How to Choose a Kitchen Backsplash & Popular Backsplash Designs
Kitchen backsplashes are more popular than ever before, especially now that there are so many fun and beautiful options to choose from. But there are many things to consider before picking a modern backsplash, including backsplash designs, backsplash height, and the materials used for your backsplash.
This article will describe how to choose a kitchen backsplash for your very own home and highlight some popular options to choose from. These are great design features to show off your personality, add a little color, and unify all of the appliances and fixtures in your kitchen.
Matching Backsplash Designs with Countertops
Many people choose their kitchen backsplashes based on the color of the countertops, and this is a solid place to start. However, it’s also a good idea to consider your lighting and hardware fixtures too before making this decision.
You can pull some of your countertop color into your backsplash designs, but this is also a place where you can get creative and use more color. A modern backsplash can also feature different materials and textures, such as oil-rubbed bronze, to make your backsplash more interesting than just a single, solid color.
Choosing a Complementary Sink
Since most backsplashes extend above and to the sides of the sink, you may also want to choose a complimentary sink to go with your new backsplash designs. At Central Plumbing Specialties and our five New York showrooms, we carry many types of kitchen sinks, including single basin, double basin, drop-in, and undermount designs.
Your backsplash will only look as good as the fixtures that it surrounds, so a few plumbing upgrades may need to accompany your backsplash redesign project. If your backsplash features a variety of materials and has a modern look, then your kitchen sink should complement this aesthetic. But if you’re not ready to overhaul your kitchen fixtures just yet, neutral backsplash designs and hues can get the job done without an extensive remodeling project.
Backsplash Height Considerations
Another big consideration to keep in mind is your backsplash height. The space between the countertops and the cabinets is usually between 15 inches and 18 inches, but you can make your backsplash cover this full area or just part of it. The more backsplash you want, the more it will cost. So, if you’re on a budget, consider having a backsplash height of just four to eight inches tall above your countertops.
However, you may want a taller backsplash height behind your stove to protect the wall from particularly common and messy splashes. If cost isn’t a huge concern, you may wish to take your backsplash all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic effect with beautiful backsplash designs. Invest the most in high-impact areas of your kitchen so that your backsplash extends the overall life of your kitchen and does more than just look nice.
Materials for the Modern Backsplash
The practical purpose of a backsplash is to protect the drywall in your kitchen from cooking splashes and spills, and there are many different materials that can be used for them. For example, you can choose a solid granite material that matches your countertops or experiment with metal, glass, or even bricks. Some of the most stunning backsplash designs feature copper, pebbles, colored glass, wood, and other unexpected materials.
Eco-friendly options, like cork tiles and bamboo tiles, can also be used for backsplash designs. Meanwhile ceramic and porcelain are very popular backsplash options, a stone travertine tile backsplash offers a natural look, and thermoplastic backsplashes with fake metal panels are very easy to install even without professional help. Make sure to learn about the durability and longevity of the material you choose before choosing one that will likely end up with food stains over time.