Choosing a backsplash for your kitchen is a big decision. With the amount of time you spend in the kitchens, it’s something that should not only inspire you and bring joy to your otherwise mundane tasks like cooking and cleaning – it should function well too.
A wall tile is typically applied over drywall in select areas of the kitchen where food splatter or humidity are likely to occur. Kitchen wall tile protects the surface from the potential dents of pots and pans, knives or other kitchen equipment. It creates a water resistant surface that can easily be wiped down. Backsplashes could also be used decoratively to add an aesthetic design element.
Our in-house interior designer and tile enthusiast, Sarah, shares her top tips for choosing a kitchen backsplash:
- Decide on your focal point
Choose kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances first. Then, choose the backsplash to complement them. If you’re choosing very clean and simple cabinets and countertops, it’s an opportunity to have fun with the backsplash, making it the focal point of the kitchen. If your cabinets are really special, a backsplash that is more subtle will allow them to stand out more.
Design might sound intimidating but at its core, it’s simply the layering of materials, colour and texture. Pick one item and other materials will follow.
- Timeless over trendy
Choose something you can see yourself liking in 5-10 years. A marble-inspired porcelain has staying power. Natural stone is a classic, timeless choice, that ages well. Traditionally, homeowners have stayed away from using stone on a backsplash due to needing to re-seal the backsplash every year; however, technology has come a long way, and as long as the stone is sealed with Stain-Proof, maintenance is minimal. Resealing isn’t required, since the sealant lasts for 15+ years.
If it’s not your forever home and you know you’ll be selling in a few years time, feel free to choose something that excites you but go with a neutral colour that may attract a diverse range of home buyers. I love the Form series in the ice grey colour.
- Play with shape, tile patterns and texture for a modern twist
Subway tiles are a commonly used backsplash. It bodes well in most spaces and is a classic choice. If you want subway tile with a fresh approach, try laying the tile in a stacked or herringbone tile pattern.
You can also get a subway tile with texture. Our Boardwalk series or Marlow series have a handmade look that features a wave texture on the surface of the tile.
Shape variations can take a solid, neutral coloured tile and give it a bit of flair. A picket tile or hexagon tile are beautiful in a backsplash.
- Take home a sample
Take your time with the selection. Take home a sample or two of the tiles you’re considering so you can see it against your cabinet and countertops, and also see how it fits into the larger space if your kitchen is open concept. The lighting in the kitchen may also play a factor in how it looks in your home versus in our showroom.
- Factor in how easy it is to clean
Any solid tile, regardless of whether it is glossy or matte, will show more fingerprints and smudges than a tile that has a pattern. In recent years, natural stone has become a lot easier to clean due to the innovation in sealers available. Our Stain-Proof sealants give 15-25 years of protection, making stone maintenance much easier.
- Extend tile up to ceiling
If budget allows, extending the tile up to the ceiling makes the room appear larger and more cohesive.
- Choose a stain-free grout or grout-free look
Often dirt and grime collect where there is grout. For a grout-free look and smooth surface, a natural stone bolder panel is a unique solution. Bolder panels are lightweight ¼ inch slabs of natural stone that look luxurious and stunning as a backsplash without the traditional cost of a stone slab.
If you do need grout, Flexcolour CQ is stain resistant and requires no sealer. A bit more expensive but well worth it especially since your backsplash is generally a smaller area. If you need help making your grout selection, here are 9 things to consider when choosing your tile grout.
