How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash Tiles for Your Northern Virginia Home

Explore Our Kitchen Backsplash Tile Buying Guide

Are you looking to refresh your Northern Virginia kitchen? Or are you going for a whole kitchen remodel and want some backsplash ideas?

A well-chosen backsplash can be the perfect finishing touch to truly transform your space. Let’s take a look at some kitchen backsplash ideas and considerations that will transform your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Purpose of Kitchen Backsplash Tile

A backsplash serves both functional and aesthetic purposes for your kitchen:

Protection: It shields your walls from splashes, spills, and splatters.
Easy Cleaning: A backsplash is easier to clean than scrubbing painted walls and doesn’t wear down each time you clean them.
Visual Interest: Provides a focal point or can complement your kitchen’s design.
Resale Value: Adding a backsplash is a cost-effective way to add value to your kitchen that is also appealing to potential buyers.

The Power of a Great Kitchen Backsplash

Before we jump into specific ideas, let’s talk about why your backsplash matters.

A backsplash isn’t just a protective barrier for your walls— it’s a key design element that can:

• Define your kitchen’s style
• Tie together your color scheme
• Add texture and visual interest
• Showcase your personality 

Where to Use Backsplash

Kitchen Backsplashes are most often installed between countertops and upper cabinets, but there are other ways they can make a statement:

Behind the stove: This is where your backsplash will work the hardest and create a natural focal point.
Around the windows: Backsplash in this area can frame kitchen windows beautifully.
On a kitchen island: Add visual interest to your island with a unique backsplash.
Floor-to-ceiling: Create a dramatic look by extending your backsplash tiles to the ceiling.

What to Consider When Selecting Backsplash Tile

Your Kitchen’s Style: The backsplash should complement your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, whether modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.

Countertops: Your backsplash tile should coordinate with your countertops. Bring a sample of your countertop material when shopping for tiles.

Cabinet Color: Consider how the backsplash will look against your cabinet doors.

Lighting: Remember that your backsplash tile will look different under various lighting conditions— consider testing a sample in your kitchen at different times of day.

Maintenance: Some materials require more upkeep than others. For example, natural stone needs regular resealing, while glass tiles are easy to keep clean.

Durability: Consider the wear and tear your backsplash will endure, especially in high-use kitchen areas, like behind the stove.

Grout Color: The color of your grout can dramatically change the look of your backsplash. Contrasting grout can highlight a pattern while matching grout creates a more seamless look.

Pattern: The way you arrange your tiles can add visual interest. Consider rearranging classic tiles like subway, herringbone, or basketweave into custom patterns.

Texture: Textured tiles can add depth and interest to your kitchen.

Focal Points: Decide if you want your kitchen tiles to be a bold statement piece or a subtle complement to other areas of your kitchen.

Backsplash Height: The standard backsplash height is only four inches above the countertop, but many homeowners are choosing higher backsplashes for greater protection and impact. 

Consider these options:

• Standard 4-inch height
• To the bottom of the upper cabinets
• Full height to the ceiling

Tip: Consider extending your countertop material up the wall for a seamless look as a backsplash. This works well with materials like granite or quartz.

Backsplash Buying Guide

When shopping around for backsplash, consider these factors:

Size: Tile sizes range from small mosaics to large format tiles. The size you choose can affect the overall look of your kitchen. For example, if you’re remodeling a small kitchen, it will look awkward to have large tiles.

Materials: Popular options include:

• Ceramic and porcelain tiles
• Natural stone (marble, granite, slate)
• Glass tiles
• Metal tiles
• Brick or brick veneer 

Price: The cost of kitchen backsplash tiles can vary significantly based on materials and the complexity of installation. On average, expect to pay between $10-$40 per square foot, including labor and materials.

Colors: The best color for your backsplash depends on your kitchen’s overall design. Consider these options: 

• Neutral tones for a timeless look
• Bold colors to make a statement
• Complementary colors to your countertops and cabinets 

You may even prefer to blend your backsplash tile style with your cabinetry and appliances to go completely unnoticed for a truly seamless look.

Timeless Backsplash Tile Ideas

Some backsplash options have stood the test of time because they always look fantastic and pair well with any kitchen style.

If you want to play it safe, select these tiles:

Subway tile: Classic and versatile
Penny tile: Small circular tiles add texture and interest
Moroccan tile: Intricate patterns for a bold look
Natural stone: Timeless elegance with unique variations

It’s important to note that the more trendy or colorful your backsplash, the more likely it will affect the resale appeal to potential buyers. But at the end of the day, selecting backsplash tiles you love will make your home feel more like your personal sanctuary.

Ready to Transform Your Northern Virginia Kitchen?

A backsplash that suits your style is the perfect way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or have a Pinterest-worthy design in mind, the right backsplash can really bring your whole kitchen together!

We’re passionate about creating kitchens that are both stylish and functional. We enjoy crafting custom tile patterns and helping you find the perfect, timeless backsplash that will make your kitchen shine for years to come!

Contact Slate Design & Remodel for your complimentary kitchen remodel consultation, and let us introduce you to the exciting world of kitchen backsplash tiles!