At home – the kitchen often remains to be the focal point of activity and leisure. Not only are kitchens used for practical scenarios of preparing food, but also as a space for social events and family gatherings.
A modern kitchen backsplash is important, not only as a design statement but also as a preventative measure, protecting the wall from stains and grease. This area between the counters and cabinets is often the last piece in the kitchen design equation.
Yet somehow, it remains to be a difficult decision, to say the least. There is a myriad of ways to use a variety of materials for your perfect backsplash installation, in order to fit your environment.
Discover how to leave the boundaries of uncertainty and make an educated selection for your modern kitchen backsplash.
Consider Your Kitchen Environment
In order to make a regretless decision, you have to consider some things. For example, the tile has to match the rest of your kitchen design. However, this is easier said than done.
As each kitchen design, be it a smooth Tuscan or modern Parisian style – you have to select the right textured or sleek tiles with the right edges. Or if your environment has an overarching style, you have you make it seem with the rest of the backsplash as well.
In a Victorian home, you would use handmade and rugged tiles. In a Ranch home, you would use colorful subway tiles. Albeit, these are very rough examples – you should keep reading to get a better sense of what your modern kitchen backsplash should be like.
The Grout
For many years, the grout was never considered, as a design piece. However, as the grout is used to outline each and every tile – we can consider matching the grout color to the tiles used for your modern kitchen backsplash.
Unless you have a powerful statement theme going on, a contrasting color for your grout should be selected. However, if you are looking for a bold theme, choose a grout color that fits the theme in dualistic tones.
Anyhow, the color is just one piece of the puzzle. The grout holds your tiles together, so it is crucial to select a high-quality grout. This will help ensure the longevity and durability of your tiles.
The Height
The height of the modern kitchen backsplash is often overlooked. As the height can be adjusted, you can determine the right ratio for your design preferences.
If you want to have your backsplash extend all the way to the ceiling – you can. If you want a kitchen backsplash that doesn’t extend beyond the lower part of a cabinet, then do it.
The height of your backsplash is dependent on your budget and taste. In terms of kitchen backsplash design, the width is quite obvious. You want to match width with various other appliances, such as countertops or cabinets or even wall edges.
The height is entirely preferential, so do not forget to consider how long or short you want your modern kitchen backsplash to be.
The Shape
The shape and pattern of your modern kitchen backsplash are equally important to the rest of the styling options. It can be terrifying to go with something bold because we don’t want to regret our decision and lose money.
But that’s why tile testing is a thing, you can acquire various shapes and see if they match the rest of your environment. You can tape them to the wall, and let them be – observing how the light bounces, how they look at night, so on and so forth
The shape and size make your backsplash unique, it adds personality to your living environment. So dedicate yourself to choosing tiles that are all YOU.
The Color
Color is critically important to a good looking kitchen backsplash. As it is often the first thing that everybody will see. Having neutral colors might make the entire place look sleek and organized. Whereas, bold colors will have your kitchen pop and fill with life.
You can have a beautiful arrangement of colors, but never have them match your kitchen. Therefore, mix and matching are important for a regretless experience.
When selecting an appropriate tone for your kitchen, make sure that the tiles will help compliment your appliances or blend into the environment. Neutrals are calming. Reds are warming. Blues are cooling. Yellows are lighting. Greens are nurturing.
Whatever your kitchen environment may look like, selecting the right color for the modern kitchen backsplash is very important. As you will be spending quite a bit of time in the kitchen, so you have to enjoy the energy and be happy while you’re there.
The Countertops
The countertops that you install will play a big part in the overall design options for your backsplash. The countertop can either several impair or expand on your design limitations, so be wary of this.
The countertop sets the stage for the rest of the kitchen appliances. So it is critical to have your modern kitchen backsplash coordinate with the countertops.
A neutral countertop creates room for bold, fun and shapely tile patterns. A colored countertop limits the vividity of tiles and allows for neutral matching.
The countertop consists of a great tip in the name. Counter. Learn how to counter your backsplash to the countertop.
A non-solid countertop has various specks of color, so that’s usually a good place to start. Select a fleck from the countertop, and use it as the primary/accent color scheme within your kitchen backsplash.
This ensures you get a proper dose of color-blocking.
Once Again, Consider Your Theme
Despite having all of the various considerations above, you always have to come back to the theme. If your kitchen possesses a theme or style, consider making your modern kitchen backsplash match.
Tiles come in various design options, such as flowers, seashells, coffee cups, grapevines, roosters, suns, moons, etc. Make your backsplash theme match the theme of the living environment. Make it seamless.
Additional Modern Kitchen Backsplash Tips
For some the information above is just not enough, so here are some additional modern kitchen backsplash tips to help you out.
If you are in the process of a kitchen renovation, check out this article on 3 things to consider during your renovation.
Determine Material Quantity
In order to do this, you have to multiply the width of the wall by the height of it. This will come out with square footage, which will provide the number of tiles needed, depending on your shapes.
It’s a good idea to add about 10-15% for security purposes.
Consider Wear And Tear
The tile that you select will determine maintenance regularity and durability. Natural stone is bold but requires resealing once a year. Glass tiles are pretty but cost a lot. Ceramic tiles are tough, simple to clean and affordable.
Optimize With Magnets
Some tiles are magnetized. This is a great benefit in many cases, as you can simply attach your metallic items, such as pan holders and knife mounts. By doing so, you prevent countertop clutter.
Consider Attention Points
In most cases, your guests will be attracted to two spots. Above the sink and above the range. These locations should have the boldest and inviting patterns for your tiles.
Consider The Classics
When selecting your tiles, you can always consider an old-fashioned tile, as they are usually a go-to for most home designs. However, never settle for less than you want. Go crazy if you must.
Extend Further
A modern kitchen backsplash looks better if it extends beyond the sink area. Have it wrap around the room, make it look integrated and fulfilling. Albeit, a bit more expensive – it will definitely pay off in style points.
Porcelain vs Ceramic
Both ceramic and porcelain look similar, sometimes equally unidentifiable. However, porcelain is denser and much more durable. In addition to added durability, it is also resistant to moisture and bacterial build-up.
Seal Maintenance
Depending on the grout or seal you select – you will have to attend to various maintenance needs. Granite, slate, and marble have to be resealed annually. Travertine, on the other hand, needs to be resealed on a bi-annual basis.
Don’t Just Match – Mix Your Design As Well
Remember all of the mentionings of matching above. Well, sometimes that is not the best way to go about your kitchen backsplash. Complimenting and color blocking can come out to be cheaper, and help you with the stacked and contemporary look.
Use the palette, but don’t just copy-paste.
A Modern Kitchen Backsplash Is Yours
Now that we have covered everything you need to know about choosing a modern kitchen backsplash – you possess the tools to generate life and reinvigorate your kitchen environment.
All of the advice above is up to interpretation, as the final decision stands by you. Consider the options, but make a choice that you find fulfilling. Mix or match. Extend or limit. Strengthen or shell out. Neutralize or liven up.
Your modern kitchen backsplash is yours, so get out there and make it worth your while.
In case you are interested in further modernization of your kitchen, check out more of our articles related to your home!
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