In complicated times, some may find comfort in cleaving close to the middle ground. One could also say the same of our kitchens. Just as traditional-style spaces are shedding their heavy carved wood moldings and antiquity-themed corbels, their contemporary counterparts are eschewing their hard-nosed, hard-lined look for a little warmth and softness. Simpler door designs and a deeper interest in wood are helping to transition the two styles of kitchen away from their extremes, as are backsplashes, which are helping to make the middle ground more interesting, thanks to a wealth of materials, shapes, sizes, colors and finishes.


COMBOS

So what's popular in backsplashes? The answer may be as varied and complex as the homeowners for whom they're being designed. Tile still seems to be the medium of preference, and the old standby materials—glass, stone and ceramics— still dominate. However, as Nancy Epstein, CEO and president of Artistic Tile, noted, they're appearing in beguiling combinations that can add richness and character to any kitchen. Stone, for example, has long been a classic choice for backsplashes, but according to Tristan McManaman, marketing director for Walker Zanger, it's being mixed with glass, metal and ceramics in all-over patterns [1] or a more typical setup of field tiles with contrasting accents, borders or liners.


























<sub>1. Walker Zanger's Waterfall
2. Artistic Tile's South Sea Pearl mosaics</sub>



Broadening the palette, other less common materials are also being made into tile for use in the kitchen, noted designer Patti Weaver, president of Creative Design Solutions, Inc. in Niwot, CO. Although some may not be appropriate for a backsplash behind, say, a stove or a sink, they can contribute a dash of drama while sometimes serving a practical function. Among these are leather and cork, the latter of which makes for a convenient message board, but can be difficult to clean. And for those with a taste for the "exotic," there's always mother-of-pearl, tiles with a pearlescent finish [2] or crystals [3]. Similarly, green-minded homeowners can now choose from a variety of earth-friendly materials, including rapidly renewable bamboo [4] and even recycled plastic [5]. Glass tiles, however, with or without recycled content, remain "hugely popular," said McManaman.






<sub>3. Jeweled tiles from Bold Living Color
4. AnchorBayTile's Bamboo subway tiles
5. Dex Studios' Marilyn, made of 38 percent recycled material</sub>



BRIGHT AND NEUTRAL

Why, you ask? One reason, according to DeeDee Gundberg, senior designer for Ann Sacks, is the depth of color that can be achieved in glass yet is elusive in other materials, such as ceramics. Furthermore, both Weaver and Texas-based designer Helene Terry are seeing a demand for backsplashes with rich, vibrant hues—which makes sense as cabinets trend toward more stripped down designs and countertops keep to "safer" finishes. "The 'fun' may be in the backsplash," Terry noted. "That makes for wise budgeting. In 10 years, the backsplash can change with the trends, and the basic cabinets and counters stay timeless." For added impact, glass tiles are also taking on striking patterns [8], as well as metallic finishes that look equally at home in contemporary- or traditional-style environments [7].

In fact, the latter, and even etched glass, may be just the thing for those who are color-shy about their kitchen backsplashes—and there are many. Epstein, in her business, has noticed a continued shift away from bright colors toward white "in every way, shape and form," as well as more muted shades of blues and greens, which can impart a sense of calm to the kitchen. Gray is also gaining ground, said Weaver, "because it is practical, middle of the road" and embodies warm tones that are "easier to live with." Similarly, many still find comfort in soft earth tones [6], in blends or as a single color, for their connection to the natural world and for their staying power.
 

























<sub>6. Walker Zanger's Montecito
7. La Leaf antique silver from Artistic Tile
8. Ann Sacks' Aura</sub>



BEYOND SQUARE

But lest you think white, neutral and monochromatic backsplashes are boring, manufacturers, and designers, are raising the stakes by playing with size, shape and patterning. Most agree that square tiles are, well, square and that larger-format subway tiles and small mosaics are very much "in." According to McManaman, "Long rectangles, both thin and thick, are also popular" and lend themselves to a variety of installations, including offset, basket-weave and vertical arrangements. Terry likes to align the tile in a way that complements the wood grain of the cabinetry or, with small mosaics, will mix them with other shapes for a dynamic effect.


 























<sub>9. Ann Sacks' Heath
10. Nemo Tile's Viscaya</sub>



But tile shapes themselves have evolved beyond the rectilinear [10]. Thanks to developments in water-jet technology, "we can go back to some of the more organic shapes that used to be cost-prohibitive and were often a one-off piece of artwork," said Epstein. In turn, the new shapes, along with greater dimensionality [9], have given rise to backsplashes that convey movement, verve and personality, even if they are all one color. "The choices are endless," Terry said. And with cabinets sporting simpler, more pared-down looks, the boundless possibilities in backsplashes ensure that while the middle ground may be safe, it certainly doesn't have to be boring.