Six Must Know Tips Before Picking Out Your Backsplash

Backsplashes can make or break your kitchen.

They can provide a pop of color or express your personality.

A backsplash shouldn’t be an afterthought when designing your kitchen or bathroom. It should be a thought out, intelligent decision. Just like every other element in your kitchen.

So before you dive into just any ‘ol backsplash, consider these six crucial points:

Ask about wear and tear. Ask what upkeep is required. Some backsplashes need simple soap water and rag to keep them clean. Others need to be resealed every 1-3 years. Ouch. Cleaning your backsplash can quickly become costly. Choose wisely to save yourself money later on.
Know the focal points. Areas that get a lot of visual attention, such as above the range or sink, are “high-impact zones.” These are areas to feature a design or different pattern.
Mix materials and match colors. First pick your cabinets. Then your countertops and floors. Your backsplash should be last. When choosing a backsplash it’s best to compliment or contrast it to a color in the countertop. This could mean a similar color or pulling out specks of a color in your countertop. Once you know the general color family you want, choose a variety of materials, including glass tile, frosted glass tile, stone, ceramic, etc. If possible, take a sample of the backsplash and set it in your kitchen for a few days. See how you like it during the day and night. Then decide.
Add an accent piece. Adding an accent strip, circle or square is another way to make a statement with your backsplash. This can add color and make your whole kitchen pop.
Don’t forget about the grout! After you pick your backsplash, pick out your grout color. The color should compliment but not take away from the backsplash. Remember. Invest in good quality grout. The backbone of your backsplash is grout. You want it to be strong and resilient.
Take your time. Don’t rush into or get pressured into choosing a backsplash. You’ll be staring at it every day. For possibly decades. You want it to look beautiful. And last. A backsplash is often the finishing touch on a new kitchen. Make it a good one.