Backsplashes and Cabinets: Perfect Together!

Have you ever wondered about backsplashes and cabinets and how the look of the backsplash can completely change the feel of the cabinets and kitchen?

Here are four examples from the Tile Outlets store in Fort Myers, Florida, to show you how perfectly backsplashes and cabinets go together, and how different tile transforms how your cabinetry looks.

For the record, you can find a rich assortment of kitchen and bath cabinetry as well as bathroom vanities at Tile Outlets.

Why Update Backsplashes and Cabinets?

Earlier in 2020, Tile Outlets of America in Fort Myers decided to refresh the cabinet side of the Inspiration Center. Why? Because a new backsplash can completely change and update the look of your kitchen.

When you visit Tile Outlets, you'll notice many designs in the Inspiration Area. This space helps customers visualize how a completed project looks.

We identified four vignettes to remodel. We opted to keep the countertops and cabinets in place and renovate the backsplashes to demonstrate how drastically you can change the look of a room in a time and cost-effective manner.

1. Bristol Chocolate Cabinets Get Glass Strips Mosaic Backsplash

The first refreshed vignette is the Bristol Chocolate cabinets and the old west granite counters. This one struck us as most dated.

As you can see in the image above, the original backsplash consisted of a 4x12 subway ceramic tile in cream and taupe, with a marble textured mosaic accent.

When picking out a mosaic to use here, we choose something with a good bit of color for the backsplash: the WarmFrost/ClearGlass Strips Mosaic 12x12.

We refreshed the bar area with New York Greenwich Village 4x8 in a brick pattern.

The idea with these choices is that the backsplash can be a focal point and not just an accent. We also wanted to incorporate a variety of finishes and textures. You see, you don't have to only select items in one style category; rather, you can mix Modern, Traditional, Contemporary, and other categories.

2. Flat Panel White Cabinets Pair Up with Metallic Glass Tile

Next, we moved onto the Flat Panel Shiny White Cabinets with a Cambria Menai quartz countertop. The original backsplash was a white penny round with a red 2x2 accent. Those were chosen to create a super slick minimal look.

When designing the new vignette, we wanted to keep that same feel. We choose the Silver Mist 8 mm Metallic Glass Tile 3x9 in a brick pattern with the Keops White 2x2 Glass Mosaic 12x12 as an insert accent. This allowed us to keep the shiny effect while also showcasing a very modern glass look.

We used the TEC Design FX Grout. If you’re not familiar with this line, it accentuates the natural beauty of glass and metal tiles, in addition to ceramic, porcelain, and most natural stone tile.

Tile Outlets of America stocks three colors in the TEC Design FX Grout. This product is available in Silver, Crystal, and Bronze.

3. Two-Tone Flat Panel Cabinets Combine with Mirror Glass Mosaic

The next remodel was the two-tone flat panel display in Light Gray and Lava Gray which originally featured a gray marble lantern pattern.

When selecting a backplash for this installation, we wanted to blend the light and dark gray tones in the backsplash.

The Grey Blend 2x6 Mirror Glass Mosaic 12x12 was THE perfect fit for this one! It has been by far a customer and employee favorite. Even though some of the tones are darker than the original backsplash, the reflective nature of the glass completely brightens the space.

We also used TEC Design FX grout in crystal for this display. Stop by and see this one, it’s a showstopper.

4. Flat Panel Two-Tone Wood Grain Cabinetry Perfect With Puzzle Glass Mosaic

The last remodel is the Flat Panel two-tone wood grain cabinets in Pine Blanco and City Oak.

The original multi-shaped glass tile had been discontinued, so we had to make new selections. This was a difficult one as we already had a strong color and tone pallet to work with.

Ultimately, we chose the Time White Puzzle Glass Mosaic 12x12 because it has the same cream color and textured design as the Pine Blanco upper cabinets. This added a tremendous amount of light and life, dramatically changing the look of this display. We again chose a mosaic with a mix of textures and materials.

What Goes Into New Backsplashes - Removal and Installation?

The overall process of removal and installation was incredibly easy and took way less time than we thought it would.

Carlos Souza and his crew, from Delta Tile Corporation, did all the work.

1. Prepare and Protect the Countertops

The first step was to prepare and protect the countertops as we were neither changing nor removing them. Builder paper was taped down over the countertops and a dropcloth on the floor.

2. Remove the Previous Backsplashes

The next step was to remove the old backsplashes.

This was done by using a scraper to remove all the old tiles and thinset, down to the bare wood wall.

If you have a fiberboard wall in your kitchen, your installer will cut out the entire piece and replace it. Talk to your installer for specifics.

3. Prepare the Surface for the New Backsplash

Next, the surface was smoothed down for easy application.

4. Get Ready for Backsplash Installation

After that, it was installation time!!

Since we were installing a variety of tile on a wall setting, we opted to use TEC Ultimate 6. This product is perfect for installing glass tile.

The tile went up either individually or on a mosaic sheet with metallic Schluter strips used for the finished edge. Schluter edges are a great way to finish off a mosaic when you do not want to use a bullnose. They come in a variety of sizes, finishes, and materials.

After letting the thin-set dry overnight, the grout was applied then cleaned up immediately. This is to ensure that the grout does not dry on the surface.

That is it, easy as 123:

• Pick your tile,
• Pick your installer,
• Enjoy your new updated look!

You can see by the pictures just how much of a change you can make in your kitchen by switching up the backsplash. This easy and affordable project is the perfect way to spice things up without undertaking any kind of major remodel. We hope you stop by one of our locations in Ft Myers, Tampa, or Sarasota today to get your own inspiration. Happy Updating!

Are You Ready to Explore Different Backsplashes and Cabinets?

There are so many more backsplash options our experienced and knowledgeable tile experts would love to introduce you to. Whether you come into our stores with visions already formed or feel stumped on where to begin, please know that we are here to help guide you.

>> See Explore the Wonders of Mosaic Shapes with Kate

>> See Discover Backsplash Ideas at Tile Outlets of America

We are passionate about helping our customers end up with a finished design that they adore. After all, making customers' dreams come to reality is what we’re all about and we hope we've inspired you to come to explore these looks.

Thanks for reading!