Homeowners are discovering they can add style and character to their kitchens by adding a tile backsplash. Lovely in appearance, they are also practical in function, protecting the wall behind the sink or stove from grease and water damage. Available in dozens of materials and colors, tile provides endless design possibilities. Our real estate agents are excited to share a few upgrade options with you as you consider some of our beautiful Klamath Falls homes for sale.

• Where to Begin
  As with any upgrade, you should first consider your budget. While there are multiple options for materials, the most popular is tile. Focusing on tile options, you'll find three stand out: ceramic, glass, and stone. The most affordable of the three is ceramic. It is not only economical but easy to install, durable, and available in an endless array of colors, allowing you to match any decorating scheme. Next comes glass, offering bold color choices softened by its transparent nature. It is slightly more expensive than ceramic but still affordable, and both are easy to clean and maintain. Finally comes stone, luxurious, but with a price to match. While stone adds that touch of class to the room, it requires periodic sealing and is subject to chipping and cracking.
  
  
• How Cabinet Style Affects Tile Choice
  Traditional cabinetry may limit the area where you install the tile. You will need to consider whether to end the tile at the bottom of the cabinets or extend it to the ceiling in open spaces. Open shelving opens up more possibilities, as you can stop the tile at whatever point you wish. Covering a broader space makes the room appear larger but also increases the cost.
  
  
• Selecting the Color
  If you paint a wall and then grow to hate it, you can easily paint over it. But tile is a more permanent choice. To avoid a tragic decision, we recommend taping a few samples on the wall to see how well it blends with the rest of the room. Keep the floor in mind, as well as the cabinetry. The shiny surface of the tile will contrast with the matte finish of the floor and wall and can easily make them appear dingy. It's also important to remember that this is a long-term option. Classic colors will make the owner much happier in five years than a color trend that can't be easily altered. 
  
  
• Consider Function
  A backsplash should add convenience to the room as well as beauty. Ceramic and glass are both easy to clean without additional maintenance. A quick rinse with soap and water will leave it sparkling without backbreaking effort. Stone, on the other hand, is easily stained. Kitchen grease and spills will take their toll if you don't reseal them periodically.
  
  
• Play With Pattern
  There's no need to keep tiles monochrome, so you can have fun with patterns such as herringbone or chevron designs. You can also select alternative shapes such as hexagons or arabesque. Even grout choice will alter the appearance from a white that disappears between white tiles to grey that clearly defines the tile shape. While subtler styles offer a timeless quality, they need not be boring! A unique design will transform your backsplash into an interesting focal point.

Whether you are trying to spruce up a house to bring a better sales price or looking for a new home, our real estate professionals want to help. Contact us when you are ready to move forward.