Selecting The Perfect Kitchen Backsplash For Your New Build Or Remodel
- Veronica Solomon
- Jul 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2025
Think back to the days when homebuilders would only install a 4" formica backsplash behind the cooktop, and the rest of it sheetrock.
Yikes! I am happy to know that is no longer the norm.
Kitchen backsplashes are a very necessary part of your kitchen design. Not just for the look but for the purpose they serve.
They are crucial for protecting your walls from steam, water, food splatter, grease and potential damage from cooking equipment.
With function being the highest priority, it does not mean that you have to sacrifice style. The backsplash is one of the main elements that can bring drama, style, personality and enhance the beauty of your kitchen. It gives you a chance to add color and texture that will complement the overall design of the kitchen - the heart of your home.
Here are a few things to consider as you choose the perfect backsplash for your kitchen
Consider Functionality & Maintenance
With the kitchen being the hub of most homes, they certainly get the most use.
Consider the type of material - whether tile or slab and how it will perform over time. Is the material easily cleaned? Will grout lines be a factor? Are there any routine maintenance requirements that will be needed over time? Can the material be scrubbed easily without damaging it? Will it be able to withstand high temperatures? Is the material porous?
Porcelain, glass, ceramic or metal tiles are ideal for behind your range, since they are nonporous and resistant to fading, heat, moisture, and staining.
I am a big fan of running the same stone countertop slab up the backsplash for a modern, seamless look. Marbles are a bit more porous, but quartzite, granite and porcelain slabs are a great option.
Keep in mind that all natural stone materials like marble, quartzite and granite do require regular sealing, usually every year at least, to prevent staining and maintain their appearance.
Sealing is a maintenance task that you must factor in, but it is a fairly simple process that doesn't necessarily require hiring a professional.
Consider What Is The Focal Point Of Your Kitchen
What is the first thing you see when you enter your kitchen? Is it the hood wall or is it the sink wall?
Wherever your eye goes naturally is often times the focal point, and that presents a great opportunity to dream up something elaborate and unique.
This focal point is usually what will dictate the style of your kitchen, so consider whether you want something modern, classic, rustic, traditional, and how much of it you will see.
Consider what you know you can live with over time and go with the boldest version you can. Do you like patterns with multiple colors or do you prefer something more simple and textured? The option you choose will have a high impact on the style direction of your kitchen, and essentially the spaces surrounding your kitchen.
Complement Other Materials
The color palette of your backsplash can be a nice contrast with the rest of the materials you choose for your kitchen, or the palette could complement without standing out too much!
To ensure a seamless and cohesive design, be sure to select your cabinetry, flooring and countertop at the same time. Get as many samples as you can of all these materials and view them in natural light as well as artificial light. Lighting affects the color in more ways that many realize.
Think Timelessness
Your kitchen is likely one of the largest investments you will make aside from purchasing your home. You want to carefully consider then materials you use for their longevity, staying power and timelessness.
There are many artisan and very unique or hand made tiles available today on the market. Specialty tiles, including hand-painted and hand-cut tiles can have a lasting and timeless impact on your kitchen design.
Antique or vintage tiles have become increasingly popular and for good reason. They add, adding visual interest and a sense of a storied, collected and authentic design with some history history. There are also newer options that are inspired by the old-world vintage tiles that are a great and often less expensive option.
Rethink Basic
Maybe you are not sold on bold colors or patterns. Why not take a basic material like a subway tile and create a unique pattern instead of the traditional brick-lay pattern.
There are also more modern sizes of subway tiles that are more interesting that the smaller versions.
Stacking a subway tile can give a more modern vibe and takes the backsplash away from just a basic subway tile.
Many manufacturers have made it easy by using basic rectangular, circular or square tiles and creating mosaic patterns like parquet, herringbone or basket weave. These subtle patterns go along way to creating a more personalized look that is beyond the basic.
Steer Clear of Trends
Unless the trend is for something that you know you can live with for a long time, I would say to steer clear of anything that is too trendy or time specific.
Subway is in fact one that seemed to have outlived its trend lifespan, but because it is more of a timeless design that reemerged in the last several years, it gets a pass from me.
Budget For What You Want & Can Afford
By now, you have zoned in on what you know you can live with, what colors or patterns you like and what style you are trying to achieve.
Now it's time to think about what it will all cost.
The type of material, installation method, difficulty/ease of installation and how many square feet you will need will highly impact the budget. Consider whether you prefer to install the material all over the backsplash up to the ceiling or just to a certain height.
Look at it as an investment in one of the most visible parts of your home, but also keep in mind that you may be a person that likes to change things up every few years.
If you are struggling or are unsure of how to select your backsplash, we would love to help.
Take advantage of our remodel & Renovation Support Service
Wishing You Boldness & Great Style!
Veronica
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