Solstice Kitchen & Bath

The Latest in Backsplash Styles

July 21, 2023

A backsplash can be an overlooked element of a kitchen or bath remodel, and yet it is one of the most important elements of any kitchen. Functionally, backsplashes protect the wall from splashes, stains, and moisture, making the area easier to clean and maintain. Decoratively, backsplashes add color, texture, and style to a space, enhancing its overall design.

Backsplashes can be made from a variety of materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, glass, metal, natural stone, engineered quartz, or even wood. They come in many different styles and patterns, from classic subway tile to bold mosaic designs or even a slab backsplash. Some backsplashes are installed in a single piece, while others consist of individual pieces arranged in a pattern.

Choosing the right backsplash for your bath or kitchen remodel is a fun and creative process and it increases the value of your home, as kitchens help to enhance your home’s resale value. With the right backsplash, you can transform your space and make it a beautiful and functional focal point in your kitchen remodel. Here are this year’s best backsplash styles to help inspire your choice.

Slab Backsplash

This year sees a rise in slab backsplashes. A slab backsplash is made from a single piece of your chosen material, such as granite, marble, or quartz, cut to fit the size of the wall behind the countertop. There are no grout lines or breaks in the pattern, creating a seamless, uninterrupted look. This also means that these sleek backsplashes are easy to clean and maintain.

Slab backsplashes come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a material that complements your countertop and cabinetry. A delicately veined white marble brings understated elegance to a kitchen design, while dark granite adds drama and depth.

Another benefit of slab backsplashes is their durability. Natural stone is resistant to scratches and heat, making it a practical choice for cooking and prep areas in kitchens or in busy family bath designs. Talk to your kitchen design expert about your preferred materials, as some natural stone surfaces have to be sealed and maintained to ensure they are moisture and stain resistant. An alternative is engineered quartz, which is a nonporous, durable surface. While slab backsplashes can be expensive, they are a worthwhile investment to add a touch of luxury and modern sophistication to your home.

Tile Backsplash

 

Tiled backsplashes are a classic design element, and the latest versions offer an impressive range of colors, sizes, patterns, and textures. The latest trending tiles can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, and can be customized to fit any style or color palette.

The latest kitchen and bath designs are arranging tiles in a variety of patterns, including straight, diagonal, and herringbone. They can also be combined with other materials, such as metal or wood. A subway tile backsplash paired with a metal hood and natural wood countertop creates a timeless look, while mosaic tiles add color and texture to a modern kitchen.

Tile backsplashes are resistant to heat, moisture, and stains, making them a practical choice for areas that are prone to spills and splatters. They’re easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a wipe with a damp cloth. Tile can be prone to cracking or chipping if not installed correctly or if it’s exposed to heavy impact. Some materials, such as glass, may be fragile and require more care and maintenance. It’s important to choose a material that is appropriate for the intended use and to maintain it correctly to ensure the longevity and durability of the backsplash.

Mixed Materials Backsplash

Mixed materials backsplashes are a big trend that combines two or more materials to create a unique and personalized look. Mixing ceramic tile, natural stone, metal, or glass adds texture, color, and depth to a space while expressing your individual style. A mix of natural stone and metal tiles, for example, gives an industrial edge to a kitchen, while a blend of glass and ceramic tiles creates a sleek and modern look.

Mixed materials backsplashes also create a focal point in a room. By choosing a bold, colorful material and pairing it with a more subdued option, you draw attention to the backsplash and make a striking visual impact. Or stick to a common color scheme but choose two materials in contrasting textures to get a similar effect with a more classic look.

Different materials may require different installation methods and tools, so ensuring a seamless and durable finish requires the expertise of a remodeling professional. Some manufacturers offer tiles that are mounted on a mesh backing, making them easier to install and providing a more uniform appearance. Some materials, like natural stone or metal, may be more prone to staining or scratching, while others, like ceramic tile or glass, are more resistant to damage. It’s important to choose materials that are equally durable to ensure your backsplash will last.

Mixed materials also offer the opportunity to add texture and depth to a space. Combining materials like rough-cut stone with smooth, glossy glass tiles adds interest and dimension.  It’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the space. Choosing materials that complement or contrast with the color palette, cabinetry, and countertops helps to create a cohesive and harmonious design.

Metal Backsplash

Metal backsplashes are a sleek and modern option that adds a touch of edgy sophistication to any kitchen or bath remodel. Metal backsplashes are typically made from stainless steel, copper or aluminum and are available in a range of finishes, including brushed, polished, and hammered. Another option is powder-coated steel, which gives a distinctive rustic or industrial look to a kitchen design.

Metal is resistant to heat, moisture, and stains and is quite low maintenance, making it a practical choice for use in kitchen and bath remodels. Metal backsplashes come in a variety of sizes and can be cut to fit any shape or configuration. It’s possible to emboss or stamp patterns or designs on them, allowing you to add a unique and personalized touch. Since it is reflective, metal can help brighten up a space, making it feel larger.  It can also reflect light from other sources, such as pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting, adding to the overall ambiance of the space.

Metal backsplashes can be used in a variety of styles, from industrial to modern, and combined with other materials, such as ceramic tile or natural stone, to create a unique look. Sheet metal backsplashes are attached directly to the wall using adhesive or screws and can be cut to fit around outlets. They can be prone to scratching and dents, but this can add to their natural character over time. While metal is durable and resistant to damage, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents that could damage the finish of your metal backsplash.

Mirrored Backsplash

Mirrored backsplashes also reflect light, making a space appear brighter and larger while adding visual interest and depth to a design. This is especially beneficial in smaller kitchen or bathroom remodels. Mirrors reflect colors and textures from other design elements in a space, such as countertops or cabinets, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. These backsplashes can also be combined with other materials, such as tile or stone, to create a custom look.

Mirrored backsplashes are also relatively easy to clean and maintain. They just need a quick wipe with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. This type of backsplash is also durable, being heat and moisture-resistant.  However, there are some potential downsides to mirrored backsplashes. They can be prone to scratches and damage, which is often more noticeable than on other materials. Vintage mirrors with existing blemishes make this less obvious.

Avoid using strong cleaning chemicals and clean up spills and splatters promptly to prevent damage. Mirrored surfaces can also be more expensive than other backsplash materials, depending on the size of the backsplash and the type of mirror used. For example, custom-cut mirrors or beveled mirrors cost more than standard mirrors. If you love this look but don’t want to commit to a mirrored surface throughout your kitchen design, consider choosing a mirrored backsplash for one area such as a beverage center.

Take Shape

Backsplashes are an opportunity to accessorize your design not just with the material and color you choose, but also with the shape and pattern you select. This visible space between the countertop and upper cabinets immediately draws the eye of anyone who enters the room. There are many beautifully shaped tiles that you can use to create a distinct focal point in this highly visible space that accents your room’s design style.

  • One of the most common tile shapes used in backsplashes is the classic, rectangular subway tile. You can change the traditional subway pattern by arranging these tiles in a vertical fashion or in a herringbone pattern.
  • Hexagonal tiles are another popular choice that fit perfectly into a kitchen backsplash in a range of materials, colors, and sizes. Choose a single material and color for a subtle impact or choose two different colors to create a distinctive pattern.
  • Petal-shaped tiles are becoming increasingly popular for their delicate shape that is reminiscent of nature.
  • While arabesque-shaped tiles give your backsplash a more exotic flair.

Choose a tile shape in a range of materials and colors that gives your backsplash a distinctive style and fits with your kitchen design aesthetic.

A backsplash has never been a more important element in kitchen and bath design. There are a number of exciting materials and finishes available this year to transform your kitchen or bath remodel. The colors, materials, and patterns you decide on can blend or contrast with the rest of your design for an individual and polished look. Contact us at Solstice to explore our range of backsplash options and to start planning your new kitchen design or bathroom remodel.