Kitchen remodels provide homeowners with an opportunity to update the look and functionality of one of the most lived-in rooms of a house. From cabinetry to countertops, flooring to lighting, every element of the kitchen design offers a chance for renewal. However, one often-overlooked component merits special consideration: the backsplash.

What is a Backsplash?

A backsplash is a protective surface that sits against walls around sinks, stoves, and other areas prone to water splatter or cooking mess in kitchens. Typically made of ceramic tile, metal, glass, or stone, backsplashes serve both utilitarian and aesthetic purposes. On the practical side, they guard vulnerable walls from moisture damage and make clean-up easier. Visually, they provide an extra layer of style that can tie the whole kitchen decor together.

Backsplashes come in an endless array of colors, textures, materials, and patterns. From ultra-sleek stainless steel to rustic penny tile, the options offer just as much flexibility as cabinets or countertops to complement any design scheme. Given their visibility and impact, the backsplash merits thoughtful deliberation in any kitchen overhaul.

Reasons to Keep the Existing Backsplash During Remodeling

When renovating a kitchen, the backsplash may seem destined for replacement along with most other elements. However, there are several solid reasons to buck the expectation and retain the original backsplash.

Cost Savings

Installing a completely new backsplash carries a price tag, especially for premium materials like metal or stone tiles. The associated labor for removal and proper installation also bumps up the expense. By preserving the current backsplash, all those costs can be avoided for potentially significant savings.

Preserving Beautiful Materials

Some backsplashes are made of high-quality, expensive materials like granite, marble or handmade art tile. If these elements are still in good condition, it may not make sense to discard them just for the sake of change.Updating them would require investing in new high-end materials again. Keeping them maintains their enduring beauty while avoiding unnecessary waste.

Sentimental Value

In some cases, existing backsplashes hold sentimental meaning if they were custom-made or purchased by a previous homeowner with special taste. Honoring that hand-selected design detail pays respect to the kitchen’s history.

Sustainability

From an environmental standpoint, reusing an existing backsplash aligns with sustainability principles. Any time products and materials can be upcycled instead of tossed out, it reduces waste and carbon footprint. Salvaging the original backsplash prevents it from ending up in a landfill.

Easier Installation

Installing a fresh backsplash requires meticulous preparation of the wall surface for proper adhesion. Retaining the original one skips this demanding groundwork phase of installation. The process is vastly simplified without the need to scrape off old adhesive, repair drywall damage or smooth uneven areas.

No Mess or Dust

Demolishing an old backsplash inevitably creates a lot of debris and dust. Opting to keep it intact avoids unleashing this grimy mess on the rest of the kitchen. Skipping demolition altogether contains the chaos.

Faster Remodel Timeline

Removing and replacing the backsplash takes time. Working around it trims days off the remodeling schedule. That translates to less disruption and quicker enjoyment of the refreshed kitchen.

Design Continuity

In some kitchens, the backsplash coordinates beautifully with countertops or other elements not slated for replacement. Keeping it maintains a unified, considered look. All-new selections risk clashing with aspects like countertops meant to stay.

Functionality

A backsplash serves important functional roles protecting walls and facilitating cleaning around a heavy-use area. Retaining one already situated correctly for these jobs prioritizes practicality over a minor visual shift.

Ideas for Updating Without Replacing the Backsplash

Though keeping the backsplash prevents a full design reset, there are still numerous creative ways to give it a refreshed look:

Change the Grout Color

Re-grouting with a bold, modern color variation totally transforms the appearance of any tile backsplash. White tiles revive with black grout. Earth tones turn slick and modern with bright white grout.

Paint Certain Tiles

Strategically painting select tiles or tile sections introduces pops of color. Try painting random tiles in a contrasting tone, or paint a border around the whole backsplash perimeter.

Wallpaper Over It

Wallpapering only the backsplash zone layers on unique pattern and color without removing the tile beneath. Use removable wallpaper to prevent permanent commitment.

Disguise with a floating Shelving Installation

Floating shelves mounted in front of the backsplash obscure the view but don’t prohibit accessing it for cleaning. The shelves introduce handy storage and display space to boot.

Expose Sections

If only portions of the backsplash are unsightly or dated, a clever partial reveal can spotlight the best areas. Frame out sections to highlight while masking problem spots.

Add Lighting

Drawing the eye upward, sconces or pendant lights camouflage backsplash blemishes in shadow. Illumination also adds ambient sparkle.

Attach a Faux Facade

Adhesive faux 3D tiles, shimmering wallpaper or metal sheets applied right over the existing backsplash totally transform its look. This removable masking does not damage the original.

Extend Countertops

Restyling with extended-height countertops means the backsplash peeks out only minimally from behind them, minimizing its aesthetic impact.

Add Open Shelving

Floating open shelves mounted in front of the backsplash divert attention while exhibiting decorative items. Leave negative space between shelves to permit backsplash visibility.

Contrast With Cabinets

Painting cabinets a bold color contrasts the backsplash, styling it like an accent piece versus the focus. Similarly, replacing door fronts upgrades cabinets without touching the backsplash.

Expand Visual Space

Employing reflective surfaces like polished stone or glass tile in the backsplash makes the space seem larger, diverting attention from any outdated aspects.

Add a Focal Point

Installing a new attention-grabbing element nearby, like a statement vent hood or colorful oven, draws notice away from the retained backsplash.

Design Strategies to Keep an Old Backsplash Looking Current

If preserving a backsplash that has aged poorly, implementing these ideas prevents it from looking glaringly dated:

Lean Into the Era

Rather than fight signs of another era, lean in for a retro revival. Paint wood cabinets avocado green and pair with era-appropriate cafe curtains to complement a vintage tile backsplash.

Create Contrast

Combining the backsplash with countertops and cabinets in sharply contrasting modern hues and materials underscores its presence as an intentional accent instead of a relic.

Update Surrounding Elements

By upgrading countertops, cabinetry, fixtures and flooring around an older backsplash, its less-updated state blends into the fresh surroundings.

Add Big Personality

Choose new dishes, rugs, curtain panels and window treatments full of bold color and pattern to compete visually with the backsplash instead of looking dated against understated surroundings.

Focus on Function

Take a practical perspective and ensure plumbing, electrical, cabinetry and appliances are fully updated around a retro backsplash. Functionality should take priority over backsplash aesthetics.

Illuminate It

Bathing the backsplash in plentiful task lighting masks flaws while also creating a welcoming ambiance. Use varying fixture styles for eclectic charm.

Size Up Surfaces

Making the backsplash appear smaller by extending countertops to standard height or laying large-scale floor tile enlarges its surrounding surfaces. The backsplash feels like an accent instead of the main event.

Swap Out Hardware

Replacing dated metal backsplash trim, faucets, drawer pulls and lighting modernizes the look without replacing integral tiles. Sleek new metal finishes feel contemporary.

Mute With Paint

Giving walls, ceiling or perimeter cabinetry a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore White Dove eases the transition between a pronounced backsplash and the rest of the space.

Questions Homeowners Frequently Ask About Keeping an Existing Backsplash

Homeowners wrestling with backsplash decisions during kitchen remodels often pose these common questions:

Is it cheaper to keep or replace a backsplash?

Keeping an intact backsplash is significantly cheaper than full replacement, saving on purchase, demolition, installation and new material costs. The only investment is refresh techniques like cleaning, regrouting, painting or adding lighting.

When should you replace rather than reuse a backsplash?

Replace a backsplash that is damaged beyond repair or poses safety hazards. Otherwise, the choice depends on personal taste, not a rule. Many outdated backsplashes gain new life with creativity.

Should you keep a backsplash if renovating cabinets and countertops?

It depends on the state and style of the backsplash. Well-maintained backsplashes coordinate fine with new cabinetry and countertops. However, a backsplash in poor condition contrasts obviously.

What’s the best way to remove an old backsplash?

After heating adhesive with a blow dryer, slide a putty knife behind tiles to gently pry off. Thoroughly clean wall adhesive residue before applying new backsplash. Take care not to gouge drywall behind.

Can you apply new tile over an existing backsplash?

It is possible but not ideal. Existing tile must be sanded thoroughly before laying new tile. However, adhesion issues often plague new overlays if the original is not removed entirely.

How do you make an outdated tile backsplash look modern?

Grout color transformation, bold paint accents, strategic tile removal, lighting enhancements, reflective materials, or large-scale surrounding tiles can impart a modern feeling to dated backsplash tile.

The Beauty of Preservation

Kitchen renovation brings immense possibilities for transformative design updates throughout the space. Sweeping changes dominate most wish lists. However, the backsplash offers a unique opportunity to buck the norm and celebrate preservation. Maintaining this pivotal surface preserves character, saves money and simplifies remodeling. With strategic tweaks, an old backsplash rises to fresh relevance. Honor the history while still celebrating progress.

Conclusion

Preserving and refreshing an existing backsplash during kitchen renovation provides cost and labor savings, sustainability, and design continuity. Strategic updates like new grout colors, added lighting and floating shelves keep the original backsplash feeling current. Updating surrounding cabinetry, countertops and paint unifies everything. When pristine, some backsplashes warrant complete preservation from environmental and sentimental perspectives. With smart adaptations, even dated backsplashes gain new life. Honoring kitchen history while still progressing forward provides homeowners the best of both worlds.