Heighten Your Kitchen Design: Dramatic Tile Backsplashes Reaching New Heights
Kitchen remodels provide the perfect opportunity to inject personality and vibrance through the creative use of backsplash tile. Far from being merely functional, backsplashes can become an artistic focal point when extended vertically behind cabinets to the ceiling. Weaving rich colors and textures above countertops carries the eye upwards and makes cabinets appear to float against a striking backdrop. Take your kitchen tile to new heights by continuing backsplashes above cabinets for maximum visual impact.
From smart open shelving accents to full floor-to-ceiling statements, backsplashes offer plenty of room for innovative design. Thoughtful planning allows you to tailor the installation height and tile selection to your unique style. Keep practicalities in mind too - factors like lighting, cabinet functionality and ease of maintenance matter. Approach the process with creativity and care, and you'll be rewarded with a showstopping, architectural feature that wows.
Style Options for Tiling Above Cabinets
Take the Tile to the Ceiling
For a seamlessly integrated look, consider tiling the entire wall behind both upper and lower bank of cabinets. This creates continuity from countertops to the ceiling, framing the cabinetry against a solid backdrop of tile. The full-height installation results in a streamlined aesthetic perfect for modern and contemporary kitchens. Glossy subway tiles, graphic patterns and artistic murals all shine when allowed to stretch from floor to ceiling.
Continuing tile upwards does limit wall decor options and accessibility to electrical outlets or vents located mid-wall. Extra care must also be taken preparing the surface and precisely cutting and mounting tiles on the higher portion of the wall. However, the visually clean finish is appreciated by many homeowners and adds wonderful dimension.
Open Shelving Accent
Rather than tiling to the ceiling, another option is to leave negative space between your upper cabinets and the ceiling for open shelving. Floating shelves made of wood, metal or thick tempered glass can then be decorated with cherished dishware, potted succulents or artwork.
The area also creates the perfect frame for hanging pendant or track lighting. Visually, the shelf breaks up the tile while still allowing it to serve as an impressive background. For a coordinated look, choose shelves that play off the backsplash's color or material.
Floating Cabinet Design
Take the illusion of your kitchen cabinetry hovering against the tile to the next level with floating cabinets installed a few inches from the wall. Floating cabinets mounted on metal rails help spotlight more of your vibrant backsplash while opening up the feeling of space.
With proper reinforcement to wall studs and elevated countertops that appear to seamlessly flow into the tile, the design achieves breathtaking results. Just be conscious of potential visibility of wall flaws or outlet locations when opting for fully floating cabinetry and a full-height tile application.
Partial Backsplashes
While stunning when stretched floor to ceiling, vertically oriented tiles do require substantial effort and investment when spanning such heights. For a lighter touch, many homeowners opt to end kitchen backsplash tile partway up the wall instead.
Typical heights for partial backsplashes in contemporary kitchens end either at the base of the upper cabinets, around 16 to 18 inches, or terminate at 12 to 15 inches to align with floating shelves. Decorative wallpaper, colored paint, or wall accents adorn the remaining area.
Tile Materials and Styles
Mix and Match
When it comes to kitchen backsplash tile, don't be afraid to think outside the subway tile box. Mixing and matching tile shapes, sizes and textures creates captivating contrast. Stack elongated rectangles with smaller mosaics or offset glossy tiles with matte finishes.
| * | Vary tile dimensions for greater visual interest |
| * | Blend metallic with natural stone or porcelain for depth |
| * | Alter direction by running some tiles horizontally rather than stacking vertically |
Most importantly, participate in the creative journey and celebrate self-expression. Your backsplash helps showcase what makes you unique!
Bold and Vibrant Colors
Color selection plays a pivotal role in kitchen backsplashes. Vibrant hues and dynamic color combinations garner attention while also effortlessly coordinating with cabinetry and appliances.
While often associated with white and neutral palettes, backsplashes present the perfect chance to incorporate richer tones. Deep greens, navy blues and moody grays project sophistication, with metallic bronzes and brassy gold infusing glamour.
Remember to factor in undertones when matching tile colors to existing elements like granite countertops. However, don't be afraid to throw caution to the wind with bold color contrasts should you desire an eclectic or avant-garde aesthetic!
Design Considerations and Installation Insights
Lighting and Visibility
Properly showcasing a fashionable backsplash requires adequate lighting. Evaluate overhead fixtures, track lighting or pendant options to sufficiently illuminate wall tile behind cabinets.
Ambient task lighting built under cabinets or inside glass-front designs flows light upwards to highlight tilework. Just be conscious of potential glare depending on the tile's shininess and opacity. Finally, negate shadows by selecting tile colors a couple shades lighter than cabinets for optimal visibility.
Proper Support and Structural Integrity
To support heavyweight tile installations, firmly fasten cement backerboard or a cementitious bonding coat to wall studs behind existing drywall. This stabilizes the surface while also guarding against moisture damage.
When tiling above cabinets, use ledger boards attached horizontally across studs to simplify working at challenging heights. Carefully measure outlet and vent locations before fixing tiles permanently to avoid costly do-overs.
Executing precision tile cuts is easier said than done on angled kitchen walls. Invest time upfront mapping out your design and precutting tricky niche tiles, outlet gaps and window returns.
Building out window sills helps tiles seamlessly transition across windows rather than awkwardly stopping short. Likewise, construct recessed niches to showcase cookbooks or artwork while allowing your gorgeous tile to shine around unique architectural elements.
There are so many design options for backsplashes above kitchen cabinets. Make a dramatic statement and let your creative spirit come alive!