Every aspect of your kitchen design needs to incorporate functionality and aesthetic. Your kitchen cabinets, for instance, should provide ample space to store and organize your belongings, while also adding to the overall style of the space. Your backsplash is no different. These decorative panels function both to keep your walls free of stains and to add an extra element of excitement to the room’s appearance. With that in mind, take a look at these tips for designing your kitchen backsplash:

1. Figure out what you want
First, it’s important to consider exactly what you’re looking for in a backsplash. In most cases, backsplashes extend from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets and sometimes higher above the range and sink. However, some people prefer their backsplashes to be smaller or larger. In addition, decide how decorative you want the feature to be. Would you rather it blend in with your kitchen design or make a serious design statement?

2. Know your options
Next, consider all of your backsplash options. Some of the most common materials people use include ceramic, glass, stone, metal, wood, melamine and beadboard paneling. If you’re on a budget, consider ceramic or glass tiles. Looking for something a little more statement-making? Opt for a material that’s beautiful or unique, like slabs of marble, rows of corks, pieces of antique crates, a gallery of magazine covers, a collage of old foreign coins .... The ideas go on forever. You're only limited by your imagination and budget and one little practicality: it has to be cleanable.

3. Coordinate with your countertops
Because backsplashes are located directly above the countertop, it’s important that you choose a style or material that won’t clash. In general, neutral-colored ceramic and glass tiles, as well as stainless steel, are all complementary no matter what type of counters you have. If you have marble or granite countertops, and you’re hoping for a more colorful backsplash, try finding one or two shades of tiles that match the swirls in your countertops. Combine those with neutral tiles, and your space will look stylish and cohesive.

4. Complement your cabinetry
Just as your backsplash should coordinate with your counter, it should also complement your kitchen cabinets. Cabinetry takes up such a large area of your kitchen’s walls that it’s often the first thing people see upon entering the room. So, if you’re opting for a wooden backsplash, make sure you use a wood species or color that complements the wood your cabinets are made of. If you’re using metal tiles – or even just sprinkling some metallic tiles into your design – try matching the finish of the metal to your cabinets’ hardware.

One more thing: be sure your designer incorporates the depth of your backsplash into the entire design, including the cutouts for your sink and hardware. We've seen some serious errors when this detail was neglected.... Call us to help!