The kitchen backsplash: an element that changes everything

Practical and beautiful, the backsplash is an indispensable element in our contemporary kitchens. On its own, it can totally change the look.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the right backsplash to make your life easier and to blend in with your décor!

What is the purpose of a backsplash?

The primary function of the kitchen backsplash is to protect the wall behind the oven from accidental grease spills during meal preparation. It is also installed behind the wall of the sink to protect it from drops of water during dishwashing. This prevents moisture damage to the house. For these reasons, ceramic tiles are the most frequently used material.

A finishing element that makes sense

The backsplash completes the kitchen. Without it, the room has an unfinished look. Nowadays, the choice of patterns and colors is almost infinite: it's impossible not to find an option that fits!

To help you decide on a design that will work well with the rest of your kitchen, consider these points:

• If your kitchen is a little dull and lacking in vibrancy, a backsplash in a bright color - such as an ochre yellow or navy blue - or with a captivating pattern - such as colorful overlapping circles or a patchwork pattern - is just right.
• If, on the other hand, your decor is already busy - or even overcrowded! -balance it out by keeping it simple. For example, classic white tiles or an elegant mosaic. The installation of the backsplash will then be done in a way that unifies all the other elements of the room.
• Similarly, if your countertop is visually imposing, for example with multi-colored granite, a simpler backsplash is preferable. Conversely, with a plain countertop, you can have fun with this element. It will serve as a focal point here!
• The backsplash can also be seen as a vertical extension of the countertop. It can be a few inches high or it can go all the way to the ceiling. This installation has been very popular in recent years. In addition to protecting the wall adequately, the tiles up to the ceiling give the impression of a larger kitchen by drawing the eye upwards.

How do I properly maintain it?

Since the backsplash is permanently attached to the wall, changing it is a small renovation project. It is therefore important to take good care of it so that it lasts as long as possible.

• Ceramic or porcelain?

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are two products that can be used for a kitchen backsplash. However, it is better to choose non-porous tiles for easy maintenance. Scrubbing with a mixture of one cup of water and half a cup of baking soda usually does the trick. Also, be aware that opting for tiles with slight patterns rather than a plain surface will forgive small imperfections during installation or cleaning. Don't forget to seal the grout and joints so that water doesn't seep through and damage the wall behind the tiles.

• Stainless Steel

This type of backsplash provides a very modern, even industrial look. Easy to clean and durable, this material can be difficult to install properly. Also, it can be expensive, so make sure your installer has plenty of experience.

• Quartz

Extending a quartz countertop to the backsplash has many advantages. Available in a multitude of colors and patterns, it can often be installed seamlessly. Easy to clean, it is virtually 100% non-porous and therefore very easy to maintain. However, good quality quartz can be expensive and this material can be damaged by direct contact with UV rays.

The sure values

To avoid making a style mistake, you can ask an expert for advice by going to a Deco Surfaces store: bring photographs of your kitchen! Otherwise, you can turn to the safe values.

Subway tiles (white, 2 by 4 inches, installed like bricks) have been used since the early 1900s, making them technically a timeless classic. To make them more contemporary, you have other options!

• For example, incorporate color instead of using white. A deep emerald green would give a totally chic look to neutral kitchen cabinets.
• Another option is to install it in straight lines vertically or in a horizontal Herringbone pattern. These placements will definitely give a more current look to the basic white tiles.

Also, tiles made of noble and raw materials are timeless. In fact, one trend is to use the same quartz or marble as the countertop for the backsplash. This combination is particularly successful in a modern setting. A uniform look is preferable so as to avoid overloading the eye.

Whether it is discreet or the focal point of your kitchen, the backsplash is definitely an element that will impact the appearance of the room. Choose it with care!