A backsplash is much more than just a surface on a kitchen wall that fills the area between upper cabinets and countertops. It’s also a practical method to boost your kitchen’s instant decor.
When you need to update the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen quickly, a backsplash is a simple, affordable solution. Additionally, it’s a great method to highlight your individual preferences and set your kitchen apart from the competition.
In this article, we’ll go over a few things to think about when designing your own custom backsplash.
How to Create a Backsplash
According to Floor & Home Consultant, Crystal Welsh, “the standard space for a backsplash is 18 inches from the countertop to the underside of the upper cabinets and 30 inches from the cooktop to the hood.” Although there are some standards for backsplashes, you can make yours look anything but standard with your design choices. “Subway tile continues to reign supreme,” Welsh says, but many variations are available to make your backsplash stand out, with materials ranging from metal to tile to glass.
You can also change the size of the tiles to make them more visually appealing. “ We use a 4×16 tile for many backsplash areas, giving it a more modern look with a larger-scale subway tile.
Welsh explains that there is a lot of room for innovation when it comes to backsplash materials. To push the envelope, she suggests using mosaic tile, natural stone tile, or large-format porcelain. “I’ve seen decorative sheets of metal used as a backsplash,” she continues. People are increasingly asking for one-of-a-kind backsplashes for their kitchens. “There are so many fun styles and tile shapes we’re seeing more and more of— it’s a daily challenge to keep up our sample inventory!” Welsh says.
“Before selecting a backsplash, you’ll want to have your countertop selected,” Welsh advises. If you want a one-of-a-kind backsplash for your kitchen, Welsh recommends using “a mosaic with color and splash if you are trying to achieve a captivating design.” Welsh suggests that if you have a countertop with busy patterns or colors, you stick with a simpler-style backsplash. “If you want to add texture with a busy countertop, that’s fine, but keep the tile color simple,” she advises.
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Choose a distinct pattern for your backsplash to make it pop!
“You can design a backsplash with a herringbone design, a double herringbone design, or a stacked or 1/2 brick set,” Welsh says. “I’ve used a million different mosaics with clients to mesh designs within their homes between a midcentury modern design and a rustic farmhouse design. I’ve frequently used the lantern or arabesque shape, as well as a narrower tile, to create a chevron pattern. I used glass, ceramic, porcelain, and a combination of stone, glass, and metal as materials. The options for a backsplash are virtually limitless.“
Written by Shelby Deering