Choosing the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen Remodel

One of the most impactful ways to elevate the look and feel of your kitchen is through a thoughtfully chosen backsplash. It's not just about protecting your walls from splashes and spills; it’s about adding a touch of your style and making your kitchen truly yours. Legacy Builders Group of Cincinnati guides you through the latest kitchen backsplash trends, from the timeless elegance of subway tiles to the unique charm of handcrafted pieces. We’ll explore how these options can complement your space, enhance functionality, and reflect your lifestyle. 

Mosaic tiling detail behind stove in Wetherington Country Club kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders Group

Trending Backsplash Ideas

Subway Tile: Timeless Elegance

Subway tile has become synonymous with classic design, offering a clean, polished look that can adapt to any kitchen style. Its simplicity is its strength, providing a subtle backdrop that can either stand alone or complement a more dominant design element in the kitchen. Whether you’re leaning towards a bright, airy feel with white tiles and light grout or a bold, dramatic look with dark tiles and contrasting grout, subway tile offers versatility and timeless appeal.

Gray subway tile behind oven and range in Swaim Park, Ohio kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

At Legacy Builders Group, we love to push the boundaries of traditional subway tile applications by playing with patterns such as herringbone or basketweave, adding an unexpected twist to classic elegance. Our expert designers work closely with homeowners to select the right color and finish, ensuring the backsplash achieves the highest possible wow factor.

Natural Stone: Bringing the Outdoors In

Natural stone backsplashes offer unmatched texture and depth for those looking to bring a piece of the natural world into their home. From slate's rugged beauty to marble's polished elegance, natural stone provides a unique backdrop that can transform your kitchen into a warm and inviting space. Each piece of stone is unique, guaranteeing that your backsplash will be one of a kind.

While natural stone does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best, the effort is well worth it for the beauty it adds to your kitchen. Sealing stone tiles can help protect against stains and make cleanup easier, ensuring that your backsplash remains a focal point for years to come. Legacy Builders Group can help you understand the maintenance needs of different stone options, making choosing a material that fits your lifestyle easier.

Modern white kitchen remodel with slab backsplash and chrome fixtures

Patterned Tiles: A Pop of Personality

Using patterned tiles in the kitchen backsplash is an excellent way to inject a burst of personality and visual interest into your space. From intricate Moroccan designs to modern geometric patterns, these tiles can act as a piece of art in the kitchen, making a bold statement or adding a subtle hint of texture. Patterned tiles can also help hide splashes and spills, making them a practical and beautiful choice.

Choosing the right pattern is crucial; it should complement the overall design of your kitchen without overwhelming it. For a harmonious look, Legacy Builders Group recommends balancing bold, patterned backsplashes with more understated elements in the kitchen, such as solid-color cabinetry and countertops. This ensures that the backsplash stands out as a focal point without the space feeling cluttered or over-designed. 

Blue and black mosaic tile detail by Legacy Builders Group

Large Format Tiles: Modern and Sleek

Large-format tiles are becoming increasingly popular in kitchen backsplashes for their contemporary and seamless look. These tiles minimize grout lines, creating a smooth and uniform surface that can make your kitchen appear larger and more open. Large-format tiles offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that can complement any kitchen design and are available in a range of materials, including porcelain and glass.

Installing large-format tiles requires precision and expertise to ensure the tiles are aligned correctly, and the minimal grout lines are perfectly executed. Legacy Builders Group's skilled artisans specialize in this type of installation, ensuring a flawless finish that enhances your kitchen's modern appeal. 

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Accent Tiles Above the Oven/Cooktop

Creating a focal point in your kitchen with accent tiles above the oven or cooktop can elevate the entire room's design. This approach allows homeowners to add a touch of personality and artistry without overwhelming the space. Whether it's a mosaic pattern, a bold color, or an intricate design, this splash of style can draw the eye and become a conversation piece.

Pattern accent backsplash tile behind oven and range in Evendale, OH kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

Legacy Builders Group has a knack for integrating such accents seamlessly into the kitchen's overall design, ensuring that this feature stands out while fitting in. We consider the kitchen's layout, the range of materials used throughout the space, and the homeowner's style to recommend the perfect accent tiles. 

What’s Falling Out of Favor?

As kitchen design trends evolve, certain materials and styles naturally fall out of favor. Heavily ornate and intricate backsplash designs are seeing a decline as homeowners now prefer simpler, more streamlined looks that offer a cleaner aesthetic and easier maintenance. Similarly, stainless steel and mirrored glass backsplashes are becoming less common due to their tendency to show fingerprints and water spots, which can be a hassle in a space as frequently used as the kitchen.

Color Trends: The Move Toward Neutrals

The modern kitchen backsplash leans heavily into neutral and muted tones, with occasional splashes of color to add depth and interest. This trend towards subdued palettes creates a serene and welcoming environment suitable for the heart of the home. Whites, grays, beiges, and soft pastels dominate, providing a timeless backdrop that complements various design styles, from traditional to modern.

White herringbone pattern subway tile backsplash behind sink in Cincinnati, Ohio kitchen remodel by Legacy Builders

However, this doesn't mean color is entirely out of the picture. Strategically using color through accent tiles or a vibrant yet sophisticated backsplash can infuse personality into the kitchen without overwhelming the senses. Legacy Builders Group excels in advising homeowners on how to incorporate color with tasteful staying power.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Backsplash

The material you choose for your kitchen backsplash makes a huge difference. Legacy Builders Group recommends some top choices, each with its unique benefits.

Ceramic Tiles

  • Versatile and economical, perfect for achieving various styles and colors.
  • Easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for busy kitchens.

Porcelain Tiles

  • Highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
  • Available in various designs, including those that mimic natural stone.

Glass Tiles

  • Reflect light beautifully, making your kitchen appear brighter and larger.
  • Offer a sleek, modern look and come in various colors and finishes.

Natural Stone Tiles (e.g., marble, granite, slate)

  • Add texture and depth, bringing a touch of nature into your home.
  • Unique patterns and colors ensure no two backsplashes are exactly alike.

Quartz

  • Engineered stone provides a uniform look with minimal maintenance required.
  • Resistant to stains and scratches, suitable for high-traffic kitchens.

Handcrafted Tiles

  • Offer a unique, artisanal look that can add character and warmth to your kitchen.
  • Variations in color and texture contribute to a bespoke backsplash design.

Wetherington Country Club kitchen remodel with mosaic and subway tile backsplash

Your Cincinnati Kitchen Backsplash Needs Legacy Builders Group

Legacy Builders Group is committed to guiding you through every step of your kitchen remodel, from selecting the right backsplash material to pairing it perfectly with your countertops. Our expertise ensures that your kitchen is more than functional and practical. It should be a reflection of your style and taste. Let’s talk today about how Legacy Builders Group can help you create a space that you and your family will love for years to come.