A backsplash is the perfect way to complete your kitchen, enhance the aesthetic, and protect your walls. Choosing a backsplash usually comes after you’ve selected new cabinets, countertops, and fixtures. So how do you pick a material and style that will complement the rest of your kitchen without clashing or overwhelming the space?
Here are six tips to help you sort through all of the kitchen backsplash ideas and find the perfect fit for you and your kitchen.
1. Consider Your Countertops
There are basically two camps when it comes to selecting a backsplash: those who want it to match their countertops, and those who want it to contrast them. There’s no right or wrong answer, and both coordinating or contrasting backsplashes can make for a great kitchen design.
There’s more to think about than just the color of the backsplash, though. The pattern and style can make as big of an impact (if not bigger) as the color. If your countertop has a lot of veins, speckles, or color variation, it might be better to go with a simpler backsplash and vice versa. A very busy backsplash might clash with a countertop that has a lot of variation.
2. Be Open Minded About Materials
Tile is the most common material for a kitchen backsplash, but natural stone is rising in popularity. Many people avoided stone in the past because it needed to be resealed frequently, but stone sealers have improved significantly in recent years. Sealing granite or marble backsplashes now is easier than ever and can be DIYed in most cases..
Tile still makes an excellent choice for a backsplash, but the grout can require a bit more maintenance than some people are prepared to give. Be open-minded about other material options, since you might be surprised by how effortless they are.
3. Opt For Timeless Over Trendy
Penny tiles might be all the rage in kitchen trends, but take a step back before your jump on the bandwagon and commit to something that might go out of style next year. Kitchen backsplash ideas can change frequently, but there are plenty of designs that never go out of style.
Changing a backsplash is a difficult task, so it’s important to choose something that you’ll still like in five or ten years. A timeless backsplash design will also make your home more marketable when it comes time to sell your home. Stick with a timeless backsplash and keep the trendy items for easier-to-change elements of your home.
4. Get Some Samples
It’s very difficult to imagine what a backsplash will look like in your space from just walking into a showroom. The lighting and colors in your home are different than those in the store, so the materials you choose might not look the same when you get them in your house. This is why samples can be so helpful.
Pick a couple of samples that you like and think will complement your kitchen style, and then bring them home. Compare them to your cabinet and countertop choices. Hold them up against the paint in your kitchen at different times of the day. Consider taping them to the wall and leaving them there for a week so you can see how you feel about them after a week.
This work on the front end will help make sure you’re satisfied with your backsplash choice because changing a backsplash isn’t cheap or easy.
5. Decide on Subtle vs. Focal Point
The backsplash is often the last choice you make when designing your kitchen. This gives the perfect opportunity to evaluate your design choices and select a backsplash accordingly. Are most of your kitchen design simple and understated? Then a bolder backsplash can become the focal point of the room. Have you already chosen stand-out cabinets or countertops? Then a less-is-more approach is probably the better option for your kitchen backsplash.
Balance is key to keeping your kitchen from looking too busy. In a room full of special features, nothing really stands out as a focal point. Rooms like this tend to look poorly planned and overwhelm the eyes. Instead, balance out clean and simple features with fewer stand-out features.
6. Work With a Professional Design Team
If you’ve ever walked into a home improvement store or showroom to look at the plethora of backsplash samples, you likely know how overwhelming it can be. It’s nearly impossible to narrow down your selections to a few choices that suit your style.
This is where having a professional design team on your side really makes a difference. They can help you evaluate your style preferences and make backsplash recommendations that will coordinate with your chosen countertops and cabinets. This can be the difference between a well-designed, thoughtfully planned kitchen and a haphazard, incohesive space.
Explore Kitchen Backsplash Ideas With Mountain States Kitchen and Bath
Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen with a beautiful new backsplash? Mountain States Kitchen and Bath is here to help. Our experienced team will help you create a kitchen that will stand the test of time, complete with beautiful custom cabinetry and stunning countertops.
So, when you’re ready to make a change to your home, Mountain States Kitchen and Bath is here to help every step of the way. We have everything you’ll need to create the kitchen, mudroom, office, or bathroom of your dreams, from custom cabinetry to beautiful backsplashes and everything else you need for your remodel.
We specialize in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms across the Wasatch Front, from Spanish Fork to Salt Lake City, Utah, and everywhere in between. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer, or swing by our showroom in Lehi, Utah, and see some of our beautiful options and kitchen designs for yourself.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions or schedule an in-home consultation with you. Let us help you design the home of your dreams. We can’t wait to work with you!
