When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the process goes beyond picking the right cabinets, appliances, and color palette. It also helps to choose a backsplash, as it is equally essential to your design scheme. Setting a backsplash is a crucial step of kitchen renovation as it gives you the chance to try out different materials as well as showcase your design styles. Whether you fancy a chic backsplash or something bold and authentic, here are some unique kitchen backsplash ideas that can enhance the heart of your home.
What Is a Kitchen Backsplash?
A kitchen backsplash refers to the vertical panel that’s installed behind the kitchen counters, typically between the countertop and upper cabinets. Your backsplash can extend as low as a few inches above the countertop or as high as the ceiling in your kitchen. The purpose of having a backsplash in the kitchen is to prevent water, grease, and other messes from damaging your walls, especially behind sinks and stoves.
What Is the Most Popular Backsplash for Kitchen Remodels?
The most popular backsplash for kitchens is ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are versatile – coming in various shapes, sizes, and colors – and can be installed in numerous patterns. Ceramic tiles are also easy to clean, affordable, hygienic, and fire retardant, making them an excellent choice for any kitchen. Mosaic tile, glass, and mirror backsplashes are also popular design choices!
Where to End the Kitchen Backsplash
The best rule for kitchen backsplash is to look for a natural stopping point. This could be either a wall, window, cabinet, or anything else. You can also use edging or bullnose tile to create an edge for your backsplash. For horizontal tiling, a natural stopping point is an insider corner or window.
How to Choose Kitchen Backsplash Designs
There are some factors to consider when selecting a backsplash for your kitchen. These tips might make the decision easier:
- Consider your style: Decide if you want the backsplash to seamlessly match your countertops or if you want something different. What’s the overall style of your kitchen? Modern, traditional, farmhouse, or something else? Explore options that fit or complement your aesthetic.
- Consider functionality: If you have a busy kitchen with frequent cooking or little ones sneaking in for snacks, use materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Consider durability: Again, busy kitchens mean more frequent exposure to heat, splashes, and grease. If this is the case for your kitchen, opt for durable materials like stone, ceramic tile, or glass.
- Consider tile size and pattern: Smaller tiles work well for more compact kitchens, while bigger tiles work better for larger kitchens. Additionally, patterns can be used to make bold statements without overwhelming the space.
- Grout color: When choosing a backsplash, you always want to choose grout color. For tiled backsplashes, choose a grout color that complements your tile without showing dirt or stains easily. As such, darker grout colors are easier to maintain and excellent for high-contrast patterned tiles. Or, you can choose a lighter grout color for a more seamless look.
- Sustainable materials: Looking for a stylish and sustainable kitchen backsplash? Consider reclaimed or recycled materials like glass, cork, clay, or brick. These options not only offer durability and practicality but also a unique aesthetic. Choose from plain colors, vibrant hues, mosaic patterns, or other designs to match your kitchen’s style.
- Height: The height of your backsplash is a matter of both function and style. Opt for a full-height backsplash to protect your walls entirely, or choose a shorter option for a more minimalist look. If you have the space, consider extending your backsplash all the way to the ceiling. This can create a dramatic focal point in your kitchen. Choose a color and design that complements your overall aesthetic for a stunning finish.
Our award-winning kitchen remodeler in Kansas City offers a wide range of backsplash options, as well as cabinet and countertop options, to make your visions a reality. Ask Karin a Question about your upcoming kitchen remodel and schedule a consultation.
Top Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas
Now for the fun part! If you’ve got an upcoming kitchen remodel, below are some fun kitchen backsplash ideas that can help you create a space you’ll love for years to come.
Oversized Subway Tiles
One of the hottest trends right now is the use of oversized subway tiles. Since the 3” x 6” subway tiles have been on the market for years, homeowners are starting to look for something a little different. With this new development, manufacturers started furnishing homeowners with large-size subway tiles, including the 4″x 8″ or even the 4″x 12″ tiles. With their unique classic look and super easy maintenance, the large format subway tiles help create a feeling of continuity as well as generate a perception of space, especially in small kitchens. If you are looking for a new backsplash idea, this is one trend that you should check out.
Mirrored Tiles
As homeowners continue to seek authentic but subtle styles, the use of mirrored tiles is becoming a glamorous kitchen backsplash idea. Mirrored finishes provide tiles with a glossy reflective surface that is perfectly highlighted when hit by light. Additionally, the mirrored tiles add more depth to your kitchen space and make it appear bigger. The mirror effect becomes even stronger if the backsplash extends to the ceiling. With a mirrored tile backsplash, homeowners can use the elements of light to bring more drama and brighten up the kitchen. And as a bonus, it takes just a few minutes to clean these tiles.
Marble Backsplashes
Although we are used to backsplashes being made of porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles, times are changing, and now marble backsplashes are the newest trend. If you want to lend your kitchen a seriously modern and luxurious finish, try out white marble. Since marble is refined and timeless, it aligns well with metallic touches such as copper and brass. It also adds a chic and elegant feel to your kitchen instantly. If you are looking for a simple farmhouse look, go for the tiny hexagon marble tiles, and if you want to spruce up your kitchen, white or subway gray marbles will do the trick.
Black Backsplashes
The timeliness of black makes it excellent for creating a backsplash that will never go out of style. Go for glossy black tiles with different shapes and highlight them with contrasting white grout to make them pop. Black hues go well with the gray kitchen cabinetry and kitchen units.
However, if you want to create more drama, you can hang your stainless steel cookware, such as pots and pans, in front of the black kitchen backlash. Black is always trending, and including it in your backlash can make your kitchen look like it came straight from a shelter magazine.
All Colors Backsplashes
Although neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray are what we are all used to, it is becoming a trend to use more colors in kitchen backsplashes. From divine black and charcoal gray to splashy yellow and sky blue, any color can be used in today’s backsplashes. Black and charcoal gray tiles help you introduce a personal style and convey luxury. For an airy feel, white tiles will be great, although you might need to throw in a contrasting grout color to create an unexpected twist. A blue backsplash will create a pleasant yet relaxing ambiance. If you want to display your creativity, you can try combining two or three colors. The current trend is to experiment with different colors, even those you’ve never considered before.
Herringbone Backsplashes
The herringbone pattern, characterized by its zig-zag arrangement of rectangular tiles, has become a popular choice for backsplashes in recent years. This pattern adds a touch of elegance and visual intrigue to your kitchen. It can elevate a simple subway tile or add depth and dimension to a stone backsplash.
The Perfect Backsplash Awaits: Spruce Up Your Kitchen With Style
From classic subway tiles to eye-catching mosaics and luxurious natural stone, the world of kitchen backsplashes offers endless design possibilities. We hope our kitchen and bath remodeling blog has ignited your creativity and helped you explore the numerous options available to elevate your kitchen space. Remember, your backsplash is a chance to express your unique style and personality.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a backsplash that reflects your taste and complements your kitchen’s overall design.
Are You Ready to Make Your Backsplash Dream a Reality?
If you’d love expert guidance in navigating the selection process, material considerations, or installation, Karin Ross Designs can help! Our team of Kansas City kitchen remodelers is passionate about creating beautiful and functional kitchens.
