Does your kitchen inspire your culinary spirit? Does it draw your family together? If your answer to either of those questions is no, it may be time to remodel your kitchen.
While big projects can be a stressful undertaking, they can also be an exciting way to breathe new life into the rooms you use most. Although many functional aspects of a kitchen must be considered before remodeling, sometimes the best way to get into the home makeover spirit is to envision the style that you ultimately want your kitchen to reflect.
Once upon a time, kitchen backsplashes were an afterthought. Homeowners would put up whatever tile they had lying around merely to protect their kitchen walls against water and splattering oil. But today, backsplashes are an opportunity to get creative and assert your individual tastes.
So instead of wearing yourself down by worrying about the nitty-gritty, give yourself a treat and review the 10 gorgeous backsplash ideas that will undoubtedly make your kitchen stand out.
Your Kitchen Backsplash Is Your Style
Since kitchens have become prime real estate within the home, they are now stylized to reflect the personalities of their owners. And the aesthetic options are as diverse as the homeowners who design them. But each kitchen style comes with its own tendencies and preferred materials
Country farmhouse kitchens are known for their rustic, homey feel and feature natural materials like reclaimed wood and stone.
Cottage kitchens attain their simple sweetness through painted cabinetry and open, wooden shelves.
Contemporary kitchens are technological havens that pair stainless steel appliances with concrete or quartz countertops.
Modern kitchens employ glossy materials that emphasize sleek, horizontal lines and stark surfaces.
Traditional kitchens create a feeling of grandeur through marble countertops and ornate walnut cabinetry.
Transitional kitchens blend traditional and modern styles, often mixing natural materials and interesting textures with simple wooden cabinetry.
Mediterranean kitchens make bold statements with their mahogany cabinets and colorful, patterned tiles.
While countertops and cabinetry tend to be the focus when you begin to remodel your kitchen, backsplashes are one of the improvements that will most reflect your personal style.
With the abundance of options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which kitchen backsplashes will best suit your home. But by reviewing the backsplash ideas below, you’ll be well on your way to creating your ideal kitchen.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas
Tiles are the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen backsplashes because of their durability, affordability and variety. Tiles come in all different materials, colors, shapes and sizes, making them a natural fit for any style or taste. These backsplashes are easy to clean and will provide your kitchen with a polished, classy look that will stand the test of time.
Subway Tiles
The clean lines and staggered layout of subway tiles are adored by homeowners and designers alike. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and tend to cost $7-$13 per square foot. Although they’re highly durable and easy to clean, the exposed grout lines are more vulnerable to mold. Subway tile it's very inexpensive and classic. This type of tile tend to last a long time.
Laser-Cut Tiles
Laser-cut tile backsplashes are particularly eye-catching due to their smaller shapes and intricate patterns. But the elaborate designs provided by these tiles cause them to be on the higher end of the price spectrum – $30-$40 per square foot – and require more expensive tools to install.
Diagonal Tiles
Diagonal tiles add an interesting visual effect to any kitchen. They are simply square tiles that are flipped onto their point when installing. Since they require more precise cutting to fit the space and lead to more material wasted, diagonal tiles tend to cost 10%-20% more than straight set tiles. Diagonal will always be a little more difficult than cutting parallel to edges, but there are tools and techniques to help you do this
Mirror Tiles
Mirror tiles reflect fragmented light and create a playful look in the kitchen. They typically run $20-$25 per square foot. These tiles are recommended for smaller backsplashes as they provide a striking accent to a casual kitchen but can be distracting and seem over the top in larger spaces. Instead of a purely mirrored backsplash, you may want to consider creating a pattern that combines these tiles with a less-reflective material.
Custom Mosaic Tiles
Custom mosaic tile backsplashes can add a simple pattern or a vibrant design to your kitchen. They are great for adding diversity to the colors and textures of the room. Because they are highly customizable and come in an extensive range of styles, they suit many kitchen designs. They can be very pricey –$30-$50 per square foot – but are highly durable and long-lasting.
Alternative Ideas To Tile Backsplash
While tile backsplashes are affordable and low-maintenance, some people prefer a more particular look for their kitchens. If you really want to wow your guests, you may choose an alternative kitchen backsplash material. These materials can enhance the texture and aesthetics of your kitchen as well as provide a more distinctive look and feel to the space. Many of these options are easier to install, but some can be more difficult to maintain.
Back-painted Glass Panels
Back-painted glass panel backsplashes provide kitchens with pops of color. Because the paint is on the back of the glass, these backsplashes supply kitchens with a glossy, translucent finish that can brighten the space and cause it to appear bigger. But these backsplashes are often expensive – $100-$200 per square foot – and are best installed by a professional due to their larger size and tendency to expose imperfections.
Metal Panels
Metal panel backsplashes cost hundreds of dollars. That being said, if you can stomach the price, they can furnish your kitchen with a sleek, contemporary look. However, they are not always recommended for kitchens that already have a lot of stainless steel as the panels can clash with appliances and create an overly heavy feel.
Marble Slabs (Or Other Natural Stone)
Marble slab or other natural stone backsplashes have a timeless look that is unparalleled by other materials. These backsplashes tend to work very well in contemporary and transitional kitchens as the material is classic, while the seamless nature of the slab is aligned with modern-day sensibilities. Although you’ll have to pay $50-$100 per square foot, these natural materials will certainly add value to your home.
Wood
Wood backsplashes create a warm, cozy look. And using reclaimed wood can enhance the texture of your backsplash and make a trip to the kitchen feel like a rustic retreat. They can be a very affordable option, but they tend to be difficult to maintain.
Exposed Brick
Exposed brick backsplashes give kitchens a chic, industrial or rustic feel, but installing solid brick can be time-consuming and cost $12-$20 per square foot. That’s why many choose to use brick veneer panels. They are a lighter and thinner alternative, which can create the same effect for a lower price and easier installation process. Yet, brick is a very porous material and should be coated with a sealant to help fend off moisture.