Kitchen backsplashes are often overlooked. When designing their kitchen, most homeowners will hum and haw over the look of their cabinets, countertops and even islands. However, because they’re so useful to have, backsplashes should never be glossed over.
While they’re not a huge part of the kitchen, backsplashes too, require some maintenance and could make or break the look of your kitchen. Backsplashes are meant to protect the walls behind your workspace — mainly the stove — so it’s important to select the right ones without compromising on style.
These homes prove that you can achieve that right balance:
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Text: Rossara Jamil/Home & Decor
Would an all-black kitchen be too intense for you? Try introducing darker shades of other colours. A deep hue of teal works best with colours like black, deep blue and charcoal grey. The Alusplash backsplash is made of an aluminium substrate that presents a smooth, grout-free surface for ease of maintenance.
Available at Hafele.
The human eye is drawn to patterns, and geometric designs like chevron patterns make a striking backsplash. Laying out the tiles so that the grout lines match softens the sharp edges.
Available at Rice.
With grey touted to be on the way out, sandy hues are set to take over interior trends. The Sandy Steps backsplash from Alusplash brings warmth and crispness to kitchens and is versatile enough to work with most colours.
Available at Hafele.
READ MORE: 18 Smart Storage Ideas That Will Save You So Much Kitchen Space
While subway tiles continue to be loved, they are taking on a moody feel. This is in line with the trend towards dark kitchens. The variations on the Artisan Graphite tiles by Equipe Ceramicas bring visual texture that would make its smoky hues work even in compact kitchens.
Available at Hafary.
If you’re afraid that you will tire of the subway tile look quickly, consider these laminate panels that depict subway tiles! Installation is quick and, if your taste changes, replacing them is just as easy.
Available at Greenlam.
There’s nothing like graphic patterns to give a space a youthful vibe. The Puzzle tiles by Mutina let you do just that – with its blocky geometric look. The matte finish gives them a retro air. Place them randomly for a dynamic space, or intersperse them with plain tiles. These are perfect for zoning areas too.
Available at Rice.
READ MORE: Steal Decor Ideas From 20 HDB & BTO Living Rooms That Are Far From Boring
The popularity of wood looks extends beyond panels to wood-like tiles as well, and they are being used on walls and backsplashes. These Chic Wood porcelain tiles from Panaria also feature an antibacterial shield that eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of surface bacteria.
Available at Rice.
Blue is an arresting colour that will continue to steal the hearts of homeowners and designers, and kitchens in dark blue hues or navy will definitely make a statement. To rock this colour, pick appliances in bright colours like red or yellow, but go for cabinets in neutral colours like white or grey.
Available at Hafary.
READ MORE: These 3-Bedroom Apartments Will Show You How Easy It Is To Add Colour To Your Home
Made of layers of kraft paper treated with resins, Kompacpanel is designed to require minimal care and be capable of withstanding wet or high steam environments. With wood looks set to remain a big trend, Kompacplus’ wood-like panels let you opt for this style yet enjoy ease of maintenance, with its hardwearing surface and minimal joint lines.
As the cold industrial kitchen loses its allure, designers are looking to details that are inspired by traditional and classic kitchens. Consider stone-like quartz surfaces with a highly polished look like the Dekton Xgloss, for contrast.
Available at Cosentino.
READ MORE: How To Get The Marble Look For Your Kitchen Countertops For Less
Diagonal lines are great to visually expand the look of a backsplash, because it draws the eye up and across the wall. For an extra boost, add contrasting colours.
Available at GF+A Global.
With patterns, you can create a sense of symmetry and order in a space. But why not shake things up with tiles that eschew repetition? Add an element of surprise to neutral colours like black, white or grey with a splash of vibrant colour like yellow, red or green to make your backsplash a focal point. The Tex tiles from Mutina do just that with their varying designs.
Available at Rice.
No other style speaks welcome more than the country look. The tone-on- tone patterns on these Heritage tiles from Aleluia Ceramicas exude a sense of relaxation. The final look is up to your creativity.
Available at Hafary.
READ MORE: Turn Your Home Into A Cosy Retreat Like These HDBs And Condos
If a sense of harmony is what you are looking for, you can’t go wrong with matte mosaic tiles. These Panaria Horizon tiles carry delicate stone patterns and warm undertones. The result is an inviting ambience even in all-grey kitchens.
Available at Rice.
One major trend to note? Tall backsplashes. Ideal for homeowners that require minimal or no storage overhead, the extra wall space gives you more room to explore standout backsplash ideas. For example, you can create a border around the tiles for extra pizzazz. The Dec Scozzese tiles by Novabell feature contrasting patterns that are vibrant for the kitchen.
Available at Hafary.
It’s hip to be square. Or triangle. The simplicity of geometric patterns has a strong appeal. And the use of geometric patterns continues to flourish in interiors, thanks to their versatility. The Brick Delta collection from Spanish brand Gayafores takes it up a notch with a mix of texture on each tile. The result is a gorgeous surface, whether from afar or up close.
Available at Hafary.
READ MORE: No Space For A Kitchen Island? Try This Kitchen Trend Instead That’s Perfect For Small HDBs
Nature is a major source of inspiration for homeowners, and earthy brown hues make for a calming kitchen. JTW Yohen Border tiles from Japan are all about thin strips of mosaic tiles reminiscent of Japanese wooden blinds. No two tiles are the same. The firing process produces variations the way nature does to elements.
Available at GF+A Global.
READ MORE: These Japanese-Style HDB Flats and Condos Are Total #ZenHomeGoals
Grey might be making an exit, but the jury is still out on the wisdom of that. That said, ditch the soft, matte hues for glossy finishes like these glossy and textured tiles.
Available at Hafary.
Here’s another grey surface to consider for your backsplash! Silestone Brooklyn from Cosentino lets you have the rich visual texture of contrasts with the low maintenance of quartz.
READ MORE: 15+ Quick & Budget-Friendly Ways To Spruce Up Your Flat
The Diarama collection by Mutina is about turning away from regular patterns and embracing the irregular instead. The Iron range presents shades of grey and injections of colour like pink and beige to break up the dark surfaces.
Available at Rice.
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