The Kitchen Backsplash: Attractive Colors & Interesting Textures

It struck as recently while dressing for a friend's wedding that a colorful tie or pocket square serves much the same function as a kitchen backsplash. In the booming world of men's style, for example, a central look is the classic, well-tailored outfit accented with a statement accessory--like that tie or pocket square. The key to this look is maintaining the classicism of, say, a wool navy suit, while showing a flash of inventiveness.

A textured houndstooth tie and a colorful pocket square colorfully complement a navy suit without overwhelming the look. [Picture Source]

At MKBD, we follow a similar outline with our kitchen remodeling projects: a classical, well-designed space accented with an inventive element. And more often than not, that inventive element is the kitchen backsplash. As our projects below prove, the backsplash offers more than mere protection against cooking spills and stains. A backsplash can enliven a kitchen with a pop of color or an interesting textural contrast.

If you're seeking backsplash ideas, look no further! Check out our projects below for inspiration and some helpful tips.

A truly spectacular backsplash will provide both color and textural variation.

Kitchen Backsplash Materials

Tile is the most popular backsplash material, yet your choices are only really limited by your contractor's skills. A talented contractor can easily install a backsplash made of any number of materials, including a multitude of tiles, from ceramic to glass, to stainless steel, soapstone, plate glass, limestone, granite, brick, tumbled stone--well, you get the point!

In this MKBD project, the decorative backsplash element is a fusion of glass, stone, and porcelain crafted into a harlequin mosaic tile.

This tile mosaic backsplash (also shown above) provides a striking yet companionable contrast to the cherrywood cabinets and lime green wall paint. 

Texture and Color

Since your choice of materials is seemingly endless, you might want to first consider how the backsplash will complement your kitchen design. Most backsplash designs are meant to provide a subtle (or sometimes striking: see above) contrast to the kitchen cabinets and wall paint. When thinking about this contrast, consider both the material's texture and color.

This porcelain tile backsplash maintains the warm color palette of the cabinets and countertop, yet provides an intriguing textural contrast to the wood and granite.  

The houndstooth tie in the picture above illustrates how texture adds visual distinction to an otherwise simple, yet refined look. Like a houndstooth tie, the kitchen backsplash offers the same opportunity to experiment with unique, textured materials.

This tumbled Travertine tile backsplash provides a a wonderfully gritty texture to contrast a kitchen otherwise populated with smooth surfaces and clean lines.

Beyond the unique texture, the Travertine tiles above reveal how a backsplash can also influence the kitchen's palette. In this project, the grey tiles help to soften the distinction between the orange walls and dark granite countertops.

Backsplashes can also provide an intriguing color contrast. In the MKBD project below, the stark two-toned palette is relieved by the warm color notes of the backsplash.

Click here for more pictures of this kitchen backsplash.

Kitchen Backsplash Installation

A kitchen backsplash is relatively easy to install. No wonder many homeowners choose to make the backsplash a DIY project. If you're the DIY-type, check out this handy guide from This Old House.

For ease and synergy of elements, however, MKBD suggests installing a new backsplash as part of a larger kitchen renovation or kitchen remodeling project. And remember, if you are performing a larger remodeling project, you can save cash by using the same materials for your counters and backsplash--or your floors and backsplash.

In this MKBD project (also shown above), the same porcelain tiles used for the backsplash line the floor.  

Remember, however, if you prefer subtle (or striking) contrast, you can customize your backsplash with a myriad of materials, textures, and colors.


FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk the kitchen backsplash and more! Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!