Whether a kitchen is modern or more traditional, sometimes busy granites, lots of stainless steel, decorative cabinet knobs and a bold paint color can overwhelm the space. The kitchen backsplash design needs to complement, but not compete with the space in these cases to provide a resting place for the eye. These simple backsplash ideas will ensure that the kitchen looks pulled together and not too busy.
Use Shape to Decorate
Whether using a ceramic tile backsplash, or one made of tumbled stone, keeping to one color throughout will help keep the kitchen from having too much going on. In kitchens where there are competing design elements elsewhere, the backsplash can provide a subtle backdrop. Different shapes and sizes of the same material can be used for a tone-on-tone effect.
Try placing a row of 4x4-inch tumbled stone straight along the countertop, with a few rows of mosaic tile in the same color on top. Switch back to the larger tile above it to continue to the cabinet. This adds texture and depth to the backsplash without making it too busy.
Use Only One Shape of Backsplash Tile
Another option is to use one particular shape throughout the backsplash, but change its orientation. This works particularly well for ceramic tiles, which are frequently produced in varying shapes.
Run subway tile in a running bond or offset pattern along the counters; switch the pattern behind the stove to a herringbone layout. Frame this area with a molding of the same tile for a simple look. Frame the area in a row of glass tile, or a contrasting color molding for additional interest or detail.
Accent Sparingly with Mosaic Tile
Consider cutting up large sheets of mosaic into rows of border, rather than using mosaic everywhere. Mosaic tiles, with their many grout lines can create a busy space, using them sparingly can provide interest without that busy design.
One row of mosaic, one tile up from the counter, can add just a bit of color and style to a backsplash. If a slightly more dramatic look is required, use the same mosaic to fill in the area behind the stovetop, and frame it with a molding of the same material as the field.
Occasional Pops of Color Can Complement Kitchen Design
If mosaic tile seems too busy, but a small amount of accent tile is desired, consider cutting in plain 2-inch tiles. Select a secondary color from elsewhere in the kitchen, to complement the rest of the design. If the field tile is laid on an angle, one 2-inch tile can be cut in every 12-inches in a straight line around the kitchen. This can be done tone-on-tone as well, to add extra depth without necessarily adding additional color in a monochromatic kitchen.
If trying to decide if an accent is too much for the space, place pieces of masking tape on the wall as if they were accents. If the space looks overly busy, the accent can be eliminated from the design prior to ordering.
Remember that sometimes simple designs are the most classic, and often have the most staying power. To ensure that the kitchen continues to appeal for years to come, consider sticking to the classics and leave the trends for elsewhere.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
