4 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Kitchen Backsplash

22 June 2023 TIPS & GUIDES
The Interior Lab

Glossy Vs Matte Backsplash

Choosing between a glossy or matte kitchen backsplash can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Glossy backsplashes have shiny, reflective surfaces that add a sense of glamour and modernity to the space, giving the kitchen a more polished look. They are known for their ability to bounce light, making the kitchen appear brighter and more spacious. 

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On the other hand, matte backsplashes offer a subtle, understated elegance with their non-reflective finish. They can create a more calming and sophisticated atmosphere, giving a softer feel to the kitchen space. 

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While it is obvious when glossy tiles or surfaces are dirty, they are easier to clean due to their smooth, wipeable surface. Matte tiles are better able to conceal dirt, smudges and stains, but are generally more difficult to clean. Ultimately, the choice between glossy and matte backsplashes depends on your personal style preferences and the desired ambiance you want to achieve in your kitchen.

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Grouting

Grouting is an essential step in the installation process of a kitchen backsplash when tiles are used. Its primary purpose is to provide structural support to the tiles and prevent moisture penetration, but it is now viewed as a factor that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the backsplash.

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Grout colour plays a significant role in the overall appearance of your backsplash. You can choose a grout colour that complements or contrasts with the tiles, depending on your desired aesthetic. Light-coloured grout tends to make the backsplash appear larger and more spacious, while dark-coloured grout can provide a striking contrast and add visual depth.

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When it comes to the visual impact and style of your kitchen backsplash, the choice between small tile grouting and big tile grouting can make a significant difference. Opting for small tiles like subway tiles allows for the creation of intricate patterns and visual texture. Big tiles mean less grouting, which offers a more modern and minimalistic look with fewer grout lines interrupting the visual flow. This can contribute to a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, providing a backdrop that allows other elements in your kitchen to stand out without overwhelming the overall design.

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Matching The Countertop

It is common practice to match your kitchen backsplash colour to your countertop, so as to create a seamless flow between the two surfaces. With the examples prior, the same or similar shade is chosen, which is an easy formula to achieving a cohesive kitchen interior design

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What can further accentuate the design cohesiveness would be to use the same material for the countertop and the backsplash. For materials with grains or patterns, a key consideration would be to ensure continuity from countertop to backsplash. For example, for marble-grained surfaces or laminates, matching the lines across the perpendicular surfaces would make it seamless.

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Beyond the cooking zone, you can consider extending the use of your backsplash tiles to the rest of your kitchen wall. This creates a definite consistent style across the entire space that can elevate the overall kitchen interior.

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Focal Point Of The Kitchen

By making intentional choices in colour, material, pattern, or design, you can transform your backsplash into a captivating centrepiece in your kitchen. Consider backsplash options with intricate patterns, such as Moroccan tiles, geometric designs, or mosaic patterns. These eye-catching designs can draw attention immediately upon entry into the space and add a sense of visual interest to the kitchen.

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In a neutral toned kitchen or one that carries a single main colour, these bold backsplash designs will anchor your line of sight and create a point of focus.

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That said, if your kitchen already holds a strong colour theme such as this home’s dark green and walnut wood tones, you can consider a kitchen backsplash with a more subtle accent. The homeowners chose pearlescent herringbone tiles that provide neutrality in colour while giving the surface texture and depth, especially under sunlight.

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A well-designed kitchen backsplash is a game-changer when it comes to transforming the overall look and feel of your kitchen. It not only serves a functional purpose by protecting your walls from stains and splatters but also adds a touch of style and personality to the space. So next time you need to revamp your kitchen, consider giving your kitchen backsplash a makeover for an enhanced, fresh look!

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