Stick To Style: Our Guide To Kitchen Backsplash Design
Is your kitchen missing that wow factor? Ready to elevate both the look and functionality of your space with just one update?
In this post, you’ll discover how to choose a kitchen backsplash by diving into materials, colors, patterns, and placement tips.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make a confident and stylish choice for your Charlotte kitchen remodeling project.
At A Glance: How To Choose A Backsplash For A Kitchen
- Assess the Practicality
- Determine the Placement
- Choose the Material
- Pick the Color
- Select the Pattern
How To Choose A Backsplash For A Kitchen
Step 1: Assess The Practicality
Start by considering the purpose of kitchen backsplashes: to protect your walls from grease, spills, and moisture.
Think about the areas in your kitchen that are most vulnerable (like behind the stove or sink) and where you want to focus your backsplash placement.
Step 2: Determine The Placement
Decide where you want your backsplash to go.
Typically, it’s placed between the countertops and the upper cabinets, but it can extend higher for a more dramatic effect.
Open-concept kitchens might benefit from running the backsplash to the ceiling for added visual interest.
Avoid unnecessary areas like behind the refrigerator if it’s not visible.
Step 3: Choose The Material
The material you select will impact both the durability and style of your kitchen. Here are some options:
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles: Durable, easy to clean, and affordable
- Glass tiles: Trendy and offer reflective shine
- Stone: Timeless, but requires sealing and more maintenance
- Vinyl or peel-and-stick tiles: Budget-friendly and easy to install
- Shiplap or wainscot: Adds a rustic, farmhouse feel
Consider how each material fits into your overall kitchen design and maintenance preferences.
Step 4: Pick The Tile Color
Examine your kitchen’s color palette, especially your countertops.
If your countertops have bold patterns or vibrant colors, opt for a more neutral backsplash to avoid clashing.
For plain countertops, you can go bold with backsplash colors and patterns to make a statement.
In large kitchens, you can mix colors by using a neutral backsplash overall and adding a bolder focal point behind the stove or sink.
Step 5: Select The Pattern
The pattern can either make your backsplash a focal point or a subtle complement to your kitchen.
Herringbone or honeycomb patterns add elegance and visual interest.
Fish scale or Arabesque patterns add a bit of whimsy and can elongate a space.
Picket tiles give a vintage, high-end feel, while more traditional grid layouts are timeless and classic.
Choose a pattern based on the dimensions and style of your kitchen. Horizontal patterns can make a room feel wider, while vertical patterns can add the feeling of more height.
Kitchen Backsplash Placement
The goal of having a kitchen backsplash is twofold.
First, it’s practical, protecting your walls from grease, food splatter, and water. Second, it enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.
But where should your backsplash start and stop?
Usually, backsplashes go between upper and lower kitchen cabinets. By connecting the two sets of cabinets, the room takes on a larger and more cohesive look.
But there are some less obvious situations where a backsplash does and doesn’t make sense.
- Backsplashes are great for any kitchen area where you will be preparing food. Again, they make cleanup so much easier
- Backsplashes are great behind your cooktop stove and hood vent
- You don’t need a backsplash behind your refrigerator if the area isn’t visible. If no one can see the wall behind your fridge, it’s not worth the effort to use a backsplash in that area
When it comes to backsplash placement, look for a natural stopping point. For some homes, that means running tile all the way to the ceiling. This is ideal for open concept kitchens, as it helps distinguish the kitchen space. For other kitchens, it may mean stopping where the cabinets end.
Luckily, a general contractor can help you decide on placement based on your aesthetic and vision.
Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash Material
The material that you choose during your kitchen remodel can change the tone and style of the kitchen, so choose wisely.
Many homeowners prefer a backsplash made from materials that match the kitchen countertop while others choose complementary materials and colors instead. Some common backsplash materials include:
- Glass mosaic tiles are trendy because they come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and patterns. Small glass mosaic tiles have a mesh back. They are prone to scratching and chipping, but they create a highly dimensional style
- Ceramic tiles are a perennial favorite because they are affordable and durable. Unless it is in a mosaic pattern, these backsplash tiles will not come with a pre-installed mesh for installation
- Ceramic field tiles are larger and printed with a repeating pattern. These are increasing in popularity due to the bold yet graceful patterned look they achieve
- Porcelain tiles look like ceramic tiles, but they are much more durable. This tile backsplash material will last longer and protect the wall better
- Shiplap and wainscot have been installed in many farmhouse kitchens as a backsplash
- Natural stone backsplashes are timeless. They appeal to home buyers today and will continue to appeal to home buyers 10 to 15 years in the future
- Magnetic metal backsplashes are becoming more popular. These are easy to clean, easy to install, and have the bonus of taking magnets. Many of these types of products have a peel-and-stick installation
- Vinyl tiles can be very durable, are lightweight, and come in a variety of styles. Newer vinyl tiles may have a thick backing, making the installation look more like a patterned ceramic field tile
Easy-to-Clean Materials With Long-Term Durability
When choosing a kitchen backsplash, it’s important to consider materials that are not only stylish but also easy to maintain and durable. Kitchens are high-traffic areas where spills, grease, and moisture are common, so selecting a material that is simple to clean and built to last is key. Here are some of the best options:
Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain are among the most popular backsplash materials for a reason—they’re affordable, durable, and incredibly easy to clean. These tiles are water-resistant, and their smooth surfaces make wiping away splashes and stains quick and effortless. Porcelain is slightly more durable than ceramic, making it a good choice for homes that see heavy kitchen use.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a trendy choice that not only adds a reflective shine to your kitchen but is also extremely low maintenance. They resist stains and water absorption, and their smooth surface allows for easy cleanup with just a quick wipe. However, they can be prone to scratches, so regular care is needed to keep them looking new.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel backsplashes offer a sleek, modern look and are one of the easiest materials to clean. They are highly durable, heat-resistant, and resistant to staining. Simply wipe with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go. Stainless steel is ideal for busy kitchens where food prep and cooking happen frequently.
Natural Stone
While stone like marble or granite can offer timeless beauty, they require more upkeep compared to other materials. Sealing is necessary to prevent staining and water absorption. Although stone is incredibly durable, it may not be the easiest to maintain over time. If you prefer the stone look, consider opting for engineered stone or stone-look porcelain tiles for easier maintenance.
Vinyl And Peel-and-Stick Tiles
These materials have grown in popularity due to their affordability and simple installation. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to water. Newer vinyl tiles even come with thicker backing for added durability. While peel-and-stick tiles may not last as long as ceramic or porcelain, they’re a great temporary or budget-friendly option.
Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash Color
When choosing a backsplash, first look at the countertops.
Choose a neutral backsplash tile with a complementary color or light pattern if the countertops should be showcased.
If color and style are desired, choose a larger printed field tile in a color that blends with the counters.
If the countertops are plain, go bold with the backsplash to give the kitchen a stylistic lift and update.
For a large kitchen with a large amount of backsplash, a great design choice is to use a neutral color for most of the kitchen and switch to a bolder complementary color and design behind the sink and range.
Large kitchens tend to lack a focal point, so this helps to root a large space.
Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash Pattern
When a white or very light backsplash is desired, an intricately cut neutral tile delivers a substantial visual impact with maximum finesse.
Choose based on the needs of the room.
If the room is short, choose a horizontal tile to add the illusion of length. If the ceiling is low, then choose a tile that lays vertically to add height.
Some popular tile patterns include:
- Honeycomb and interlaced narrow horizontal tiles are easy to find at local tile stores and home improvement warehouses. They come in a wide variety of colors. They need a little more care during installation to keep the patterned sections spaced correctly
- Herringbone tiles provide a visual lift to a room without using color. The lines point upward in escalating Vs, bringing the eyes upward
- Fish scale tiles add whimsy and help to gently elongate the room as the eyes pass horizontally over the tiles. These are fantastic for a mid-century modern remodel
- Arabesque tiles also help to draw the eyes upward, heightening the room. The curved tile shapes feel graceful yet very stylized. The overall effect can help to enlarge a room
- Picket tiles are increasing in popularity because they bring height, have a graceful uniformity, fit together easily, yet they are not widely seen in mass production. They give a distinctly high-class vintage feel to a room
Here’s how else you can make your kitchen feel larger.
Why Hire Professional Kitchen Backsplash Installation Contractors
Installing your own kitchen backsplash is possible, but there are a few strings attached.
First, even if you want to use a peel-and-stick material, you risk having a messy and unpolished end product.
Plus, without a contractor’s help, you’re on your own to:
- Measure the space (and trust us, miscalculations lead to unsightly finishes and costly fixes)
- Find and source your own materials, including tile and grout
- Choose an installation method and complete the labor yourself
Professional installation is almost sure to please, especially if you use an interior designer.
A reputable professional tile installer can create an intricate design pattern with minimal grout. The difference is noticeable and worth the investment.
Choose Portico For Your Kitchen Remodel In Charlotte
Choosing a kitchen backsplash is a fun project that will change your kitchen’s look for the better. If you are in need of professional design and installation help or expert advice on selecting a kitchen backsplash, look to the contractors at Portico.
Contact our Charlotte home remodeling company by filling out our contact form or calling us today! We will be glad to help you design the kitchen of your dreams.
