The Backsplash

What is a backsplash and why does my kitchen need one? Well, besides being aesthetically pleasing, your kitchen backsplash provides an easy-to-clean surface for all those splashes and splatters that happen in cooking and dishwashing. There is no set area that a backsplash should cover besides being large enough to catch splashes.  Depending on the style and look of your kitchen, a large backsplash can give a look of cohesiveness, while a small, dramatic backsplash can provide an interesting focal point to the room. That being said, I have scoured some backsplash ideas to look at and tell you why they work so that you can decide what backsplash you want for your kitchen.

I will start with my absolute favorite photo of a backsplash that I have found while researching backsplash ideas. This backsplash does a brilliant job bringing the outside in with mimicking the colors of the outdoor foliage perfect in the mosaic of glass tiles. I wish there was a larger picture of this kitchen, but just by looking at the industrial-look stainless steel countertop and sleek black millwork, this balance of nature and function just works beautifully together. If you have a scenic window in your kitchen, a great idea might be to choose a color scheme of backsplash that compliments your view. This could work great on the water with beach tones of beige, blues and greens or in the city with greys and blues. I just love it!

My next favorite backsplash that I found comes from the idea of reclaimed and reusable materials. The backsplash in this kitchen was created using old subway tiles. It is not too easy to see in the photo, but it is pretty much just white rectangular tiles. The white backsplash looks perfect in this kitchen with the deep, beautiful rustic flooring and compliments it perfectly. Plus, you have the added benefit of a cool story behind your backsplash, and the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to the green movement while creating an amazing kitchen using reclaimed materials. How do you find the reclaimed materials? That will take a little legwork. I know here by me there is a great antique shop that collects all kinds of materials from old buildings being torn down from tiles to stairways to doors. I would look around for businesses that reclaim materials, and they could help you seek out what you are looking for for your next project.

I consider this the standard and sleek, simple sophistication. Glass tiles are very popular for backsplashes and they come in all colors and shapes. This installation works great. The colors of the tiles blend right up into the paint color of this kitchen, and the soft, cool blues compliment the warm, dark hue of the cabinetry. This look was pulled together with the use of the brushed nickel hardware,  that has a “soft blue” feel to it. This look always works, as a designer I would not consider it different or amazing, but it is safe, will look great, and will definitely help your home in resale. 

 A splash of glass. I like this look. An all glass mosaic tile backsplash can be quite a colorful commitment in your kitchen, but I love the soft stone tile backsplash with the accent band of colored glass tiles around the perimeter. I think this look could be enhanced even more with a bolder color choice in glass tiles. Definitely a great and playful idea for most kitchens.

If you are going to go with a ceramic tile backsplash, why not go for a design more dynamic and interesting then the square or rectangle. I love this tile. It is exotic, beautiful, simple, and elegant. This could work in a traditional kitchen and would please most any potential buyer. 

Metal backsplashes are really popular right now. You can go to Home Depot and buy it by the sheet and have it up within a day. I think the floral print on this tilework is pretty. Metal backsplashes are not usually my first choice when deciding on a material, they can be beautiful but they really need the right kitchen to compliment such a bold move. Plus, sometimes the transition from backsplash to wall can be a bit awkward. It could be perfect for you! I have seen some amazing looking kitchens with great copper backsplashes that really shine and give the kitchen that warm and rustic look.

My suggestion, if you are really torn on deciding on a backsplash, is to buy a few sample pieces of the material you are looking at – and tape it to your wall. Seriously, it sounds silly, but look at it for a few days and see how you feel about it. I love this kitchen, it’s bright, cheery, and I could see myself baking apple pies and casseroles in it – now imagine it with copper, or glass tiles, or stones – or anything else for that matter – totally different look! It's a big decision, commitment and workload! But I have faith in you! Send me pictures if you want and I will be happy to give a nod in the right direction!