Nothing ties together the design of a newly remodeled kitchen like a backsplash! Backsplashes create a complementary focal point within your kitchen, as they pull in design threads from the cabinets, flooring, countertops, and hardware, while also serving a utilitarian purpose.
There is an abundance of different materials available for homeowners to incorporate the perfect backsplash for their kitchen. Gone are the days of “just plain tile” to frame the area. Backsplashes today can be both elaborate, elegant, understated, and ornate without being over the top. For today’s post, we wanted to offer a few tips to help you get started:
Determine Your Personal Style
While it is easy to get lost in the myriad of options available to you, the first step you need to take, before you select your materials and design, is to determine your personal style. In fact, our TruYouDesign™ process can be quite handy in determining one’s personal style! Styles may be traditional, transitional, contemporary, or even a combination of several looks. Your personal style will serve as your guide when selecting the materials to create your backsplash design. Now, if you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel, you will have chosen much of the style that will be utilized throughout the design, so you just have to find elements that will act as complements.
Consider the Magic Formula
The floor, countertop, and backsplash must all work together for your kitchen to have an even, balanced look. Keep in mind that the backsplash should not be treated as a separate entity to the overall space, because all elements need to work together to create the complete look. Think of it like a tapestry, pulling in the “threads” from other aspects of the kitchen to create a hybrid design element that brings the whole room together.
Glass Makes a Statement
Whether glass is in the form of a simple tile, an intricate water jet design, or custom/decorative liners, it’s the perfect material to create a contemporary or transitional feeling. Glass mosaics, which mix in other materials like metal, stone, precious gems, or mother of pearl, also add a sense of texture. In addition, the variety of these textures and hues will help to create movement for the backsplash.
Mix it Up
Much like the glass mosaics mentioned above, you’re not limited to one type of style to draw from to accomplish a look. For instance, add interest and combine different materials–like stone mosaics with and glass tile. Or try experimenting with shades of cement tiles to add dimension. Another way to mix things up is to install a backsplash with different sizes of the same material. You’ll be surprised what a little bit of variety will do for the design and overall look.
Go Custom
Custom tile crafted by an artisan is the perfect look for any traditional space and adds uniqueness to a kitchen. Consider using hand-cast tile for the hood area, which will create a mural effect as a focal point.
Pattern to the Rescue
Thanks to some remarkable new technology, there are many different styles of water jet patterns available for your backsplash design. Water jet patterns are made with machines that use a very high-pressure jet of water to cut into stone or glass materials, shaping them into precise, beautiful designs. Even the smallest hint of these materials can add tremendous visual appeal. It should be noted that water jet designs can be quite costly; however, the costs are manageable if used in small doses.
If these backsplash tips have made you excited about the prospect of remodeling your kitchen, contact us for a free estimate.
*header image courtesy of ctj71081/Flickr.com