What is the best kitchen splashback colour?

Photo by Edgar Castrejon on Unsplash

When designing any interior space, the colour scheme is undoubtedly one of the most important choices – and with the kitchen being the heart of most homes, it’s important to get the palette right.

One essential element that can have a significant impact on the visual effect of your kitchen is a splashback. It may be a practical piece that shields the walls behind the cooker or sink from unsightly splatters and stains, but a kitchen splashback also offers an opportunity to make a style statement.

There are plenty of different splashback styles available, of course, so the key is choosing a colour and design that suits your kitchen and the statement you want to make – whether that’s complementing the rest of your décor or contrasting against it to create a cool focal feature.

So, the question is: what is the best colour for a kitchen splashback? Here are some of the things you should consider when deciding on the right colour scheme for your new splashback.

What kind of ambience do you prefer?

Colours are one of the most important visual aspects, so it’s no wonder that they can have such a strong impact on our mood. Many interior designers rely on ‘colour psychology’ to set a specific aesthetic and emotional tone in a room, depending on its purpose and the people who will use it.

This isn’t necessarily a fixed science, but there are universal associations that lead to certain shades being implemented in particular places – such as soothing blues in spas and stimulating reds in fast food restaurants. 

That said, colour associations can have different effects on different people, as everyone has individual personality traits that affect how we perceive our surroundings. 

This is why it’s necessary to consider the personal tastes of everyone who will use the kitchen, which is typically the central hub of the household, before committing to a colour scheme that doesn’t align with the preferred atmosphere.

Some prefer sleek and simple, others rustic and restful, or eye-catching and energising. If you aren’t sure which you like best, here’s a quick guide to several popular options to help you choose the most suitable kitchen splashback colour.

Serene and relaxing

While kitchens are often considered social spaces, lots of people like to use cooking as a chance to unwind after a long day or ease into the morning after waking up. 

In these cases, bold colours screaming at you as soon as you step in the room aren’t ideal. If you would prefer a calmer environment for solo gastronomy or quiet get-togethers to catch up with family members or housemates, you should look into cool colours.

Pale shades of blue, green, and even lilac that can be found in nature can evoke a peaceful feeling while still bringing some colour into the room. Desaturated pastels can also add more of a pop without overwhelming the senses.

The best way to achieve this with a kitchen splashback is to go for a plain, solid, back-painted colour or a print featuring these tranquil hues that isn’t too visually cluttered. 

Bright and cheerful

Bold and bright colours like yellow, orange, and red are considered to boost energy. These vibrant colours are ideal for brightening up smaller rooms and creating a dynamic visual contrast with otherwise neutral kitchen cabinets and counters.

Yellow, especially, is supposed to be a very cheerful, positive, and creative colour, which is why it’s commonly found in social spaces for entertaining.

For those who want to balance the boldness with something a little moodier, jewel tones are deeper colours that are still dramatic. Shades such as emerald green, amethyst purple, and sapphire blue can look exciting while feeling elegant.

Of course, too many of these colours in a room can oversaturate the senses, which is why using the splashback as a pop of colour is a great solution.

Cosy and welcoming

If you want your kitchen to feel homey and comforting, you should avoid zesty bright yellows and reds and look for more neutral warm tones, like autumnal oranges and browns. 

The depth of these earthier hues can make a room feel much cosier, which is why many farmhouse-style kitchens go for colour schemes featuring shades often seen in nature, such as khaki or moss green, taupe, terracotta, or umber brown. 

While these deeper tones are more nurturing and can make the space feel snug and protected when applied to kitchen units and furniture, stronger pigments like rust orange or yellow ochre in a printed splashback can also help to set the scene.

These rich colours are sure to generate an inviting glow under your kitchen lights, creating a lovely setting for spending time with friends or family around the table.

Neutral and classy

If your idea of a culinary haven is a contemporary kitchen with a minimalist style, then classic neutral tones should be your go-to choice for your colour scheme.

Monochrome palettes of pristine white and timeless black are key in modern kitchens aiming for a simple yet sophisticated vibe. Understated hues like these can effortlessly contrast or complement not just each other, but a variety of others you might choose for accents.

Even if these crisp colours are a little too harsh to the eye, lightening the look is easy with softer shades like charcoal, dark grey, off-white, or cream. 

Your neutral kitchen could be mellow or futuristic, depending on whether you go for colder grey and blue undertones or warmer yellow or green undertones. Whichever you go for, the gleaming and streamlined surface of a monochromatic glass splashback panel is sure to elevate it.

How to incorporate colour with a kitchen splashback

When it comes to the way colours make a room feel, it’s not just the specific shades themselves, but also how they work with the other hues and textures in the space. 

You have the option of coordinating existing elements so they blend in with each other, using varying shades of the same type of colour, or going for a bold contrast rather than cohesion with an accent that draws everything together. 

Splashbacks are the perfect piece to do this, serving as a kind of ‘feature wall’ that expresses the core personality of your kitchen and the people who use it – whether that’s cool and collected, bright and creative, or warm and nurturing. 

One of the best things about going to a supplier of made-to-order kitchen splashbacks is that even if you can’t find a print with the colours you’re looking for, you can request a specific standardised colour for a back-painted panel, or even provide your own custom photo to be digitally printed onto the back of the glass.

Don’t forget that splashbacks can also offer an opportunity to introduce some texture, such as sparkly glitter glass or crackle-effect glass. Or, for smaller kitchens, a mirror splashback can reflect light and make the room feel larger and more opulent.

In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference – but a made-to-measure kitchen splashback is sure to help you express yourself, inspiring your culinary adventures while keeping your walls well-protected for years to come.

Metal Roofing Vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Right for Your Roof?

Choosing the right material for your roof is crucial for various reasons. It impacts energy efficiency, durability, and maintenance requirements, all of which contribute to the performance and longevity of your home. Taking the time to research and consult experts will ensure that you select a roofing material that not only complements the aesthetics of your house but also provides protection and functionality for years to come. Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles have distinctive features, which we will delve into in this write-up where we'll be considering the comparisons, advantages, and disadvantages of both roofing materials.

An Introduction to Metal Roofing

Metal roofing, as the term implies, is a roofing system made from metal pieces or tiles. This kind of roofing is highly resilient and long-lasting, with a lifespan that can extend up to 60 years or more with appropriate maintenance. Metal roofing is often created from recyclable materials, and it can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle, making it a more sustainable option compared to asphalt shingles. Metal roofing is available in a wide array of styles, colors, and textures, and while it can be costlier initially, it can save money over time due to its longevity and durability. You can use a metal roof cost calculator to get an idea of the price.

Metal roofs are an excellent choice for homes situated in regions that experience high winds, heavy snowfall, or frequent hail storms. Its design characteristics enable it to resist these elements better than traditional shingle roofs. Apart from this, metal roofing is fire resistant, which can be a massive plus in areas prone to wildfires. Also, the metal roof's reflective properties can keep your home cooler in the summer by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it like asphalt shingles.

Another reason behind the popularity of metal roofing is its energy efficiency. Metal roofs are known for their reflective properties, which reduce heat absorption and lower energy consumption. By reflecting the sun's rays, metal roofs keep the interior of a building cooler, particularly during hot summer months, resulting in reduced cooling costs. Additionally, many metal roofing systems are designed with insulation layers, further enhancing energy efficiency and allowing for greater comfort inside the property.

The Basics of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have been widely accepted as one of the most popular roofing materials for residential properties. There are several reasons that contribute to their popularity among homeowners and roofing professionals alike. For one, asphalt shingles are known for their affordability. Compared to other roofing materials such as metal or tile, asphalt shingles are relatively low-cost, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets. This cost-effectiveness is particularly attractive to homeowners looking for a reliable and visually appealing roofing solution without breaking the bank.

Asphalt shingles offer a variety of design options too. They come in various colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a shingle that complements the style and architecture of their home. This versatility makes it easier to find an asphalt shingle that matches the aesthetic of the property, enhancing its curb appeal and potentially increasing its market value. Asphalt shingles are also renowned for their durability and longevity. They require minimal maintenance, which is an advantage for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance roofing solution.

Furthermore, the installation process of asphalt shingles is relatively simple, making it a preferred option for roofing professionals. The straightforward installation contributes to its affordability as it reduces labor costs and project time. The ease of installation allows for repairs and replacements to be conducted efficiently when necessary.

Which One To Choose

To choose between metal roofing and asphalt shingles, you need to consider your budget, your stylistic preferences, and your long-term plans for the house. Metal roofing is undoubtedly a bigger investment, but it pays off in the long run because of its durability and lifespan. If you're planning to stay in your home for a long time, or if you want to increase its resale value, metal roofing may be a good choice. No matter what type of roof you want, just be sure to work with a trusted, reputable roofer.

If you're budget-conscious and just want a reliable, aesthetically appealing roof without the high cost, asphalt shingles will serve you perfectly. The easy maintenance, versatility of style, and lower initial cost make it a popular choice among homeowners, especially for residential housing. You should also contemplate the climate in which your house is situated. For homes in regions with extreme weather conditions and fluctuations, metal roofing can be the more prudent choice. High winds, heavy rain, hail, and snow can degrade asphalt shingles significantly faster than a metal roof.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing metal roofs can be a complex and intricate process that requires professional installers. This can contribute to its higher initial cost compared to asphalt shingles. Once installed, metal roofs require less maintenance and have fewer instances of repair, which can offset the initial investment over time. On the other hand, asphalt roofs are cheaper and faster to install. If you’re on a tight deadline, this can be beneficial.

Maintenance involves regular inspection, cleaning, and replacing damaged shingles immediately to prevent leaks. Both types require a certain degree of professional maintenance to maintain their aesthetic and functional qualities. However, doing your own inspections and simple maintenance tasks can also help you prolong the lifespan and quality of your roof, regardless of the type.

Environmental Impact

Metal roofs have the upper hand when it comes to environmental impact. They’re often made from partially recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable when they’re finally removed. Moreover, their ability to reflect heat can reduce energy costs associated with cooling in the summer. Conversely, asphalt shingles are not typically recyclable and may contribute to landfill waste after their lifecycle.

Note that manufacturing processes for both types of materials continue to evolve, with an increasing focus on sustainability and lowering environmental impact. It's best to research the specific products and brands you're considering to ensure they align with your environmental values. Still, for those committed to eco-friendly choices and energy efficiency, metal roofing is undoubtedly the better option. Keep in mind that prospective home buyers are increasingly interested in homes that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Final Thoughts: Metal Roofing or Asphalt Shingles?

The decision between installing a metal roof and asphalt shingles is an important one and depends on several factors. As we've seen, each type offers both advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully weighed according to your specific situation and requirements. Both materials cater to different goals and priorities, and the trick lies in understanding which one would cater best to the unique needs of your home. Concrete decision-making can often require professional consultation to ensure you're making the best long-term investment for your roof.

Ultimately, whatever your choice may be, both roofing types have proven their worth and reliability over time, making both a worthwhile consideration for your roofing needs. It's a matter of determining what will best suit your budget, lifestyle, and environmental considerations. It's always worthwhile to invest in a quality roof and in taking care of it after it has been installed. Follow the advice in this article and you can take the best possible care of your home.

How To Deal With Excessive Moisture And Mold In Your Home

Excessive moisture and mold in your home can be a significant problem. It can lead to health issues, property damage, and decreased indoor air quality. Most homeowners agree that preventing and removing mold is essential for an allergy-free home and a healthy living environment.

Mold thrives in damp, humid climates, so addressing excess moisture in your home is essential to prevent mold growth. If you’ve been contemplating how to deal with excessive moisture and mold in your home, this article is for you.

Identify And Fix Any Leaks In Your Home

Identifying and fixing leaks in your home is one of the most effective and basic ways to prevent excessive moisture and mold growth. Leaks can come from various sources, including plumbing, roofing, and foundation issues. They can cause water damage, promote mold growth, and lead to health problems for you and your family. It’d help if you could identify mold, as it can easily be missed and left to propagate.

• To identify leaks in your home, you should do the following:
• Inspect your home for any signs of leaks and water damage.
• Look for water stains on walls, ceilings, musty odors, or visible mold growth.
• Check your plumbing systems regularly—look for any signs of leaks, such as drips or puddles of water. 

Once you identify leak, immediately fix it to prevent further damage to your home. Depending on the leak source, you can fix it yourself with simple tools and materials. You also have the alternative of hiring a professional plumber or contractor to address the issue. If there’s already mold, you may want to call a basement mold removal company to deal with it quickly.

Be sure to take steps to prevent future leaks. You can install waterproofing materials in areas prone to moisture, your basement, and crawlspaces. You should also regularly maintain your roof and gutters to ensure they function correctly.

Improve Ventilation In Damp Areas

Improving ventilation in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens is essential to prevent excessive moisture and mold growth in your home. You can start by installing exhaust fans to improve ventilation in these areas. Ensure the fan is vented outside to prevent the moisture from recirculating back into your home.

Another way to improve ventilation is to open the windows and doors whenever possible. This can help to circulate fresh air and reduce humidity levels in the space.

Use A Dehumidifier To Reduce Excess Moisture In The Air

Another option is to get a dehumidifier. It’s ideal if you live in a humid climate or have particularly damp areas in your home.

A dehumidifier draws in moist air and removes the excess moisture before circulating the dry air into the room. They can be placed in damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces, where moisture accumulates. 

Choosing the right size for your space is essential when getting a dehumidifier. It won’t be effective if it’s too small, while one too large can be wasteful and expensive. You should also regularly clean and maintain your dehumidifier to ensure it functions correctly and prevents mold and bacteria growth in the unit.

Clean And Dry Any Water-Damaged Areas Immediately

Cleaning and drying any water-damaged areas in your home immediately is crucial to preventing excessive moisture and mold growth. This may involve removing water-damaged materials such as drywall, carpet, and insulation and thoroughly cleaning the affected area with water and detergent or a specialized cleaning product designed for mold remediation.

Once the area is cleaned, it’s essential to dry it out to prevent further moisture buildup. This may involve using fans or dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove excess moisture. It’s essential to monitor the area for signs of mold growth or other issues, such as musty odors, and to promptly address any problems to prevent further damage.

Keep Indoor Humidity Levels Below 60%

Keeping indoor humidity levels below 60% is crucial to preventing excessive moisture and mold growth in your home. High humidity levels can create an environment that promotes mold growth and other issues such as musty odors, damage to your home’s structure and furnishings, and health problems.

To maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%, you may need to use a combination of strategies, including using a dehumidifier, improving ventilation, and addressing any sources of moisture in your home. You can also use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust your strategies.

In addition to preventing mold growth, keeping indoor humidity levels can improve your comfort and reduce energy costs. High humidity levels can make your home feel warmer than it is, which can cause you to use more air conditioning than necessary. You can reduce energy bills and keep your home comfortable by maintaining appropriate humidity levels.

Conclusion

Excessive moisture and mold in your home can be a severe problem, but following these tips can help you prevent mold growth, improve indoor air quality, and protect your home and health. Refrain from letting excess moisture and mold take over your home.

How To Balance College and Home Life

Are you struggling to figure out how to find a balance between your college life and home life? It can be difficult to juggle both and it's important to find a balance that works for you. In this article, we'll provide some tips on how to balance college and home life. Keep reading to learn more.

Schedule home projects ahead of time.

If you want to balance college and home life, you may want to schedule home projects ahead of time. One example of a home project is a Phoenix tub to shower conversion. The process involves removing an existing bathtub and replacing it with a modern shower enclosure that requires less water usage and allows for faster cleaning times. This conversion also provides additional storage options in the form of shelves or cabinets, giving more room to store items such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc., thus, eliminating clutter in the bathroom. Additionally, more open space is created during the conversion process which gives one more freedom when decorating their bathroom area. A tub-to-shower conversion can not only create a visual aesthetic but provide practicality in everyday life.

Earn your degree through an online program.

Earning your early childhood education bachelor degree online is a great way to balance being a student while also enjoying your home life. The key is setting up a schedule that allows you to focus on your studies while still having time for family and other obligations. Being organized is essential; use tools such as calendars or planners to keep track of deadlines so you don't miss something critical. You should also plan out when you'll complete assignments each week, taking into consideration the amount of time needed to do them well without sacrificing quality family time. Furthermore, it's important to set boundaries with yourself by allocating specific times during the day devoted solely to studying. There are plenty of online early childhood education bachelor degree programs that allow you to complete your coursework at your own pace so that you can pursue your education without having to interrupt quality time at home.

Find creative ways to make time for yourself and your family members.

One way to make sure that both yourself and your family have enough quality time together is by developing routines that incorporate both college responsibilities as well as self-care practices or bonding moments with loved ones. For example, waking up an hour early each morning for some me-time before tackling the day's assignments would give you the opportunity to practice mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation which could help you clear your mind throughout the day. Similarly, setting aside designated times on certain days for dinner together or game nights could provide everyone involved an enjoyable break from their daily tasks while still allowing them enough free time afterward to finish any pending work comfortably before bedtime.

Set priorities to balance college and home life.

Setting priorities to balance college and home life is essential for a successful transition from high school to college. In order to achieve this goal, it is important for students to recognize the importance of both their academic responsibilities as well as their family obligations. At times, the demands of each can seem overwhelming and so prioritizing tasks will help ensure that all commitments are met in an efficient manner. When setting priorities, college students should begin by making a list of all the tasks they need to complete and then prioritize based on due dates (e.g., assignments due tomorrow get top priority). Once these urgent deadlines have been taken care of, students should consider which activities are most important overall and focus on those next (e.g., studying for exams). It may also be helpful to break down larger projects into smaller steps or goals that can be easily accomplished within a certain amount of time each day or week.

Overall, it is essential to maintain a balance between college and home life. Making time for yourself and your family, finding ways to manage and prioritize tasks, and understanding the importance of rest and relaxation are all key components to successfully finding balance. With these tips, it is possible to make the most out of both college and home life.

Vinyl Flooring Is Best

The Surface Underneath Your Feet

When I was a youngster, there was an age old tale that my family used to tell about my grandmother’s refusal to accept new floors every Christmas. My grandfather told my grandmother not to varnish the floor one year because it was a waste of money, because instead he wanted to install vinyl flooring because it was more cost effective. My grandmother was unfamiliar with vinyl flooring and instead varnished the floor because it was what she wanted to do. When my grandfather got home, he decided to dance in the varnish and mess up the entire job, forcing my grandmother to hire someone to take it apart so that he could install the vinyl he wanted in the first place. Thus it is a wonder that I should today be tasked with recommending this type of ground surface to you, dear reader, given that it has had such a position of importance in my own family history.

Thus, when I recommend this type of ground surface to you I am doing so with the full knowledge that not everyone has had the chance to understand what they can compare it to. There are so many other options and yet, this one is the one that really makes the most sense if you are invested in getting a bang for your buck that will go long and provide your family with comfort under their feet for many decades (and perhaps generations) to come, as this surface is easily cleaned, maintained and installed. Sure, people may get excited about wood or other surfaces that cost a lot more money, but the truth is, more people are happy to spend less to get more in the long term as they look to invest in the financial decisions that they will be happy they did when they look back on the purchase.

The Ground Needs To Be Just Right

Ultimately we have to consider the fact that there are always going to be places we can learn more online about these decisions before we invest properly. Making money is not just about having money, it is also about how best we invest in the items we already have in our homes. As a result, the ground has to be just right and we ought to be sure that the ground is exactly right. So when you are going to take your shoes off, you want to be sure that no splinters will poke into your toes and no painful shards will poke into the soles of their feet. You just have to make one little sacrifice — you need to be sure that your feet are dancing on a comfortable surface that will make your overall experience great but also will fit with your home and will look exactly the way you want it to.

Looking gorgeous is exactly what your home ought to, and so the comfort you have as a resident of your own home ought to never be compromised by the wrong thing under your toes. It is really hard to keep rugs and carpets clean, and so sometimes you might not want to feel carpets and wash carpets because it is very difficult to do so. Have you ever paid the price of a carpet cleaner? It is one of the most expensive items you will ever invest in because it is a cost that continues over and over again as a result of you simply getting your raggedy and dirty feet on the fibers of the carpet itself, unable to keep it clean without the stress of having to constantly invest in the machinery that one needs to clean those things. In the end, you will wish you had a rug over the regular flooring that you wanted to begin with!

A Carpet? Not For Me Buster!

Even if you had a carpet with a low fiber count with very little by way of shag or shagginess, you are still going to have to work much harder to keep it clean than you would the ideal flooring (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/vinyl) that could really impact your overall lifestyle. So when you consider the fact that there is no chance at you saving money if you focus on a rug or a carpet instead, you might want to think carefully about the fact that there are always more options than something super expensive and shaggy. Also, those carpets can be really over the top and ugly when you consider that they might not age really well and think more closely about the fact that they will end up needing to be replaced no matter how hard you try to keep them as clean as you can. Ultimately, you will be glad you focused on vinyl instead.