How can we create a luxurious look without spending a fortune is a question that homeowners in Denver often ask as they are planning a dream kitchen. An advantage of relying on a professional kitchen and bath showroom is that experienced and savvy designers know how to stretch budget dollars. The backsplash is one area where homeowners in Colorado don’t have to compromise the look, feel, and luxuriousness of their dream kitchen because of budget.
Slab Backsplash Advantages
Solid-surface material, quartz, stone, glass, and ceramics offer the ability to produce single slab backsplashes that span the length and width of a wall from the countertop to the base of the cabinets and even beyond. Pairing a solid slab backsplash in the same material as countertops can create a dramatic and bold look in a dream kitchen. Solid slab backsplashes are especially appropriate for homeowners in the Denver Metro area who gravitate to contemporary, modern, and even transitional design motifs.
Technological advances provide homeowners in Denver an ideal solution for a fashion-forward high-performing backsplash without having to spend a fortune. Slab backsplashes offer a modern aesthetic and perfect functionality found in custom kitchens but with an extremely attractive price point. There are slabs that check all the right boxes: anti-fingerprint, heat resistant, water repellent, mold-resistant, hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to the solvents and reagents typically used for household cleaning.
If you would like to discuss how a slab backsplash can give you the look of luxury at an extremely attractive price or how to budget effectively for a kitchen renovation of your dreams, give us a call at (303) 300-4400 Denver or (303) 688-8279 Castle Rock or visit either of our showrooms.
Selecting the Perfect Backsplash
The devil is in the details. That certainly is true of selecting a kitchen backsplash – there is almost an unlimited number of factors to consider. Below, we highlighted how to use nontraditional materials for a backsplash providing guidance to help assure you select the right materials for your backsplash to achieve the look and feel you want in your kitchen.
Color Scheme
The color scheme of the kitchen is a major factor in determining the type that will be best for you. The color should complement the other design aspects of the kitchen. For some projects, a dash of bold color helps the backsplash become a focal point in the kitchen. Other clients that want a calmer feeling for their kitchens may opt for a white or light gray color scheme.
Backsplash Material
The material is as important as color. Backsplashes can be used to make a dramatic personal design statement with mixed materials, wood, brick, tile, stone or almost anything that the imagination desires.
Type of Cooking
A third consideration is the amount and type of cooking that will take place in your kitchen. For our clients who are avid cooks, we suggest a stainless steel or painted glass backsplash because they are easy to clean, plus glass and stainless steel can help round out the design of other components of the kitchen.
Height
The height of the backsplash is another factor that most do-it-yourselfers and non-professionals often don’t account for. Cabinet placement typically dictates the height of the backsplash. Some clients prefer having the backsplash end at the bottom of cabinets. Others like the backsplash material to come to the first shelf in an open or glass front cabinet. Some of our clients have extended the backsplash to the ceiling in areas where there are no cabinets to make the backsplash a focal point in the kitchen.
The shape and patterns of materials used for the backsplash are additional considerations. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time period, we suggest that the shapes, colors, and materials complement the other kitchen components, and also the other décor in your home. However, if your time in your home is relatively short, you may want to make sure that the material and design are timeless that will serve as an asset in the future sale of your home. Subway tile is one example of a timeless material and design.
Coordinate Colors & Materials
Backsplashes should also complement and coordinate with countertop materials and colors. If you desire a patterned granite countertop, the backsplash that generally works best is one with a neutral color scheme. If you opt for a solid color quartz countertop, the backsplash can be more colorful.
Cost
How much should you budget for your backsplash? The cost depends on the amount and type of materials that you want. Subway tile is a cost-effective material but may not achieve the look of a stone backsplash or intricate tile. Custom colors are more costly than traditional off-the-shelf products. Mixing and matching materials is an effective way to stretch budget dollars.
Which backsplash shape, material, design, and color will make your kitchen the envy of your friends and neighbors?
At JM Kitchen and Bath we use tile and stone for backsplashes in a number of the kitchens that we design. However, backsplash creativity has been ramped up several notches. Our clients are often thrilled when we help them make distinctive design statements with nontraditional backsplash materials.
Here are a few unique options for you to consider:
Chalkboard: It’s relatively cost-effective and can add a lot of fun to your space. Imagine how easy it would be to follow a recipe if it was written on the backsplash in front of your stove or cooktop. You can also write down your grocery list, reminders to family members and to-do lists.
Wood: Wood is another cost-effective backsplash material. It exudes an aura of warmth and a rustic feel to any kitchen. We typically will recommend wood for clients who have not opted for a wood or laminate floor. Wood offers a blank canvas. It can be placed horizontally, vertically or in a zigzag pattern depending on the look and feel our clients want to achieve.
Buttons: This is a really way out of the box option but can work in certain kitchens. Buttons are most appropriate for a mid-century modern or a vintage type of home. Using buttons as a backsplash certainly is a conversation starter and allows you to play with multiple colors. We would recommend neutral colored cabinets and countertops for those opting for a button backsplash.
Photographs: Want a fun and creative way to honor friends and family? Use their pictures as your kitchen’s backsplash. If you want to create a vintage look, consider black and white photos. If backsplash will be used on several walls, you can use different photos or one large photo for continuity.
Wine corks: Oenophiles consider using wine corks as your backsplash. Using wine corks as the backsplash behind a wine refrigerator in your kitchen just shouts cool.
Wallpaper: Many of our clients don’t think of wallpaper as a backsplash material, but it can really set a kitchen apart. Our clients that want to make a bold statement in their kitchen often opt for a bright patterned wall paper. We would recommend a simple stripe or polka dot paper for clients looking for a more subtle look.
Paint: Using a contrasting paint color as a backsplash is simple and extremely cost-effective. When we specify paint, we typically will suggest a bold bright color that pops against the look and feel of the rest of the kitchen. We also play with different finishes, specifying glossy for the backsplash contrasted by a matte on the walls ceiling
Artwork: Artwork won’t cover all of the backslash space, using framed pictures is a creative, easy and cost-effective way to make a distinctive design statement.
These creative options help our clients consider alternatives to traditional tile and stone, which remain very popular backsplash materials because they work so well. Let us know if you would like us to help you explore different backsplashes for your new kitchen. Call or visit any of our kitchen and bath showrooms in Colorado for a free consultation to talk about unique ideas for the backsplash in your new kitchen or bathroom.
