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