When renovating your kitchen there are 3 main elements to consider: Cabinets, Back splash and Flooring which together makes a huge impact on the overall look and design of your kitchen. Here we are sharing some tips for when you are off to choose the perfect back splash tile for your kitchen makeover.

SUBWAY TILES
Gone are the days of those square and strip mosaic tiles, today with the range of tiles available you can turn your kitchen into a work of art and then put some art up on the walls too. Starting with the basic subway tile which is a classic with its rectangular shape and clean lines, it is most commonly used in white providing the perfect background to any cabinet or flooring. If you are a color lover then consider aqua or a more bohemian color to bring an eclectic flavor to the room. 

Consider how you want to lay your subway tiles next, you have the option to lay them staggered in a brick formation, or one below the other for a very modern look or angled in a chevron pattern. Here at the Cedarglen Kitchen Remodel we laid the tile one below the other giving the room a very modern vibe.

MATCHING COUNTER TOPS WITH BACK SPLASH
Here are some beautiful kitchens where they have continued the granite or marble counter onto the back splash making the space look seamless and larger. This is a great option for a tiny kitchen as it gives a sense of continuity to the space. Am loving the black cabinets that contrast well with the white giving the room an almost graphic feel. The open shelves, pops of green, black lighting...........they got it all right here, didn't they!

GEOMETRICS & TEXTURE
For a modern contemporary look consider going for geometric patterns or texture in your tiles. Today the progress they have made in tile products is quite amazing. At the Jeffcoat kitchen remodel we chose 30 x 10'' large format textured tile resulting in less grout lines and more focus on the tiles. The pretty pattern and texture brings a softness to the all black cabinets and contrasts well with the grey/brown floors.

​HIGH CONTRAST
Contrast lovers will adore the below options of pairing darks with lights creating a fun energetic vibe in the room. From grey concrete tiles to exposed brick and high impact black mosaic these fearless home owners have really brought personality to their kitchen spaces through these bold choices. Good design comes from taking calculated risks and if this makes you nervous then consider bringing in the pros to make the right choices first time round.

PATTERNS & PRINT
The big trend right now is patterned tile that comes in either cement or porcelain finishes. They are being used either as back splash, flooring, in washrooms, mudrooms, literally everywhere. They come in a  range of fun prints and patterns allowing you to really let your inner artist shine. The great thing about the prints is that they come in subtle colors or high impact graphic designs, small prints to large prints, flat surfaces to highly textured leaving you with a wide range to select from.

Aside from the back splash tile don't forget about lighting and bar stools, rugs, artwork, styling your shelves, adding some plants, etc etc........all the things we would love to help you with. If you are about to go into a Kitchen Reno here is another post that might help you with your choices: Top Kitchen trends​

Kitchens are the heart of a home and friends will always gravitate to this space so why not make it as pretty as the rest of the house. If you are planning to tackle a Kitchen Reno then here are some ideas to help you along. 

1. DARK & LIGHT CABINETS
We are increasingly spotting the combination of dark lower and light upper cabinets in kitchens and here they are combined with wood bar stools in golden tones and delicate lights to create the right balance of contrast and warmth. Dark lower cabinets ground the space while light upper cabinets keep it feeling bright and airy. If an entire kitchen in dark cabinets is too much for you then consider going dark with just your kitchen island giving the room a focal point. 

2. PATTERNED TILES
Patterned back splashes or floors are a great way to break up a bank of self colored cabinets and walls. Tiles are getting more & more prettier with a whole range of mosaic, patterned and textured tile options available out there. If you are nervous to cover the entire floor in pattern then consider just doing a patterned back splash while keeping the counter tops classic. Cement tiles which continue to be my favorite are showing up not just in washrooms but in kitchens too. 

​3. ART IN THE KITCHEN
What can I say - it's the artist in me that speaks ! But seriously - why restrict art to just your living rooms? why not introduce some beautiful vintage pieces in your kitchen too to make the space interesting and add some much need color. I have all my graphite sketches hung in my kitchen and they bring so much personality to the room. My whole approach to designing is thinking outside the box. Using items in a way that is not expected is my key.

​4. OPEN SHELVES
Open shelves continue to show up in kitchens and offer a great option to displaying your pretty dishes, plants and accessories. Having upper and lower cabinets leaves the kitchen feeling very boxy and top heavy whereas with shelves you have an open plan look and the storage is no less. While it may not be for everyone (especially me with my dust ridden home) they are a lovely way to bring style and elegance to an otherwise utilitarian space. 

5. COVERED RANGE HOODS
The range hood is a necessity but it does not need to look ugly. In the past they were concealed behind cabinet doors or a huge metal sheet but today you have way more options. Consider cladding it with wood planks, tiles or even marble. You could either beef it up to be the focal point of the room or clad it in the same finish as your back wall so that it disappears. But remember every room needs just one 'focal point' to ground the space - one too many and you have lost your focus.

Design is all about taking risks, thinking outside the box and bringing personality to a space. If you are still unsure about which direction to go in for your kitchen then call in the pros - basically Dhiraj and Lynda who are happy to take those calculated risks for you and turn your house into a home.