For decades, the backsplash has been an important working part of any kitchen model… besides protecting the walls above the work area it complements the countertop as well.
The kitchen – one of the most trafficked zones of a house – is a space where householders spend a large chunk of their time. So isn’t it time we spiced up this area? How about adding an aesthetic and riveting backsplash?
For the lesser tutored, backsplashes are an expanse of material that typically fill the gaps on a kitchen or bathroom wall between cabinets and a countertop, spanning the length of the countertop. These can be fitted-in either parallel to the countertop installation; or they can be added-on later as a DIY project!
Albeit backsplashes for kitchens and bathrooms have been in existence since the past few decades but they’ve gained prominence in the past ten years with some properties offering them as a USP.
Through this blog Gharpedia brings for you the benefits of kitchen backsplashes; some amazing backsplash ideas; maintenance tips; and the current trends ruling this segment.
Benefits of Kitchen Backsplash
Let’s have a look at some of the aesthetic and functional benefits that a kitchen backsplash (be it in mosaic, porcelain, ceramic, metal, natural stone, glass, wood et al) can offer to a house. A kitchen backsplash –
- Adds a personal touch to the room’s style
- Protects the walls beneath from mould, mildew et al
- Offers water and stain-resistance
- Helps keep out pests from the kitchen
- Makes cleaning quick and easy as you just need to swab it clean with a damp cloth or sponge
- Adds an aesthetic element to your drab kitchen
- Guards wallpaper and painted walls from the splatter of cooking
- Adds a focal point to an otherwise boring kitchen and that too without overspending your household refurbishment budget!
- Helps hide small gaps that can be unsightly when counter-tops don’t sit flush against walls
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
From intricate and eye-catching to simple and clean, a backsplash can help you express your style in the kitchen. Here’s showing you how –
Brick Kitchen Backsplash:
This one’s for those with a fad for the rustic! A brick veneer which can be installed with construction adhesive and provide a seamless look by simply cutting around the receptacles and outlets.
Chalkboard Backsplash:
Chalkboard paint is the new trend in this segment when work from home is the ‘new normal’. This allows you to jot down important notes (to-do list, grocery list, daily menu et al) or just an inspiring quote to pep up the day.
Imitation Kitchen Backsplash … the Sincerest Form of Flattery:
Customize and personalize your kitchen backsplash by replicating any pattern on fabric, print or even dishes that has enamoured you. Albeit it’ll take herculean effort but the creative outcome will be worth all the toil.
Marble and Mother of Pearl Kitchen Backsplash:
How about redefining subtle elegance by opting for white marble tiles with trailing strands of mother of pearl? Trust us when paired with a marble countertop and light grey cabinetry this backsplash would wow your guests!
Metallic Kitchen Backsplash:
Metallic tiles in bronze, gold and deep copper, are a rage as they add a sparkle to your kitchen!
Mirror Kitchen Backsplash:
Is your kitchen challenged with light? Relax install a mirrored backsplashes to light up the space and add a modern touch… Go a step further and pick up mirror drilling skills and voila you can even hang utensils and kitchen tools on your backsplash!
Mix-and-Match Backsplash Tiles:
]This one’s for those who love experimenting with colours and designs! Go ahead and mix-and-match coordinating tiles for texture and effect – you can blend muted colours like brown tiles with glittery mosaic and make a perfect elegant statement.
New Floral Kitchen Backsplash:
Instead of the mundane porcelain tiles printed with floral and fruit motifs how about taking floral to an entirely different stratum with dimensional shapes that make the wildflower pattern pop?
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles:
Peel-and-stick tiles can provide you with the look and feel of luxury tile for a fraction of the cost … and the best part is that they can be pasted on your existing surfaces!
Pegboard Kitchen Backsplash:
Are you a meticulous freak? Then opt for paintable, economic and easy-to-install pegboard which will help you make a statement too. Want a vintage look? Then paint it a soft pastel and stencil; are you the rugged type? Then stain dark and accent with raw metal is the way your pegboard should be!
Plywood Kitchen Backsplash:
Economic plywood is another choice for kitchen backsplashes so long as you’ve done some research on the different grades of plywood and their applications.
Pressed Tin Backsplash:
Opt for the eternal look of tin with decorative ceiling tiles that are extremely easy to install as they can be cut even with your regular pair of scissors and installed with construction adhesive.
Stone Kitchen Backsplash:
Stone is gradually moving in from exterior applications thanks to the warmth and rustic look it lends to any interior.
Wallpaper Kitchen Backsplash:
For those with a leaning towards colours and designs opt for high-tech and durable wall papers… and the best part is that you can keep swapping them to give your kitchen a brand new look every festive season!
Kitchen Window Backsplash:
These are the perfect recipe for a light, bright and airy kitchen.
Wood Kitchen Backsplash:
Bead-board is the perfect product for backsplashes as not only is it lightweight and versatile; but when installed innovatively it also essays excellent décor whether painted or raw. Just remember to safeguard the wood with marine varnish or washable paint.
Maintenance of Kitchen Backsplash
From a larger perspective, glass mosaic tiles are easier to clean than those prepared from ceramic, wood, and mirror. Add to this the fact that glass mosaic tile backsplashes are non-porous; and resistant to staining, bacteria, mildew, and mould. On the downside fingerprints, splatters and water spots show up easily on glass tiles; but these can be easily wiped away with warm soapy water and a cotton towel
Trends of Kitchen Backsplash
From fruit and vegetable graphics adorning 4×4 ceramic tiles kitchen backsplashes have come a long way! Thanks to interior designers experimenting with a variety of materials like natural stone, glass, mirror, metal, brick and wood; backsplash designs are becoming more creative and aesthetic; and a perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary with personal touches sprinkled in.
Here’s sharing some on-going trends in the backsplash design arena –
Ceiling-Height Backsplash:
Higher backsplashes that unite all aspects of the space, and brighten up the space with the reflective qualities of the tile itself are a rave.
Larger Subway Tile Backsplash:
Subway tiles are now moving on to 4″x 8″ or even a 4″x 12″. These create a feeling of spaciousness which is a mandate for the modern-day compact kitchens; besides labouring the householder with fewer grout lines to clean!
Mirrored and Metallic Finishes Kitchen Backsplash:
While the mirror finish lends the tiles a glossy reflective surface, which is highlighted when struck by natural light and specifically if the backsplash is extended to the ceiling; the metal finish is for those who find the glossiness of mirrored finishes a tad crass as they lend your kitchen a subtly strong feel.
Kitchen Backsplash Pattern:
Backsplash patterns which turn heads and strike conversations like – chevron, herringbone, Moroccan fish scale and laser cut tile among many others – are a rage; and so are graphic print or large pattern tiles in big, bold colours.
Kitchen Backsplash Finishes:
There are options galore in the décor market when it comes to finishes – weathered finish (for a slightly aged appearance); acid wash finish (for a washed-out look); tumbled tiles (to resemble natural stone); and other finishes like glossy and reflective, rustic and country et al.
Plethora of Kitchen Backsplash Colours:
Gone are the days when backsplash colours were restricted to white, grey or beige; welcome to divine black, classy blue, eco-friendly green, royal purple, spiritual orange, splashy yellow, et al. And hey… you can even go for offbeat combos!
Marble Slab Backsplash – Instead of Individual Pieces:
More and more people are being drawn to the – pure beauty, subtlety of colour and unique variation in veining– that is offered by marble and marble-looking slabs; as not only do they do away with the mundane chore of cleaning up those dreaded grout lines, but they also offer infinite design possibilities.
Alternative Materials Kitchen Backsplash:
Coming up as hot favourites in this segment are – metal sheets, stainless steel, copper, aluminium, zinc and/or perforated et al. Moreover combining two elements is also fast picking up in the kitchen backsplash segment say – glass and steel; placing fabric behind the glass; painting the back of the glass with your favourite colour etc. Then again, in the wood segment trends like – wood cladding, shiplap, bead board, or wainscoting – can lend an aesthetic look to your kitchen.
So what’s your weekend plan? Wait let us guess…a Kitchen Backsplash DIY Project, right! All the best and do write-in your experiences to Gharpedia.
Apart from this, if you are interested in knowing more about kitchen design in an appropriate way, do have a look at our detailed kitchen related articles –
Things to Keep in Mind While Planning Kitchen for Your House!
Ideas to Modernize Your Kitchen!
9 Things to Keep in Mind While Planning Storage for Kitchen
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Author Bio
Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.
