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