BACKSPLASH
You can also create a similar effect by choosing tiles that have a chunky, high-contrast grain or color variance. When the tiles are put together in a complex pattern (like herringbone), their geometry gives way to a sense of organic rippling that has the energy of a slab with a subtle layer of extra sophistication. Make sure to take the treatment all the way to the ceiling for that high-impact look.
Another trend is to use a short backsplash, often just a few inches high, to give the sense that the material is traveling up the wall while protecting the wall from dings and dents where it’s needed most. In fact, you may prefer this look for its more understated nature. You can then combine this low-lined look with a secondary tile wherever you need a little more coverage, such as behind the stove.
In a kitchen renovation project of my own, I needed only one slab of material to dress this galley kitchen, making the compact size an advantage in creating a big look. Because the backsplash reaches the upper cabinets, it feels like a full-impact effect, even though the actual material square footage is low. I then backed the stove and fridge niche in a subdued material (sheets of smoky gray mirror) to let the stone speak for itself.
Similarly, you can use two book-matched pieces of stone (two layers sliced from the same source and flipped to make a mirror image) to create an elegant effect from smaller pieces. If you shop around, you can likely find a stone supplier that will sell you smaller off-cut pieces at a discount; you’ll need to be flexible about the type of stone you’re seeking. This can be a great way to inspire the rest of the look — starting with a stone and working from there to choose coordinating colors and finishes.
Get the Look for Less There are several budget-friendly ways to achieve this look. One is to simply clad a smaller feature area, such as the space between the range and hood. This is especially effective in a space where much of the wall is already eaten up by a window. With a pale or plain treatment for the remaining walls, the stone will dominate the statement.
You can match the slab to the counter and island, or let it be a feature on its own paired with simpler materials for the other surfaces, even combining up to three materials for a subtly diverse look. To play it safe, I would avoid choosing more than three materials, and for a no-fail option use a solid-colored slab for one area and simple subway tile for another to avoid clashing.
A solid slab backsplash is a custom look that says luxury in a kitchen of any size. But it doesn’t require a luxurious budget. Take inspiration from this trendy yet timeless look, and give your next kitchen remodel a solid head start. Laurie Battersby A slab backsplash is simply a backsplash made of a continuous material (or in cases like this one, a few large pieces with the occasional break for an appliance or a cabinet). The solid surface creates a different visual effect than, say, tile. When matched to the countertop, it creates an especially big, bold look.
With white marble countertops around the perimeter of the kitchen, Tays added contrast by using soapstone on the island. “I love soapstone. You can oil it to make it more black or let it get more dry. It’s a type of living finish in that sense,” she says. The faucets are aged brass and have classic traditional silhouettes.
Silestone’s new engineered-quartz collection, named Loft, takes inspiration from industrial-style dwellings in cities such as New York, Detroit, London and Barcelona, Spain. The collection features several concrete-look styles, including Seaport, shown here in the countertops, backsplash and island cladding.
Engineered Countertops and Backsplashes 1. Light-colored marble looks. At the beginning of 2020, many engineered-surface companies launched collections featuring dark colors. Then the pandemic hit and the mood shifted. A desire for light, uplifting colors that give a sense of cleanliness and optimism took hold. So throughout 2021, you’ll see many new collections centered on warm, welcoming whites, with marble looks dominating the styles. Caesarstone debuted three white-based styles of engineered quartz during KBIS for its new Whitelight collection, available in March. The collection also includes four previously released light colors. You’ll see more of a focus on creamy whites in matte finishes rather than crisp whites in polished looks, and that was intentional. “We didn’t want it to be super sterile or clinical or look like a lab,” says Elizabeth Margles, vice president of marketing for Caesarstone North America. Here, Aterra Blanca features a warm white background with subtle, almost translucent veining.
Castle Hill Kitchen Industrial Kitchen, Manchester Brittany Fecteau Kitchen pantry - large industrial l-shaped cement tile floor and gray floor kitchen pantry idea in Manchester with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops -
Other special features. 3-by-9-inch glass tile backsplash. Jet Mist granite countertops. Custom wine fridge. Hidden phone and computer charger in drawer. Designer secret. “We were excited to use mixed finishes in this project,” Deetjen says. “The island butcher-block counter plays off of the wood in the open shelving and wood counter at the eat-in dining area. Industrial touches are complemented by the warm cherry floors, and even the client’s rustic pottery collection is at home on the dark granite counters.” Cabinet paint: White Wisp, Benjamin Moore; project photos: Susan Teare
Other special features. Backsplash of white and gray hexagonal mosaic tile. Reclaimed-wood open shelves. Black base cabinets. Quartz countertops. Designer secret. “The trick is to keep the vintage feeling and details,” Castro says. “In this kitchen we only went up to the molding line, which featured the cove ceiling prominently. We also kept with the plaster walls and were very careful when cutting or replacing the walls.” Wall paint: Distant Gray, Benjamin Moore
Little Black Box Designer: Frankie Castro of Square Footage Location: Ajax, Ontario Size: 160 square feet (15 square meters); 16 by 10 feet Homeowners’ request. Bring a 120-year-old kitchen into the 21st century while honoring original details like the cove ceiling, wood flooring, chandelier and molding details. Island. 2 by 4 feet, painted black, with a wood top and stainless steel shelves. “It married all the features in this kitchen together,” says designer Frankie Castro, who gained ideas and inspiration by browsing photos on Houzz along with her clients.
Last, take inspiration from this idea and get the look not with stone but with paper. A wallpaper backsplash creates that continuous custom look while tying the room to another space in your house (if you repeat the pattern in, say, your living room or dining nook). Just add a layer of glass on top to create that wipeable surface.
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