The Best Ideas for Choosing a Unique Kitchen Backsplash

When designing your dream kitchen, it is important to make a plan and understand your options. On the one hand, you want a stylish, fashionable kitchen. At the same time, you want to make sure your backsplash is durable, easy to clean, and within your budget.

Coordinating your decor, walls, countertops, and backsplash can really make your kitchen feel like home. That said, finding the right look for your kitchen can be difficult. If you aren’t sure where to start with your kitchen remodel, here are some brainstorming ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Choose Your Material

Your first design choice should be the material. The most popular choice for a backsplash or countertop is ceramic tile. We have tiles available in hundreds of colors and patterns, so you will have no trouble matching your counters or choosing an accent color to highlight accessories. You don’t have to limit yourself to one color, either. Some kitchens have a stripe or a tessellation pattern of multiple colors. Your tilework can be as simple or complex as you like.

There are some downsides to tile, however. While the tile itself wipes clean with ease, cleaning grout can be a chore. If left unchecked, moist grout can grow mold and mildew that can be tricky to remove. A tiled backsplash needs to be cleaned regularly, grout and all.

Stainless steel is an option that provides both function and form. As the name suggests, it is easy to clean and does not tarnish. That said, stainless steel can make your kitchen feel industrial. Copper is a bit prettier, but it can tarnish over time.  Worst of all, it is possible to scratch a metal backsplash. While the scratches will still wipe clean, it isn’t as appealing after a bit of wear and tear.

If you are looking for a more high-tech solution to your design project, consider using thermoplastic. While the name sounds flimsy, thermoplastic is durable, sanitary, and surprisingly versatile. Thermoplastic varies significantly in appearance, with some patterns mimicking metal and others set to look like tile.

No matter the style you choose, thermoplastic is easy to clean, easy to install, and will last you years and years. The one downside to thermoplastic is the possibility of warping. Thermoplastic is heat resistant, and flame retardant but will warp at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and above. As such, we do not recommend you install thermoplastic behind or above a stove.

Choose Your Color Scheme

Once you have decided on a material, it is time to choose your color scheme. This is the fun part! Gone are the days of monochrome subway tile or boring whitewash walls with a strip of wallpaper. To make your kitchen your own unique creation, experiment with accent colors that match or contrast your countertops.

Try choosing two or three colors to use in your backsplash tile design. A repeating geometric pattern, stripes, chevron, or a checked pattern are simple constructions that make a real impact.

Design Your Focus Piece

When designing your kitchen backsplash, don’t limit yourself to repeating patterns. More and more home designers are building their kitchen decor around large, decorative arrangements. Because the stove and the sink are high-traffic areas that draw the eye, they make great spots for a decorative focus piece.

For metal backsplash kitchens, try drawing the eye with a metalwork sculpture or engraving. For tile walls, consider a mosaic. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when designing a focal point for your custom kitchen. Framed art, mounted sculptures, or segments of your counter material are all excellent ways to draw the eye.

Kitchen Emporium Has What You Need

Remodeling your kitchen can be stressful without a trusted team. For expert advice, award-winning service, and quality materials, come and see the SoCal Kitchen Emporium. From the planning stage, through the design process, all the way to your dream come true, our expert design specialists are committed to making your kitchen fantasy a reality.

We are a wholesale emporium, and we pass that value on to our customers. Whether you are looking for a small job or a complete kitchen remodel, we are experienced contractors committed to quality. We proudly serve the Southern California areas, including the San Fernando Valley, San Diego, and San Marcos.