Decorating & Design
9 Ideas For Your Kitchen Backsplash
Photo by Stephanie Buchman
Decorating & Design
9 Ideas For Your Kitchen Backsplash
Yes, your backsplash can transform the appearance of your kitchen.
Here are different options and tips for making the right choice.
What's the best material for a backsplash?
Although there are several materials to choose from, ceramic remains the most popular because of its multitude of advantages:
- non-porous
- easy to maintain
- resists stains and fading
- economical
- available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, patterns and colours
Tips for your kitchen Backsplash
- Small textured tiles or slabs will tend to retain more dirt, unlike glossy tiles which will make wiping and cleaning easier.
- A dark-coloured backsplash will create the effect of depth, especially if the cabinets are light. A light-coloured backsplash will bring brightness alongside dark cabinets.
- Avoid porous materials, such as brick, because they are difficult to clean.
- Stay away from tiles with trendy colours or patterns that risk going out of style.
Try one of these ideas for a beautiful kitchen backsplash:
1. Handmade tiles
© Soil | The Tuilerie
This handmade look is making its way into the design of tiles. Their imperfections bring charm and authenticity to the kitchen while maintaining a timeless style. These earthenwares are reminiscent of zellige, traditional decorative glazed tile from the Maghreb in Morocco. They come in a wide range of colours.
2. Whimsy wallpaper
Photo by Simons
Wallpaper is easy to install in a small area and adds a little bit of whimsy to the kitchen. It comes in a wide range of fun patterns, as well as more traditional designs. Choose your wallpaper in vinyl so that it can easily be cleaned.
You can also create an accent on a portion of the kitchen backsplash by applying an adhesive pattern. Look for a theme that personalizes the decor—for example, a farm animal for a farmhouse touch. The only downside: these options have a limited lifespan because the adhesive eventually peels off.
Photo by Simons
3. Subway Tiles
Photo by St. Design
Subway tile is a classic and affordable option for your backsplash. You can change up the pattern when it is installed to add instant style and personality—try herringbone for a sophisticated look, align the rectangles for a contemporary appearance, or stagger them for a retro result. Some models even have a textured finish for a more artisanal vibe. Choosing grout in a contrasting colour will make the whole thing pop.
4. An Inset
Photo by St. Design
If you’re looking to unify your kitchen, try incorporating the pattern or material of the floor on a portion of the backsplash. If it’s wood, be careful not to install it near the sink or above the stove because it could deteriorate quickly.
5. Play with colour
Photo by Ceragres
Blue and green are big colours for 2024. They reflect nature and never really go out of style. Just make sure that the selected shade harmonizes with the cabinets, counters and flooring in the room and with neighbouring areas if the kitchen is open to them.
Shades play a huge role in setting the mood. For example, a midnight blue brings a soft, chic vibe to the space, while a pastel creates an atmosphere of freshness. Greens, whether sage, olive or forest, suggest natural environments, especially when associated with wood or stone.
Photo by Ceragres
6. Abstract
Photo by The Tuilerie
Honeycomb porcelain tiles, mosaics, abstract prints, and graphic shapes add punch to the kitchen, whether done tone-on-tone or in contrasting colours.
7. Extend your counter
Photo by Ikea
A backsplash that coordinates with the countertop gives a sense of grandeur in the kitchen. You can opt for stainless steel or stone, such as quartz or granite for an ultra-chic result, or even a Dekton® surface for a refined look. These elegant options come at a cost and aren’t the best pick for small budgets. But they do give a lot of bang for their buck—these materials are durable and very easy to maintain.
Fans of stainless steel can find coatings that imitate these finishes at a lower cost. There are also nice quality tiles that look like stone.
8. Relief Tiles
Photo by St. Design
Relief tiles are flat, sculptural tiles that can liven up a backsplash and attract the eye without altering the minimalist look of a backsplash. If you have contemporary style, these are for you.
9. Accessories
Photo by Ikea
If a new backsplash isn’t in the cards, try livening up the one you have. Recessed light sources or LED strips can enhance the area and provide additional lighting. Add a dimmer to control the intensity and change the ambiance.
If you don't want to invest in a backsplash, you can install wall accessories to store utensils, spices and other objects.
7 design and decor trends we're loving
Comments