Ask most people in San Diego what a backsplash is for, and they will tell you that it is to keep the wall behind your kitchen sink and counters from getting ruined. Functionally, this is true: A backsplash protects the wall behind the sink from water damage and any walls behind counters from food splatters. Ho hum, such is the backsplash. However, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, the backsplash can provide incredibly creative opportunities to set the tone, mood, and style of your kitchen.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, the most versatile backsplash option is tile. Because tile can be found in any color imaginable, a backsplash made of tile can be in a neutral color that complements the paint used in the kitchen, it can be an accent color to add a little pizzazz, a pattern of colors can be created, or you could even have a mural designed into the tile of the backsplash. Tile also has the advantage of being easy to clean, so when those kitchen splatters do hit the backsplash behind the counters, they are easily wiped down with little more than a damp cloth. Tile can also be made from various materials. The goal and style of your remodeling project will determine whether you want glass, metal, stone, or ceramic tile in your kitchen.
Another very utile option that has become a remodeling favorite in recent years is stainless steel. Stainless steel will give your kitchen a very modern look and feel, and it pairs nicely with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and sinks. Stainless steel also has the advantage of being heat-resistant, durable, and extremely easy to clean. Although it is easy to clean, stainless steel must be wiped down immediately if splattered with highly acidic foods like tomato sauce or lemon juice or the finish will get ruined.
One other remodeling option that can help to disperse light throughout your kitchen while making your kitchen seem large and more open is a backsplash made from mirrors. Mirrors can make a big impact in a small kitchen space; however, because they can break and show smudges so easily, they may not be the best option for a busy household with small children.
When talking with your contractor about remodeling your kitchen, ask about ways in which the backsplash can be incorporated into the overall theme of your kitchen. Brainstorm regarding the best materials, colors, and designs that can help to provide not only a functional, but also stylish flair to your San Diego home.
