slab look, stone is your go-to with either marble, granite, travertine, or quartz. This style adds a natural look to your kitchen which also means more maintenance, so don’t forget to seal to prevent stains!
Choosing a Pattern for Your Kitchen Backsplash Tiles:
Now that you've settled on the direction of your backsplash, it's time to choose the perfect pattern! Check out this helpful guide to make your decision even easier:
TIP: Be sure to avoid overly trendy designs like subway tiles or chevron patterns, as they can quickly become outdated.
Other Factors to Consider When Selecting Backsplash Color and Finish:
Light vs. Dark Colors: Light-colored tiles can open up a kitchen to feel more spacious and airy, while dark tiles are more moody and sleek.
Glossy vs. Matte Finish: Glossy tiles make your kitchen look brighter and are easy to wipe clean, but they can show watermarks and fingerprints easily. Matte tiles have a softer, more subtle look and are better at hiding small imperfections, but they can stain more easily.
Complementary Color Schemes: Choose a tile color that complements your kitchen cabinets and countertops. For example, if you have blue cabinets and a marble countertop, a soft blue or gray tile can complement the color scheme and add depth to the space.
Grout Color Selection: Try picking a grout color that matches your tiles to make everything blend. Going back to the color scheme example, for blue cabinets and marble countertops, you might go for a white or light gray grout to keep things feeling fresh and airy.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options for your kitchen backsplash or looking to completely redo your kitchen? Consider getting help from HSH Collective Home and Design! We can take the stress out of decision-making and help you create your dream kitchen that is timeless and practical.
Ready to transform your kitchen into the heart of your home? Reach out today!