Classic or Craze

Make a Splash

Using the same material on your backsplash and island countertop is growing in popularity in the St. Louis area.

Edited by Moe Godat

Design by Jenny Siebert, Callier & Thompson. Photography by Joel Marion Photography.

CRAZE

Matching your backsplash with your countertops has been trending for a while now, making it a craze. That said, it looks fabulous and can be a wonderful feature in a kitchen. Depending on the material selected it can bring a sense of calm and continuity, or if highly veined will look more artistic! Janice Bohn, Anne Marie Design Studio.

The primary function of a backsplash is to protect the walls in the cooking or prep areas from water damage, grease or other kitchen elements. There are many options for a kitchen backsplash such as tile, mirrors and counter backsplash. Counter backsplash is a great way to extend the look of a beautiful countertop, while providing a necessary function in the kitchen. I think counter backsplash creates a clean, cohesive look however styles and personal preference are important also. I personally like the look but I do not think they are here to stay. Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

BOTH

While using the same countertop material as backsplash hasn’t been done for very long (backsplash tile would be considered more classic), there are certainly benefits. Using slab material for a backsplash can provide either a minimalist or bold look, so it appeals to many design aesthetics. If you want your cabinetry to be the star of the show, you can choose a more subtle slab material. You can also make the backsplash the focal point, especially if you have a large wall area without cabinetry (around the hood for example) where you can bookmatch the slabs for more impact. It also provides an easier surface to maintain and keep clean by eliminating tile grout lines. Julie Cullmann, Gegg Design & Cabinetry.

CLASSIC

While a slab backsplash is not a trend, it does offer a modern or contemporary look. Because there are no fussy grout lines to break up the space, it delivers a clean, linear feel. For a starker moment, choose a slab with minimal veining; if you want to express movement, select a slab with boldly patterned veining. Our eyes gravitate to vertical surfaces first, so using a slab backsplash is a simple way to elevate your kitchen. For a dramatic effect, you can use two bookedmatched pieces that mirror each other creating a unique piece of art. Joni Spear, Joni Spear Interior Design.

Using the same material for countertop and backsplash is a classic design approach because it makes sense. There are so many things happening in a kitchen—cabinets, counters, backsplashes, flooring, walls, ceiling—and making two of those elements the same helps keep the vision clean and fresh. J. R. Zachary, JR Zachary Design. A counter splash is a classic look, with its smooth, sleek transition from countertop to backsplash. It’s easy to maintain with no grout lines, creating a practical yet polished appearance. If you are trying to accomplish an updated design, you have to let the stone be your guide for the backsplash. I think counter splash will always be a classic when used properly. Georgine O'Donnell, O’DESIGNS. The counter splash trend is a classic, timeless element in kitchen design that will continue to flourish and upgrade a current look. The use of the slabs to create simple uniformity is perfect in a kitchen environment. By using materials with subtle veining a beautiful pattern can be defined. The counter splash creates a clean, contemporary approach to a classic concept. In addition, no grout lines to clean after that splashed spaghetti sauce incident. Wendy Noory, Chromatix Hue. I love this trend for its clean lines. Also, the popular colors these days are neutral and classic and it just keeps things unified. I even think it makes the space seem larger so I often suggest it to clients with smaller spaces. Few seams if any, no grout (major plus) and easy to clean! Jenny Siebert, Callier & Thompson. I think using the same material on the countertop and backsplash is a classic. It’s a great way to elevate the design without adding in another material. Depending on the stone, it can also be a focal feature in the kitchen as well. Janelle Helms, Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath.