Trend Alert!: 5 Hot Trends in Kitchen Backsplashes

by Stephanie Gibson

 

 

Back in the day (think 1970s avocado-and-orange kitchens), backsplashes were a lot like a good boyfriend: practical, dependable and a little bit boring. Sure, their primary purpose— providing walls with a surface resistant to splatter stains—was a noble one, but yawn-inducing materials like laminate do not make an inspiring culinary space. But in the design world today, the backsplash has evolved from an afterthought to a creative opportunity, says designer Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. "Incorporating an unexpected material, like brick or even beadboard, adds an extra layer of texture and instantly ups the impact of your kitchen," she says. "Backsplashes are a great spot to commit to a trend that showcases a bit of your personality." Ready to give yours a makeover? We've rounded up five options sure to spice up your kitchen.

Glass Mosaics (above)

Shimmering glass tiles make a space sparkle. Keep it fresh with a tone-on-tone color scheme (like white tiles and light blue or gray walls), or create a brightly colored focal point with turquoise, lime green or even multicolored tiles. You can turn it up a notch with jewel glass—patterned tiles that create a gorgeous mosaic when installed behind a cooktop. (Note: If you go bold with the backsplash, keep countertops and cabinets simple.) Maintenance is a cinch, too—spray regularly with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Stainless Steel

Even if you don't cook like a professional chef, a stainless steel backsplash will make it appear like you do. The sleek, shiny metal has long been popular in commercial kitchens and contemporary home cooking spaces, but the latest twist is stainless steel tiles. They enable more creativity than a plain sheet of stainless, allowing you to create a modern mosaic that's practical and pretty. Stainless steel doesn't rust easily (so no need to worry about pasta water boiling over), and because it has no pores or cracks, you don't have to worry about the surface harboring food crumbs or bacteria.

 

Beadboard

Beadboard is a staple in cottage and farmhouse living rooms and baths for its classic, homey appearance. But the tongue-and-groove boards can also inject a shot of cottage charm into the kitchens. It's an update to a traditional look that will never go out of style. White beadboard makes the perfect backdrop for splashy colors elsewhere—like a robin's-egg blue range or open cabinetry filled with citrus-hued dishware. Make sure beadboard is sealed with polyurethane, and routinely scrub between the grooves with a toothbrush and mild cleaner to avoid grease buildup. (We promise it's worth the effort!)

 

Brick

Brick pavers are the chameleons of backsplash materials: In cottage-style kitchens, they're a great rustic addition. Painted white in a monochromatic room, brick provides an interesting textural layer. And installed behind a commercial stainless steel range, pavers bring just the right amount of warmth to a cool cooking space. Plus, color options abound, and brick pavers can be placed in a variety of patterns, from classic to complex. Over time, moisture can deteriorate brick, so be sure to use it in well-ventilated kitchens and always turn on appliance fans when cooking.

 

Plate Glass

Plate glass cut to fit in the space behind a range is one of the most simple—yet totally unique—backsplash ideas we've seen! It's a crisp, contemporary element that works well in modern spaces, but plate glass can also blend seamlessly in traditional kitchens as well. The wall color behind the glass can vary this look from subtle to bold. Stick with white, cream or gray to reflect light in an airy kitchen, or go for an attention-grabber like hot pink, orange or buttery yellow. Cleaning this backsplash is a snap, too: Simply wipe down the glass weekly with a mild cleaner and sponge.
Need help deciding which backsplash to choose?  We'd be happy to help.  Just stop by Cabinet-S-Top located at 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH  44256 ~ 330.239.3630.   www.cabinet-s-top.com