Backsplash is a kitchen element that has often been overlooked or treated as an afterthought in the past. Historically, kitchen backsplash has been used to keep the kitchen walls clean and dry and protect them from splashes and splatters that could cause stains or mold. Recently, those plain, functional, 4”x4” tiles of the past have been replaced by an endless variety of backsplash options that are as beautiful as they are functional. In fact, many prospective home buyers now see stylish backsplash as a must-have feature rather than a nice-to-have feature in the kitchen.

Backsplash is an inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen. Whether it’s part of a kitchen remodel or just a mini-makeover for your kitchen, backsplash is a great design element that enhances and ties together the other decorative aspects of your kitchen, including the countertop and flooring.

There is an endless array of backsplash options on the market from which to choose. Virtually any type of material can be used as kitchen backsplash, including natural stone, glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, copper, mosaic, and more. These tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and textures.

With the seemingly infinite options, choosing the right backsplash can be a daunting task. Your backsplash should complement the décor and theme of your kitchen and reflect your personal style. The backsplash, flooring, and countertop must all work together to create a harmonious design. Look for backsplash that will coordinate with your kitchen cabinets rather than using contrasting colors. If your cabinets are light, you should select light tiles or materials. For dark cabinets, choose a dark backsplash. Consider combining different materials and textures to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind pattern, such as mixing glass tiles and metal tiles or mixing different colors or sizes of tiles. If your kitchen floor is tile, consider using a smaller tile from the same collection for your backsplash.

Before you purchase your entire backsplash, take a sample home to see how it looks in your kitchen. A backsplash that you love in the store, may not look as great as you imagined with your particular décor and lighting. If you’re mixing different tiles to create a custom pattern, lay it out on the floor first to perfect it and ensure you have enough tiles before you begin installing it.

When purchasing tile for your new backsplash, it’s a good idea to buy a little extra to keep on hand for future repairs, just in case your tile is discontinued.