
Newsletter Subscribe Now! HOME KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Backsplash Kitchen Cabinetry Kitchen Storage Kitchen Sink Kitchen Appliances Kitchen Design Articles KITCHEN FLOORING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS ENTERTAINING IN THE KITCHEN THE WET BAR PRODUCTS PHOTO GALLERY RESOURCES Del.icio.us	Kitchen Design > Backsplashes Apart from all the necessities of kitchen design such as flooring, cabinetry and appliances, another canvas to work with to improve any kitchen space is of course a backsplash. Typically backsplashes are positioned behind the stove and sink making these wall surfaces more durable and hygienic, but today backsplashes do more than protect, they can also serve as a work of art bringing character, color, and style to your kitchen walls. TheSexyKitchen.com brings you an easy way to brainstorm backsplash ideas. Inexpensive Kitchen Backsplash Ideas Paint If you really want an idea that will save some pennies and will not compromise your kitchens appearance all you need to do is decide on a color! Paint has come such a long way! High performance paint will resist stains and require only a wipe with water and mild soap although you can scrub away if you like. High quality paints are often antimicrobial fighting mildew and mold, ideal for all kitchen spaces. Paint can truly transform your walls and protect them as well. If you are a handy painter you can get really creative and actually paint on a backsplash. Find a pattern and apply grout to your work space. Once dry your canvas is ready and the result is a realistic resemblance of tile. Ceramic Tile The classic backsplash tile is of course made of ceramic. Price can vary dramatically depending on the quality of tile chosen but generally many styles and colors of ceramic tile can be easily found to form a fantastic ceramic kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tile is a porous material that requires a sealant therefore it is helpful to use glazed ceramic tiles as a backsplash which are stronger and obviously much easier to clean. Possibilities are endless for ceramic tile backsplashes with the extensive choices of colors, textures, and styles but it doesn't end there. Tiling requires grout and grout is also available in several color options. Choosing a grout which matches your tile color creates a classic look, where choosing a grout which stands out from your tile color will have a much different effect generally creating a more bold appearance. Depending on your style, grout may be an important consideration. There is always risk in trying to create a unique look with your grout choice but the good news is that there are grout paint products out there to help you!! Shop around and you should be able to find a grout paint which will match better with your tile choice. Get Creative! - Find tiles in the color(s) of your choice. Use a pencil and out line your tiles where you imagine them to be. Mix up the colors and play with the design. This will help you picture your backsplash and let your ideas come to life before you go ahead with your project. - Another option is to not tile the entire wall. Consider only tiling behind the sink or stove or both if allows. It is also common to have a single layer of tile run along the top of your counter space. This helps protect the wall from counter top cleaners and ultimately saves you money. Other Kitchen Backsplash Ideas Hand Made Tiles Hand made tiles are an excellent product for kitchen backsplashes instantly creating a more rustic appearance with lots of character and charm, however since each tile is made individually, you will find many imperfections with respect to color and composition. Some tiles may be rough and others will be smooth, some will have a more matte finish where others will be sheen and tiles may also not have the same color qualities. It is these inconsistencies that make hand made tiles fantastic, the problem stands in whether these tiles will contribute to the overall style you are trying to achieve in your kitchen. Many people have been disappointed with the final result of their kitchen as the tiles are not uniform. It takes a keen eye and a clear picture of how your backsplash should be to make handmade tiles work well for your kitchen backsplash. If you really like the idea of hand made tiles in your kitchen backsplash but want to create a cleaner look, choose a few hand made tiles and combine them with something more consistent such as glass or ceramic. There is no need to do the entire backsplash using just one type of tile. This way you can still stay true to your original design but add that little touch of a hand made feature that you cant leave behind!! There are several artisans today who have gone beyond making individual hand made tiles to creating entire backsplash paintings. These artists will often paint a backsplash from a favorite picture, place or anything upon request. These backsplashes are entirely unique to your needs, likes, and pleasures and obviously a greater price is also attached. Glass Tile Backsplashes Do you want to add luster and sparkle to your kitchen backsplash? Then glass tiles are the only choice! These tiles are spectacular and are available in clear, frosted, linear or iridescent finishes and can even be slip proof for floors!! Glass is actually incredibly durable and non-porous making glass a perfect choice for the kitchen. Troubleshooting: The downside of glass is that these tiles can be very tricky to cut and very expensive. Installing glass kitchen backsplash tiles is very similar to installing ceramic only your choice of grout color is very important. Since most glass tiles are translucent, imperfections in your grouting job will show through the tile. Since these tiles are translucent, their color will also be affected by your grout color choice therefore it is recommended to use a white grout so that the true color of the tile will show through. Glass mosaic tile backsplashes* - Glass 1x1 mosaic tiles are quite expensive running at approximately $30 sq where larger glass tile sheets are less. One way to include glass into your backsplash design without blowing your budget is to use smaller glass mosaic boarder sheets. These sheets combine excellently with ceramic or stone tiles and work wonderfully on their own when applied to a painted backsplash surface. Solid glass backsplashes - Another fabulous option for kitchen backsplashes is solid glass slabs. Solid pieces of clear or colored glass can be installed between kitchen counters and kitchen cabinetry creating a luminous and fluid like effect for your kitchen wall space. Solid glass is also quite expensive and will show dirt and grime easier however this surface is very easy to keep clean as it is seamless. Sculpted glass - As evident in glass blowing, glass is a material which can be heated and then sculpted into incredibly beautiful pieces. If you are serious about creating a unique kitchen space, there are glass manufacturing experts who can create some amazing pieces that could be worked into a kitchen backsplash for you. The more complex they are however, expect cleaning to be a nightmare! TIP** If you want to use a white glass tile in your kitchen beware that most white glass tiles will actually have a light green appearance!! It will never look like true white. If white is your color of choice and you wish to use glass tiles then frosted glass tiles are your only hope. These tiles create a much whiter appearance. Metallic Backsplashes Virtually any sheet metal can be formed into a beautiful kitchen backsplash, but some are much more popular than others. Stainless Steel The trendiest product in the backsplash market today, this material is a perfect fit for kitchens. Stainless steel is a 100% recyclable and flexible product which can easily fit into irregular corners and angles. Stainless steel is incredibly durable which resists heat and corrosion and since it is installed seamlessly, this backsplash is incredibly easy to clean and is therefore a wonderfully hygienic material for the kitchen. Although stainless steel is an attractive material on its own, today this product has been transformed into many different textures, patterns, and finishes resulting in many available choices. Stainless steel backsplashes of course look best when combined with stainless steel appliances. A popular trend today is to combine stainless steel counters and backsplashes with hardwood cabinetry, the results can be stunning! The most popular form of stainless steel backsplashes are seamless, however this material is also available in tiles as well. This feature provides even more options as stainless steel tiles can be combined with other metal tiles to create endless design and styling opportunities. Copper Backsplash Copper as a backsplash is a brilliant way to add warmth and beauty to your kitchen. Like stainless steel, copper is a very durable and flexible product that can be installed seamlessly or in tiles. Copper backsplashes are also available in several styles, textures, patterns and finishes. They can be finger print and tarnish free! Check out www.swiftcanada.com for unique Metallic backsplashes for the kitchen. Learn how stainless steel and copper can also be used to create gorgeous kitchen countertops! By incorporating backsplashes into your kitchen, you can add immediate luster to your work space and improve the sexiness of your design style without having to break the bank. If you have the resources, be sure to look into the hand-made tile options and designer glass tiles. You will not regret putting the extra time or money in as the results will leave your kitchen looking chic and beautiful. Have fun with this project, we know it will look great! Kitchen Backsplashes can sometimes be difficult to install though. we do recommend hiring a tileContractor. "Find a Free Backsplash installation quote here" If you are handy though, you can attend classes at many local building centers and leran how to do it yourself!	Site Search
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Kitchen Design > Backsplashes

Sarah Richardson Design Tile Backsplash Apart from all the necessities of kitchen design such as flooring, cabinetry and appliances, another canvas to work with to improve any kitchen space is of course a backsplash. Typically backsplashes are positioned behind the stove and sink making these wall surfaces more durable and hygienic, but today backsplashes do more than protect, they can also serve as a work of art bringing character, color, and style to your kitchen walls. TheSexyKitchen.com brings you an easy way to brainstorm backsplash ideas.

Inexpensive Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Paint

If you really want an idea that will save some pennies and will not compromise your kitchens appearance all you need to do is decide on a color! Paint has come such a long way! High performance paint will resist stains and require only a wipe with water and mild soap although you can scrub away if you like. High quality paints are often antimicrobial fighting mildew and mold, ideal for all kitchen spaces. Paint can truly transform your walls and protect them as well.

If you are a handy painter you can get really creative and actually paint on a backsplash. Find a pattern and apply grout to your work space. Once dry your canvas is ready and the result is a realistic resemblance of tile.

Ceramic Tile

The classic backsplash tile is of course made of ceramic. Price can vary dramatically depending on the quality of tile chosen but generally many styles and colors of ceramic tile can be easily found to form a fantastic ceramic kitchen backsplash.

Ceramic tile is a porous material that requires a sealant therefore it is helpful to use glazed ceramic tiles as a backsplash which are stronger and obviously much easier to clean. Possibilities are endless for ceramic tile backsplashes with the extensive choices of colors, textures, and styles but it doesn't end there. Tiling requires grout and grout is also available in several color options. Choosing a grout which matches your tile color creates a classic look, where choosing a grout which stands out from your tile color will have a much different effect generally creating a more bold appearance. Depending on your style, grout may be an important consideration. There is always risk in trying to create a unique look with your grout choice but the good news is that there are grout paint products out there to help you!! Shop around and you should be able to find a grout paint which will match better with your tile choice.

Get Creative!

- Find tiles in the color(s) of your choice. Use a pencil and out line your tiles where you imagine them to be. Mix up the colors and play with the design. This will help you picture your backsplash and let your ideas come to life before you go ahead with your project.

- Another option is to not tile the entire wall. Consider only tiling behind the sink or stove or both if allows. It is also common to have a single layer of tile run along the top of your counter space. This helps protect the wall from counter top cleaners and ultimately saves you money.

Other Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Hand Made Tiles

Hand made tiles are an excellent product for kitchen backsplashes instantly creating a more rustic appearance with lots of character and charm, however since each tile is made individually, you will find many imperfections with respect to color and composition. Some tiles may be rough and others will be smooth, some will have a more matte finish where others will be sheen and tiles may also not have the same color qualities. It is these inconsistencies that make hand made tiles fantastic, the problem stands in whether these tiles will contribute to the overall style you are trying to achieve in your kitchen. Many people have been disappointed with the final result of their kitchen as the tiles are not uniform. It takes a keen eye and a clear picture of how your backsplash should be to make handmade tiles work well for your kitchen backsplash.

If you really like the idea of hand made tiles in your kitchen backsplash but want to create a cleaner look, choose a few hand made tiles and combine them with something more consistent such as glass or ceramic. There is no need to do the entire backsplash using just one type of tile. This way you can still stay true to your original design but add that little touch of a hand made feature that you cant leave behind!!

There are several artisans today who have gone beyond making individual hand made tiles to creating entire backsplash paintings. These artists will often paint a backsplash from a favorite picture, place or anything upon request. These backsplashes are entirely unique to your needs, likes, and pleasures and obviously a greater price is also attached.

Glass Tile Backsplashes

Do you want to add luster and sparkle to your kitchen backsplash? Then glass tiles are the only choice! These tiles are spectacular and are available in clear, frosted, linear or iridescent finishes and can even be slip proof for floors!! Glass is actually incredibly durable and non-porous making glass a perfect choice for the kitchen.

*Troubleshooting: The downside of glass is that these tiles can be very tricky to cut and very expensive. Installing glass kitchen backsplash tiles is very similar to installing ceramic only your choice of grout color is very important. Since most glass tiles are translucent, imperfections in your grouting job will show through the tile. Since these tiles are translucent, their color will also be affected by your grout color choice therefore it is recommended to use a white grout so that the true color of the tile will show through.

Glass mosaic tile backsplashes - Glass 1x1 mosaic tiles are quite expensive running at approximately $30 sq where larger glass tile sheets are less. One way to include glass into your backsplash design without blowing your budget is to use smaller glass mosaic boarder sheets. These sheets combine excellently with ceramic or stone tiles and work wonderfully on their own when applied to a painted backsplash surface.

Solid glass backsplashes - Another fabulous option for kitchen backsplashes is solid glass slabs. Solid pieces of clear or colored glass can be installed between kitchen counters and kitchen cabinetry creating a luminous and fluid like effect for your kitchen wall space. Solid glass is also quite expensive and will show dirt and grime easier however this surface is very easy to keep clean as it is seamless.

Sculpted glass - As evident in glass blowing, glass is a material which can be heated and then sculpted into incredibly beautiful pieces. If you are serious about creating a unique kitchen space, there are glass manufacturing experts who can create some amazing pieces that could be worked into a kitchen backsplash for you. The more complex they are however, expect cleaning to be a nightmare!

TIP** If you want to use a white glass tile in your kitchen beware that most white glass tiles will actually have a light green appearance!! It will never look like true white. If white is your color of choice and you wish to use glass tiles then frosted glass tiles are your only hope. These tiles create a much whiter appearance.

Metallic Backsplashes

Virtually any sheet metal can be formed into a beautiful kitchen backsplash, but some are much more popular than others.

Stainless Steel

The trendiest product in the backsplash market today, this material is a perfect fit for kitchens. Stainless steel is a 100% recyclable and flexible product which can easily fit into irregular corners and angles. Stainless steel is incredibly durable which resists heat and corrosion and since it is installed seamlessly, this backsplash is incredibly easy to clean and is therefore a wonderfully hygienic material for the kitchen.

Although stainless steel is an attractive material on its own, today this product has been transformed into many different textures, patterns, and finishes resulting in many available choices.

Stainless steel backsplashes of course look best when combined with stainless steel appliances. A popular trend today is to combine stainless steel counters and backsplashes with hardwood cabinetry, the results can be stunning!

The most popular form of stainless steel backsplashes are seamless, however this material is also available in tiles as well. This feature provides even more options as stainless steel tiles can be combined with other metal tiles to create endless design and styling opportunities.

Copper Backsplash

Copper as a backsplash is a brilliant way to add warmth and beauty to your kitchen. Like stainless steel, copper is a very durable and flexible product that can be installed seamlessly or in tiles. Copper backsplashes are also available in several styles, textures, patterns and finishes. They can be finger print and tarnish free!

Check out www.swiftcanada.com for unique Metallic backsplashes for the kitchen.

Learn how stainless steel and copper can also be used to create gorgeous kitchen countertops!

By incorporating backsplashes into your kitchen, you can add immediate luster to your work space and improve the sexiness of your design style without having to break the bank. If you have the resources, be sure to look into the hand-made tile options and designer glass tiles. You will not regret putting the extra time or money in as the results will leave your kitchen looking chic and beautiful. Have fun with this project, we know it will look great!

Kitchen Backsplashes can sometimes be difficult to install though. we do recommend hiring a tileContractor. "Find a Free Backsplash installation quote here"
If you are handy though, you can attend classes at many local building centers and leran how to do it yourself!

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