Transitional Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

When it’s time to renovate your kitchen, you’re full of dreams and ideas. You want a kitchen that would make Gordon Ramsay take notice. Of course, you’re faced with the practicality of size and budget. One of the most striking high-end renovations you can make is a seamless transitional kitchen backsplash. This look provides an upscale feel to any kitchen.

What Is a Transitional Kitchen Backsplash? 

A transitional kitchen backsplash is a backsplash that appears to flow directly from the countertop and up the wall. It can also define a backsplash that continues around appliances and cabinets to reach the ceiling. In some cases, a transitional kitchen backsplash utilizes the same material as the countertop while others complement the material and color of the countertop with an extremely similar backsplash of a different material.

A transitional kitchen backsplash creates a seamless appearance and can pull the look of your kitchen together. When you use a transitional backsplash, you won’t need to worry about colors and material clashing with each other or looking too busy. Here’s our picks for the most popular types of transitional backsplashes.

Seamless Backsplash and Counter

When you use the exact same color and material on the counter and backsplash it’s considered a seamless transitional backsplash. This looks like the counter naturally flows up the wall to the bottom of the cabinets.

If you opt for this look, you need to make sure that you choose the right color and material. This color is going to dominate your kitchen. If you choose a statement color instead of a neutral shade, you may need to pick cabinets and appliances to complement it.

In some transitional backsplashes, the countertop and backsplash aren’t the same material but are still the same or very close color. You can’t use every material available for countertops on your walls, such as concrete. However, you can mix materials while maintaining the same color to give you the transitional backsplash look that you want.

You need to find two materials with the same color palette and finish, such as matte or gloss, to pull the look off. The colors don’t need to be an exact match, but you want to find colors similar enough that you don’t register the difference in shades.

Transitional Backsplashes that Reach the Ceiling

Some transitional backsplashes fill more than the space between your countertop and cabinets. You might consider a transitional backsplash that weaves its way behind appliances and above cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

It’s a good idea to select a neutral color or one you really love because it’s going to be the dominant color in your kitchen. With this option, you don’t necessarily need to match the countertop and backsplash. You get the transitional look from the continuation of the backsplash behind the appliances and above the cabinets.

Materials for a Transitional Kitchen Backsplash

Not all materials are suitable as both a countertop and a backsplash. If you want to do a seamless transitional backsplash, you’ll need a material suitable for both surfaces. The most common materials for a seamless transitional backsplash are:

• Marble
• Tile
• Quartz
• Granite
• Quartzite

While these are the most common, you might be able to use another material. Your contractor can help you decide. Here’s some more info on the most popular materials.

Marble

As a natural stone, marble its durability makes it ideal for a busy kitchen. You might think marble is out of your price range, but the price point for marble has a wide range and starts very reasonably. Marble prices are determined based on several factors including availability. As long as you properly seal your marble countertops and backsplash, this stone lasts a long time.

Granite

Another popular choice for countertops and a backsplash, granite is a durable stone. It resists chipping and scratches although you need to properly seal it to ensure its longevity. Once you seal your granite countertops and backsplash, the stone is less susceptible to bacteria, dirt, and grime. It’s easily cleaned with warm water and pH-balanced natural cleaners.

Quartz

If you’re looking to put color into your kitchen, quartz comes in a variety of hues and colors. The quartz countertop and backsplash require less care and maintenance than other stone since it generally doesn’t need to be sealed.

When you’re ready to start renovating your kitchen and picking out your transitional kitchen backsplash, Arizona Tile is ready to help. Contact us today or stop into one of our locations to talk to a tile expert.

If you’d like to see what a transitional tile backsplash would look like in your kitchen, try out our Just Imagine Visualizer Tool.