Industrial style kitchens with exposed brick backsplashes and stainless steel appliances have become increasingly popular in recent years. This trendy look can add a cool, edgy vibe to your cooking space. An industrial backsplash is a great way to incorporate this aesthetic into your home. With the right design choices, you can create a stylish industrial backsplash that is both practical and beautiful.
Benefits of an Industrial Style Kitchen Backsplash
An industrial backsplash offers many advantages:
Durability
Industrial materials like brick, concrete, and metal are extremely durable. They can withstand heat, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas like backsplashes which need to stand up to cooking messes.
Texture
Materials like exposed brick, wood, and stainless steel add visual texture and interest to your space. This creates depth and dimension on your backsplash.
Easy to Clean
The smooth, non-porous nature of industrial backsplash materials makes them very easy to clean. Food splatters and messes can be quickly wiped away.
Cool Material Options for an Industrial Backsplash
There are many on-trend materials to choose from when designing your industrial kitchen backsplash:
Exposed Brick
Exposed brick backsplashes add instant urban edge. Salvaged brick has a timeworn, rustic look. Faux brick veneer tiles offer the look of brick with easier installation. Leave mortar lines exposed for an authentic look.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel tiles or sheets offer an ultra-modern, industrial vibe. Matte finishes help reduce glare and fingerprints. Consider combining metal mosaic tiles with exposed brick areas.
Concrete
Concrete backsplashes create an edgy, factory-chic look. Both precast and poured concrete options are available. Consider polished concrete for a smooth surface or textured concrete for more grip.
Wood
Reclaimed wood planks add natural warmth. Various finishes like rough-sawn or charred wood create different looks. Use rustic wood beams or corrugated metal along with the wood for contrast.
Subway Tile
A classic subway tile backsplash gets an industrial twist with darker grout colors like charcoal grey. Offset the tiles or install them in a herringbone pattern for extra interest.
Stylish Ways to Use an Industrial Backsplash
There are many stylish design choices when incorporating an industrial backsplash:
Contrasting Finishes
Mixing complementary textures looks bold and chic. Pair sleek stainless steel with rugged wood reclaimed from old factories. Or combine smooth subway tiles with a distressed exposed brick wall.
Monochromatic Palette
Choose one industrial material like concrete and use that throughout for a streamlined look. Playing with tone and texture of the same material creates interest. Add interest with brass hardware and fixtures.
Exposed Utilities
Leave duct work, conduit, pipes and wiring exposed rather than hiding them. Paint in black or metallic colors to highlight. This adds authentic industrial character to the space.
Bold Color Accents
Since industrial materials are neutral, bold pops of color work beautifully. Use a vibrant red brick backsplash or bright blue concrete tiles. Painted cabinets in glossy hues contrast nicely.
Metallic Accents
Warm metallics like brass hardware, copper backsplashes, and gold light fixtures glam up industrial kitchens. Stainless steel and nickel tones keep it cooler. Use metal mosaic tiles or tin ceiling tiles.
Tips for Designing Your Industrial Backsplash
Here are some helpful tips for pulling off the industrial backsplash look:
- Start with one feature material like exposed brick or concrete as the backbone. Accent with contrasting textures and metals.
- Use varying shapes and sizes of tiles for interest. Try intentionally irregular brick patterns.
- Leave grout lines and mortar unfinished for authenticity. Charcoal grey or other dark grout colors work best.
- Consider using recycled, reclaimed and environmentally friendly materials. This fits with the industrial aesthetic.
- Extend materials vertically up the walls to draw the eye up and make rooms feel taller.
- Add lighting fixtures like edison bulbs, track lighting or pendant lamps for an industrial touch.
- Stick with a neutral color palette of blacks, greys, silvers and brick red. Use color strategically as accents.
FAQs
What is the most popular industrial backsplash material?
Exposed brick is likely the most prevalent industrial backsplash choice. Both salvaged and new brick offer the iconic, urban loft look. Brick has natural texture and comes in cool muted tones.
What color grout should I use with an industrial backsplash?
Charcoal grey or dark anthracite grout colors complement an industrial backsplash best. Avoid bright white grout which looks too clean. Let the grout lines show for a workshop style.
What kind of cabinets work with an industrial backsplash?
Rugged metal cabinets, shaker style, or flat panel cabinets tend to suit the industrial vibe best. Make sure to match the metal finishes for a cohesive look.
Can I do an industrial backsplash on a budget?
Yes! Select one signature material like tin ceiling tiles as an accent stripe. Pair with inexpensive ceramic subway tiles or sheet metal. Use cost-effective faux finishes like brick veneer tiles instead of authentic brick.
What about an industrial backsplash doesn’t work?
An industrial backsplash requires confident, gritty elements. Materials that are too shiny, colorful, or precious defeat the warehouse look. Mixing too many types of tiles looks busy rather than purposefully eclectic.
Achieve the Perfectly Cool Industrial Backsplash
With the right choice of durable, textural materials and chic yet edgy style, an industrial backsplash can infuse your kitchen with trendy loft style. Exposed brick, concrete, metals and wood all bring unique character when used creatively. Follow the design tips to help you achieve the ideal rugged yet refined industrial backsplash aesthetic. Embrace materials and finishes that celebrate the imperfections and allow your inner urban artist to come out!