When upgrading their homes, people tend to focus on the kitchen first -- and with good reason: even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup around 80% of its costs. One of the easiest yet most noticeable ways to make a change in the heart of your home is to upgrade its tiling. With the kitchen backsplash tiles being the most obvious region (it is pretty much eye level), it's the perfect place to start. There are dozens upon dozens of options and tile types, so we're just going to focus on our top three favorites.
- Mosaic: Although mosaic tile backsplashes are the most expensive, they are also, without doubt, the most beautiful. You can either create your own design or choose a layout from the manufacturer -- the choice is up to you. Mosaic tile backsplashes give you the freedom to display a unique work of art on the very walls of your home; the craftsmanship that goes into its beauty pays itself off over the years, as you continue to enjoy it every single day.
- Subway: Subway tile designs are, in a way, the exact opposite of mosaics, though not in an inherently negative way. They are simple but give the space a very clean, fresh look, and are considered one of the most timeless, classic types of backsplash in existence as they can match nearly any color scheme or design theme.
- Arabesque: If you've ever been to Europe or the Middle East, you may have noticed the artful and incredibly detailed way ceramic tiles were decorated -- endless rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage or tendrils graced the tiles in a repetitive, almost hypnotic manner. Large tiles are also very popular in today's market, so bringing the two together can transform your kitchen into something right out of European history.
No matter which option you settle on, remember to factor in an extra 10% of materials to make up for those that may need to be trimmed (not to mention accidents that may result in waste). With the right research and dedication, you'll have the kitchen of your dreams in no time.
