 A kitchen remodel is a massive undertaking. Not only the obviously large decisions (like, “Can we fit an island in here?”) as well as the smaller details (“What type of cabinet pulls will look best?) One of the major decisions to make is choosing a kitchen backsplash. It’s the focal point of the kitchen’s design and a wonderful chance to show off your creative side. It may seem like a simple task, but choosing tile for your backsplash can be complicated, there are a variety of things to consider that will affect your overall kitchen design. So, do you take a risk with color? Play it safe with white subway tile? Whatever you choose, follow our guide on how to choose a kitchen backsplash. Reminder: Always speak with your designer or contractor about your preferences before a project begins! If you need help finding a kitchen contractor in your area, talk to one of Boston Renovation’s experts today! Top tips for choosing a kitchen backsplash
Start with the proper budget According to HomeAdvisor.com, installing a backsplash in your kitchen costs an average of $1,000. You could pay as little as $600 or as much as $3,000 depending on kitchen size. Price factors include finish types, amount of tile needed, pattern complexity, and the level of difficulty. This could depend on whether the area has an electrical socket, door, or window. If your budget is tight, you'll want to lean toward standard sizes. However you can still add fun details. Bordering a few Handpainted pieces with classic white field tile is a great budget friendly way to add handmade, artistic appeal to your kitchen without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that specialty shapes and more intricate glazes do cost a bit more. The manufacturing process is more detailed, and we make everything by hand. Custom colors will also drive up your price. When on a budget, avoid trendy tile and revisit classic white ceramic that can cost less than $1 per square foot. If you need to cover lots of area, like an entire wall, you can add interest without emptying your bank account by opting for practical metal panels.  Size the backsplash properly OK, so now that you’ve got your budget sorted out, think about how much tile you’ll actually need to get this done. Multiply the width by the height of the wall to determine the square footage, which will tell you how much material you'll need. Account for an extra 10 percent of tile just to be safe. If you just want a hint of tile, only bring your backsplash up to the bottom of your cabinet or first shelf in an open shelving design. If you want more tile, you can often extend your backsplash to the ceiling in areas where there are no cabinets. Know how to draw the eye to high impact areas Most visitors to your kitchen will naturally look towards two areas - the space above the range and above the sink. There is more square footage of wall space above the range and sink, so you can play with tile design. Consider a neutral field tile for the rest of the kitchen, then bring in a funky glass tile to create a showy centerpiece above the stove. Work in strong patterns here, if you’d like. Some options include installing tile on the diagonal, or applying a staggering brick pattern with slim subway tiles (now they come in sizes like 1-by-2 inches or elongated 4-by-12 inches). Choose the right material for you Tile is, and always has been, the most popular choice for kitchen backsplashes. But recently other options have presented themselves. Glass is beautiful, but not budget-friendly. Natural stone is visually striking, but requires an updated sealing once a year. Ceramic is durable, easy to clean and low cost. Ceramic’s cousin, porcelain, is actually denser and therefore more durable and resistant to moisture. Cork mosaic tiles are appropriate for walls or floors, and tiles made of 100-percent bamboo are sealed to create a backsplash that's warm yet contemporary. Recycled glass tile is durable, stain resistant and comes in a range of unique colors that result from melting and repurposing recycled glass. Lastly, if your kitchen is rustic or industrial, brick might work best.  Pick colors to stand out or to fit in As with the material choice, choosing a color for your kitchen backsplash is key to the entire renovation process. Before you make any material or color choice, live with the samples for awhile. Tape color and tile samples to the walls to see what they look like throughout the day as natural light changes. Choose one main color and a couple of accent colors to use throughout the kitchen, including the backsplash. If you choose a colorful countertop material you'll want to choose a neutral tile color (but you can still go wild with pattern). If your countertops are neutral, choose tile that complements the texture and tone of the countertop material. Contrast your design with your countertops Being too coordinated between backsplash and countertops leads to a boring look. Play with colors and shapes (as well as horizontal vs. vertical alignment) when designing your backsplash and countertops. Your tile backsplash is always going to be right up against your countertops, so it is important to make sure the two materials and colors work well together. Try mixing metallic tiles in different shades with various finishes, such as brushed stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze or even an antique brass. By including small tiles of marble or granite, you can pull in the countertop color without being boring with a panel of granite that extends up from the countertop. You’ll also want to consider how your lighting fixtures and other hardware either match or clash with the backsplash choice.  Make smart shape and pattern choices
Show your originality but choosing a tile shape that suits your tastes. If you want a timeless design, choose a classic size such as 3x6 subway tile layout or 4x4 squares. This will never go out of style. If you want to get a little more funky, specialty shapes can be fun, too. If your kitchen is otherwise rather bland, a backsplash tile shape that draws the eye will be a show-stopper. Think triangles, circles, or even a custom shape. Don’t forget that seal and grout are key Different tile materials have different sealing needs. Natural tile like granite, marble, and slate needs to be resealed once a year, while travertine needs resealing every two years. Designing your countertops is one of the most important steps of your kitchen remodel project. Your countertops serve an important functional purpose in your kitchen, but they're also one of the most noticeable features. Take the time to select a material that suits your personal style and is also durable enough to last for decades. There are many different countertop materials to choose from, so in this guide we'll explore your many options.  Kitchen Countertop Considerations
Before designing your countertops, there are a few important questions you must ask yourself: What kind of use do your countertops get? How you will be using your countertops will heavily determine which material is best for your project. Whether you're a chef who cooks every night of the week, or have children that could potentially spill on and scratch the surfaces, it's important to find a material that matches your needs. Consider factors such as ease of maintenance, durability, damage and stain resistance, and more. What is your personal style? Besides the pure functionality of countertops, they also contribute greatly to the overall look of your kitchen. Select a material that matches your desired style. For example, if you want to create a farmhouse style kitchen, including a wood butcher block can help enhance the look. If minimalist and modern is more your style, unique materials such as concrete and stainless steel might work best. You also need to consider how your countertops will work with your backsplash. What is your budget? Unfortunately, this might be the most influential factor in your decision making process. Countertop materials can vary greatly in price, and it's important to consider not only material costs, but also installation and delivery fees. Take this into account when designing your kitchen remodel budget. Kitchen Countertop Materials Granite Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials, due to it's elegant appearance and durable performance. It's available in many different colors, meaning it can fit in to any kitchen style and color scheme. Each slab of granite is completely unique. Granite countertops are typically installed for $80 to $200 per square foot. Marble Marble countertops are a luxurious option that create a sophisticated atmosphere in any kitchen. However, these are not a great choice if your countertops are at risk of being scratched, as marble is a very soft material. However, many choose to install marble countertops in low-traffic areas of the kitchen to benefit from their appearance without the risk of damage. Marble countertops are typically installed for $80 to $170 per square foot. Laminate Laminate countertops are cost-effective and can imitate the appearance of more expensive materials. Laminate can be ordered in patterns such as marble, granite, stone and more. It is an extremely damage-resistant material, but is heat sensitive. Marble countertops are typically installed for $40 to $90 per square foot. Concrete Concrete has grown in popularity in recent years, due to its frequent incorporation in modern style home design. Concrete countertops can be extremely customized, from thickness to color to texture. It can be cast in a variety of shapes to create unique looks in any kitchen. It's also a very strong and durable materials. Concrete countertops are typically installed for $100 to $200 per square foot. This is only a selection of the countertop materials available. To learn more about your options, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. Whether you're completely remodeling your kitchen or just looking for a simple update, changing the color of your kitchen cabinets is a great way to liven up your kitchen. Cabinets take up the majority of space in most kitchens, so it's important that they're designed in a visually appealing way. While cabinets can be designed in a variety of colors, it's important to choose a hue that nicely compliments your kitchen design.  Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas White or Neutral Look around your kitchen. If there is already a lot of color from the flooring, appliances, walls, backsplash and more, then it's best not to add another color to the mix. Stick with a white or neutral toned color to avoid a chaotic color scheme. There are a variety of shades to choose from, and light cabinets can brighten up the entire room. Light grey and beige cabinets can also serve a similar purpose. Yellow If you're looking to add a splash of color to your kitchen, yellow cabinets are a great option. If you don't want anything to bright, choose from a light pastel or buttery yellow. However, bright yellow can also look great, if balanced out by more neutral flooring and countertops. Green While the initial idea of green cabinets may seem off-putting, this color can be very eye-catching and elegant if done right. Mint green can be a very subtle way to add color and a retro feel to any kitchen. Blue Deep hues of blue can turn your kitchen into a space of opulence and grandeur. Navy clue cabinets add a rich feel and pair well with white walls and gold accents. It's important to note that these dark colors can make your kitchen feel slightly smaller, so this might not be the best option for a small kitchen. Cost to Change Cabinet Color If you're painting existing kitchen cabinets, the project will likely cost you between $500 and $1,000. If you're installing new cabinets, the cost will be around $3,500 for 6 cabinets. Make sure to consider this when designing your kitchen renovation budget. Ready to start on your kitchen remodel? Our licensed experts are here to help you navigate your project. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. Is your kitchen hopelessly out of date? Do none of your appliances or cabinets function properly? It’s likely time for a kitchen remodel. While kitchen projects can seem overwhelming, they're not something that can be ignored. This is your dream kitchen we’re talking about! Let’s get started.  Cost of a Kitchen Remodel
The primary concern many homeowners have when upgrading a kitchen is that of cost. However, conducting research, finding cost-effective products and planning ahead can allow for an affordable kitchen remodel. While getting quotes from contractors is typically a time consuming process, HireHaven’s licensed experts gather multiple bids from vetted contractors after just one in-home meeting to scope your project. Before you embark on your kitchen project, it’s important to understand the factors that may impact the cost. Read on to learn how to mitigate costs and design a project under budget. Kitchen Types One of the most influential factors related to the cost of your kitchen project is the material you choose and the style of your kitchen. Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. Size and Layout of House After deciding on a material, the next step in estimating the cost of your project is to determine how large your kitchen is and where it’s located in the home. The cost of a project is heavily based on the kitchen style and layout, with this being the driving factor behind both material and labor costs. Additional Costs There are a variety of other customizations and factors that can influence the cost of your project. For example, many homeowners have the option to move plumbing or other critical appliances around, which adds thousands to the budget. Also, of course the grade of appliances and materials used in the project will greatly affect the cost. Location The location of your house can also influence the cost of your kitchen project. For example, projects in the South can be almost half as expensive as projects completed in the Northeast or on the West Coast. Unfortunately, this is one factor that homeowners have little control over. While a kitchen remodel project can seem like a big undertaking, with careful planning and budgeting, many homeowners are able to benefit from this major home upgrade. Estimating and understanding the cost of your project is an important first step that will allow you to enjoy a smooth renovation process. There are a number of influential factors that affect the overall cost of a project, and balancing these factors can allow you to complete the project within your budget. To learn more about the potential costs of your kitchen project, call our licensed experts at 978.697.4625 or request a free quote. If your kitchen is outdated, a remodeling project is the perfect opportunity to update the style to match your own. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather to enjoy time together, so it's important that it's a space you and others enjoy being in. There are many different ways to design your kitchen, but what matters most is that you pick a style that suits your tastes.  Top Kitchen Styles
Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. To learn more about your kitchen remodel options, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or request a free quote below. Your master bathroom should be a place for relaxation, as well as serving a functional purpose. Many homeowners are taking on bathroom remodels to transform their worn-out space into a luxurious haven. It's important not overlook how much time is spent in your bathroom, as it's often the space in which you start and end your day. Shouldn't it be as welcoming as possible? If you're ready to begin planning your master bathroom renovation, our comprehensive guide is here to help you.  Designing a Master Bathroom Remodel
There are a few important aspects to consider when it comes to designing your bathroom remodel: materials, style, and layout. In terms of material, your only real limit is your imagination and your budget. Homeowners are incorporating increasingly luxurious materials into their bathrooms, from granite countertops to marble showers. In terms of style, it's important to get a sense for your personal style before starting your project. Get inspired by looking at project examples online or visit a design showroom in person. Both of these options can help you get a sense for your many options, so that you can pick out your favorite materials and fixtures. Lastly, it's extremely important to consider the layout of your space when designing your project. Given the space that you're working with, you must decide whether a bath or shower is a better fit for the space. In recent years, baths have become less popular, as showers are typically more economical uses of space, and can also be customized with a variety of water features. Other design decisions, such as number of sinks or shower size, will vary greatly given the dimensions of your space. We recommend picking out your materials, fixtures, and other design features before beginning your project so that you have a realistic sense of your projected costs. Bathroom Feature Ideas Two sinks: A remodel is a great time to add a second sink to your master bathroom. This allows each person to have their own space, and saves time in the morning and at night.
Cost to Remodel Master Bathroom As they are often the largest bathrooms in the house, master bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive of the bathroom renovations, as compared to renovating smaller bathrooms. The cost of these projects varies greatly, as the project could be a full-gut or a partial remodel. Additionally, the fixtures and materials chosen will influence the final price. Master bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. To get a better sense of your master bathroom remodel options and potential costs, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project by requesting a free quote. If your kitchen is outdated, a remodeling project is the perfect opportunity to update the style to match your own. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather to enjoy time together, so it's important that it's a space you and others enjoy being in. There are many different ways to design your kitchen, but what matters most is that you pick a style that suits your tastes. Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. To learn more about your kitchen remodel options, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project request a free quote. |
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