| A new kitchen backslpash design can revitalize an | | | | Niches and ledges can be interesting and useful |
| otherwise out-dated or tired style without remodeling | | | | elements to add to your kitchen backsplash design. |
| your entire kitchen. Turn your kitchen backsplash into | | | | Place these above the sink or behind the cooktop to |
| an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind design with exotic | | | | display a collection of colorful bottles, ceramics, plants |
| pieces, murals, mosaics, marble or metal tile. | | | | or all your spices! |
| Backsplash ideas are endless, so good planning is | | | | Picture frame designs are often added above the |
| important. | | | | cooktop if space allows creating a focal point for a |
| Follow these style tips and ideas to create that | | | | mural, mosaic or a more elaborate tile pattern. |
| perfect backsplash design that you've been dreaming | | | | Choose Your Countertops Before The Backsplash |
| of. | | | | You want to choose your countertop material prior |
| Kitchen Backsplash Styles and Themes | | | | to designing your backsplash for a few reasons. |
| I'm sure you've been in kitchens that you really loved | | | | First, the countertop is generally the centerpiece of |
| and some you didn't. Also, you've seen enough | | | | the kitchen and should be the first material chosen or |
| pictures to have a good idea of the "look" you want | | | | matched to an existing color scheme. |
| to create. Adhering to a central theme will help you | | | | Second, the countertop material is going to cost you |
| avoid a mish-mash style and turn your kitchen | | | | more than the backsplash (unless you are using the |
| backsplash idea into a design that you enjoy for | | | | countertop material for a backsplash as well), which |
| years to come. | | | | for most of us makes it a higher priority. |
| Old World: This look is cozy and comfortable and | | | | Lastly and probably the best reason to pick your |
| easy to achieve. A classic style. Use tumbled marble, | | | | countertop first is that the design possibilities for |
| chipped or worn kitchen backsplash tile, cobblestone | | | | your backsplash are virtually infinite; therefore, it is |
| or generally any aged material in the subtle earth | | | | much easier to match the backsplash to the |
| tones of beige, gold and light brown. Dark browns | | | | countertop rather than the reverse. |
| are out. | | | | Designing Your Backsplash Space |
| Hand-painted tiles, murals and mosaics are also right | | | | First off, you need to determine the space you have |
| at home with this style. And although not traditional, | | | | available and whether you can or want to change it. |
| a copper backsplash or tin backsplash could be | | | | Measurements of a typical backsplash are 16 to 18 |
| interesting too. | | | | inches between the countertop and cabinets. Now, |
| Mediterranean: Colorful, hand-painted tiles in seaside | | | | the countertops must be installed before adding the |
| colors of blue and green are what create this fresh, | | | | backsplash so, the countertop will be at a fixed |
| vibrant and comfortable look. The boldly colored tiles | | | | height. |
| can be used as accents, or as a distinct kitchen tile | | | | The top cabinets, however, can be moved increasing |
| design in a particular section or for the whole | | | | available backsplash space to 20 inches or even 24 |
| backsplash. This look works best when paired with | | | | inches allowing more room for your design. |
| light earth toned countertops and cabinets. | | | | Of course, moving your current cabinets higher or |
| Contemporary: Clean, sleek lines and smooth surfaces | | | | installing new cabinets means that it will be more |
| are the keys here. No complex tile designs, rough | | | | difficult to reach the top shelves and you may lose |
| textures or a busy stone. Polished granite on both | | | | space between the top of the cabinets and the |
| the countertop and backsplash is perfect for | | | | ceiling, which is often a nice space for displaying |
| achieving this look. But also consider a glass | | | | plants, glassware, ceramics or other personal |
| backsplash, metal backsplash or stainless steel | | | | treasures. |
| backsplash for that ultra-urban appeal. | | | | Before you decide, consider the size of your kitchen. |
| Metals are HOT! Copper, tin and especially stainless | | | | A 24 inch backsplash may be overwhelming in an |
| steel backsplashes and countertops are quickly | | | | intimate kitchen, but if your kitchen is large and open |
| gaining popularity with many new tiles and designs on | | | | with tall ceilings then the bigger space expands the |
| the market. | | | | design possibilities and adds to the dramatic appeal of |
| Uniquely Yours: Don't be afraid to take elements of | | | | the backsplash. |
| style (but not too many) from different themes to | | | | Outlets and Switches are an important consideration |
| create a design that looks and feels good to you. | | | | too. In most homes the outlets are right in the middle |
| Just remember a simple, elegant backsplash design | | | | of the backsplash and will interfere with your design. |
| will be most pleasing. So, plan it all out first, have a | | | | If you're only replacing the countertops and |
| clear picture in your mind what the finished product | | | | backsplash then it's probably not worth the trouble to |
| should be like play with the design a bit. | | | | have them moved. |
| Putting It All Together: Colors, Textures & Patterns | | | | If this is the case, you can faux paint the cover |
| Your goal of course, is to integrate the backsplash | | | | plates to match the backsplash, use stainless steel |
| with all the other elements and structures in your | | | | cover plates if you have appliances to match or buy |
| kitchen to establish the theme you desire. | | | | cover plates that are a close color match to the |
| Colors of your backsplash material should be chosen | | | | backsplash. |
| to complement the countertops and cabinets. | | | | If you are doing a big kitchen remodel or building |
| Bits and splashes of non-complementary colors can | | | | from scratch, then consider placing the outlets under |
| be integrated if they don't compete for attention, | | | | the cabinets. |
| but start by picking colors that are represented in | | | | Other options are an outlet strip installed at the top |
| your countertop. | | | | of the splash or turn the outlet horizontal and place |
| The texture of the backsplash materials should be | | | | them just above the countertop surface at the |
| consistent with the style or theme of your kitchen. | | | | bottom of the backsplash where they are more likely |
| Rough and uneven for "Old-World" or smooth and | | | | to be hidden from view by all the stuff on your |
| sleek for contemprorary. | | | | countertops. |
| Avoid creating a busy pattern or using too many | | | | Also, installing under-cabinet lighting will help showcase |
| textures, colors or intense colors if your countertop | | | | your backsplash and provide additional workspace |
| has a lot of movement or veins. Creating harmony is | | | | light. Of course, messing with the electricity means |
| the key and you don't want to confuse the eye with | | | | you'll need to get a permit and adhere to building |
| an intricate backsplash design on top of a dramatic | | | | codes. |
| countertop. | | | | Creating a kitchen backsplash design is an exciting |
| More Fun Backsplash Ideas | | | | project since even simple designs are unique |
| Murals and Mosaics in general will look better when | | | | reflecting your personal taste and style. So have fun |
| paired with a countertop that has a uniform or subtle | | | | and good luck! |
| color and pattern. | | | | |