Incorporating Natural Stone Into Your Backsplashes

When you are redesigning your kitchen it is important to make sure that all of the individual elements come together seamlessly. This means that the countertops, backsplash, hardware, appliances and furniture all work alongside each other to create one, cohesive space. Sometimes it can be difficult to incorporate color, textures or patterns without having two pieces clash or fight with each other for the spotlight. 

An area where homeowners can sometimes struggle is with their backsplashes. This is often the case because a backsplash, like your countertops, is pretty permanent. Of course you can change it, but not without a decent chunk of change. Many are hesitant to make bold choices and end up with a pretty neutral and lack-luster finished product. 

You have many different options when it comes to your backsplash. There are ones made of the standard tile, but there is also glass, ceramic and natural stone backsplash. If you’re looking to incorporate some stone into your kitchen, but aren’t sure how to use it or how to make it fit with what you already have, here are some tips and ideas to consider before getting started!

The right material

There isn’t necessarily a universally right or wrong material when it comes to backsplash. What choosing the “right” material means is choosing something that is durable and stain resistant, especially if you are someone who is commonly hosting or a frequent cook. Look at how often you use your kitchen, what you use it for and how likely your backsplash is to face wear and tear. 

Natural stone is an awesome material for backsplashes because it is incredibly durable. A stone backsplash doesn’t require much maintenance other than a seal about once a year. Thinking about how much traffic your kitchen is likely to see is an important aspect when choosing your backsplash. Stone is also very easy to clean and requires little maintenance. 

Color and texture 

When adding in a backsplash many people are afraid to go out of the box, they fear that it will clash with everything else in their kitchen, but mix matching colors and materials can actually make for an interesting, unique and complete kitchen. It is easier to decide where to go with your backsplash by basing it off of an anchor in the room. Often times this should be your countertop. 

Stick with the same color family as your countertop, try variants of the same shade but in different materials. If your countertop is a shiny granite or marble, try out a more matte slate stone for your backsplash. You can also use your backsplash to add texture and depth to your room. Try out a rich color like emerald with a fun texture.

Think outside the box

A fun way to keep your backsplash interesting and unique is to use different designs or materials in different areas. Above your range and your sink contains more square footage and is considered the “high-impact zone”. Because this space is larger, it gets a lot of visual attention. One way to play up this space is to use a neutral stone backsplash in all of your kitchen, then use a completely different or contrasting material in those high-impact zones. This can break up space, add dimension and keep it interesting. 

Some other ways to utilize your backsplash space in a unique way is a solid marble slab. This can be a great way to open up the space and brighten the room. It is said to give an effect that makes the walls seem to disappear. Another way to make your space seem a bit bigger is by utilizing counter to ceiling backsplash. Don't stop once you reach the cabinets, place whatever material you choose all the way up to the ceiling. 

Once you think you have made your backsplash decision, make sure it sit with it for a while. To make sure you’re happy with your choice, tape some color samples and tile samples up on the wall to see what they look like throughout the day and in different light. This can help spark new ideas and can also help you solidify a decision. Whatever stone you choose to go with, give us a call and we can help you perfectly execute your next stone project.