THE LATEST TRENDS IN BACKSPLASHES

Fresh materials and colors are making a splash this year

Backsplashes have come a long way from their early days when they had a plain, functional look and were installed only to protect the walls near the sink and stove from water and oil splatters. Today’s varieties are still functional but also decorative and come in just about every shape, material, and color you can imagine. In 2021, many people are spending much more time at home, especially in the kitchen. Why not make the room even more inviting with a new backsplash? Here’s what’s in style heading into 2021:

Metal

Brass, silver and copper are a few of the shining stars in the metal family of backsplashes. “We love to use an antique brass finish,” said Cecily Mendell of Cecy J Interiors (cecyj.com). “Its transitional [a mix of traditional and modern] to withstand trends but bright enough to add warmth.”

Slab

Instead of individual tiles, slab backsplashes use only a single piece of marble or metal for a clean, refined look. “Typically, slabs will be more expensive,” Mendell said, “but the labor to install individual tiles can tip the scale on the overall costs.”

Acrylic

A more affordable alternative to ultra-pricey marble or other natural stone, acrylic is becoming a popular material to use in faux stone backsplashes because they're easy to clean and don't retain moisture.

Glass

A backsplash made of tempered glass is a one if this year's welcome addition to kitchens. “Glass tile can add such an interesting dimension to a space,” Mendell said. It's got a smooth surface, can withstand high temperatures from the oven, and is easy to clean. “I'm in love with the glass tile offered by Fireclay Tile. The colors are breathtaking.” Check out Dove in Matte and Rosy-finch (fireclaytile.com).

Mirrored

What are the advantages of a mirrored tile backsplash? “It's perfect for a home that lacks ceiling height or an open floor plan," Mendell said. This reflective tile also adds a touch of glamour. Mendell's pick: Davlin Field by Ann Sacks (annsacks.com), a tile with a gold leaf finish.

Subway tile

This classic style, which dates back to 1904, is still so enormously popular that it has a well-deserved place on any trends list. If you love the look but want to give it a modern tweak, stack the cement tiles vertically or in a herringbone pattern instead of the familiar horizontal style.

Slab backsplashes, such as this one using a piece of marble, have a clean, refined look. Slabs are usually more expensive but will eliminate the need to maintain the grout. GETTY IMAGES

GETTY IMAGES The classic subway tile, which dates to 1904, is still an enormously popular choice for the kitchen backplash, whether in the traditional horizontal format, placed vertically or in a chevron pattern.