8 Sensational Backsplash Materials... and Not a Tile in Sight
If tiles are your first thought for your backsplash material, take a look at these fabulous alternatives
Avalon Pover-Leong
2 December 2018
Houzz Contributor, located along the coastline of NSW. I am constantly inspired by our beautiful Australian landscape.
Houzz Contributor, located along the coastline of NSW. I am constantly inspired by... More
The kitchen can be your home’s biggest asset and is proven to be the most important room to invest in. Not only could a successful kitchen design increase the value of your home, it may very well ensure that it is the main social hub of your house that carries and inspires your family’s spirit. The right backsplash will complement the entire design of your kitchen and, because it is at or just below eye level, it will naturally attract attention. The home’s below could inspire you to think differently when choosing your backsplash material.
There are so many options for backsplashes, sometimes trying to decide what is the best for your house can be overwhelming. The key to choosing the right one for you is to select the materials and colours for every other feature in the kitchen first, such as the cabinetry and countertop. This will help to narrow down the backsplash options and enable you to pick a material that perfectly complements your scheme.
Typically, the first material that comes to mind for a backsplash is tiles. They can be cost-effective, easy to install and easy to clean. However, there are other materials that can work just effectively but will lift your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are eight to consider.
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Typically, the first material that comes to mind for a backsplash is tiles. They can be cost-effective, easy to install and easy to clean. However, there are other materials that can work just effectively but will lift your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are eight to consider.
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1. Window
Glass window backsplashes draw the eye straight through the wall to the outside, and can help the kitchen appear larger. They are also easy to clean and, because there are no grout lines, they are more hygienic than tiles. Glass can also act as a portal for streaming natural light into your kitchen, cutting down on the need for artificial light.
Glass window backsplashes draw the eye straight through the wall to the outside, and can help the kitchen appear larger. They are also easy to clean and, because there are no grout lines, they are more hygienic than tiles. Glass can also act as a portal for streaming natural light into your kitchen, cutting down on the need for artificial light.
DESIGNER TIP: Choose a frameless design to help you take full effect of a window backsplash feature if you have a beautiful view outside.
2. Mirror
Using mirror in your kitchen will immediately make your space feel larger. The mirror will also reflect and bounce light around the kitchen and underneath any overhead cabinetry.
Mirror can be particularly stunning when it reflects a gorgeous view from the opposite side of the room, such as a picturesque outdoor terrace or a stylish dining zone.
Using mirror in your kitchen will immediately make your space feel larger. The mirror will also reflect and bounce light around the kitchen and underneath any overhead cabinetry.
Mirror can be particularly stunning when it reflects a gorgeous view from the opposite side of the room, such as a picturesque outdoor terrace or a stylish dining zone.
3. Tinted mirror
If your not too keen on having the full reflective effect of mirror, try a tinted mirror for a dramatic ambience. There are many tint options from a darker grey to a rose gold. If you’re daring and it suits your style, you could also look at a distressed antique finish for the mirror.
If your not too keen on having the full reflective effect of mirror, try a tinted mirror for a dramatic ambience. There are many tint options from a darker grey to a rose gold. If you’re daring and it suits your style, you could also look at a distressed antique finish for the mirror.
4. Butterfly-effect marble
Rather than just using a singular piece of stone that runs across the wall as the backsplash, you can get two cuts of the one piece of marble and mirror them from the centre, as done here.
This look is not for everybody, but it is a very visually interesting statement and allows you to play with balance within the entirety of your kitchen. Look at how the marble in the backsplash in this kitchen is also balanced at either end of the island.
It’s time to marvel at marble
Rather than just using a singular piece of stone that runs across the wall as the backsplash, you can get two cuts of the one piece of marble and mirror them from the centre, as done here.
This look is not for everybody, but it is a very visually interesting statement and allows you to play with balance within the entirety of your kitchen. Look at how the marble in the backsplash in this kitchen is also balanced at either end of the island.
It’s time to marvel at marble
5. Pressed metal
Re-contextualise this typically decorative and traditional material in a contemporary setting for an engaging design. Pressed metal is laid in panels and you can choose from a range of different designs.
The pressed metal backsplash in this kitchen is by Heritage Ceilings and has been painted white – it really suits the soft blond of the timber cabinetry. Its indentations create great texture and are a unique way to give your kitchen some oomph.
Re-contextualise this typically decorative and traditional material in a contemporary setting for an engaging design. Pressed metal is laid in panels and you can choose from a range of different designs.
The pressed metal backsplash in this kitchen is by Heritage Ceilings and has been painted white – it really suits the soft blond of the timber cabinetry. Its indentations create great texture and are a unique way to give your kitchen some oomph.
A natural pressed metal backsplash works brilliantly in this country-style kitchen.
DESIGNER TIP: When using pressed metal for your backsplash, accentuate its surface by focusing on other textures used in the kitchen. Play with rough and smooth materials situated next to the pressed metal, such as the natural wood and smoother painted surfaces seen in this kitchen which help the backsplash leap out.
DESIGNER TIP: When using pressed metal for your backsplash, accentuate its surface by focusing on other textures used in the kitchen. Play with rough and smooth materials situated next to the pressed metal, such as the natural wood and smoother painted surfaces seen in this kitchen which help the backsplash leap out.
Not a fan of pressed metal, but like the lustre of metal? Go for a smooth metal backsplash. These work particularly well in an industrial-style or contemporary space.
6. Exposed brick
Bring a textural element to your kitchen backsplash through the rough surface and varying colours of exposed brick. Exposed brick is ideal if you want to introduce industrial-style to your space.
The original brick wall used as a backsplash in this kitchen makes the space feel wider as it breaks down the barrier between inside and out.
Bring a textural element to your kitchen backsplash through the rough surface and varying colours of exposed brick. Exposed brick is ideal if you want to introduce industrial-style to your space.
The original brick wall used as a backsplash in this kitchen makes the space feel wider as it breaks down the barrier between inside and out.
DESIGNER TIPS: When using bricks as your backsplash in a new home, consider recycled bricks as they already have an imperfect and beautifully rustic quality. Opt for a range of three or four different colour blends. You could also consider painting the odd brick in a bright colour, or even a shade of white, for a more individual and exciting look.
7. Timber
There are so many different types of timbers and timber-look materials you can use as your backsplash to create different moods in your kitchen. Keep in mind that natural timber will need to be sealed or covered in clear glass so that it is water- and stain-resistant.
DESIGNER TIP: Notice how the timber has been used in conjunction with mostly white cabinetry in this kitchen. This prevents the timber appearing too heavy and overwhelming, especially when dark timber is used, or the kitchen is small.
Find out more benefits of timber kitchens
There are so many different types of timbers and timber-look materials you can use as your backsplash to create different moods in your kitchen. Keep in mind that natural timber will need to be sealed or covered in clear glass so that it is water- and stain-resistant.
DESIGNER TIP: Notice how the timber has been used in conjunction with mostly white cabinetry in this kitchen. This prevents the timber appearing too heavy and overwhelming, especially when dark timber is used, or the kitchen is small.
Find out more benefits of timber kitchens
8. Copper
Copper sheeting is a wonderfully ‘wow’ way to enhance the mood and design of your kitchen. Use a sealed polished copper for a glamorous look or a weathered sheet for a more rustic and tangible appearance.
This kitchen design is particularly interesting, as it plays with sharp and geometrical edges that have been softened with lighting and the materials chosen. The experts at Roarkus Moss Architects have installed a weathered copper sheet backsplash next to white brick and concrete blocks, which all work together to create a tangible space that is thoroughly warm and inviting.
Copper sheeting is a wonderfully ‘wow’ way to enhance the mood and design of your kitchen. Use a sealed polished copper for a glamorous look or a weathered sheet for a more rustic and tangible appearance.
This kitchen design is particularly interesting, as it plays with sharp and geometrical edges that have been softened with lighting and the materials chosen. The experts at Roarkus Moss Architects have installed a weathered copper sheet backsplash next to white brick and concrete blocks, which all work together to create a tangible space that is thoroughly warm and inviting.
FINAL DESIGNER TIP: Continue your backsplash material up to the ceiling. This will prevent it from looking ‘bitsy’ and adds grandeur to the space.
Check out more stylish kitchens
TELL US
Would you give up tiles for one of the materials shown here? Let us know in the comments section.
Check out more stylish kitchens
TELL US
Would you give up tiles for one of the materials shown here? Let us know in the comments section.
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I had tongue and grooved pine splashbacks for decades, just sealed with normal sealer but the sink was at the window to be fair. My daughter has mirrored splashbacks as her apartment is small and they are fairly easy to keep clean. My sister has recently installed stainless steel bench tops and splash back and it looks lovely but has yet to be tested over time. I have glass in a neutral colour and every greasy spot shows up. I have to clean them with a magic sponge as the spots don't come off easily with detergent. I wouldn't have it again, so I am really having difficulty deciding what to have in my next upgrade which is coming due.
The brick splash back would be terrible for cleaning and very unhygienic
How about what they use in Europe? Spapanel is 100% Grout-Free is now available in Australia and is compliant to BCA. For more info Visit www.spapanel.com.au