In terms of how high your kitchen backsplash should be, that's up to you. Many homeowners stop their backsplash level with the bottom of their upper cabinets. However, some choose to take the tile all the way up the ceiling. This can make the kitchen feel taller, drawing the eye up the wall.
It can be tempting to choose the same materials and colors for your countertop and backsplash, but this option can look uninspired. Ultimately, selecting a well-coordinated backsplash and countertop is essential to the design of your kitchen. It's usually best to select your countertops first.
Matching or Contrasting Tops and Walls
“If everything is a similar shade, we recommend contrasting the backsplash,” Kelly says. “If the countertop is super busy and has lots of veins, we usually try to pull one of the vein colors and do a more simple tile to let the countertop be the focus of the room.”
Your countertops bear the brunt of the activity in the kitchen, and your remodel often starts with a spectacular selection. Marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops are all popular choices that offer excellent benefits and lifespan, and they should be installed permanently before the backsplash.
The key when determining whether your backsplash should be lighter or darker than your kitchen counters is to choose the opposite of whatever hue the countertops are. For example, let's say your counters are very dark. If your backsplash were a dark hue as well, all it would do is blend in.
Mixing materials such as quartz paired alongside marble or glass tile is a great way to add dimension to the space. Blend natural stone – If you've opted for more of a modern-quartz look, add in a natural marble stone backsplash to create a classic sanctuary in your kitchen.
Select a simple wall tile with eclectic details and accents. Choosing a neutral, subtle looking backsplash tile for the base and adorning it with mosaic elements can make a tremendous effect in combination with your granite countertop.
The backsplash design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements in your kitchen. So, if you have darker countertops, consider choosing kitchen backsplash tiles that are lighter than the countertop and vice versa.
Subway tile is the most enduring choice for a backsplash. Avoid bold, trendy colors, and instead look for white or neutrals. Keep it simple, and bring in color elsewhere in the kitchen, with more easily replaced items, such as dish towels, art, bowls of fruit and rugs.
Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
Cost-Effective Backsplash Height
So, if you already splurged on countertops, four inched backsplashes would be the way to go. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, go for 15 inches or the mid-length installation of backsplash between the countertop and upper cabinets.
A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.
If you're considering a backsplash behind a sink, then quartz may be the best choice. The adhesives used to form a quartz slab make it incredibly resistant to moisture. Unlike granite, you will not have to worry about sealing the quartz surface again over the course of its life.
Quartz is a beautiful, durable surface that can be installed just about anywhere. While it's typically used for countertops and tub surrounds, it can also be utilized as a kitchen or bathroom backsplash.
It usually ends up hanging in midspace which makes the kitchen look awkward and unfinished. That is why experts don't recommend having side backsplashes unless they are needed.
It's traditionally installed horizontally, but “breaking the rules” by going vertical can produce amazing, unique results.
One note: never begin your tile backsplash from an end. This will make the entire project look uneven and leave all of your smaller cuts for one area, which can appear sloppy. By starting in the center of a wall or a focal point, you will be able to better manage tile placement for a cleaner and more professional look.
Creating Contrast with the Cabinets
Opposite hues attract and make a high impact. Go with black and white or try beige with red. Choose from straights and curves in the backsplash to create a feeling of design tension without appearing disjointed.
The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.
Classic white tiles
While current homeowners and decorators are getting away from the stark look of all-white kitchens, there's no doubt that white continues to demonstrate its functionality and popularity. A white tile backsplash reflects light, providing a clean, bright background where you prep, cook, and clean.
In terms of professional installation you need to keep in mind that this will cost more but it may look better in the end. Overall, a backsplash is a fantastic way to increase the value of your home a little at a time.
“You don't want white grout in a kitchen where there'll be food splatter,” agrees Humphreys. “We like to find a nice medium, neutral tone that'll go with the tile. So if you have a white tile, we would do taupe grout.”