The area between your countertops and the bottom of your cabinets draws a lot of attention and can be a focal point of your kitchen makeover. The backsplash is functional and decorative and deserves a lot of consideration when designing your new kitchen.

The backsplash is designed to protect walls from water, grease, and other cooking foods that can damage the surface of bare drywall. The backsplash should be a minimum of 4 inches above the countertops, but for a stylish look, the entire area between the counter and the cabinet should be covered by the backsplash material. The waterproof surface of the backsplash not only protects the wall surface from damage, it also makes your kitchen more hygienic by limiting the growth of mold and mildew associated with waterlogged surfaces.

You have a wide variety of options for your backsplash material when you remodel your kitchen. It is important that your choice of backsplash complements both your countertops and cabinets to display a consistent theme in your kitchen. The backsplash should tie together your kitchen design elements, and if it doesn’t, the full kitchen feel just won’t be there.

Using raw natural stone tiles in earth tones will give your kitchen an ‘Old World’ feel. Combined with natural wood cabinets and granite slab countertops, your kitchen will have an elegant touch. For a more contemporary look, a sleek stainless steel backsplash paired with clean, smooth-sided cabinets and a Corian surface countertop will fit in well. Hand-painted tiles to create a pattern or mural on your backsplash will give your kitchen a country or Mediterranean feel. You can use the same material for your backsplash that you use for your countertop for a modern, sophisticated look. Glass block, sheet metal, or even cork can be other options you can use for your backsplash material. You can be as extravagant or simple as you like with the material and design of your backsplash. If you are on a tight budget, there are a couple of ideas to consider. An inexpensive way to provide the protection that a backsplash gives your walls is a waterproof vinyl wallpaper backsplash application. If you want the look of a more traditional backsplash, you can install your backsplash on the wall behind the sink only, and not worry about the surface on the other wall in your kitchen, or add the backsplash to those walls depending on your budget allows.

With all the design options available for your backsplash, you should consult with a kitchen designer, who will help you make the right decisions for the feel you are trying to achieve with your kitchen remodel. They will be able to assist you in choosing the material and the installation through the contacts they have established. While the installation of most types of backsplash is relatively straightforward and can be done by most DIYers, an experienced installer will ensure that you have a professional-looking finish and are generally money well spent.