Backsplashes – The Kitchen Focal Point
In today’s design world, there seems to be an endless supply of backsplash options. From tile to stone, glass to wood – practically any material can be used as a backsplash in your home. Here we compiled a list of our favorite options to make the backsplash in your kitchen and bathrooms the focal point and eye-catching pieces in the spaces you spend most of your time.
Tile – The more traditional and most popular option, tile backsplashes in the kitchen and bathroom represent a classic design style. With an array of color and shapes, tile backsplashes can be personalized to anyone’s taste. Made of ceramic, stone or glass, this type of backsplash is easy to clean, maintain and install – a win for everyone. What’s even more enticing about tile is the cost. It’s one of the less expensive backsplash options on the market. We love tile backsplashes in cottage and lake house design styles as well as chic, fresh modern kitchens with stainless steel accents and appliances.
Salvaged Materials – With the recycled trend emerging in the design industry, rustic metals and woods are making a big appearance in the backsplash market. We have seen the use of reclaimed hard wood floors, old boat and barn wood, old chalk boards, railroad ties and rusted metals transformed into beautiful backsplash pieces. If your heart appeals to a more rustic and mountain look, salvaged materials may be what you are looking for to replace those bare walls above the stove. One thing to note about the reclaimed option is that while sometimes it seems like a good idea, oftentimes it’s hard to come by quality materials that can actually be crafted into backsplash pieces. But, if you happen to come across a salvaged shop or live near a Habitat for Humanity, you may be in luck with your treasure hunting and may even save a few dollars.
Wall Coverings and Paper – One of our favorite design trends is the use of wallpaper or textured wall coverings in the bathroom simply because the design creativity involved is absolutely endless. Wall coverings can be found (or made) to fit everyone’s personality from those who love birds to those who want a room backsplash made out of family photos. Wallpaper backsplashes are also one of the easiest to install and are oftentimes the least expensive. However, because of the material, wall paper backsplashes are not as durable as other design options. In time, this style of backsplash will peel due to the heat and humidity of the kitchen and may be damaged by the use of abrasive cleaners with repeated use. For this reason alone, we recommend only using this kind of backsplash in powder rooms or guest bathrooms where it likely doesn’t get humid or wet often.
Metals – What was once only used for roofs in traditional homes, tin and copper are now everywhere in kitchen design. Copper sheets provide a more modern and elegant feel to a kitchen backsplash while tin creates a more airy and carefree edge. Use copper if you love the deep rust color and aim to have a strong focal point in your kitchen or bathroom. With it you will incur a higher cost, but it will provide you with a lifetime of durability as it is easy to clean and is a great metal for placing around hot surfaces. On the other hand, we particularly love tin backsplashes because of their customization, easy installation, easy cleaning ability and their durability. What’s even better is that tin is a cheaper option than the more traditional backsplashes. If you are on a strict budget, then tin may be a good place to start. Note that both tin and copper backsplashes can be easily damaged and dented with little force.
Concrete – Another emerging design trend, embossed, stenciled, stamped, or stained concrete backsplashes in a kitchen are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Play up the vibe with more modern accents pieces and lighting as well as black or stainless appliances or choose a pigmented concrete with design uniqueness if you wish to make the space cast a more elegant atmosphere. Advantages of this new trend are that concrete is heat resistant and extremely durable and can stand the constant pressures of the hot and busy kitchen. Disadvantages of concrete are that it is more expensive than what you might expect and it requires quite a lot of maintenance between the initial sealing and resealing required every couple of years to prevent staining.
Glass and Mirrors – Backsplashes made of glass are one of the more popular modern options on the market today. One of the main benefits is that it is a naturally “green” backsplash source. Glass backsplashes are often designed into unique patterns to fit any personality and because of this it is sometimes more expensive than the traditional tile backsplash options. Glass is one of our favorite options because it is a great source for reflecting light making even the smallest of kitchens or bathrooms feel larger. If installed properly, another advantage of glass is that it is easy to clean and is sure to stand the test of time without heavy upkeep.
Brick and Stone – While most Montana dreamers know our state for our mountains, prairies, open skies and specifically our log cabins, a fair share of the houses in the state are made with brick and stone because of the harsh climate. As with the outside of the house, brick and stone make beautiful backsplashes in the kitchen and bathrooms and are often used to make the space a warmer environment. We love the atmosphere a deep red brick backsplash creates in the kitchen when paired with soft yellows or cream accents and the use of a clean, grey stone patterned backsplash in the powder room to brighten the smaller space. While often expensive if using actual brick or stone, an alternative for budget savvy individuals is to use brick or stone veneer instead. While still providing the warmth you may desire, veneer tiles can be purchased at a fraction of the cost.
Whichever backslash option you ultimately choose, it is wise to use a professional contractor to do the actual installation. With an installer, you are guaranteed to have your material turn out beautifully and you can be rest assured it will be done properly.
Photo courtesy of MasterBrand Cabinets