When it comes to kitchens, much is written about countertops and cabinets—both are strong focal points adding as much to the design as functionality of the room. The discussion of backsplashes is meagre in comparison, an unfortunate oversight when you consider that the space behind your appliances can handily spiff up your kitchen while protecting your walls. In pursuit of a backsplash that adds value, visual appeal, and elegance, homeowners are increasingly turning to natural stone. Read on to learn more about this hot kitchen trend.
All about the backsplash
As the name suggests, a backsplash is the area behind the sink or stove, installed to protect the walls from splashes of water, grease, or other material. More traditionally, backsplashes were made of tile, often jazzed up with a repeating fruit or vegetable applique, but more recently designers have trended towards other materials.
Why natural stone?
Natural stone backsplashes are on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. Depending on the design, stone, and treatment, a natural stone backsplash can tie together kitchen designed in any number of styles. Natural stone is durable, offering protection in high-traffic areas, and most is heat resistant—a must for any material installed near a cooktop. Some, like soapstone, are non-porous. Every piece is of natural stone is entirely unique, and tends to increase market value no matter where it appears in a home.
Trendy treatments
There are as many ways to incorporate natural stone into kitchen backsplashes as there are unique textures, colours, and veining in a slab. Here are a few trends taking off in 2019.
Old world charm
Pair a softly veined stone like marble with iron or wood fixtures to create a functional, easy-to-clean kitchen in a traditional style. To avoid a design that’s distractingly busy, use the same stone for the counters as the backsplash.
Rugged rooms
Using large, raw stone slabs rather than individual tiles can create a naturally rugged space that’s utilitarian without being chilly. An added bonus, large slabs reduce grouted seams, meaning less cleaning for you.
Ultra-modern
We love the timeless quality of natural stone so it might sound strange to suggest it for an ultra-modern kitchen but certain stones like onyx are translucent. When backlit, they can create a gorgeous, high-end, and ultra-modern effect.
Natural stone is durable, resilient, gorgeous, and a great investment for your home. Whether you’re looking for the elegant veining of a dove-grey marble, the rugged strength of large slabs, the unique modernity of backlit onyx, or something else entirely, natural stone offers the chance to bring your kitchen style and functionality to the next level.
