Choosing your kitchen backsplash can be overwhelming! you have chosen your cabinets, appliances, and counters, but now you must select the backsplash. Here are our design ideas to help guide you.
Consider Your Kitchen’s Style
Start by considering your kitchen's overall style. Your backsplash should complement the design elements you’ve already chosen, whether they’re contemporary, traditional, scandi or something in between.
Modern Kitchens: Opt for sleek, minimalistic look, glass, classic white stacked tiles or countertop work well in these designs.
Scandinavian kitchen: Mill work is usually white oak wood or white, so using white colour tiles is generally the place to start. Consider a kit kat tile or scalloped tile, which offer visually appealing texture.
Mid-century Modern: Mid-century kitchens often include wood cabinetry or bright colours, so opting for white subway tile is often the way to go. Try stacking vertically or using modern shapes to create a design appealing to the eye; it balances well with minimalist-style millwork designs.
Traditional Kitchens: Our most popular design style, subway tiles, intricate mosaics, or natural stone, which can add a timeless appeal. We have been loving using ceramic tiles in these kitchens to bring a touch of modernity to the traditional style cabinetry.
Rustic / mediteranian Kitchens: Materials like exposed brick, reclaimed wood work well for rustic, as long as you are ok with the "not so easy" clean factor! Earthy ceramic clay tiles work well in a mediteranian setting.
Farmhouse Kitchens: White subway tiles, patterned cement tiles, or shiplap can create a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look.
Choose the Right Material
The material of your backsplash plays a huge role in its appearance and practicality. Consider how much maintenance each material requires and its durability. Working closely with our clients
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tiles are popular and versatile choices, available in a wide range of colors and finishes. They are not only easy to clean and maintain but also highly durable. When designing for clients renting out their homes, a long-lasting and resilient product is essential to withstand frequent use.
Subway Tiles: A timeless choice, subway tiles come in various sizes and can be laid in different patterns, we are seeing basketweave and
Glass: Glass tiles offer a sleek, modern finish that’s easy to clean but may require more upkeep to avoid smudges and water spots.
Natural Stone: Marble, granite, clay or limestone backsplashes are elegant but require more maintenance due to their porous nature. However, we love the look of clay tiles with natural characteristics; the zellige tiles represent the natural imperfections of this handcrafted tile.
Metal: Stainless steel, copper, or aluminum tiles give your kitchen an industrial edge. These materials are durable but can show fingerprints and scratches.
Mosaic Tiles: For more artistic designs, mosaic tiles offer a vibrant, colorful backsplash, ideal for creating a statement piece.
Think About Color and Pattern
The color and pattern of your backsplash should reflect your personal style, but it should also work in harmony with your cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Here’s how to balance the color and pattern:
Neutral Tones: If your kitchen features bold colors or patterns in other areas (like your countertops or cabinetry), a neutral backsplash in white, gray, or beige can balance things out. As shown here in our Montebello renovation, we had bold colours to work with in cabintry and also the window frame. So we went with a soft neutral grey to add some texture and colour to what is a mainly white kitchen.
Bold and Bright: A colorful backsplash can make a statement. Choose from bold hues like deep blue, emerald green, or vibrant red to add personality to your kitchen. Shown below is the Butlers pantry from our recent Pemberton Farm house renovation. We went bold to create a statement and a clear seperation from the light airy kitchen. Using the walnut cabinetry to tie the two spaces together.
Subtle Patterns: If you’re not ready for a bold backsplash, consider soft patterns like herringbone, chevron, or even simple square tiles with grout lines that create a subtle texture.
Contrast or Complement: Decide if you want your backsplash to contrast with or complement your countertops. A darker backsplash can create a striking contrast, while a complementary tone might give the space a harmonious, coordinated look.
4. Consider Size and Scale
The size of the tiles can have a big impact on the overall feel of your kitchen. Larger tiles can make the space feel bigger and less busy, while smaller tiles may add more texture and detail.
Large Tiles: Ideal for smaller spaces, large tiles reduce the number of grout lines, creating a sleek and continuous look.
Small Tiles: If you’re after a more intricate, mosaic-style design, small tiles can help achieve a detailed, artistic effect.
Mixing Sizes: Don’t be afraid to mix and match tile sizes for a unique, custom look. For example, use large tiles for the main portion of the backsplash and smaller tiles as an accent or trim. Another fun way to mix tiles is to use the same tile in different colours for a bold statment!
5. Practicality and Maintenance
Functionality should always be a consideration when choosing a backsplash. The kitchen is a high-traffic, high-mess area, so you want something that is easy to clean and maintain.
Stain Resistance: Certain materials like glass and stainless steel are easy to wipe down, while porous materials like natural stone may require sealing to prevent staining.
Heat Resistance: Ensure that the material you choose is heat-resistant, especially if your backsplash is near your stove or oven.
Cleaning Ease: Flat, smooth surfaces are generally easier to clean than textured or intricate ones. If you cook often, opt for materials that don’t trap grease or splatters. Is your home a rental unit? stick to ceramic or porcillan.
6. Consider the Budget
The cost of materials and installation can vary widely depending on the style and material you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Budget-Friendly: Ceramic tiles, subway tiles, and peel-and-stick backsplash options are usually the most affordable.
Mid-Range: Glass, mosaic, and some natural stone tiles (like granite) are more expensive but still fairly accessible.
High-End: Luxury materials like marble, custom mosaics, or high-end metal backsplashes can be on the pricier side.
7. Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting can dramatically affect how your backsplash looks. Natural light can bring out the color in lighter tiles, while under-cabinet lighting can make a backsplash pop. Consider the light sources in your kitchen when selecting your backsplash material and color.
8. Test Samples Before You Commit
Always test a few samples in your kitchen before making a final decision. Tiles can look very different in the showroom compared to how they look in your kitchen’s lighting. Lay the samples on your countertop or backsplash area and observe them in different light conditions to make sure you’re happy with the choice.
Choosing a kitchen backsplash is a mix of creativity, practicality, and personal taste. Whether you opt for sleek modern tiles or traditional stone, make sure it reflects your unique style while also serving its functional purpose. By keeping your kitchen’s overall design, maintenance needs, and budget in mind, you can create a backsplash that enhances your space and stands the test of time.
Happy decorating!
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