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Kitchen Backsplash is making a big splash in home decor right now!
The practical purpose of a kitchen backsplash is to protect the wall area around the sink and the stove from heat, water, and food prep spills. The added bonus is that they can be really beautiful and add another layer of style to your kitchen décor.
If you’re thinking of installing one or replacing your current kitchen backsplash, keep these 5 things in mind:
Material costs for a kitchen backsplash can vary widely. The least expensive backsplash option is plain old paint! You can step it up with tin panels, and don’t overlook wood – it’s sturdy and practical without being too pricey. These simple materials are inexpensive but add plenty of charm.
Tile choices range from simple to spectacular. Glass tiles are pretty, fragile, and unfortunately, more expensive than plain ceramic tiles – you may love the look but find the cost is more than your budget can handle. Generally, with tiles, the simpler the shape, the less expensive the tile will be. Keep this in mind when you’re admiring those fancy mosaic tiles.
Textured surfaces can cost more, but they also add a lot of charm and depth to the room. Another way to achieve texture is by varying the application pattern of your tiles. Consider inexpensive subway tiles applied in a herringbone or brickwork pattern. Stacking tiles with all the seams lined up is a very modern look.
Have you fallen in love with a gorgeous Italian mosaic, but your kitchen is ultra-modern? If you decide to go ahead with the mosaic, chances are your backsplash will feel out of place. It’s far cheaper and easier to match your backsplash to your kitchen than it is to redecorate the kitchen to match the backsplash. Pick complementary colors, materials and design that blend with your existing kitchen to achieve a cohesive finished look.
Choosing a beautiful new backsplash and keeping it looking clean and new are two different things! If you want to wipe it and forget it, selecting the right material is key. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are a good option since tile provides an inhospitable habitat for bacteria and mold. Glass tile resists both stains and mildew. Granite and marble are beautiful and unique but require effort to keep clean and bacteria free, plus these natural stones must be periodically resealed. Stainless steel lasts a long time and doesn’t corrode or stain – that’s why it’s the material of choice in restaurant kitchens. Regular wiping can make it look great under a spotlight.
What’s the total area you want the backsplash to cover? If the wall has no cabinets, the backsplash can be extended to the ceiling if desired. If the kitchen is small and already looks busy, you may want to limit the backsplash to only the high-need areas.
Will you be selling your home anytime soon? If your answer is, “Yes” or even “Maybe”, steer away from unique and unusual and stick with simple and elegant. Neutral colours and simple shapes are pleasant – not striking – but nice enough to appeal to many different buyers. Save the fancy, complicated designs for your new home and keep your ‘splash simple.
For more great tips on improving your home, visit Prep’N’Sell today.
