Adding a Decorative Backsplash as a Home Improvement Project

A decorative backsplashDefinition: A protective wall covering behind a kitchen counter, often made of tile, glass, or metal... behind your countertop, sink, or stovetop is an excellent way to add a sense of style and class to your kitchen. It can be used to accentuate the rest of the design or color scheme of the room, or it could be used as an impressive centerpiece. It can be sleek and simplistic or be ornate and exotic. In any case, here is a guide to ideas and considerations if you decide to add a decorative backsplash to your kitchen as a home improvement project.

Patterns

Here is a sampling of tile patterns for a backsplash. You many prefer a highly ordered straightforward grid pattern, a brick pattern for a more rustic feel, perhaps a diagonal pattern to convey a sense of energy, or the grid pattern with diamond insert (which is perfect for stylized designs in the center.) Most likely you will put a color pattern - such as a straight-up checker design - or you will use a variety of different colors to create a mottled design. Whatever pattern you decide, take a moment to consider how well it meshes with the theme of your kitchen.

A variety of metals (stainless steel, copper, tin, etc.) can be used. They also are available in different finishes (short grain and long grain - consider in which direction the metal is brushed, or perhaps mix the two types of finishes for creative effect). Metal of course creates a more modern look, but ceramic, cement, and  marble are traditional and popular as well. Many of them take their cues from traditional tile designs from around the world. One designer has a warning a bout tumbled marble used especially in Tuscan style kitchens, saying that it is really too spongy for use in a backsplash and soaks up anything.

Art

Depending on your tastes, you may want painted or ornate tiles at the center of the piece. There are many artists offering decorative tiles, such as this one that delivers direct from Mexico. Celtic designs done in relief are also well suited for a backsplash.

Take these points into consideration if you decide to add some style to your kitchen, and remember how much latitude you have to be creative. You can also trust our professionals to do the job right and make the statement in your kitchen that you want to make.