Where to begin?

I am a design consultant at a tile showroom. I've been lucky to work for five years now for a company that makes it easy to like coming to work. Probably the best part of my job is when people visit our showroom for the first time and I get to walk them through the process of tile and stone selection. I'd like to touch on floors, bathrooms, entries, and other places to tile in this blog, but the biggest area I feel people need help with is backsplashes.

The trouble with backsplashes is there are no "rules" to follow. People are making every day selections based on their tastes, likes, dislikes, and what they feel comfortable living with in their home. If you've ever been to a showroom like the one I work in, you know how many options you have to choose from. Too many - what I usually hear... that is, until you know exactly what you want and can't find it anywhere.

There isn't a right or wrong way to go about selecting a backsplash, but for as many people as I've helped through the process, I would suggest simplifying your process by using this order;

• Select your cabinets. Try and get it down to just one wood species, stain color, and door style. The more decisions you leave for later, the harder each step will get.
• Select your counter top. Educate yourself with all of the options, price ranges, and maintenance of counter top selections before you finalize your decision. Don't be afraid to use a different material or color on an island than on the perimeter. Again, finalizing this decision before moving forward will make things here on out easier.
• Select your flooring. Keep in mind the countertop when looking at flooring selecions. The movement in the countertop should be less than or more than the movement in the flooring.

Now you're ready for the backsplash!
So here are some helpful tips you should consider before and during your tile backsplash selection process;

• Take photos of the room you're working on and other rooms nearby. Print off photos in 4x6 size or larger or bring the laptop or Ipad with you to the selection center. This will help the consultant in the showroom get a visual of your home and the area you are working with. Believe me, drawing in the air or even sketching doesn't work. Photos are a big help.
• Bring a sample of your kitchen cabinets, counter top, and flooring. (Assuming you're paying attention to my advice above.)
• Bring paint colors and any textiles (window treatments, chair cushions, rug swatches) that might need to coordinate now or in the future to the backsplash.
• When selecting a backsplash for a kitchen, I suggest taking time to look through pictures in magazines or the internet. Determine the style you are after for your space and the feeling you would like your kitchen to have. When possible, start a file of printed pictures or ideas clipped from magazines to reference when visiting selection centers. If you can not print pictures, make a list of the collections or styles you like and bring that with you. This will help design consultants direct you and can make the experience less overwhelming at times.
• Think about a budget. Whether or not you have a specific number in your head, give yourself a range that feels comfortable. Most tiles are sold by the square foot so having an idea of the square footage you’ll be covering can give you an idea of pricing when making backsplash selections, but do keep in mind this will be a space you will see every day for years to come. Think of this space as an investment in your kitchen and design of your home.
• Begin shopping for your backsplash early. Leaving plenty of time before needing the product on the jobsite will give you a larger selection to choose from and you will have time to consider the details or take samples home. Many products can take a few weeks to arrive after an order is placed.

Ready? Let's go shopping!