Mistakes in Kitchen Backsplashes and Solutions to Rectify Them
Rewritten Article:
Kitchen backsplashes, though often overlooked, hold significant design power. They can either tie a space together or throw it off balance. Think of them as the unsung heroes that provide visual cohesion, standing behind your countertops, cabinets, and appliances. In this article, we dive into six common backsplash mistakes and share tips on how to avoid them, straight from the experts.
Laura Ramirez, founder of CASALAU Design, Audrey Scheck, founder and principal designer at Audrey Scheck Design, and Mariana Fadanelli, principal designer at MAWI Studio Gallery share their wisdom on how to make your backsplash a design gem, not a blunder.
Bold and brash: Going all-in on a trendy color or materialDitch the fire-engine red, matte black, or mirrored backsplash you found online. While bold choices can be fun, they may not align with your kitchen's long-term aesthetic. Opt for classic, timeless materials that can withstand the test of time.
Reflecting on the pitfalls, Laura Ramirez notes, "Mirrored backsplashes or unsealed polished stone can look great initially, but they quickly show every fingerprint, water spot, and cooking splatter. However, I'm a big fan of the patina and story that a honed marble brings to a kitchen. As long as you're on board with the aging process, I think it’s a more forgiving and timeless option."
Mixing it up: Clashing Styles Across SurfacesThe backsplash should be far from an afterthought. When it is, it often leads to a hodgepodge of styles, patterns, and tones that compete and create chaos – not harmony. Homeowners often select a statement countertop first, then frantically hunt for a backsplash to match it, resulting in a cluttered, visual mess.
To prevent this, choose your countertop and backsplash together, and view them in natural light, as Audrey Scheck suggests. "You're not just selecting a surface; you're considering how everything, from your stove to your utensils, will look and feel against it."
Minimalist mistake: Skipping a Backsplash EntirelyIn minimalist kitchens, the temptation to ditch the backsplash may be strong. But don't. "Even when walls are sealed, they're still prone to staining and wear," says Mariana Fadanelli. "Skipping the backsplash is rarely worth the trade-off in functionality."
A backsplash, even a subtle one, acts as a shield. Even in a minimalist kitchen, everyday splatters like lime juice, olive oil, or tomato sauce can stain exposed drywall, and those marks are difficult to remove. Textured, matte, or artisanal tiles in tonal shades can blend seamlessly into the background, while still offering minimalist elegance.
Peel-and-stick troublemakersPeel-and-stick tiles are economical, DIY-friendly, and easy to install. But most designers agree: They usually don't hold up too well in real-life kitchens. As Audrey Scheck notes, "When we walk through the design process with our clients, we lean toward materials that are durable and will stand the test of time."
Peel-and-stick options often lack durability. They can stain easily, peel over time, and even damage the wall underneath when removed. Most importantly, they simply don't replicate the texture or depth of real tile. If you already have a peel-and-stick backsplash, it may be time for an upgrade.
The wrong scale: Choosing the Wrong Size of TilesTile size may seem insignificant, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Tiny mosaics paired with heavily veined countertops or bold cabinetry may create visual chaos, while large-format tiles in a compact kitchen may seem too heavy. Proportions matter, and subtle layout choices can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic.
Grout showdown: Distracting or Dirty Grout LinesGrout color and line width can greatly affect the backsplash's visual impact. High-contrast grout lines can be distracting, while very light grout can quickly show dirt and discoloration. In high-moisture areas, grout selection should be done carefully. Minimal or no-grout lines, as well as tone-on-tone grout choices, can reduce grime buildup and create a seamless look.
If your grout has already become dirty, cleaning it or recoloring it with grout stain or sealant may restore it. In some cases, you can even regrout. Keeping your backsplash grout clean will ensure it looks fresh and polished for years to come.
- In the pursuit of home design decor, Marthastewart would advise against the brash decision of going all-in on a trendy color or material for a kitchen backsplash, as bold choices may not align with the long-term aesthetic of the kitchen, and instead recommend timeless materials.
- To maintain harmony in home-and-garden projects, one should avoid the mixing up mistake of clashing styles across surfaces by choosing their countertop and backsplash together and viewing them in natural light.
- Homeowners should beware of minimalist mistakes, such as skipping a backsplash entirely in a minimalist kitchen, as the absence of it can lead to issues with staining and wear on exposed drywall. A subtle backsplash can provide minimalist elegance and functionality.
