If you’re looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen, one high-impact place to start is installing a new backsplash design. A new backsplash can instantly refresh the feel of your kitchen. And, because it’s possible to switch out a backsplash without moving cabinetry or appliances, this upgrade makes a great weekend remodel project.
You’ll want to begin by first measuring the length and height of the wall space where you’re going to install your backsplash. These measurements will give you a baseline idea about what size of tile to shop for.
Once you’ve recorded the measurements, you can start looking for design inspirations. What kind of style are you trying to create in your kitchen? Not all backsplashes are made from tile, but it’s the route many homeowners choose to go. Keep the following elements in mind when you are shopping for tile:
- Backsplash tiles come in a huge variety of sizes, so don’t let yourself be confined to the old 4-inch by 4-inch or 6-inch by 6-inch standard tile sizes of yesterday. Select larger tiles if you you’d like to make a space look bigger. Or if you’d like to generate an intricate, yet cohesive design, small mosaic tiles may be perfect for your kitchen.
- Keep in mind the color of your countertops as you are choosing a tile color. Complex and colorful backsplashes look best when paired with solid countertops, and vice versa.
- Backsplashes can be constructed from ceramic, stone, glass, metal, porcelain and more. Inventively mixing different materials is sure to attract visual attention. And don’t forget to pay close attention to textures.
- Changing the orientation of your tile can radically change the entire look of the backsplash. Try vertical or diagonal patterns for a modern, innovative style.
After you’ve decided on a particular style or look for your tile, it’s time to think about the way you’d like to install it. Wrapping the backsplash around a wider perimeter of the room can make your kitchen more visually consistent, while tricking the eye into making the room look bigger. You may also want to create a focal point above the stove or around other cooking areas. Switch up the color or pattern in this area for a bit of visual excitement. Or, say you’ve found a beautiful (but pricey) tile design. You could save money by using the expensive tiles only above the cooking area, while using more affordable tiles throughout the kitchen.
The best backsplash designs enhance your kitchen cabinetry and countertops, while acting as a visually exciting decorative component. Pay attention to the details and don’t be afraid to try something new.
