​Choosing the perfect kitchen backsplash

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
homify Dapur Modern
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Thinking about how you can give your kitchen a new look? Installing new countertops is a big (and costly) undertaking and hanging new curtains is just too subtle. No, how about focusing on that wall surface right underneath your cabinetry instead: the backsplash?

One has a range of options to consider in the wonderful world of backsplashes: colours, materials, patterns, etc. Of course your choice needs to be visually outstanding as well as practical, consider that those surfaces will be privy to spills and splatters on a regular bases (lots of splashbacks for your backsplash, if you will). 

But like everything else related to the home, homify aims to make this easier for you. So, let’s take a look at a few things worth considering for your kitchen’s latest (and greatest) backsplash.

1. Picking materials for a kitchen backsplash

There’s plenty to choose from in terms of backsplash materials, yet they all need to be considered in terms of cost, care requirements, and how they complement the rest of your kitchen. 

Tiles are available in many colours, styles and patterns, plus various price options. They are also easy to keep clean, even if a little grout work may be required in due time. 

Stainless steel is much easier to look after and is ideal for an industrial / minimalist look. 

Laminate is the perfect choice if your main concern is budget. 

Glass presents various options – it can be barely visible, but can also become the most prominent surface in your whole kitchen if you opt for a coloured or patterned design. 

Stone backsplashes certainly make a statement, while mirrored glass and metallics are perfect for protecting and brightening a space.  

And for all our DIYers, backsplashes can be installed on your own via panels, tiles, mosaic sheets, wallpaper, wall decals, etc. However, we recommend dialling up a professional if you’re a novice with DIY tasks.

2. Kitchen backsplash: Considering colour

Your backsplash can be the perfect opportunity to flaunt some colour in an otherwise understated cooking space. But always look towards the style and design of your kitchen first. For instance, if it’s very modern, go with a smooth and glossy surface. And keep in mind that a colour which appears fabulous in a showroom or in a photo might look very different in your home. Thus, always ask for samples to take home so you can compare the results.

homify hint: Stick with the neutrals for a minimalist kitchen. And for a farmhouse-style space, try subway tiles or beadboard. If you want your kitchen to flaunt a beach-house look, we recommend green or blue glass tiles. If it’s more eclectic, you can’t go wrong with Moroccan cement tiles.

3. Kitchen backsplash: Blowing your budget

If money is the last thing on your mind, then go big with bespoke backsplash designs or richly veined marble. Along with the inherent beauty of a natural material, marble also ensures diverse design options.

Just keep in mind that this material will need extra attention as it also reacts to acids (like lemon juice). If a spill occurs, be sure to neutralise it with water quite quickly before wiping away.

4. Kitchen backsplash: Coloured glass

Why not give your kitchen backsplash a slightly futuristic look with low-iron toughened glass? To give it an even more outstanding twist, add illumination. Speak to your glass supplier about adding a slim prefabricated frame for LEDs. Then choose lighting that will change colour (such as from a cool white to a warmer ambient tone) when you’re done cooking and dining or relaxing.

5. Kitchen backsplash: Wallpaper

Nothing ensures more fun and more character than some detailed wallpaper. And even though fabrics and wallpapers form a vital part of interior design, they always seem to be lower on the list when it comes to the kitchen.  

Scared your kitchen might look too clinical or dull? Save it with a wallpaper design that draws the eye and turns your cooking spot into a focal point. Just make sure it’s sealed with glass, acrylic or a specially lacquered coating. You do want your beautiful backsplash to last, don’t you?

6. Kitchen backsplash: The right height

Don’t focus so much on the colours and materials that you completely overlook the backsplash height. Where your cabinetry starts is usually where the backsplash ends, although this is up to you. 

If you want a hint of a backsplash, bring it up to the bottom of your cabinet or the first shelf in an open-shelving design. If you want more, extend your backsplash to the ceiling in areas with no cabinets, like over the sink or stove. Counter-to-ceiling installations ensure a prime focal point for a kitchen, but just make sure you’ve picked a style, colour and material that you can stand to look at.

7. Kitchen backsplash: Shapes and patterns

Will classic shapes like squares and circles be ideal, or do you require something more fun for your backsplash? To ensure your kitchen remains timeless (especially if you plan on selling it down the line), stick with a classic tile size like 7 x 15 cm in a subway tile layout, or a 10 x 10cm in a straight pattern set. Field tiles are perfect for ever-changing trends, ensuring your backsplash remains a sustainable design feature. 

If you’re drawn to patterns, unique shapes can be just as timeless – when done correctly, that is. Consider the impact that those motifs will have over time. You need to ensure the shapes and colours fit well, not only into your kitchen but also your entire home. For instance, if you opt for a mid-century inspired feel with your backsplash tiles, make sure that atmosphere shines through in the rest of the house. 

Your backsplash can also help flaunt a yesteryear look (if that’s what you want), but there are also other goodies to consider. Let’s see How to style your retro kitchen.

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