There are so many decisions to make when you’re building a home or renovating a kitchen. It’s exciting, but it can also be stressful! Choosing a kitchen backsplash can be surprisingly overwhelming because there are just SO many options. On one hand, it’s a good place to inject a little personality into your kitchen, but on the other hand, maybe you feel like you should stay timeless and classic. Let’s talk about some things to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash.
Budget
OK, this isn’t a fun consideration, but it’s important. Before you can make any design decisions, you have to decide on a budget. Because let’s face it – the options can get pretty pricey! Once you’ve decided on a budget you’re comfortable with, you can begin shopping and making informed choices. Fortunately, there are options available to suit every budget, from affordable ceramic tiles to luxurious slabs. Determine how much you're willing to invest in your backsplash and explore different materials and designs within your price range.
MaterialÂ
Backsplashes come in a variety of materials, and you need to think about what’s best for your kitchen. Do you have kids (or adults) who spill? Do foods splatter when you cook? These are important things to think about because some materials are not a good match for kitchens that get a lot of use. For example, marble is beautiful, but it’s porous and requires maintenance to keep it from staining. Stacked stone and brick tile might look great, but they don’t wipe clean easily. Glass and stainless backsplashes require polishing to stay looking good. Porcelain or ceramic products work well in a kitchen because they are easy to clean and stain resistant. I recommend you talk to the experts in the store or work with a designer who can answer questions before you commit to a purchase.
Color and Pattern
Do you want to inject your own personality and style into the kitchen? If so, the backsplash is a good place to get creative. There are so many options in various colors and designs to choose from. You could also get creative with patterns and materials to make your kitchen feel uniquely yours. When you’re considering color and design options, be sure to think about how it will look with your countertops. It’s a good idea to take a countertop sample with you when you shop for backsplash materials. Or maybe you’d rather keep the backsplash classic and timeless. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, or you just don’t want to remodel again in the next couple of years, you might want to consider something like a white or marble-look subway tile or a slab stone that matches your countertops.
How Big is Your Space?
How much wall space do you need to cover with your backsplash? Are you going all the way up the wall? How wide are your lower cabinets and countertops? Do you want something different behind the stove? These are the practical questions you need to think about when you’re considering backsplash materials. If you have a smaller space, your budget may allow you a little more freedom to choose showier options that cost more. For example, you might want to use a handmade tile that gives your kitchen a custom look, or an expensive stone slab that matches your countertops. If you’re working with a smaller budget but have a large space to cover, you might want to choose a classic-look tile that’s less expensive and will look good for many years. If you have a smaller budget but still want a big decorative impact, consider shopping for deals in the closeout section of the tile store (just make sure they have enough for your kitchen).
Consider Areas of High-Impact
Even with a limited budget, you can get a big impact by focusing on areas like the wall behind the stove. Since it’s a smaller space, you might be able to use more expensive materials there, and less expensive materials on the rest of the walls. You could also consider purchasing a luxurious stone remnant for your high-impact area. Remnant pieces are great because they can create an opulent look for less money.
Choosing the perfect kitchen backsplash requires a lot of thought. You obviously want it to be beautiful, but it also needs to be practical for how you use your kitchen. My advice: work with professionals and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions!Â
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