Making a Splash with Your Backsplash

Having a great kitchen backsplash can really make your kitchen pop. Kind of like the cabinets are you outfit and the backsplash is your accessories. It can really make or break the look of your kitchen.

Now choosing a great backsplash might not seem like all fun and games. There are a lot of things to think about such as what kinda of tile, what design, what color grout, what if it doesn't go, what if I hate it?

While choosing the perfect backsplash for you seems overwhelming it is really not with a few tips and tricks.

1) Choose a tile or tiles that you like that coordinate with your cabinetry and countertops.

Most stores or showrooms will let you either have or purchase samples. Take advantage of that. There is no easier or better way to tell if a tile will work in your space than taking it home and seeing it where it will go.

2) Don't be afraid to choose a color.

Most people will say to go with a neutral because you don't want to get stuck with a trend. And this is wise advice, but what if you are dying to add some color? DO IT. It's your home, if you find a tile that you think is fabulous and will go with what you have then I say don't be afraid to go for it.

3)Trends are fleeting.

Tile is a semi permanent thing. While I love the chevrons every where now, in 5 years I might not. Be sure to choose a tile that you will love for the next 20+ years.

4) Layouts, layouts, layouts.

Now once you have chosen a tile, you still have to figure out how you want to install it. The options are almost limitless. A good way to get ideas is to look at design magazines. But one popular and gorgeous design is to do some sort of tile rug above the stove and keeping the rest of the backsplash simple.

These are just a few things to think about when updating your backsplash.

Happy Designing - Erin

Watching the tile come together

I use the computer a lot for my job.... a lot!  Every remodel requires to-scale drawings, product information, images, presentations, etc. Every tile design I create, is drawn to-scale for clients to see before giving the go-ahead. And it's quite common to walk onto a job site during the tiling phase and see my drawings taped up on a wall and the tile setter following the designs.

Here's a recent project where you can see the tiling is almost finished!

The simple travertine backsplash coordinates with any style/color and lets the beautiful cabinetry really shine in this kitchen.  The client called herself the 'anti-decorator' and wanted really clean design throughout her new home.

The same simple design was carried into the wine room/butler's pantry. 

There are three secondary bathrooms in this home; one on the first floor and two on the second floor. The one on the first floor got it's own special design and materials to give it a little personal flair.

The two bathrooms on the second floor are finished with the same materials, but they are installed and accented differently.  This unifies the spaces but also gives them a little individual personality.  

Walking into the master bathroom, the tub is easily the central focus of the space.  Tiling the walls not only will protect them from water splashes, but also creates a beautiful backdrop to the space.