Installing a kitchen backsplash is a simple way to add visual interest to your space. However, choosing the right one can be daunting thanks to an array of materials, colors, and finishes available. To help you navigate through this seemingly endless sea of options, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts for picking out the ideal backsplash for your home:
Don't Match the Color and Finish of Your Backsplash to Your Countertops
There are two major reasons you shouldn't match the color and finish of your backsplash to your countertops. First, it's likely that the grout between your countertop and the backsplash will be stained by whatever spills land on them over time. This can make for an eyesore that even the most expensive cleaning solution won't fix. Second, different materials tend to scratch and stain more easily than others; for example, stainless steel is much less resistant to scratches than granite or marble—so if you have matching counters and backsplashes made from similar materials (which are also prone to scratching), they may look old before their time!
Don't Be Afraid to Mix Materials
If you’re looking to add interest and create a pattern, mixing materials is the way to go. Use different materials in one space to create an interesting contrast, or use one material that isn’t typically used as a kitchen backsplash material (like metal or stone) to give it an unexpected twist. The key here is not going overboard with the variety of options; too many may be overwhelming for your eyes and senses!
Don't Feel Limited by Your Countertop and Cabinet Colors
When you're looking at backsplash options, don't feel limited by the colors of your cabinets, countertops, and walls. In some cases, these may be a great place to start since they'll match and blend seamlessly. But don't stop there! Consider the floor color and style (wooden versus tile) as well as the appliances in your kitchen. The overall look should be cohesive—like an outfit from head to toe.
The last thing you want is for one element of your kitchen design scheme to stand out from everything else in an unflattering way. Take into account everything from paint colors to flooring materials when picking out backsplashes for your home so that nothing sticks out like a sore thumb (or worse yet: clashes).
Don't Forget to Consider Unique Shapes
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The best kitchens are never boring, and even the most basic kitchen backsplash can be made interesting if you use a creative approach. You can choose a bold color or pattern for your backsplash that will set off your cabinets and appliances in new ways—and make you really stand out from all the other homes in your neighborhood!
Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your kitchen backsplash by choosing something bolder than what everyone else has chosen for their home. If you want people to know who lives in this house, choose an eye-catching design for your backsplash! It will become an instant focal point when they walk into it, giving them something interesting and beautiful at which they can look while cooking dinner or eating breakfast in this room every day!
Do Think About How Much You Want to Spend
When considering your options, it's important to be honest with yourself about how much you're willing to spend. The last thing anyone wants is a kitchen backsplash that costs more than the rest of their house combined!
It's all too easy to think, “Hey, I'm just going to pick something cheap and easy.” But unless you're planning on ripping out your current kitchen backsplash at some point in the future and starting from scratch again (and who does that?), don't make a mistake by going too cheap: if it looks cheap now and becomes even cheaper over time as cracks develop or chipping occurs, then what good did this do?
Do Go Bold in a Small Space
If you have a small kitchen, then it’s likely that you want to make the most of your space and create a big impact. The easiest way to do this is by choosing a bold color or pattern on your backsplash.
For example, if you have white cabinets, go with a bright tile backsplash to make the room feel bigger than it actually is. A patterned tile in a bright hue will also draw attention away from those less-than-stylish white appliances and onto something more interesting (and beautiful). But don’t worry about overwhelming the room with too much visual noise—just keep in mind that there are other ways to make small spaces look bigger:
Do Be Mindful of Maintenance
Don’t use materials that are difficult to clean.
Do consider using materials that are easy to clean.
But don't forget to consider maintenance!
Conclusion
So, there you have it. That’s everything you need to know about picking out your dream backsplash. Now that you’re armed with all this knowledge, get out there and start looking for the perfect tile at Norman's in Stuttgart! We can't wait to see you in our showroom soon!