Backsplash Trends & Renovation Tips

If you live in a Palm Beach or Broward home built between the 70s and 90s, chances are you’re staring at bare kitchen walls and considering adding a backsplash. Backsplashes are more than a practical tool to protect walls from liquids–they’re statement pieces that reflect your personal style. Backsplashes are a focal point, and the reason why 88% of homeowners are remodeling their kitchens, according to a recent Houzz survey. Backsplashes are also one of the top 3 reasons why Palm Beach customers contract our Factory Direct team for kitchen remodeling.

Perhaps you’re considering a backsplash in the kitchen but you’re not sure where to begin. At Factory Direct Renovations, we’ve been installing the latest backsplash styles and finishes for over 25 years. We understand the trends and we can help add character to your most sacred space–the kitchen.

Here we review the top 5 trends for 2020 and how to choose the right backsplash for your Florida kitchen remodel–regardless of budget.

Your Backsplash Budget

One major factor when choosing your backsplash material is cost and budget. Glass, ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite and metal are some of the most common backsplash materials, but they can vary greatly in price. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider a porcelain or ceramic backsplash. If you have a higher budget, you may want to consider marble, granite, metal, or glass. Regardless of budget, we can design a tile or slab to resemble almost any material you’re looking for.

Your Backsplash Color

Your tile or slab backsplash will connect to your countertops so it’s important to choose a color that compliments your current scheme. Based on our experience as contractors in Palm Beach, white backsplashes are the most popular, but far from the only option.

If you have a colorful kitchen countertop, you may want to choose a neutral backsplash. But if your countertops are neutral, you have more vibrant colors to consider. You can choose a color that blends well–like a blue tile with a gray countertop. Or you may choose a bold color such as black with white countertops. In addition to countertops, you should also consider how the backsplash will harmonize with floors, walls and appliances.

Choose Your Backsplash Style

Your kitchen’s color scheme is important, but so is it’s overall theme. Do you have a more classic cottage kitchen? Is it more eclectic? Modern? Minimal? Your answer will help determine the style and cut of the backsplash you choose. While we continue to see white subway tile as the most popular style in the market, we install a diverse set of shapes and patterns as well.

In South Florida, we see many houses with an elegant beachy vibe. If that’s your style, you can get creative with colorful glass or patterned ceramic backsplashes. If your home is more classic, you may want to consider a more simple subway tile. Ultimately there’s no set rule when selecting a style, but you want to review our recent kitchen remodels as well as Houzz for inspiration.

Backsplash Trends

Subway tile is by far the most popular backsplash that we install in Delray and the Palm Beach area, but we’ve seen various trends related to size, color and material. In addition to installing subway tiles, our team continues to innovate using various textures, patterns and finishes. In 2020, we’re most excited about these 5 trends.

Tall Backsplash Trend

A standard kitchen backsplash is about four inches, generally made from the same material as the countertops. Shorter backsplash saves money while protecting your walls from damage, but lately we’ve seen a trend toward taller finishes. These newer styles extend up the wall, providing a little more flair to your home. You can select taller backsplashes in nearly any material from stone to ceramic tile.

Large Subway Tile Backsplash Trend

Over the years, we’ve seen most homeowners choose 3” x 6” subway tiles. This is a classic size that’s perfect in almost any setting. But trends are starting to change and in the last couple of years, we’ve seen a growing interest in larger tiles. Today, we install various subway sizes from 4″x 8″ to 4″x 12″. The larger style creates a more spacious perception, and is especially ideal in smaller kitchens.

Mirrored & Metallic Backsplash Trend

Metallic backsplashes are not the norm, but they are an exciting new trend that we hope to see grow in 2020. Metallic finishes give tiles a glossy surface, which is further highlighted by the natural light of the Florida sun. This mirror effect is even more pronounced when you extend the backsplash up to ceiling height.

Colorful Backsplash Trend

As kitchen contractors in South Florida, we have the pleasure of working with customers who aren’t afraid of color. While neutral tones continue to reign supreme, we’ve seen a rise of bold colors in Palm Beach and Delray homes. From stark black, to vibrant yellow, to beachy blues, anything goes in the sunshine state.
The only rule? Make sure the colors match or contrast with your cabinets in a way that aligns your kitchen’s theme. For example, if you want to convey luxury, stick to black or charcoal. If you want a burst of tropical energy, get creative with almost any color of the rainbow.

Slabs Backsplash Trend

Tile is the cornerstone of kitchen backsplashes, regardless of the material. Slabs, however are a different approach to dressing up your kitchen walls. Unlike tile, slab backsplashes are continuous pieces of material with very few breaks. Slabs create an elegant look. They’re also much more convenient to clean. Marble slabs are the most popular, but we can create a marble effect using ceramic finishes as well.