Looking for the ultimate example of a place in your home design where form and function combine? Look no further than your kitchen backsplash. On the one hand, your backsplash must be designed around its designated purpose: to protect the wall from any splatter created by cooking or cleaning. (Because let’s face it, no matter how careful we are, there’s always going to be some splatter 💦) With that purpose in mind, you’re still going to want your modern kitchen backsplash to reflect the style and timeless elegance of the rest of your kitchen.
So how do we create a modern kitchen backsplash that is both beautiful and durable?
First, we’ll start with the age-old adage, “Less is more.” When designing your luxury kitchen backsplash, you’re going to want to make sure you’re designing something that is functional, easy to maintain and doesn’t distract from the rest of your kitchen’s design. In Italy, you’ll often see smaller backsplashes or kicks to avoid the impact sliding pots or pans may have on the wall, using washable paint for easier cleaning.
This option works great for backsplashes that go behind your sink, as you can see in this Italian-inspired example we created for one of our clients here in Cincinnati:
But what about more extensive backsplashes or splashes that are meant to go behind your cooktop? As always, reader, you’ve got questions, and we’ve got the answers.
Let’s talk about…
Modern Kitchen Backsplash Materials
When it comes to creating your modern kitchen backsplash, materials are everything. Ideally, your backsplash will be the same material as your countertop (we call this monomaterico in Italiano), as you can see in this beautiful example we created for another one of our Cincinnati clients in the Brewery District:
However, if true monomaterico isn’t an option for you, never fear! You can still create a beautiful, modern, Italian-inspired look by designing a backsplash that is different yet intentional, fitting in with the overall aesthetic and color palette of the rest of the kitchen, as we did in this Over-the-Rhine kitchen:
Here, we used textured tile to keep the monomaterico look from the white quartz top without actually using a single material.
But how do you actually choose what material is best for your backsplash? The materials you use will depend on what exactly the backsplash is behind and what type of splatter it will be protecting the wall from.
For a backsplash that is behind a cooktop, you’re going to want to make sure to use a material that is stain-resistant, particularly to fats and colorful spices. (This means you’re going to want to avoid limestone, marble, or unsealed brick.) If you’re considering a stone backsplash for kitchen spaces, ideal materials could include:
- Granite, for its timeless appeal
- Porphyry, for a more textured look
- Quartzite backsplashes — a stunning, durable choice
If you’re not married to the idea of a stone backsplash, some other backsplash materials that are both stain and water-resistant are:
- Stainless steel
- Glass
- Porcelain or ceramic tiles for a splash of color
Or you could go with a classic, sealed brick look, as we did in this historic renovation:
As previously mentioned, all of the materials listed above are also water-resistant, meaning they would also work for backsplashes that go behind a sink, leaving you with many beautiful options to choose from.
High Splashes
Want to add drama to your backsplash? Try one of our favorite backsplash designs – the high backsplash. These beautiful backsplashes give your kitchen an elevated (no pun intended), dramatic look that is perfectly in line with the modern aesthetic.
A “high backsplash,” also known as a full-height or panel backsplash, extends from the countertop all the way along tall cabinets up to the soffit, or even the ceiling, providing a larger vertical expanse of coverage compared to a kick or standard “just-under-the-upper” backsplash. They can even take up the entire wall!
In this gorgeous stone example, the high backsplash creates a bold, modern look that draws the eye and emphasizes the height of the space, all while providing extra protection against splashes and spills.
Are you ready to get started on your modern kitchen backsplash design? NOLI has the experience and expertise to create the backsplash that works best for your needs and style. Swing by our Cincinnati showroom or reach out via our contact page to get started.
