The Backsplash Mistake That Might Eventually Hurt Your Resale Value

Kitchens are a major selling point for homeowners. What is a remodel without the grand kitchen facelift? Wall-to-wall cabinets, shiny appliances, stylish islands, and stunning tile — we love it all. The right kitchen tile design can even add value to your residence. Beautiful backsplashes tie in the countertops with the cabinetry, prevent the walls from seeming plain, and give the room a modern feel. However, that unique maximalist backsplash full of color and pattern you adore can hurt your pockets when it is time to sell the house. 

If you're remodeling and plan on selling soon, you want to choose design features that will appeal to a broad market. Things like purple sinks, cement chairs, wallpaper cupboards, and busy backsplashes limit the number of people who will be interested in the property. The backsplash tile is supposed to complement the room and make cleaning up easier, not wipe away real estate value. That's why, if your main goal is getting the most money when selling your home, a neutral or more minimalistic backsplash design may be the best option. 

The truth is that what appeals to you won't appeal to everyone. Where you see a stunning rainbow backsplash, potential buyers see a remodel that will cost time and money. Most clients shopping around want a move-in-ready home, and for most people, that means a kitchen with a neutral or pretty plain backsplash. "Here in South Florida, transient residents import very different tastes and styles," housing expert Baron Christopher Hanson told Realtor. "Strong personal style choices when it comes to backsplashes or colored tiling can quickly turn into a waste of money in a few years."

Interior designer Jamie Lynn Gernert echoed similar sentiments. "Be cognizant if you end up doing a pattern like [checkerboard] that might be not traditional for a backsplash ... Trends can push for things and they're not always the best for everyone," she shared with Southern Living. At the same time, that doesn't mean you have to settle for white subway tiles in your humble abode if you're going to be living there for a few months or years before you sell. There are no demo-renos to decorate backsplashes to fit your aesthetic with an easy tear down for when the for sale sign comes out.

Renter-friendly DIY decor tricks let you beautify your home and return it to a neutral glory when it is a seller's market. Peel-and-stick tile is an easy way to remodel your backsplash. There is no demolition required for the existing tile and grout. Plus, the installation is simple. Pick lavish patterns and vibrant hues without worrying about what a future buyer might think. You can find peel-and-stick backsplashes at your local dollar store and in hardware shops. Or, you could buy them on Amazon, such as the Smart Tiles Peel and Stick Backsplash that comes in bright colors like emerald green, bold red, and vibrant yellow.

Since these tiles are easy to remove, you can switch them up whenever the kitchen needs a new look. It is easier than painting the existing backsplash, which requires sanding and might damage the slates. Do not settle for plain subway tiles or cut your potential buyers list in half. Have the best of both worlds with temporary designs that fit your aesthetic and permanent ones that are ready for your open house.