Kitchen Backsplash
Secrets to a beautiful kitchen backsplash
A kitchen backsplash serves an important practical function, preventing walls behind the stove and sink and above the counters from becoming stained from splashed or splattered liquids or foods. But a backsplash also plays a major design role which can serve to tie together disparate elements or make a unique statement of its own.
Kitchen Backsplash Materials
When considering kitchen backsplash ideas, you can choose from a wide variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel: A stainless steel backsplash gives any kitchen a modern, sleek flair. In addition, stainless steel backsplashes complement nearly any color cabinet or even kitchen countertops. They’re also easy to clean. Remember, though, that stainless steel can become scratched or pitted by sharp utensils, acidic foods or abrasive cleansers.
- Ceramic tile: Easy to clean and easy to install, a kitchen tile backsplash made of ceramic tiles offers perhaps the most options for getting the look you want
- Other types of tile: Additional ideas for kitchen backsplash tile include cork tiles, natural stone tiles, glass tiles or mirror tiles. Remember that unless sealed, natural stone and cork are more difficult to keep clean and can absorb liquids and stains.
- Water-resistant wallpapers, embossed metal ceiling tiles, and even blackboard paint are also options
Whatever material you choose, be sure it’s easy to clean and maintain. Remember, this is a kitchen where food is being prepared and dishes are being washed. Your backsplash is bound to get splattered, so choosing a surface that’s easy to clean is paramount.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Design
Perhaps the option offering the widest range of design possibilities is the ceramic tile backsplash. Just like a child’s mosaic picture puzzle, your design options are virtually endless. Achieve a more subtle look that ties other elements together by selecting a single type of tile for your tile backsplash. Rich, brown cabinets and a brown granite countertop visually “pop” when accented by pale tan ceramic or stone backsplash tile. Another option that results in a truly stunning kitchen backsplash tile design is to use plainer tile for the majority of the backsplash, and create a central focal point, perhaps over the stove, where you can incorporate a more complex accent design, or even add a few handmade or Mexican tiles.
Backsplash Tile Installation
Backsplash tile is easy to install, and well within the purview of the do-it-yourselfer. However, it is time-consuming, so you may prefer to hire a subcontractor to do the work for you. Tiles are usually affixed with an adhesive to a tile backer board, and then the spaces between tiles are filled with grout. Take some time to select your grout – it comes in different colors, and can add an additional subtle element to your backsplash.
