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Kitchen Backsplashes & ideas
Typically kitchen backsplashes are positioned behind the stove and sink making these wall surfaces more durable and hygienic, but today, kitchen backsplashes do more than protect, they can also serve as a work of art bringing character, color, and style to your kitchen walls.
Below you will find some simple and easy kitchen backsplash ideas and tips to help you make your kitchen a sexier place.
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.
Get Creative with tile backsplashes!
- 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.Environmentally friendly Kitchen Backsplash Ideas...
We have set out below the most popluar choices available in kitchen backsplash ideas today but there is now a strong movement towards recycled content for kitchen backsplashes such as recycled glass, recycled aluminum tile, concrete composite and recycled glass aggregates.
These kitchen backsplashes can be very funky as each tile or material is unique and designed to be extremely environmentally friendly. Many of these backspalsh material manufacturers use alternative energy, 100% recycled content and locally sourced materials.
Find out more on these excellent green options at our sister site www.thesexygreenhome.com
Ceramic Tile Backsplashes
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.
Hand Made backsplash Tiles
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. photo courtetsy of oldporttile.com
If you really like the idea of hand made tiles for 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 tile or ceramic tile. 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.
Natural Stone Tile Kitchen Backsplashes
Natrual tone tiles are not cheap though and due to veining can have quite the varied look from case to case. Try and purchase or inspect all of your tiles from the same merchant and if need be, purchase larger tiles that you can be cut to appropriate sizes. Be sure to use a professional tile installer though if you intend on cutting these tiles as they are delicate and can break quite easily.
Glass Tile kitchen Backsplashes
*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 tile 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 tile 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 backsplash. 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 kitchen backsplashes
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 backsplash, 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!
!!important tip for white glass tiles!!
If you want to use a white glass tiles in your kitchen backsplash design, 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 kitchen Backsplashes
Virtually any sheet metal can be formed into a beautiful kitchen backsplash, but some are much more popular than others.
Stainless Steel Backsplashes
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 Backsplashes
Copper as a backsplash idea 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!
TheSexyKitchen Opinion
By incorporating interesting backsplashes and designs into your kitchen, you can add immediate luster to your work space and improve the sexiness of your kitchen 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 professional tile Contractor. Find a licenced tile installer now!
If you are handy though, you can attend classes at many local building centers and lean how to do it yourself! Patience is definitely a virtue if you pursue the DIY route. Good luck, have fun and keep it sexy!
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