5 Important Things to Know when Selecting a New Backsplash

Being in the industry as long as Steve and I have been, we’ve come to understand various truths about the home renovation process. One of which being the fact that small elements can make or break both the process and the design. Another being that decision overwhelm is very real for nearly every client we’ve worked with.

Let me explain...

Each fixture and finish is important to a home renovation, but the small items, such as cabinet hardware or kitchen and bathroom backsplash, play an integral part in establishing a timeline for the remodel and setting the stage for the interior’s function and aesthetic. 

Sure, you want your kitchen or bathroom backsplash to look nice and play into the overall style of your home, but there are so many other factors that need to be taken into consideration as well. 

Today, we are pulling back the curtain to share the 5 things that you must think about when selecting a backsplash that will look great, work well, and last for years to come in your newly-designed home. 

It is our hope to not only help you better understand the ins and outs of the world of backsplash, but also to alleviate that all-too-prevalent decision overwhelm by making the process of narrowing down your options simple, streamlined, and stress-free.

Let’s jump right in…

Consideration #1: A Balanced Budget

Your very first consideration when looking at backsplash should be the overall project budget: What are you willing to invest in this particular design element, and how much have you allotted in your budget for both the materials and installation? (If you aren’t sure, we have a blog post about budgeting for your kitchen reno that might come in handy…)

As with any other finish, backsplash materials come with different price points. At the lower end, you’ll find tile and mirror options. At the higher end, you’ll find things like stainless steel and natural or man-made stone.

Beyond the actual investment in materials is the amount that each option will cost to install. 

Installing subway tile in a running brick pattern is relatively easy, and therefore a popular choice, especially if there is a lot of area to be covered. This makes it cost effective and a great choice for conservative budgets. 

On the other end of the spectrum, if you choose a geometric backsplash that requires a careful design plan, your installation costs will increase. The same goes for traditional tiles that are arranged in a labor-intensive pattern (such as subway tile in a complicated double herringbone design that requires lots of cuts to be made).

Pro Tip: Subway tile comes in tons of natural stone and glass options, so if you choose to go this route, you aren’t limited to the traditional white tile in a simple, stacked pattern (even though we personally love that look)...you have options!

Consideration #2: Cost to Keep Clean

Once your total budget for backsplash has been established and you’ve decided whether you’re choosing a simple tile in a straightforward layout or a more ornate design, the next thing to consider is the material that makes the most sense for your home based on its cost to maintain. 

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Natural stones, like granite and quartzite, are very durable but might require sealing periodically. 

2. Mirrored and stainless-steel backsplashes are a great option for making a small space feel bigger and brighter, but fingerprints and smudges are often visible.

3. Our blog post about countertop materials has lots of insights that apply to backsplash materials as well.

No matter what material you choose, be prepared to maintain that particular selection. Some backsplash options require more time and energy to maintain than others, so consider the long-term cleaning costs (both financial as well as the time you’ll need to invest).

Pro Tip: If you’re an active cook, you’ll need to consider what you cook with as well as your cleaning habits. For example, marinara sauce splashing on an unsealed quartzite can pose a problem. Know your tolerance for cleaning, think about the types of foods you work with routinely, and select backsplash accordingly.

Consideration #3: Feature or Focal Point

As an instructor I once had in a color theory class said, “One part of the room décor is the star of the show.” Which means that you can’t expect your countertops, backsplash, lighting, and flooring to all take center stage. 

When I have consultations with homeowners who are preparing to renovate, many times they have chosen beautiful materials for their counters, cabinets, and backsplashes, but each element has a lot going on. This usually means that when put together, the room will appear too busy. 

I encourage you to choose one fabulous item per room and to let the rest of the design elements be complementary. So, determine whether your backsplash is going to be the focal point of your room or a supplementary item that helps showcase another element. 

Knowing whether you’re looking for a feature for your space or a supporting material that lets other elements shine will help further narrow down the backsplash options available to you, again relieving some of that decision overwhelm. 

Pro Tip: If you’re one of the many people who adores colorful cabinets, or if you’ve already purchased a beautiful natural stone island, let the cabinets or countertops be the most important part of your décor. Not every design element in the room has to scream for attention, and to be completely honest, you wouldn’t want them to. Any great design is well-balanced with both “stars of the show” and supporting roles.

Consideration #4: An Aesthetic that Ages Well

With your price range clarified, the scope defined, and your material selected, it is time to establish your aesthetic and choose your backsplash from the much smaller range of options available. (See how these decisions become much less overwhelming when you have a tried-and-true method to follow?)

Defining your own style and determining what feels good in your home is something only you can do, but we can offer a few pieces of advice based on our years of experience working with homeowners just like you:

1. Installing backsplash is a time-consuming process and a significant financial investment, so choose something that you're going to love for years.

2. Don’t choose something that you might soon grow tired of, even if the color or pattern seems really trendy and “in” right now. 

3. Consider the décor in the rest of your home as well, not just the finishes of this particular room. A well-designed home flows from one space to the next without abrupt visual interruptions.

4. Not sure what your personal aesthetic is? No need to worry. We’ve got a blog post that will shed some light on that very subject.

Pro Tip: If you have a fun-loving personality, as most of our clients do, a bold color or funky pattern might feel perfect for you. We aren’t saying this is a bad choice, but do consider whether the backsplash design in question will make or break the resale of your home.

Consideration #5: Statements in Small Spaces

Now, this is going to sound like we are contradicting ourselves, but bear with us for a moment...

Everything we mentioned above is best practice for any large space that requires a backsplash...your whole kitchen, a large master bathroom, etc. 

But you do get to “bend the rules” a little bit if you have a small space that needs an infusion of visual interest. 

When we are talking about a small powder room or the wall behind your cooktop or even a beverage center in the dining room, there is significantly less backsplash square footage at play. This means that if there is a bold tile you’ve absolutely fallen in love with, that little bit of color and texture might just work. 

A vibrant backsplash can make a wonderful statement when used in small quantities around your home. 

Pro Tip: This same concept applies if you adore a tile that is out of your budget. Maybe you can’t afford to adorn your whole kitchen or bathroom with that particular backsplash, but you can consider using this more expensive option for a feature above the stove, a wall behind your beverage center, or a tiny powder room.

To sum it all up, create a budget that feels comfortable, research the materials available to you, define the role of your backsplash, choose an aesthetic that you’ll love for years to come, and enjoy the end result of your careful planning and thoughtful decision-making! Simple as that. 

If you’re looking for a team that can help you through the process of selecting the perfect backsplash (and much more), give us a call! We’d love to help you create the kitchen, bathroom, and home of your dreams.

Warmly,
Sarah