How Do You Pick A Kitchen Backsplash?

In the area of kitchen remodelling, cabinets and countertops garner the majority of the attention. Even if they consume the majority of the budget, they are not the only items that should be prioritised.

A well-designed backsplash is the crowning jewel of any kitchen, but it is one of the features most likely to be overlooked during the design phase.

This practical kitchen staple is no longer just there to protect your walls from splatters of bacon grease; it has also become a way for homeowners to add a splash of colour and creativity to their culinary paradise.

You don't have to be an interior designer to select a backsplash that complements the decor of your area while also bringing out its own personality. This is one of the numerous advantages of shopping for a beautiful backsplash.

All you need is a basic understanding of the available materials and options to make an informed decision that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

Your kitchen backsplash is an opportunity to exhibit your individual style. How would you define your style, whether polished or funky, neutral or loud?

The tiles you choose to refresh the wall space between the countertop and cabinets, as well as the space above the range, should mirror the colour scheme and design theme of your kitchen, whether it has a contemporary or traditional appeal.

The change isn't complete until you add your ideal kitchen backsplash. We'll walk you through the process of choosing the best kitchen backsplash for your next remodel in the following guide.

Finally, the backsplash acts as the focal point. This also provides an opportunity for artistic expression.

Why Install a Kitchen Backsplash

The vertical surfaces of the kitchen were intended to be shielded by the backsplash from any liquids or grease that might accidentally splash upon them.

However, in more recent years, the backsplash has turned from a component that serves only a practical purpose into the primary focus of a kitchen that has been thoughtfully designed.

There are five key reasons why a backsplash should be incorporated into the design of every kitchen, regardless of whether it is done for aesthetic or practical reasons:

Protect The Walls

From a functional point of view, a backsplash is intended to shield your walls from messes such as spills and splatters that may otherwise cause damage to those walls.

In addition to this, they prevent the development of mould and mildew, both of which, if allowed to grow unchecked, can lead to significant issues in your kitchen.

Prevent Stains

Additionally, both food and water have the potential to discolour your walls. Small splatters can quickly accumulate into large stains over time, and eventually, the walls will appear dingy and dusty as a result.

Even meticulous cleaning can only delay the inevitable to a certain extent.

Easy Cleanup

A backsplash protects walls from stains and makes it simpler to clean up after meals.

The materials used in today's backsplashes are low maintenance and simple to clean, which means you won't have to spend hours scrubbing and scouring to keep them looking their best.

The majority of materials that are used for backsplashes may be cleaned with a quick wipe using a moist cloth or sponge.

Avoid Unwanted Guests

A quality backsplash might not be able to keep away uninteresting customers or prying members of your own family, but it might lessen the likelihood of unwelcome visits from pests like rats and insects.

These annoying bugs will not be able to help themselves to the leftovers in your kitchen if you have a backsplash installed since it creates a protective barrier between the counter and the wall.

Personalise Your Space

The typical time spent by Americans in their homes' kitchens, including time spent preparing food and cleaning up after meals, is 37 minutes per day.

That amounts to approximately four and a half hours every week. Do you really not want your kitchen to look nice if you're going to be spending so much time in there?

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash

Do You Want Tile Or A Stone Slab Backsplash?

There are a variety of options available for use as a backsplash in the kitchen; however, the majority of homeowners select either stone or tile. You may acquire a backsplash made of manufactured stone or granite to put along the walls if you have worktops made of either of those materials. On the other hand, this solution is not optimal for all applications, and its installation might be somewhat pricey.

Due to the weight of the stone, the walls need to be reinforced with strong bracing. Cutting around the cabinet layout is another challenge that must be overcome.

Tile is the material of choice for the majority of contemporary kitchen designs. It is able to be personalised, it requires considerably less effort to instal, and it reduces expenses in the long term.

Do You Want Plain Tile Or Patterned Tile?

There are dozens of subcategories that can be used to classify tile, but the two most important classifications are patterned tile and solid-color tile.

Because it combines a wide variety of hues, finishes, and dimensions all at once, mosaic tile is sometimes categorised alongside patterned tile.

It is recommended that you select a tile with a simple design for your kitchen backsplash if your countertop has a lot of intricate details. On the other side, if the pattern in your stone is more subdued, you could want to employ a more prominent design on the walls.

You do not want to combine two busy patterns into one design because doing so would be uncomfortable to look at. Instead, you should aim to achieve a harmony between overt and understated elements within the space of your kitchen.

O'Hanlon Kitchens is pleased to offer the assistance of its skilled designers should you require it.

What Color And Shape Best Complement Your Kitchen Style?

The tile that you use for the backsplash in your kitchen should be chosen with the style of your kitchen in mind. You might, for instance, decide to go with a straightforward subway tile backsplash if you're going for a Scandi look.

You might want to choose stone tile for your kitchen floor if your kitchen is decorated in a classic design because it will pick up some of the colours from your counters.

When it comes to hue, you'll want a backsplash that coordinates with the various finishes already present in the kitchen. Find ideas in your home's existing surfaces, such as flooring, cabinets, and countertops.

You might also take into account the colour of the paint when making your choice; nonetheless, paint is simple to alter after the fact. Imagine the tile's appearance when you enter the room. What will it look like?

Which colour do you think would bring it all together the best? Do you want something that is light and brilliant, or would you rather have something with a contrast of dark and light?

Because of the flexibility they offer, neutral tones are the hues that are most often recommended for usage in kitchen finishes. Altering the décor in the room can result in the introduction of new splashes of colour.

That is much less of a hassle than replacing the backsplash in the kitchen, and it will provide you a better return on your money.

Do You Want The Tile To Lay Vertically Or Horizontally?

The direction in which your tile is laid is just as important as the shape it has. The practise of hanging tile in a kitchen backsplash vertically rather than horizontally has been increasingly popular recently.

This draws attention to the height of the ceiling, which can be an especially effective effect in areas with limited space.

You could even take it one step further and utilise a pattern called herringbone, or you could hang your tiles at an angle. When choosing a backsplash for the kitchen, it's a good idea to experiment with several orientation alternatives.

Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash: Things You Need to Know

Even if it is hidden behind the cabinets and appliances, the backsplash is still an essential part of the kitchen and shouldn't be ignored.

It has the potential to act as an understated unifier or take the emphasis away from the oven cooktop and sink. After all, the attractiveness of a backsplash is contingent on the observer's point of view.

Know Your Budget

Do you have a rigors financial plan, or are you willing to pay whatever the price may be to achieve what it is that you want?

You can reduce the number of possibilities available to you by determining in advance how much money you are willing to spend on your backsplash.

Tiles that are more on trend, such as those with vibrant colours or intricate designs, will often cost more than plain white tiles. If you have your heart set on a particular colour, you might want to think about whether or not you can choose tiles made from a material that is less expensive.

Tiles are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and patterns; therefore, it is in your best interest to shop around for tiles in order to determine which ones are compatible with both your design and your financial constraints.

However, when it comes to the grout that will hold your tiles in place, you shouldn't skimp on quality.

Because grout is what will hold your tiles in place, you want to make sure that it is durable enough to last for the duration of the project.

Grout is also available in a variety of colours, which may be a fantastic way to brighten up your area if you choose to go with white tiles that are otherwise basic.

Evaluate Your Options

Spend some time considering the many courses of action you could take. After all, you're going to have to get used to looking at this backsplash for quite some time.

Observe several tile samples for a couple of days after you have affixed them to the walls of your kitchen with masking tape. Keep an eye out for how they alter their appearance in response to the shifting light throughout the day.

Think about how they will look with your existing cabinetry and light fixtures in the room. Find a second alternative.

Also, a third in case you require it. Since your backsplash will be there for a significant amount of time, you should make certain that it is an element that is agreeable to you.

Mix and match the colours and the materials. Are you having trouble choosing between the several types of tiles? Spend some time there as a roommate.

Attaching swatches of paint and tiles to the walls will allow you to evaluate how they look in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

Pick out one dominant colour and two or three accent colours to use across the entirety of the kitchen, including the backsplash.

The colour and style of the backsplash are frequently determined by the countertops. You should also think about the lighting and the hardware in your home.

Experiment with combining metallic tiles of varying colours with finishes ranging from brushed stainless steel to oil-rubbed bronze and even antique brass.

You may easily bring in the colour of the countertop without getting tired with a panel of granite that reaches up from the countertop if you use little marble or granite tiles in your design.

Spang recommends looking at some of the newer glass tiles that have a bit of a crackled or frosted surface. These tiles are available.

Put your money into the high-impact area. The total area of the wall space above the stove and sink, which can be used to experiment with the tile layout.

That location is the focus of a great deal of attention visually. Think about using a field tile that is neutral in colour for the rest of the kitchen, and then bring in a glass tile that has an interesting pattern to use as a focal point over the range.

This is the point in the game where you should play up the pattern. Tiles might be laid out on the diagonal, or a staggering brick pattern could be created with subway tiles of varying widths as an alternative (now they come in sizes like 1-by-2 inches or long 4-by-12 inches).

In this area, we frequently make use of a variety of tiles; alternatively, we may take the same tile and turn it in a different direction, or we might construct a border with a tile that contrasts with the rest of the area.

Don't be scared to add some flavour to this space that is normally 2 feet by 3 feet. Despite being one of the biggest expanses of tile space, it is still a rather modest area.

Therefore, whether you go with a daring colour or a tile pattern that's now popular for this area, you won't have to rip out your entire kitchen backsplash if you decide to switch it up in the future.

Are you interested in a daring suggestion? Back-painted glass in a vibrant carrot orange colour is described as "fresh yet sophisticated" in a study on current trends that was published by the National Kitchen & Bath Association in 2011. This style of glass is ideal for a modern kitchen.

Be budget conscious. If you are on a tight budget, you should steer clear of fashionable tile and instead consider traditional white ceramic, which can cost less than one dollar per square foot. However, you shouldn't skimp on the grout. Because the manner in which the tiles adhere to the wall is essential, you need to ensure that the grout is of high quality.

If you are working with a limited budget, flexibility is essential because it is possible that you will not be able to obtain the precise tile size, colour, or texture. So, in what areas are you willing to make concessions? Pick one based on how important it is.

If you need to cover a large area, such as an entire wall, you may add interest to the space without emptying your money account by selecting functional metal panels as your covering material.

There is a wide range of finishes available for stainless steel sheets. They are quite useful in terms of longevity; nevertheless, it can be a little bit more difficult to keep them clean.

Avoid frequent mistakes. If you intend to acquire your tile from a provider, make sure to enquire about these vital components before placing your order.

It is recommended that the primary (field) tile be thicker than the ornamental tile. If you do not take this precaution, you will have to spend more money "building up" the wall so that the majority of your tile is visible even with the decorative pieces.

Keep in mind the finishing parts.

You will require a corner round trim piece if you decide to go with a tile that has a bevelled edge (rather than a bullnose).

Inquire as to which decorative mouldings and trim are included with the tile. These components ought to be consistent with one another in terms of glaze and thickness; if you order them in separate batches, there may be variations between the pieces.

Inquire as to whether the tile you desire is still available. The state of the economy has had an impact on the tile sector, and when things were going well, businesses were more eager to stock up on inventory. As a result of the slower turnover of goods, there are now lead periods available.

Inquire about the amount of wear and tear. How difficult is it to keep the tile clean, and what is the most effective method for sealing it? This additional step is not required for ceramic tile, but it is required for natural tile if you want to keep the aesthetic of the tile intact.

If the tile is stainless steel, you should determine whether or not abrasives will scratch it. Additionally, if you want the grout to remain clean and fresh for a longer period of time, you might consider purchasing a grout additive and sealing the grout itself.

In general, you can use any tile you choose for a backsplash as long as porous materials like cork and bamboo are properly sealed.

To ensure the safety of any material, building rules mandate a distance of at least one foot be maintained between the stove and the wall.

In the event that anything gets splashed on the tile, you can just wipe it off because it has clearances and sealants.

Think about going with an eco-friendly solution. Cork mosaic tiles can be used on floors as well as walls, and tiles made entirely of bamboo can be coated to create a backsplash that is cosy yet up to date.

The melted and repurposed recycled glass is what gives recycled glass tile its variety of one-of-a-kind colours, as well as its durability and resistance to stains.

These tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from mosaics about the size of a thumbprint to bigger squares.

Size Up The Space

To calculate the square footage of the wall, multiply its width by its height. This will tell you how much of the necessary material you will need to purchase. To be on the safe side, allow for an additional 10 percent of tile.

Know The Focal Points

The space above the stove and the sink are the two locations in the kitchen that immediately catch the observer's attention when they walk in. Those are the areas where you should put your focus on intricate patterns.

More Is More

To achieve a more modern appearance, extend the tiling of the backsplash so that it wraps around the room. It is a visual technique that will add to the expense, but it will make a small kitchen appear larger than it actually is.

Time-honoured Tile

Traditional tile is still by far the most common option for use as a backsplash material.

Think Through Wear And Tear

Glass, while stunning, is not nice to one's wallet. However, natural stone must have its sealing refreshed once a year in order to maintain its stunning appearance. Ceramic is inexpensive, in addition to being long-lasting and simple to clean.

Maximise With Magnetics

Take, for example, magnetic material. You can use it to store stuff instead of shelving, which will free up more space on your countertops.

Mix (Don't Match) Your Design

Matchy-matchy tile work results in an uninspiring appearance, and depending on the colour you select, it may also be more expensive. If you want to avoid this look at all costs, you should avoid playing matchy-matchy.

You can flesh out a colour scheme by using colours that are complementary to one another, and you can experiment with other patterns by arranging the tiles vertically rather than horizontally for a modern, stacked appearance.

Ceramic Vs. Porcelain

Although they appear to be the same, one of them is considerably more powerful. Both are composed of clay, but porcelain is characterised by a greater density, greater resistance to damage and moisture, and greater longevity.

Seal The Deal

The necessity for sealing might vary greatly depending on the type of tile used. For instance, natural tile such as granite, marble, and slate require resealing once per year, whereas travertine must have its pores filled and resealed once every two years.

Invest In Good Grout:

When creating your budget, keep this in mind: colour and pattern trends come and go, but the grout is the essential element that holds your backsplash together.

Consider A Design Accent Above The Stove

In many different types of kitchens, the space directly above the range is an ideal location for an eye-catching focal point. This is typically a square or rectangle-shaped tile that has a somewhat different appearance from the tile that makes up the backsplash.

If you had a faux brick backsplash that was laid horizontally, you could make an accent using a herringbone brick pattern with a square border.

With only a few tweaks here and there, you can give the impression that your kitchen has been given a lot of consideration.

Don't Forget About The Grout For Your Perfect Kitchen Backsplash!

When you are planning the redesign of your kitchen, one detail that you must not overlook is the colour of the grout that will be used between the tiles. For instance, the appearance of white subway tiles with white grout as opposed to coloured grout is rather strikingly different.

Because the grout is white, the tiles give the appearance of being one continuous wall. Each tile can be seen for what it is on its own thanks to the use of coloured grout.

Keeping in mind that white grout may be slightly more difficult to clean than other colours, select a colour for the grout that pulls from the tile, the counters, or the colour of the wall.

Conclusion

A well-designed backsplash is the crowning jewel of any kitchen. The practical kitchen staple is no longer just there to protect your walls from splatters of bacon grease. It has become a way for homeowners to add a splash of colour and creativity to their culinary paradise. A backsplash protects walls from stains and makes it simpler to clean up after meals. In addition to this, they prevent the development of mould and mildew.

The materials used in today's backsplashes are low-maintenance and simple to clean. O'Hanlon Kitchens is pleased to offer the assistance of its skilled designers. The tile that you use for the backsplash in your kitchen should be chosen with the style of your kitchen in mind. Do you want something that is light and brilliant, or a contrast of dark and light? The direction in which your tile is laid is just as important as the shape it has.

The practise of hanging tile vertically rather than horizontally has been popular recently. Neutral tones are the hues that are most often recommended for usage in kitchen finishes. Do you want the Tile To Lay Vertically Or Horizontally? Grout is what will hold your tiles in place, you want to make sure it is durable enough for the duration of the project. Grout is also available in a variety of colours, which may be a fantastic way to brighten up your area if you choose to go with white tiles.

Don't be scared to add some flavour to this space that is normally 2 feet by 3 feet. Back-painted glass in a vibrant carrot orange colour is described as "fresh yet sophisticated". It is recommended that the primary (field) tile be thicker than the ornamental tile. If you do not take this precaution, you will have to spend more money "building up" the wall. In general, you can use any tile as long as porous materials like cork and bamboo are properly sealed.

The grout is the essential element that holds your kitchen backsplash together. You can flesh out a colour scheme by using colours that are complementary to one another. Choose a colour for the grout that pulls from the tile, the counters, or the colour of the wall.

Content Summary

1. In the area of kitchen remodelling, cabinets and countertops garner the majority of the attention.
2. A well-designed backsplash is the crowning jewel of any kitchen, but it is one of the features most likely to be overlooked during the design phase.
3. You don't have to be an interior designer to select a backsplash that complements the decor of your area while also bringing out its own personality.
4. This is one of the numerous advantages of shopping for a beautiful backsplash.
5. Your kitchen backsplash is an opportunity to exhibit your individual style.
6. The change isn't complete until you add your ideal kitchen backsplash.
7. We'll walk you through the process of choosing the best kitchen backsplash for your next remodel in the following guide.
8. Finally, the backsplash acts as the focal point.
9. However, in more recent years, the backsplash has turned from a component that serves only a practical purpose into the primary focus of a kitchen that has been thoughtfully designed.
10. There are five key reasons why a backsplash should be incorporated into the design of every kitchen, regardless of whether it is done for aesthetic or practical reasons:Protect The WallsFrom a functional point of view, a backsplash is intended to shield your walls from messes such as spills and splatters that may otherwise cause damage to those walls.
11. Prevent StainsAdditionally, both food and water have the potential to discolour your walls.
12. Easy CleanupA backsplash protects walls from stains and makes it simpler to clean up after meals.
13. Do you really not want your kitchen to look nice if you're going to be spending so much time in there?How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash Do You Want Tile Or A Stone Slab Backsplash?There are a variety of options available for use as a backsplash in the kitchen; however, the majority of homeowners select either stone or tile.
14. You may acquire a backsplash made of manufactured stone or granite to put along the walls if you have worktops made of either of those materials.
15. It is recommended that you select a tile with a simple design for your kitchen backsplash if your countertop has a lot of intricate details.
16. What Color And Shape Best Complement Your Kitchen Style?The tile that you use for the backsplash in your kitchen should be chosen with the style of your kitchen in mind.
17. Do you want something that is light and brilliant, or would you rather have something with a contrast of dark and light?
18. The practise of hanging tile in a kitchen backsplash vertically rather than horizontally has been increasingly popular recently.
19. When choosing a backsplash for the kitchen, it's a good idea to experiment with several orientation alternatives.
20. After all, the attractiveness of a backsplash is contingent on the observer's point of view.
21. Tiles are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and patterns; therefore, it is in your best interest to shop around for tiles in order to determine which ones are compatible with both your design and your financial constraints.
22. Because grout is what will hold your tiles in place, you want to make sure that it is durable enough to last for the duration of the project.
23. Observe several tile samples for a couple of days after you have affixed them to the walls of your kitchen with masking tape.
24. Mix and match the colours and the materials.
25. Spend some time there as a roommate.
26. Pick out one dominant colour and two or three accent colours to use across the entirety of the kitchen, including the backsplash.
27. The colour and style of the backsplash are frequently determined by the countertops.
28. You should also think about the lighting and the hardware in your home.
29. Put your money into the high-impact area.
30. Think about using a field tile that is neutral in colour for the rest of the kitchen, and then bring in a glass tile that has an interesting pattern to use as a focal point over the range.
31. This is the point in the game where you should play up the pattern.
32. Despite being one of the biggest expanses of tile space, it is still a rather modest area.
33. Therefore, whether you go with a daring colour or a tile pattern that's now popular for this area, you won't have to rip out your entire kitchen backsplash if you decide to switch it up in the future.
34. Are you interested in a daring suggestion?
35. This style of glass is ideal for a modern kitchen.
36. Be budget conscious.
37. However, you shouldn't skimp on the grout.
38. Because the manner in which the tiles adhere to the wall is essential, you need to ensure that the grout is of high quality.
39. Pick one based on how important it is.
40. If you need to cover a large area, such as an entire wall, you may add interest to the space without emptying your money account by selecting functional metal panels as your covering material.
41. There is a wide range of finishes available for stainless steel sheets.
42. If you intend to acquire your tile from a provider, make sure to enquire about these vital components before placing your order.
43. Keep in mind the finishing parts.
44. You will require a corner round trim piece if you decide to go with a tile that has a bevelled edge (rather than a bullnose).Inquire as to which decorative mouldings and trim are included with the tile.
45. Inquire as to whether the tile you desire is still available.
46. Inquire about the amount of wear and tear.
47. How difficult is it to keep the tile clean, and what is the most effective method for sealing it?
48. Additionally, if you want the grout to remain clean and fresh for a longer period of time, you might consider purchasing a grout additive and sealing the grout itself.
49. To ensure the safety of any material, building rules mandate a distance of at least one foot be maintained between the stove and the wall.
50. Think about going with an eco-friendly solution.
51. Cork mosaic tiles can be used on floors as well as walls, and tiles made entirely of bamboo can be coated to create a backsplash that is cosy yet up to date.
52. The melted and repurposed recycled glass is what gives recycled glass tile its variety of one-of-a-kind colours, as well as its durability and resistance to stains.
53. Size Up The SpaceTo calculate the square footage of the wall, multiply its width by its height.
54. This will tell you how much of the necessary material you will need to purchase.
55. Know The Focal PointsThe space above the stove and the sink are the two locations in the kitchen that immediately catch the observer's attention when they walk in.
56. More Is MoreTo achieve a more modern appearance, extend the tiling of the backsplash so that it wraps around the room.
57. Maximise With MagneticsTake, for example, magnetic material.
58. You can use it to store stuff instead of shelving, which will free up more space on your countertops.
59. Mix (Don't Match) Your DesignMatchy-matchy tile work results in an uninspiring appearance, and depending on the colour you select, it may also be more expensive.
60. You can flesh out a colour scheme by using colours that are complementary to one another, and you can experiment with other patterns by arranging the tiles vertically rather than horizontally for a modern, stacked appearance.
61. Seal The DealThe necessity for sealing might vary greatly depending on the type of tile used.
62. Invest In Good Grout:When creating your budget, keep this in mind: colour and pattern trends come and go, but the grout is the essential element that holds your backsplash together.
63. Don't Forget About The Grout For Your Perfect Kitchen Backsplash!When you are planning the redesign of your kitchen, one detail that you must not overlook is the colour of the grout that will be used between the tiles.
64. Each tile can be seen for what it is on its own thanks to the use of coloured grout.
65. Keeping in mind that white grout may be slightly more difficult to clean than other colours, select a colour for the grout that pulls from the tile, the counters, or the colour of the wall.