backsplash, Cabinets, kitchen backsplash, kitchen cabinets, Krosswood, Shaker style cabinet - July 31, 2021

Backsplash Basics for a Beautiful Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the one room that designers and realtors agree can make or break the sale of a home and add value to a home remodel. But how do you get your kitchen to be as beautiful as the pictures you see on Pinterest or in the latest episode of your favorite fixer upper television show? It’s not as hard as it might seem. If you start with a clean, white Shaker style cabinet from Krosswood you only need add a backsplash to individualize and beautify your space.

How to Choose a Backsplash

When choosing your backsplash, you’ll want to consider three things: material, color, and texture.

Material

There are lots of materials available for a backsplash. You have granite, natural stone, glass, tile, stainless steel, and even sealed paint. Some materials are easy to install, some are inexpensive, and some are difficult, require a professional, and end up being costlier. The choice is definitely a personal one. Do you cook a lot? Will you need to be cleaning up food messes on a regular basis? If so, you may want to go with porcelain tile or stainless steel for their easy care. Are you wanting a natural feel for your home? Then natural stone or polished, sealed wood may be best for you.

Color

There are a multitude of gorgeous backsplashes available on the market today. Glass tiles in every color of the rainbow. Laminate comes in an unbelievable array of design and color options, enough to suit any style. The deciding factor for your color choice is “how” you intend to use color in your home. Do you want neutral built-ins with bold pops of color in tchotchkes? Or do you prefer bold color on your walls and cabinets, alternating with a more neutral palette for your everyday use items? This decision can help you make a choice for your backsplash. Color can be used effectively either way.

Another consideration is using the backsplash as an opportunity to create art. Some homeowners have opted to use one of a kind tile creations that add a unique element to their space.

Texture

Choosing a material will have a big impact on your choice of texture. If you go with natural stone you’re going to be left with a rougher texture than mirrored glass tiles. The reason this matters to your final decision is that some textures, while looking beautiful, can be damaged by the normal wear and tear of kitchen usage. Granite, for instance, is polished to a smooth surface for countertop and backsplash usage, but it is porous and must be sealed to avoid staining.

If you want a smooth texture for easy cleaning and sanitation, but love the look of natural stone, you have the option to choose laminate. Laminate has a solid, non-porous surface.

Ultimately, the choice you make for your backsplash will come down to one thing: what do you like? When you’ve found what you love, add it to your dream home. The small things of home design, the touches of color, natural materials, or feel of a material are often what bring us the most joy in home ownership.