A kitchen is a sacred place in the home. It is where you share in the joy of creating meals for yourself and your family, where creativity comes alive, and for some, where loved ones gather to share stories of their lives every night or on precious holidays. Because of the kitchen’s significance in your life, you should find peace and comfort in this room. Part of what creates this sentiment is having an aesthetic that speaks to your personality and the general mood you intend to inspire. One specific element at the core of this aesthetic is the backsplash.
Finding The Perfect Color For Your Kitchen Backsplash
One of the first things you must decide when choosing your backsplash is whether you want it to match the present palette or provide a pop of color that reasonably contrasts with the general aesthetic. When selecting the former, people typically aim for a seamless, consistent appearance throughout the kitchen, usually marked by a simple, neutral color palette (white, gray, beige, and sage). This style is characteristic of modern kitchens in hues of white, silver, and black.
For the latter, homeowners typically choose to go with a bright, bold color or pattern to function as a showpiece, drawing the eye toward a certain location in the kitchen. Hues that are great for this include:
- Yellow
- Purple
- Blue
- Orange
- Red
However, this option can work both ways: On the one hand, if your countertops are lively and attention-grabbing, it is best to select a neutral backsplash that takes a backseat to an eye-catching island. On the other hand, a backsplash with intense coloration or patterning should be accompanied by solid, light-colored surfaces.
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Further, you must consider the materials of your countertops when selecting the color of your backsplash. For example, there are various design options available to you if granite countertops comprise your kitchen surface space.
For one, you can choose to continue the granite look and texture up the wall via a quaint, four-inch backsplash or allow it to envelop the wall from the counter space to the ceiling. This is perfect for those aiming for uniformity in the kitchen who do not need much visual activity in this room. Note that you do not have to match the pattern of the granite exactly. Instead of risking a monotoned look throughout the kitchen, select a specific hue from the complex granite and pull that out in the backsplash tiles. Granite is most often comprised of the following colors:
- White
- Gray
- Black
- Pink
- Yellow
Remember to consider the hardware and appliances in your kitchen as well. For instance, you do not want the new backsplash to clash with any metallic lighting or sink fixtures. Take note of any brass, bronze, gold, or silver appliances in the room, and bring the look together with the appropriate tiles. For circumstances such as this, you need to pay more attention to the material rather than the backsplash’s color.
Which Materials Are Best For Your Backsplash?
The specific materials you choose for your backsplash tiles will be dictated by your kitchen’s existing textures, namely those comprising hardware. In these cases, such kitchens would do well with marble or granite tiles. These highlights the rich hues of orange, red, yellow, and gray throughout the space without creating a muted or overwhelmingly metallic aesthetic.
Your choice of material also depends on where in the kitchen you plan to add the backsplash. According to Kira Van Deusen, Covenant Kitchens & Baths’ designer, you need to carefully evaluate the “high-impact zones” before committing to a specific kind of tile. Deusen notes to HGTV that the wall space stretching across the range and sink is an “area [that] gets a lot of visual attention.” This is a great spot to dial up any eclectic patterns you may have been imagining, which allows you to mix and match materials.
Whether you choose to combine several materials in one backsplash or select only one, keep the following pros and cons in mind:
- Ceramic: This is one of the most popular selections among homeowners due primarily to its affordability. It is also incredibly lightweight, easy to work with, and comes in a wide range of patterns. The only downside is that these tiles do not provide the streamlined look provided by granite or quartz tiles.
- Granite: Another beloved kitchen material, this is unmatched in terms of durability, mainly due to its impressive resistance to acidity and high temperatures. Still, it will need to be sealed periodically, and it can be stained under specific circumstances.
- Glass: While these tiles are environmentally friendly and easily maintained, they are a bit more challenging to install due to their transparency. Additionally, they can be quite expensive, partially because they come in much smaller sizes. This requires you to buy more tiles to cover a space that you could dress with larger and more affordable ceramic tiles.
- Marble: A marble backsplash is a perfect option for those who desire a touch of luxury in their kitchen. It is easy to clean, making it ideal for installing over the range and sink. However, marble can be quite porous and may crack or scratch easily. You must either be very gentle with your activity near this backsplash or be prepared to pay for frequent maintenance.
There are endless options available to you when you choose to spruce up your kitchen with a brand-new backsplash. Remember that your tile color is central to determining your kitchen’s mood and overall aesthetic. To tie the look together, you should work with a professional kitchen painter. Lastly, evaluate the extent to which you are willing to maintain your kitchen, as certain materials may demand more cleaning and repair than others. Once all these details align, you will have the perfect space to share cuisine, creativity, and quality time with your loved ones.
