1. Make a map.
The backsplash is literally one of the first things you notice when you enter a kitchen, so you need to take extra care when planning your backsplash design. Not only should it be beautiful, the backsplash should tie the entire room together. Be sure to consider all elements, such as the countertop, floors, cabinets, and wall color, when selecting your tile. More importantly, take the time to plan your tile placement: where will you start? What happens at the edges? Are the edges full of awkward cuts? Usually start in the middle of the wall and work your way out. And never forget the importance of small details in creating a professional looking tile design. Plan, plan, plan!
2. Go for durability.
The kitchen is a big part of our daily life. While it’s certainly where we nourish our bodies, it’s also where we relax, visit, entertain, and even just “hang out.” You want to create a clean, comforting environment that will withstand heavy use. Materials must be durable and elegant… you know, beauty and functionality! Fortunately, tile is incredibly durable, making it a wonderful material to use in your kitchen.
3. Choose your style.
A kitchen backsplash is the finishing touch that can make or break a room, so it needs to be in sync with the rest of the kitchen. Backsplash designs really work best when they echo the theme of the kitchen. It just doesn’t make sense to have a retro-style backsplash in a French country kitchen.
4. Set the mood.
Besides size, pattern, and shape, there is one factor that is much more difficult to put into words: aesthetics. Your choice of material, as well as the pattern, should reflect the mood you hope to achieve. Do you prefer rustic or modern, subdued or vibrant, elegant or textured? Each material has a different character.
5. Express yourself with color.
Because the backsplash is a relatively small area, it’s your chance to play with color. It is always safe to choose warm and soft colors. However, you can be much more daring! This is your chance to add an exciting punch of color.
6. Play with the pattern.
Patterns add interest, especially if you’re on a tight budget. An easy way to save money is to select standard tiles in complementary or contrasting colors and then layer them to create an interesting pattern. For example, an unusual checkered pattern can make your kitchen feel like a quaint little bistro instead of a boring rental apartment.
7. Use texture.
Just like with color and pattern, texture can set the tone for your entire kitchen. For example, earth-colored granite tiles cut to a uniform size are warm and inviting, while metal tiles, on the other hand, create a contemporary, modern feel.
8. It’s all in the details.
It’s the little details that make a kitchen “yours” instead of looking like it just rolled off a showroom floor. Intriguing kitchen backsplash designs are more about thoughtful details than grandiose gestures. And honestly, it doesn’t take much to create a one-of-a-kind kitchen tile design. A few well-placed accent tiles, diamond tiles instead of squares, or a colorful checkered diamond tile backsplash can literally set your kitchen apart from the rest.
9. Select the material carefully.
The tile revival has brought many different types to the market, including ceramic, stone, metal, and glass. In fact, the variety of tiles can be quite overwhelming. Take some extra time choosing your backsplash material. As mentioned, you want something durable and beautiful. More importantly, you want a tile design that reflects your sense of style, since you’ll likely have this tile for some time.
10. Get the most out of your investment.
You can get the most out of your investment by investing in the area above the stove or range. A custom backsplash over the stove creates a natural focal point for your kitchen.
11. Get creative.
Do you want to break the norm? Why not extend the kitchen backsplash to the top of the cabinets? Clean lines will make your kitchen feel more modern. Have you ever thought of using glass blocks as a kitchen backsplash? Natural sunlight can easily transform a kitchen from a dark and dreary room into a bright and bright space where you want to hang out. Be creative!
