The Cherry on Top of a Sundae

Over the past few weeks as I have been working on several kitchen remodeling projects, I have been reminded of the wonderful enhancement a backsplash is to a kitchen. It is the cherry on top of a sundae. The ribbon on a wrapped present. Flowers in the center of your table. A backsplash ties it all together. It makes all of the components of a kitchen feel connected.

 

For most countertops, the only backsplash they have is a 4 inch tall piece of material that matches the top. The purpose of this piece is to protect the wall between your countertop and wall cabinet from splashes and liquids. While this is the standard, you don’t have to stop or settle there. Think of this unused space as a canvas for artwork, another place to display your personality.

 

I always get strange looks when I tell people that for me going into a tile store is like a kid in a candy shop. Ok, that sounds a little nerdy, but it is true. There are so many wonderful and unique materials just waiting to be used in a creative way to make a real statement in your kitchen. Glass, metal, polished stone, crackle porcelain tiles, brick pavers, tumbled stone, natural marble. The options and possibilities are endless.

 

Before you get overwhelmed or start to hyperventilate, take a deep breath. This is no cause for stress. Over the next few weeks we will explore the different materials and the pros and cons associated with each of them. As we begin to walk down this path, start to pay attention to that small space between the lower and upper cabinets and imagine how you would like to make that space the cherry on top of your kitchen sundae.