New design trends come each year. This holds true for kitchen backsplashes, an element that can make or break the aesthetic of the entire kitchen. While once-popular backsplash styles can quickly become dated, opting for a more timeless look ensures your design stays relevant for years to come.
As you remodel your kitchen in 2023, be wary of these backsplash blunders to avoid.
Passe Subway Tile Backsplashes
Subway tile backsplashes have been popular for decades thanks to their classic, clean look. However, the ubiquity of white rectangular subway tiles has made them seem boring and dated rather than crisp.
Why Subway Tiles Are Going Out of Style
The familiar brickwork pattern of white subway tiles fails to provide visual interest compared to the array of backsplash materials available today. While they once brought a sleek, polished look, more exciting large format tiles or mix-and-match patterns now achieve that goal with less monotony.
Alternatives to Classic White Subway Tiles
Instead of defaulting to subway tiles for your backsplash, consider these fresher options:
- Large format tiles with striking grains and textures
- Mixing subway tiles with bolder complementary colors
- Natural stone backsplashes that bring organic, cozy style
Poorly Planned Backsplash Layouts
Failing to map out your backsplash layout early in the design process can lead to abrupt edges and uneven transitions between surrounding kitchen elements.
Issues with Abruptly Ending Backsplashes
Backsplashes that meet the wall or countertops in a jagged, uneven line look choppy and disjointed. This fails to tie the appliances, cabinetry, and backsplash together into a unified whole.
| Poor Planning Pitfall | Visual Impact |
|---|---|
| Backsplash ending mid-wall with rough edges | Appears haphazardly placed, interrupts flow |
| Dramatic transitions between backsplash and countertops | Draws attention, prevents cohesive look |
Tips for Seamless Backsplash Layouts
Map placement early when first conceiving your kitchen remodel. Choose edges and transitions that complement counters and walls. Bullnose tiles transition cleanly while matching the look of surrounding surfaces.
Overuse of Metallic and Mirrored Tiles
While metal and mirrored backsplashes can bring eye-catching drama through high contrast and reflectivity, incorporating too much risks overwhelming the kitchen.
Dangers of Too Much Bling
A backsplash dominated by metallic finishes or mirrored glass often makes kitchens feel dark and enclosed instead of light and airy. Reflective tiles also showcase every smudge, reducing the clean, polished look.
Incorporating Metallics and Mirrors
Limit metallic and mirrored tiles to periodic accents. Mix with matte tiles and surfaces to soften the aesthetic. For smaller kitchens, avoid reflective backsplashes altogether to prevent cramped feelings.
Trendy But High Maintenance Materials
Super porous natural stones or ceramic tiles prone to staining may boast beautiful designs, but the upkeep required makes enjoyment short-lived.
Problems with High Maintenance Surfaces
Backsplashes that necessitate intensive sealing, extreme care to prevent etching, or frequent scrubbing to remove stains quickly become headaches.
As materials show wear and damage over time, frustration overturns the initial aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of trend-setting style.
Low Maintenance Backsplash Options
Skip troublesome cleaning regimens by choosing durable, naturally stain-resistant backsplash materials like:
- Glazed ceramic tiles
- Polished natural stones
- Glass tile mosaics
DIY Installation Attempts
Ambitious do-it-yourselfers risk transforming minor backsplash projects into costly, time-consuming ordeals.
Saving Money Can Backfire
Lacking specialized tools and experience working with backsplash materials leads to frustrating trial-and-error efforts. This may ultimately require redoing entire sections.
Common problems encountered during DIY installation include:
- Uneven tile spacing
- Grout cracking prematurely
- Improperly sealed natural stone
Benefits of Hiring Backsplash Installer
Employing backsplash installation experts provides advantages DIY novices lack, including:
- Precision cutting tools for flawless fitted edges
- Process experience for efficiently executing design
- Product warranties and protection from defects
While daring backsplash experiments may rake in compliments initially, many trendy styles fail to provide lasting enjoyment and function.
As you remodel your kitchen in 2023, stick to classic materials with simple integration. Not only will this prevent design regrets down the road, but it allows changing accent pieces to refresh the look when desired.
