"A kitchen backsplash is exactly that legendary offer that is "impossible to refuse". After all, when cooking, and washing dishes and vegetables, splashes inevitably fall on the wall, and washing them with aggressive agents leads to rapid deterioration of traditional finishing materials. But you should not perceive the backsplash as a burdensome obligation - it can become a real art object and the center of attention in your kitchen. Let's consider the current trends and fashion trends of 2024 in the design of a modern apron on the kitchen wall so that you can easily choose the right solution for your home.
Best kitchen backsplashes:
Monolithic
Just a few years ago, the spotlight was on decorative backsplashes, which had one important advantage over tiles – no seams. They are much easier to care for, but there are some nuances: HDF has an order of magnitude shorter service life than tiles, and glass literally “multiplies” any dirt.
However, the trend for monolithic has remained, only the material has changed - now monolithic aprons are made of large-format porcelain stoneware, concrete, rocks, or artificial stone. The dimensions of such a panel reach 2.6 x 3.2 meters, which allows you to decorate the entire wall and even refuse upper cabinets. At the same time, the choice of materials is varied.
Porcelain tiles imitating marble. Classic white, pink, and even with golden inclusions – it easily fits into modern and classic design.
Wood-look porcelain stoneware. The range of shades from Sonoma oak to Wenge allows you to choose a solution for kitchens in the spirit of Provence, Scandi, eco, and loft.
Concrete. Often used in industrial design and high-tech style.
Onyx, malachite, and layered sandstone. These types of stones have an original texture and help to create a truly personalized space.
The option of finishing with porcelain stoneware can be used not only for the apron, but also for the floor in the kitchen. The creation of such a "pair" guarantees the harmony of the repair without the participation of a designer.
Geometry Delights
The famous honeycomb tiles came into fashion along with the Scandinavian style more than 5 years ago, and are in no hurry to leave the number of the most popular trends.
Only now the possibilities of geometry are not limited to hexagons – other interpretations are also popular.
"Scales". The characteristic semicircular shape looks good both in classic white and in various color combinations. For an apron, 2-4 shades are often selected that harmoniously combine with each other.
"Metro tiles". This tile has not lost its popularity since the 60s of the last century. But if earlier it was only white and with two holes for fasteners, today the range includes different colors and sizes - you can choose absolutely for any kitchen.
"French herringbone". For laying imitating parquet, the same "hog" is used. But in this version, it looks completely different - more noble and refined. It will easily fit into classic, Provence, and other "monumental" styles.
You can also look for your own original solutions in the spirit of geometry among Norwegian prints, old embroidered ornaments, etc. And you can choose options for their implementation from any tile, from hexagon to mosaic.
Forward to the past!
In 2024, the Midcentury style continues its "offensive". Vintage is coming into fashion not in a polished and restored form, but in a "working" form - the way we are used to seeing it on our grandmothers.
This trend was also reflected in kitchen backsplashes – the following were at the peak of popularity:
ordinary white tiles;
tiles in 10*10 cm format, difficult to lay, but perfect for small spaces;
the checkerboard pattern of black and white tiles;
"chintz" prints with small flowers.
Imitation of handwork
The trend for personalization that emerged in 2020 could not do without true exclusivity – handcrafted work. Therefore, its elements are now being increasingly introduced into all areas, including ceramic tile designs.
The following options have gained enormous popularity:
Oriental Arabesques. This type of hand-painted design is successfully imitated by many tile manufacturers, so a suitable option can be found even in the mid-price segment.
Spanish Majolica. Tiles with a three-dimensional pattern and a glassy glaze coating - chic, which is easy to fit into a classic style.
Portuguese Azulejo. Another type of voluminous handmade tile, is now being replicated by major Italian and Russian brands. A more restrained palette than the previous two options has made it a popular addition to a modernist or Scandinavian-style kitchen.
Zellige: This is a tile from Morocco that is handcrafted, coated twice with molten glass, and baked in an oven. This technology gives it an unusual gloss and uneven texture.
Hand-made ceramics are expensive and are made individually. Therefore, in some cases it is advisable to replace them with factory tiles of the design you like with imitation of hand-made work.
Alluring gloss
Zellige tiles have become a real discovery in 2024. Along with the usual square 10*10 cm options, manufacturers have begun to offer others with a similar glass-glossy coating. Among them, you can find a boar, honeycomb, and many other options.
But it is worth considering one nuance in advance: glossy surfaces tend to multiply and emphasize dirt. Therefore, it is worth choosing it if you cook little or are distinguished by phenomenal cleanliness.
Comments