How to Choose a Kitchen Backsplash

July 5, 2022

When designing your custom home, it can be easy to overlook some of the little details that go into your home. If you’re thinking about the design of a kitchen, you probably have taken into consideration the walls, the countertops, and the cabinets. But, the kitchen backsplash can often get overlooked. The backsplash is important because it keeps your walls from getting splattered during cooking and cleaning. Plus, it can enhance your overall kitchen design and can even become a focal point. Here’s how to choose a kitchen backsplash that’s right for your custom home:

detail of range and geometric backsplash in kitchen1. Consider Your Budget

One of the things to keep in mind as you choose a kitchen backsplash is your budget. Even with a large budget, you will want to be aware of how much you’re allocating to what elements and make sure it makes sense for what you want. Different materials have different price points.

The size and style of your backsplash affect cost as well. If you want a large custom backsplash that stands out as a focal point in your kitchen, then it makes sense to allocate a larger budget to accomplish that. If you want a purely functional backsplash that still looks good, but is a subtle background element, then it likely doesn’t make sense to go all out on it.

2. Think About Materials

It’s easy to think of standard tile as the most common type of backsplash in a kitchen. Although it is one of the common ways to incorporate tile accents into your custom home design, there are many different materials and tile styles you can use as a kitchen backsplash, including:

kitchen with backsplash, pot filler, and range hoodGranite

Granite is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials and is also rising in popularity as a backsplash choice. If you already have a granite countertop, a granite backsplash can extend upwards and create a seamless look. This is a good choice if you prefer a minimal countertop and cabinet look. The granite will add a bit of a dramatic flair without being too much.

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are one of the most popular choices for kitchen backsplashes. Subway tiles are classic and simple. These tiles are staggered like bricks, and are usually done in a classic white. This is a great choice if you are interested in minimalist kitchen design. However, new designs, color choices, and patterns are emerging to add some flair.

kitchen with backsplash and islandMosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are small tiles (usually approximately 2 inches in size) and are a fun, colorful option for a backsplash. They can be made from a variety of materials, but are typically made from clay or porcelain. Mosaic tiles are often laid out in a complex pattern and are a great focal point for your kitchen.

You can also get creative and experiment with grout colors. Just make sure you choose one that complements and enhances the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Choosing the wrong grout color is one of the kitchen backsplash mistakes to avoid. Working with your custom home builder during the design process can ensure you avoid mistakes like this.

Stainless Steel

While stainless steel usually invokes images of a restaurant or industrial kitchen, stainless steel can be a great option for a home kitchen, too. It’s one of the restaurant design ideas for kitchens that can work well in residential kitchen design.

Stainless steel is incredibly durable and very easy to clean, which makes it a great choice if you tend to do a lot of cooking. Stainless steel also comes in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find something to fit in your kitchen. It can also be embossed with a design with a little extra flair.

kitchen with backsplash and pot filler3. Take Durability Into Account

When thinking about what materials might work best for your kitchen backsplash, it’s important to take durability into account as well as style. Not all backsplash materials and styles make sense for every kitchen design, and your kitchen use does matter.

Your workflow patterns, frequency of use, and more will affect what material and design make the most sense for your kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes are also meant to be easy to clean, but how you clean them may be affected by the material you choose. Abrasive cleaners can scratch stainless steel.

Stone or natural tile will need to be sealed to protect it properly. If you’re choosing tile and will have grout, think about including a grout additive to seal the grout itself for extra durability and protection. This is a good option for heavy-use kitchens. You can also opt for epoxy grout, which is even more durable and stain-resistant.

tile kitchen backsplashes4. Determine Style, Color, and Pattern

Other important considerations for choosing a kitchen backsplash are the style you want, the color (or colors) that would work best with the rest of your kitchen design, and whether you want a simpler kitchen backsplash or a pattern. And, if you want your backsplash to feature a pattern, how complex do you want to get?

Kitchen backsplashes are versatile and flexible spaces. Even going with simple tile as a material still leaves you with a lot of opportunities to get creative. Different sizes, shapes, and/or colors can put a unique twist on a standard tile backsplash. Instead of white subway tile, consider gray, green, blue, or another color. Instead of standard rectangles, consider hexagons, scallops, or another shape. You can even play with different colors and shades in your grout.

You can also go with a herringbone or chevron pattern for a more interesting visual. Mosaics can also be used to create complex patterns or geometric patterns. Additionally, custom backsplashes are always an option. You can even create a custom backsplash that features a specific image, like a pot of flowers. It all depends on whether you want your kitchen backsplash to stand out or blend into the background.

detail of stovetop and custom tile backsplash in kitchen5. Complement Countertops and Cabinets

When choosing the backsplash, you want to complement your countertops and cabinets, but not necessarily match them. Your backsplash will connect the countertop to your cabinet, so it’s important to keep that in mind. A backsplash with some black is one way to incorporate black into your kitchen design that also adds a sleek look.

If you have busy countertops, choose a backsplash that is simple and clean. If you have simple countertops, choose a fun, bold design as your backsplash. Bold, artistic backsplashes are one of the popular kitchen design trends. And if you have bright, colorful cabinets or countertops, consider choosing a complementary color for the backsplash, or choosing something more subtle in the same color family.

stainless steel range hood and tile backsplash6. Determine Height and Width

Another consideration for choosing a kitchen backsplash is the scale. How big is it going to be? How wide is it going to stretch? How high will it extend? Part of complementing the cabinets and countertops is going to include the size and scale of your backsplash.

With open shelving, you can stop at the bottom shelf or extend the backsplash to cover the entire wall up to the ceiling. This makes a backsplash more of an accent wall, but this is something to consider. If there will be some space between your range hood and upper cabinets, you can keep the backsplash to the width of the range and extend it higher.

You can even take it entirely to the ceiling to create a column from the range to the ceiling. In this case, it’s even more important to take cabinets, the range hood, and even the ceiling trim and ceiling design into account. No matter what you choose, you want to make sure everything is still cohesive and creates the look and feel you want.

kitchen with island with pendant lights, view of backsplash and custom range hood7. Incorporate the Range Hood

The range hood is an essential element in your kitchen. Not only does it improve kitchen ventilation, but it also affects the look and feel of your kitchen design. There are several types of range hoods available that can enhance the style you’re going for in your kitchen design.

However, it’s important to take the range hood into account when you are choosing a kitchen backsplash. The backsplash is usually under the range hood. Although it usually stops at the bottom of cabinets or shelves, it can extend further up or even up to the ceiling, depending on your kitchen design choices.

You want these elements to complement each other, whether they are matching styles, mixing styles, or creating contrast. This is important whether the backsplash height stays below the range hood or extends up to incorporate the range hood into the backsplash.

Design and Build the Custom Home You Want With CHG

Choosing a kitchen backsplash doesn’t have to be stressful. There are many kitchen backsplash ideas and options available; as long as you are happy with the design and materials, that’s all that matters. Working with an experienced custom home builder, especially one with an in-house design/build process, can make sure you get what you want and need in your kitchen and the rest of your home design. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life in Central Pennsylvania or Northeastern Maryland, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!