Stone Dimensions - Winter/Spring 2008 - (Page 12) you have created the larger canvas on which to work, you can begin dreaming up various unique tile configurations. If you decide to remain monochromatic, employ stones that vary in size, shape, texture and finish to create interest. Placing tiles on the diagonal and clipping the corners allows for the addition of dots or accents in contrasting colors and materials that will add dimension to your splash. For more dramatic styling, add artistic tiles of diverse materials such as glass, metal, mosaics or deeply grooved relics. Carefully place electrical outlets With all of the “must have” kitchen gadgets currently on the market, it becomes essential to have an ample number of electrical outlets at your disposal. Add to that the multitude of switches required to control all those luxury kitchen amenities and ambient lighting and we begin to wonder if it is even possible to create an appealing design that won’t be lost in a sea of rectangular plate covers. Building codes generally dictate the number and placement of outlets. Taking into consideration that they are usually installed quite frequently, creating a seamless splash does sound like a rather insurmountable challenge. Early in the building stages or before the remodeling process has even begun, discuss the placement of your outlets and switch plates with your contractor. There are several successful ways to avoid these intrusive boxes within your lovely splash design. First, you may want to consider specifying that a special outlet strip be installed at the very top portion of the backsplash. Virtually unnoticeable when hidden behind the lower lip of the wall cabinets, it opens the area for diverse options. Secondly, you may choose to have the outlets mounted directly onto the underside of the wall cabinets, allowing for a truly uninterrupted design. The third option is to locate the electrical outlets at the very base of the splash and in lieu of the traditional vertical placement, place them in a horizontal position. If you are in the midst of a renovation and are forced to contend with the current placement of these necessary features, there is good news. There is no better medium than stone with which to blend a faux finish. Due to natural stone’s inherent color and texture variation, a good faux finish can make a wall outlet virtually disappear. Whatever your aspirations, it is important to consult with your architect, electrical contractor and/or builder first to ensure that your ideas will meet code and provide both you and your family a safe and secure environment in which to work. Harmonize the elements of your design You have just discovered the perfect stone slab, its dramatic veining and vibrant color tones blend precisely to make that daring statement you’ve been after. As a rule of thumb, when the countertop is exceptionally striking and functions as one of the kitchen’s primary focal points, the splash takes a backseat as a complementary element. Avoiding the use of intricate patterns and intense colors within the backsplash adjoining a heavily veined countertop is generally a good idea, but going subtle doesn’t have to mean boring! By seeking out a single color tone contained within the countertop material itself and transferring it onto the backsplash through the use of a decorative insert or border, you can create a design that will marry the two nicely. On the other hand, if your desire is to make the backsplash a primary focal point in the space, be sure you tone down the countertop as to keep things in balance. Fuse form and function When planning your splash, don’t limit yourself to the customary flat layout. Think three-dimensional by introducing something that is attention-grabbing as well as functional. Incorporating a niche, shelf or ledge into the backsplash is both useful as well as visually interesting. These architectural elements are generally located just behind the cooking surface or above the sink area. Get creative - an arched, recessed niche can provide the perfect space for highlighting that collection of colorful vegetable-bottles, a special ceramic vase or even a fanciful piece of artwork. A ledge placed above the sink can be used for displaying something as simple as a single orchid or as multifarious as a row of potted herbs for the gourmet cook. Frame it To successfully incorporate a picture frame configuration within your backsplash design, you must first be sure 12 StoneDimensions www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com http://www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com
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