MAKE A STATEMENT ’SPLASH
Choosing a kitchen backsplash is a great time to have some fun with your decor. A backsplash can be akin to adding jewelry to the room, and even splurging can be kept reasonable with the modest, two-foot height between the countertop and upper cabinets. Glen Peloso describes how to combine a few of these elements to create depth, visual interest and function.
Tile
One of the most common ways to treat the area is with tiles. This is an across-the-board favourite mainly because it is so easy to clean. There are thousands of tile options; mosaics with combinations of glass, stone and porcelain should be selected carefully. Like accessories, it has to work with the rest of the outfit. A beveled subway tile can sometimes be the perfect choice — the bevel provides a bit of sparkle and the pattern is understated. You can find tiles in stainless steel, copper, glass and semi-precious stones, which can all contribute to the perfect presentation of bling.
Colour
Most completed, pre-decorated kitchens come in some version of off-white — a great reason to inject a backsplash of colour to contrast the upper and lower cabinets. Consider back-painted glass, stainless steel or tiles. It’s not necessary do something in stark contrast to the cabinetry tone but, ideally, you’ll add in some shade difference. Some may not see grey, cream or black as a “colour,” but these subtle colours can effectively draw focus. In modern kitchens, with few other details, strong colours can be part of the look you’re after. Just think of how well strong colours worked for artists like surrealist Spanish painter Joan Miro.
Countertop
Have no fear using the countertop material for the backsplash — remember that each will be seen on different planes: parallel versus perpendicular to the floor. The details of a nice stone or quartz countertop can provide great backsplash visual interest, as well as visually increasing its height. The look is very elegant, with few seams or grout lines. Unlike tile installed in patterns, the details of countertop stone are the highlights to be featured. Installation is also simpler since the same tradesperson does both counter and backsplash. It may not, however, include a savings since countertop materials can be more expensive than tile.
Decor
The backsplash is your back drop for personal decorative elements. You won’t need the entire two-foot depth for food prep so feature your best appliances such as the espresso maker, blender and other elements that personalize the kitchen. The KitchenAid stand mixer screams “baker in residence,” while a knife block, serving platters, live-edge cheese boards or exotic oils and vinegars suggest a serious chef. Remember, you’re going to light it and feature it like art against your beautiful backsplash. Choose the elements as decor, not just function, and they’ll add the depth of layers that will make your kitchen really sing.
Lighting
No matter your backsplash approach, go for good lighting. Upper cabinets always cast a shadow below and strategic lighting will eliminate that to increase functionality and also show off the jewelry you’ve added with tile and/or a pop of colour. Indirect lighting is the usually the best choice. A cabinet valence will help conceal the light source so include lighting in the plan for cabinetry millwork. Install a dimmer that will allow you to control the intensity of light in the area so it’s easy to work, create mood, or darken while at the dining table with guests.
Glen Peloso is principal designer of Peloso Alexander Interiors, national design editor of Canadian Home Trends magazine and a design expert on the Marilyn Denis Show on CTV. Contact him at pelosoalexander.com, follow on Twitter at @peloso1 or @glenandjamie and on Facebook.