Perfect Backsplash Tiles for Your Kitchen Renovation

When you think about the perfect kitchen, what comes to mind? For many, the focus would be on appliances, cabinetry or things that attract attention. A look at what takes up most of a kitchen remodeling budget sheds some interesting insights. Cabinets take up more than half. After that comes the appliances, countertops and plumbing fixtures.

But, there is a common phrase that makes so much sense. It is the little things that count. What some consider minor improvements like a backsplash can make a huge difference. 

Indeed, you can change the look and feel of the kitchen with the right tiles. Our article looks at perfect backsplash tiles for your kitchen renovation.

Choosing Backsplash Tiles

Tile makes sense when choosing a kitchen backsplash. There is the functional aspect of protecting the wall and liquids. Tile is easy to clean, durable and low on maintenance.

Then there is the aesthetic value tiles bring to your kitchen. The right choice of tiles can transform the decor and make the backsplash a focal point. 

Finally, the tons of stylish options mean you will not miss a style that fits into your decor style. But how do you go about getting the perfect kitchen backsplash tile?

Porcelain or Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic kitchen backsplash tiles are fantastic options for many reasons. You get durability, functionality and aesthetic appeal in one neat package. 

Taking care of the tiles will be easy. All you need to do is wipe them down. That makes ceramic and porcelain backsplash tiles fantastic for hygienic purposes. Don't worry about moisture penetrating the walls due to the water resistance.

In terms of cost, expect to spend a little more on ceramic than porcelain. The latter is also quite fragile. That means whoever is doing the installation must take extra care. Thus, it would be a good idea to let professional installers do the work for you.

Glass Tiles Also Look Amazing

Have you heard of glass tiles? If not, you may be missing out on the perfect tiles for your backsplash. Glass tiles are moisture and stain-resistant, making them ideal for a backsplash. You can also get different design options. These include subway style, mirror effect, frosted glass mosaic and more.

Remember, glass has reflective capabilities. Light will bounce off the backsplash, thus making your kitchen brighter. Also, don't worry about scratching or breaking. Your supplier can give you reinforced, scratch-resistant glass tiles if you wish.

One thing you need to invest in, though, is professional installation. Due to the glass transparency, poor workmanship can result in grout showing. It could impact how the final backsplash looks.

Play Around With Tile Shapes

It is not uncommon for people to choose subway tiles for their backsplash. There is a certain appeal in the timeless style. You get a backsplash featuring rectangular cut tiles in a staggered brick-like setting. 

The advantage is you have leeway in how you arrange the tiles. These include herringbone, vertical stacking or the more common horizontal stacking. Contrasting grout brings in an interesting design element. That can liven up what would otherwise appear rather bland or minimalistic.

But, as we stated, there are so many tile options you can try out. These include hexagon tiles, square formats, chevron, penny tiles and picket tiles, to name a few. Don't stifle your creativity or preferences by opting for the more common trends.

You can also introduce some character to your backsplash with three-dimensional tiles. They will introduce a unique look you will not find in many homes.

Don't Be Afraid of Color

A pop of color always makes a space feel livelier. And you can use the backsplash tiles to do that. Let's say you stick to the more neutral shades for the walls, appliances and cabinets. Then you make the backsplash the focal point with colored tiles. You can go for one palette or even mix and match. Indeed the latter in a mosaic pattern looks outstanding.

Some people would say create a flow by matching the backsplash tiles to the floor color. We say open the kitchen window and throw out that outdated rule book. The tile color you choose should bring out your preferences.

It doesn't hurt to consider the room's lighting, though, when deciding on the tile colour. Dark tiles will look great if the kitchen receives plenty of natural light. Lighter colors will make your kitchen look brighter. Colors like blue, yellow and orange will make the space feel more cheerful.

Glass tiles in a small room will reflect the light, making it feel more spacious. Here is an idea for a small kitchen. Take the glass tiles up to the ceiling to enjoy their reflective capabilities.

Tile Size Matters

Use the kitchen size to determine the best tile size for your backsplash. Subway tiles come in 3" X 6". But, there is a range of other sizes available.

If your space is small, go for bigger tiles for your backsplash. The arrangement of smaller tiles will result in many grout lines. This can make the room feel cluttered.

The tile size also depends on how much you want the backsplash to extend. Smaller tiles should be fine if it is above the sink. But, if the backsplash will cover a greater part, opt for the bigger tiles. That way, you bring in a feeling of spaciousness that you can’t achieve with smaller tiles.

Final Thoughts

What makes a kitchen backsplash great is its versatility. The right choice of tiles can affect the final look. You have the option of making the backsplash a focal point. All it requires is playing around with tile colors, shapes and arrangements.

You also have tons of choices with regard to materials. The most popular backsplash tiles are ceramic and porcelain.

But you can try other options like glass, stainless steel or metal. The right tile supplier should have a wide range that you can choose from.

Also, unless you have the expertise, consider professional installation of the backsplash tiles. As we stated, materials like porcelain are pretty fragile. The translucency of glass also means that any shoddy workmanship will show. Yet, your backsplash is a focal point in your kitchen. Thus, it deserves the same attention as other parts during the renovation.

Ways Natural Stone Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Anyone who owns a home wants to find ways to increase the value of their property. From upgrading your entertainment spaces to adding new appliances, there are many options for homeowners to invest in their homes. However, incorporating natural stones is the easiest way to increase your home’s value.

Using natural stone in home construction and décor has always been the go-to way to upgrade a house’s value. Although natural stone is more pricey than other construction materials, it may be worthwhile to get. The increase in value it brings is due to its strength, elegance, and resale value. It’s important to note that there are more reasons to use natural stone other than increasing the home’s value. The material is sustainable and durable and remains timelessly attractive when maintained correctly.

If you’re having trouble thinking of ways you can incorporate this sustainable material, read on. Here are a few ways natural stone can increase your home’s value.

Create an Elegant Bathroom

Upgrade your master bathroom by adorning the walls and floors with beautiful natural stone. In the bathroom, you can use natural stone in numerous ways to help increase the value of the space and overall home. You can add stone to your shower walls, vanities, shelves, countertops, and more.

Add Stone To Complement Your Patio

Why not incorporate natural elements if you have a gorgeous backyard with a beautiful patio? Adding boulders, cobblestones, decorative gravel, or stone edging can add much more character and texture to your patio and landscape. Natural stone varieties like cobblestone and decorative gravel are easy for homeowners to obtain, and they’re simple to work with.

Use Natural Stone as a Countertop

When people think of ways to increase their home’s value using natural stone, the first thing they do is upgrade their kitchen countertops. Since the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in the home, it’s no surprise that people want to redo it first. When you upgrade your countertops, you can create a chicer look in this high-traffic space.

Create a Decorative Stone Wall

Natural stone walls can be decorative and functional depending on your backyard’s landscape. Building a stone wall can help prevent sloping and drainage issues. However, if your landscape is flat, you can create a decorative natural stone wall that you can use as a backdrop to give your yard depth.

How to organize an outside bar

Why venture out to a bar when you can have the party right on your doorstep? Following the rise of pandemic home improvements, outside bars are now a hit for those who love to entertain. 

If you’re planning on setting up an outdoor bar, make sure you tick off everything on this list.

Remember that bar care is year-round!

Not feeling brave enough to get your friends outdoors in the winter? We can’t blame you. But you still need to take care of your bar to make sure it gets through the winter, just like you.

Protect from the inevitable rain

First, if your bar is made from wood or organic materials, make sure you apply a waterproof varnish every six months. This will help to protect its strength and shine during damper weather.

Keep everything clean and dry

Next, we need to think about cleaning the bar. If you’re shutting down for winter, start by taking everything movable – think drinks, barware, and accessories – into the house or pack into plastic storage boxes. Next, dust down any furniture such as pillows or umbrellas. Clean off any cobwebs from roofs and covers. Wipe down all sinks, shelves, doors, drawers, and cabinets.

Stop mould

Finally, make sure you give the refrigerator a clean – the last thing you need is to discover mold when you re-open in summer.

Plan for the space you have

If it’s your first time erecting an outdoor bar, you need to be realistic with the space you have. For example, have you considered the height of the bar itself? This may affect which bar stools you use, or potentially limit your storage options.

Pay careful attention to the back bar. Often, people tend to overestimate the size and cram it full of spirits and other bottles. This will look cluttered and unwelcoming for your guests! Never position one bottle behind another as this creates a smash hazard. Rotate your items seasonally – for example, fruitier liqueurs in the summer.

Design around your guests

While you might want your bar to look great, you also need to remember its functionality. You can do both by positioning your props and tools appropriately.

Glasses

Start with glassware. Think about the drinks you’ll be making and put all popular choices within easy reach – if you’re planning to serve a lot of martinis, for example, make sure they’re easy to grab.

Ice on hand

What’s the next thing bartenders go for after serving a drink? Ice. Have the ice bucket positioned near your glasses, as well as garnish if required. (You can also add some garnish to the back bar wall – but this is for decorative purposes only.)

Stock up

Have a speed rail to keep all your drinks stocked up. This applies to mixers, too – have these ready in a chiller in the back bar. 

Prepare for spills

Once that’s all set up, make sure you have plenty of napkins or bar towels in the serving area. No matter how careful you (or your guests) are, spills are part of the fun.

Make a bar shopping list

You should make your bar shopping list once you’ve decided how much space you’ll have, as well as budgets and the overall functions of your bar. Consider the aesthetic – do you want solid wood bar stools or something more contemporary?

Remember all the accessories that you might not first have considered. This could be anything from a small knife to chop lemons, to storage boxes and hosepipe fittings for water sources. (Keep these shut off during the winter.)

A speed rack is a great addition. This should be out of the view of your guests, positioned around your knees. It should be stocked up with extras for the most popular drinks. If you’re feeling really clever, you might even organize the drinks in order of guest preference.

Think about storage

An outdoor bar is susceptible to the elements, as well as mildew and nature’s little visitors. If it’s portable, disassemble your bar and move it to the garage or to a place where you can guarantee there’ll be no moisture. Dry everything down before you pack up to prevent mildew.

You may need to add large plastic covers to your shopping list, depending on where your bar is stored. Make sure you’ve removed any critters taking up residence in the nooks and crannies of your bar. This could be a scary surprise come next summer.

Bottoms up!

With these tips, you can create an outdoor bar that looks the part and survives all weather conditions. Have your guests coming round time and again with perfectly organized and well-stocked bars. Happy hour is on!

Bedroom Hacks To Make The Most Of Your Space

If you live in a small house or flat, you are probably constantly looking for ways to make the most of your space. There are several things you can buy to improve storage space however, you may feel limited on what you can buy for your home. Here, we will discuss all the things you can do to make the most of the space in your home. 

Bed With Storage Underneath

If you lack wardrobe space, you will probably struggle with places to put your clothes. One of the best things you can buy to solve that issue is a bed with storage underneath. Try a bed with built-in drawers and a bed that can lift so you can access the storage. If buying a bed with underneath storage is difficult, buy a bed that is elevated off the ground so you can put boxes of clothes and other items underneath your bed. 

Consider A Murphy Bed

These are convenient for those who live in an apartment or a studio. A murphy bed in a cabinet or wardrobe so when you are done using it, you can put the bed away until you need to go to bed. These are a little expensive but trust me, they free up a lot of space in your bedroom if you need to. Moreover, these beds come in a variety of sizes so you shouldn't struggle with finding one that fits your home. 

Build A Custom Platform

If you believe you have the capabilities to build a custom platform bed then we highly recommend this. Furthermore, if you are building it yourself, you can decide on how many drawers and cabinets you have underneath your bed. There is nothing better than a DIY bed, especially when you were the person that built it. 

Get More Storage With Footboards

If you have enough space at the bottom of your bed, you should purchase a cabinet to store games, books or anything else you may want to store. You could even buy drawers so you can store bedding or clothes that don't require a hanger. 

Multi-Purpose Furniture

If you are limited with space in your bedroom, you probably want to try and avoid too much furniture. Nonetheless, there are many pieces of furniture out there that can be used for both. For example, if you need a desk in your bedroom, buy a desk that also has places to store clothes or books.

Use Wall Space For Storage

When you have a small room, you need to make the most of everything, including your walls. Shelving units on top of drawers or hanging off the wall are all great for making the most of your space. If you do live in a flat or rented home, you may want to ask your landlord first about drilling into the wall. The last thing you want is your landlord taking money off you because you have drilled a few holes into the wall. 

Buy A Clothing Rack

If you don't have any space for a wardrobe buy a clothing rack and place it in your living room or hallway. These are not that expensive and are great for hanging up your full tracksuits, t-shirts, shirts and anything else you can think of. If you can fit your clothing rack in your bedroom then even better. Just remember not to leave it in the kitchen or else your clothes will carry a food smell. 

To Conclude

As you can see, there are many ways you can make the most of your space in your home. Furthermore, you can get creative with your DIY skills and build additional storage units. Moreover, there are many things you can buy for you to make the most of your space.