Wednesday 29 February 2012

The Backsplash Woes

The Backsplash Woes. Everyone will catch it at least once in their lives, and it can be hard to cure.
Some common symptoms include:
- anxiety
- tension
- frustration

and even:
- slight dizziness due to thousands of options and uncertainty


Photo courtesy of JustBeMagazine.com

But... this is not something that needs to be medically diagnosed by any means.
All we need is a little bit of guidance when it comes to choosing the right backsplash. Yes, it can be a very daunting task, because most of us have come across one of those kitchens that could be so nice, if it weren't for that awful backsplash with little painted roses on every other tile.





There is a right and a wrong in this situation:

1. The wrong backsplash is overpowering and draws attention away from your beautiful, new (or aged) kitchen cabinets.

2. The right backsplash accents and complements your kitchen cabinets, finishing off the look.

But, here's when things get tricky - some of you may despise your cabinets and due to that fact, are on the hunt for some gorgeous tile to steal the show.



Well, when it comes to shopping, there is a large quantity of materials, colours, finishes, sizes, and what have you, that you may have to rummage through.
To ease that pain, we have come up with a few guidelines. 
This should help you discover what backsplash your kitchen is hungry for.

First of all:  Think about your kitchen. Is it traditional? It is clean and contemporary? Are your cabinets dark or light? Do they have a lot of detail or are they sleek? Are they so awful you just want to put up the nicest tile you can find so you can look at something else while cooking? Write down a list of words that describe your kitchen.



Secondly: Before you even open that front door, plop yourself behind the computer and do some research. If you have no idea what you like.. this is your chance to discover something about "you".
Type in some words that you've used to describe your kitchen and add backsplash to the end of it. After doing this, researching "Types of Backsplashes" will allow you to visual different materials, styles, and colours. A great place to do this is: houzz.com



Thirdly: When it comes to materials, there are plenty. But occasionally, at the local tile store, you find yourself in the backsplash section saying, "Is this it?".
Well, yes it is, if you're looking for the standard glass, mosaic, or ceramic tile backsplashes that come in small sizes.
But, there are many more options if you open up your mind: for instance, using floor tile has become very popular, and provides a very sleek, and clean sort of look.
- Stainless Steel backsplashes are stunning, either as your entire backsplash or just behind the range    (easy to clean off grease splatters).
- Glass backsplashes are also very nice, either in one slick piece (which gives a seamless, clean look), or glass tiles which can add interest.
- A newer product is back-painted glass in which one can choose from thousands of automotive finishes... such as BMW Pearlescent, or Ferrari Red! Amazing.  (Note: available at GCW!)
- Some other backsplashes include: stone slabs, granite, quartz, wallpaper, concrete, drystack stone, travertine, marble, beadboard in MDF or Wood, Chalkboard Paint from Benjamin Moore, Whiteboard Paint, mirrors, and the list goes on!





Fourthly: Durability is a huge factor. As much as something can be aesthetically appealing, sometimes there are materials that just shouldn't be used. Wallpaper as a backsplash, for example, can look so unique, but splatters of grease could ruin the paper, as well as the humidity from the stove cause the paper to start peeling off.
Rough Stone, such as a Drystack Stone, also can look very sharp but when it comes to cleaning - can you imagine trying to clean grease off of a brick wall?
It depends who you are, though, and what your lifestyle allows for...




If by now, you are still lost in the world of backsplashes, it doesn't hurt to involve a professional just for some advice!
If you are seeking an expert, take a trip to Scherba's Great Floors in Strathroy, ON. They are the experts and can help you find the perfect backsplash to complement your kitchen!
Here at GCW, we would love to help you with your backsplash questions, and our showroom is always available for inspiration and to give you ideas.
Come by and visit us any time!