Here’s a tip I’d like to share that really makes a difference in the quality and look of your kitchen:
You know that little 4” slab backsplash that most fabricators or builders put on top of granite countertops?
That is generic.
You can buy it at Home Depot or Lowe’s. I see so many DIY-ers leaving this and just tiling on top of it.
While you might want a backsplash to match your counter (and there are many custom, lovely ways to do that), don’t be tempted to tile above a 4” granite, or stone, slab backsplash.
Instead, before you tile that area, take the 4” slab backsplash off.
Why? Because, typically, you only have 18” of height there. And if you’re doing a pattern, or some kind of detail, it will appear even more chopped up with that slab-material hanging around at the bottom.
So…
Don’t do this:
Don't do this
Don't do this
Don't do this
Don't do this
Don't do this
Instead…
Do this:
Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, photo by Tori Aston
Read more about the project above at "Before & After: A Dark, Dismal Kitchen Is Made Light and Bright!"
Do this / Designer: Carla Aston, photographer: Tori Aston
Read more about this project above at "Before & After: The Extraordinary Remodel Of An "Ordinary" Builder Home."
Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston
Read more about this project above at "Before & After: This Living Room & Kitchen Remodel Shows How 'Transitional Style' Can Feel Warm & Personal"
Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston
Read more about this project above at "After An Awkward Beginning, This Kitchen Gets A Dark, Dramatic Makeover."
Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston
Read more about this project above at "Before & After: A Tired Kitchen Is Awakened w/a Coffee House Ambience"
Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak
Read more about this project above at "Before & After: A Dated House Gets A Contemporary Revival For A Young Bachelor"
Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston
Read more about this project above at "A Dull, Drab Interior Goes Light and Bright"
Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak
Read more about this project above at "Design Tour: A White Kitchen With A Soft Look And A Whole Lot Of Pretty"
So what have we learned here today?
If you’re going to tile the 18” of space between your counter and the upper cabinets...
Don’t leave the 4” slab backsplash!
Need more help on kitchen backsplash design?
Check out this content upgrade on backsplashes, available in my outlet shop.
I've written so many posts about them, including Designed in a Click reader Q and A example posts, that I can't keep track of what I've written.
I finally took some time to assemble them all here in this downloadable pdf for sale in my outlet. If you need a guide to help you make some decisions on your backsplash design, you should check it out.