How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Kitchen

By Kitchenistic

14 Nov 2019

Many modern homeowners spend a lot of time and effort planning and designing their kitchen. This part of the home is no longer a mere place for preparing and cooking food. It’s now the focal point of almost every other aspect of the modern family dynamic. One of the most critical components of any modern kitchen is the backsplash. Sure, its principal role is to protect the walls against splatters and spills. But the modern backsplash can also give your kitchen its own personality and style. The key here, of course, is choosing the right kitchen backsplash. There are no hard and fast rules to picking the right system for you, unfortunately. However, there are a few things you may want to consider when choosing the correct backsplash.

Understand Your Kitchen Countertop

In any kitchen, the principal element is always the kitchen countertop. This is what sets the stage for the different design elements that will go into your kitchen. From the colors to the sizes and styles of the cabinets, walls, and backsplashes, everything will hinge on the type or style of the kitchen countertop.

It is important think about all the possible countertops and backsplash combinations. If you are renovating your kitchen, always start with the countertop that you like. This is your focal element. If you choose a countertop that comes with different patterns or in striking colors, then the backsplash should be neutral. If the countertop comes in solid color, then the backsplash can have patterns but with softer colors. Keep in mind that the backsplash should never compete against your countertop. It should complement it.

Wooden worktop and modern backsplash

Understand the Style of Your Kitchen

Once you’re done with the countertop, start looking at the style of your kitchen. If you have a rustic kitchen, you can choose handmade backsplash tiles. These can have crackled glazes or irregular edges to give your kitchen a more rustic feel.

For kitchens that are more modern or contemporary, clean and sleek tiles are perfect. The same is true for industrial types of kitchens. The key here is to understand the main theme of the kitchen. If it’s minimalist, then you should also go for a backsplash system that is as simple as possible. Otherwise, it will detract from the style of the kitchen.

Kitchens with transitional designs will look better with backsplash tiles that have architectural flair to them. Geometric shapes are increasing in popularity among kitchens with transitional designs.

Consider the Height of Your Backsplash

One of the most common backsplash mistakes that homeowners make is overlooking the height of the backsplash. This does not only have an impact on your backsplash budget. It can also make or break the aesthetic qualities of the kitchen.

There’s no question where the backsplash should end in a horizontal orientation. But when it comes to how high it should go, then you have to be clear where it should end. One of the most useful kitchen backsplash ideas in this regard is to provide only a hint of tile on the wall. This often works when you have cabinets over the countertop. The backsplash can cover this section from the countertop to the bottom of the cabinet.

Another idea is to mount tiles from the countertop all the way to the ceiling. In such instances, it is important to choose the right size, color, and pattern of the backsplash tiles. This makes it the focal point in this part of the house.

Consider Your Budget

You may not think about it, but you should. Different types of tiles for kitchen backsplashes can cost you anywhere between $10 and $100 for each tile. Try factoring in the height of the backsplash and it’s easy to spend several thousands of dollars on a countertop-to-ceiling design. If you go on a half-vertical mounting, then you can slash the cost.

The type of the backsplash tiles can also be a substantial factor in the cost of the project. Natural stone mosaics, laser cut tiles, and glass tiles are more expensive than porcelain and ceramic. Make sure you understand the fine qualities of these materials and their implications to your budget. You may find laser-cut tiles to be the missing piece in your kitchen. But if your budget doesn’t allow for it, then you’ve got to explore other options.

Decide on the Color of Your Tiles

Mentioned above is the importance of matching the color and pattern of your backsplash tiles to that of your countertop. However, there’s one important thing we missed out. Should you go for more vibrant colors or will neutral shades be better for your kitchen?

When choosing a backsplash, most homeowners will think of their favorite colors first. They don’t think whether it blends well or complements the countertop. If you are not sure about which color should go with that of your countertop, you can always use a color wheel.

Will you want to depict a “cooler” vibe in your kitchen? If that is the case, then cool colors like blue, green, and purple are excellent choices. For those who want to portray a “warmer” vibe in the kitchen, red, yellow, and orange should be good choices. Again, it’s important to look at the color and the pattern of the countertop. You don’t want the countertop to have a warm color while the backsplash is in a cool tone.

Neutral colors or earth tones can give kitchens a sense of tranquility and calm. Neutral colors can include black, white, and gray. However, there are also other hues that are near-neutral. Many homeowners use brown and tan as well as other near-neutral hues in their backsplashes.

Choose the Color of the Grout

In the past, homeowners loved outlining their tiles. However, there is now a major shift in design philosophy when it comes to grouting tiles. The color of the grout should be almost similar to the color of the backsplash tile. Of course, if you prefer the backsplash to be the focal point of your kitchen, then you can go for color contrast.

Choosing a backsplash for the kitchen is easy. It should complement the countertop and the rest of the kitchen.