Our 8 Most Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Designs in Singapore 2023
A kitchen is one of the most important parts of a house especially if you or your family are foodies who love to cook and prepare meals themselves. Since it is the room where one spends a considerable amount of time each day, it is essential that it is designed in a way so not only is it beautiful and elegant, but functional as well to improve efficiency and productivity.
When it comes to kitchen design and remodelling, the elements that get the most focus are the floors, cabinets, and countertops. But what about the backsplash? Surprisingly, the kitchen backsplash can do wonders in uplifting any kitchen’s appearance. Not to mention the functionality it offers.
So what exactly is a backsplash and why is it necessary for a kitchen? How can you choose a kitchen backsplash to create a striking kitchen while utilising its properties? Find out answers to all these questions and much more in the upcoming sections.
What is a backsplash?
Confused about what is a kitchen blacksplash? A kitchen backsplash represents the area between kitchen countertops and the lower part of the upper cabinets. In case the upper cabinets are missing, this backsplash can extend up till the ceiling. The main purpose of the backsplash is to protect the wall behind the countertops from all the dirt and splashes during meal preparation and cooking.
The backsplash is the area that encounters a lot of grease, grime, and dirt during the cooking process and preparation. When all the meal prep and cooking is being done, the part of the wall between the countertop and cabinets gets stained just like the countertops.
However, we often put so much thought into choosing the right material for the countertop so that it is cleaned easily and can be stain-free whereas the backsplash is often ignored. In reality, the backsplash experiences the same amount of dirt and grime and if it is not made of the right material, it will start to get stained and ruin the overall appearance of the kitchen.
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Therefore, it is prudent that you choose a backsplash wisely when remodelling your kitchen interior design.
How to choose a backsplash?
Since the backsplash serves the important purpose of keeping the kitchen appear neat and tidy, it should be chosen keeping a few factors in mind.
Material
Probably the most important factor to consider before choosing a kitchen backsplash is the material in which it is made. There are many materials available for backsplashes including terracotta tiles, ceramic tiles, tempered glass, stainless steel, and many other materials which are discussed later in the article.
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However, the main thing to consider is how easily it can be cleaned and maintained. Moreover, the material should not stain and retain its appearance for many years.
Design and patterns
The next important factor to consider while choosing a kitchen backsplash is its design, colour, and pattern. You have to make sure it matches with the overall design theme of the kitchen. In fact, the backsplash can help elevate the kitchen’s appearance to new heights. So choose the one which helps you achieve this look in your kitchen.
Cost
The amount that backsplash will cost is another factor that must be considered in your kitchen renovation cost while choosing a particular one. Different materials of backsplashes come at different costs, each having its own properties. You want to weigh the pros and cons of each material with its price and see what works best for you.
Types of backsplashes
There are many different backsplash types that are available, each having its own aesthetic and functional properties. Below, we discuss some of the most common ones along with their pros and cons.
Tiles
One of the most common types of backsplashes is wall tiles. These tiles can be made of clay, ceramic, or porcelain. These tiles are usually small in size and you have the option of getting them arranged in any particular pattern of your choice. They are even available in a 1x1 inch or 2x2 inch tile to create mosaic patterned backsplashes.
Moreover, these tiles come in a variety of designs to match the overall theme of your kitchen. You can choose a mix and match design theme to create an aesthetically appealing outlook in the space! They are also affordable and do not cost you an arm and leg.
These tiles are easy to clean and maintain. They are scratch, water, and heat resistant. However, the grout lines between the tiles tend to get dirty over time. The smaller the tiles, the larger will be the grout surface area, making it more difficult to clean them and preserve their appearance over time. These smaller tiles may not be a good option for kitchens that are used more frequently.
Subway tiles
The subway tiles are a design variation of the above-mentioned tiles, the difference being that they are available in rectangular, brick-style manner. Subway tiles are usually used to create a raw and rugged look in the kitchen where ornamentation is not a priority. Since they are made from ceramic, they are easy to clean and maintain. The larger tile size makes for thinner grout lines which reduces the problem of dirty grout lines of smaller tiles. However, it still requires regular cleaning to ensure cleaner grout lines.
The brick-style placement of these tiles adds a modern yet nostalgic touch to the interior. To create a rather unique look while using these tiles, you can even arrange them in a criss-cross or diagonal pattern for the backsplash.
Marble or other stone slabs
Stone slabs are another popular choice for backsplashes in the kitchen. These natural stone slabs can be made of marble, granite, quartz, and other similar materials. They are available in a variety of colours, designs, and patterns to match your unique kitchen space.
They are non-porous and are extremely resistant to heat and water. They can easily be cleaned by using water and soap. They are highly durable and do not lose their colour and shine over the years. Since they are available in large slabs, they create a seamless backsplash with no grout lines, thus elevating its appearance a further few notches.
However, these stone slabs are not light on the pocket. They are expensive and require professional installation. Moreover, you would need to custom order them according to your kitchen dimensions.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is another type of backsplash that is becoming increasingly popular especially in contemporary kitchens. These create a seamless and strikingly beautiful appearance because of its shiny and reflective properties.
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The tempered glass backsplash is highly scratch and heat resistant. It is extremely easy to clean and maintain. Contrary to common belief, tempered glass is very strong and does not break easily. If it does break, it does not leave pointy shards of glass but rather crumbles into small pieces. Moreover, it also comes in a variety of designs and patterns. You can get customised designs incorporated into the glass before its installation.
On the other hand, tempered glass backsplash is difficult to install and must be done by a professional to create a neat and seamless appearance. Furthermore, the reflective properties of such a backsplash can make the kitchen look like double the mess if the countertops are messy.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a unique option for kitchen backsplashes since you don't see them very often being used in this way. This is a good choice of option for industrial kitchens since it goes well with that theme. The stainless steel backsplash is easy to clean and can be installed easily on any type of kitchen wall with an adhesive or screws. It is heat resistant and can withstand the usual heat when you are cooking.
However, stainless steel is not scratch resistant. It can also fade or cause some discolouration over time. Thus, it is not a very durable option in the long term. The steel can also dent over time, causing you to repair it or replace it. Hence, it is not a very cost effective option for backsplashes.
Wallpaper
Having a wallpaper backsplash may seem like a very naive idea but it is a good choice for anyone who wants some kind of a change frequently. Since a wallpaper can easily be ripped off and a new one be pasted in its place, it gives homeowners the liberty to change the kitchen’s appearance whenever they want. It is easy to install and does not require any professional expertise. You don’t have to worry about the problem of dirty grout lines in this option. Wallpaper is a very cheap option for a backsplash but it has its fair share of disadvantages.
It is not a durable option to be used in the kitchen since traditional wallpaper is porous and not resistant to heat or water. It will start to peel off after some time when exposed to the heat and humid environment of the kitchen. However, stronger types of wallpaper like solid vinyl wallpaper are more durable and water resistant. They can easily be cleaned by a damp cloth and last much longer than delicate traditional wallpapers.
Wood
Wood is a very classy and traditional option for kitchen backsplashes as it can help give the kitchen a timeless look. Wood is a strong material and comes in many different shades and textures. It can match with almost any interior design theme.
Wood, in its pure form, is porous and not at all heat or moisture-resistant. However, once it is sealed, it becomes a good choice for kitchen backsplashes which can be cleaned and maintained easily. It does come with the added responsibility of regularly sealing the wood, otherwise, it can get damaged very quickly.
Laminates
Laminate is another good choice for kitchen backsplashes as it can mimic the look of solid wood but without the problems associated with wood like being porous and not water resistant. Laminate also comes in a variety of designs, colours, grains, and textures; thus giving you a wide array of options to choose from. This kind of backsplash gives a seamless look and you can get it custom-made according to your choice of colour, design, and finish at a very affordable price.
Because of its synthetic nature, laminate can easily be cleaned and does not get affected by moisture. However it is not heat resistant, thus it cannot be used for the backsplash directly behind the stove. With time, the general heat of the kitchen can cause it to discolour. Therefore, it is not a very durable option.
Inspiration for kitchen backsplashes
The above-mentioned backsplash types can give you a pretty good idea of the various options that you have while designing your kitchen. However, here we will give you some of the amazing backsplash ideas from our portfolio from where you can seek inspiration and create a strikingly beautiful effect in your kitchen.
The hexagonal 3D effect backsplash
Instead of opting for traditional square-shaped tiles for the backsplash, give a fun twist and choose hexagonal tiles and that too, in different colours and patterns. As can be seen in the following portfolio, the tiles are in different hues of black, yellow, and grey that complement the wooden and laminate outlook of the kitchen. Moreover, there are certain types of tiles for the backsplash that are either 3D in shape or give a 3D effect. This helps to add depth into the design and makes the space look more elegant as can be seen clearly in the following image.
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The scallops backsplash
A similar design like that of the hexagonal tiles are those tiles that are in different shapes. The following portfolio shows a backsplash that is created from scallop-shaped tiles. These tiles can be plain or textured according to your preference. Such a backsplash can go really well in a home that is designed in a coastal interior design theme. You can opt for sandy, oakwood cabinets and countertops to complete the coastal look or go for deep hues like the one shown in the image below.
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Contemporary tempered glass backsplash
These days, contemporary interior designs that are elegant and minimalist are quite popular among homeowners in Singapore. In such a kitchen, a traditional backsplash of tiles or wooden material does not appear well-suited. On the other hand, a tempered glass backsplash looks amazing in such a kitchen. This can be seen in the following image of a contemporary kitchen where a reflective glass backsplash adds to the elegance of the kitchen. You can install lighting options such as spotlights or indirect lighting beneath the upper cabinets to create a dramatic effect or leave the backsplash as it is to create a simple yet elegant space. You can further customise such a backsplash by adding designs or patterns of your choice in the tempered glass.
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Nostalgic subway tiled backsplash
If you are one of those individuals who like to have a contemporary space with a few traditional and nostalgic elements from the past eras, then this backsplash idea is for you. As can be seen in the picture, the kitchen is rather designed in a contemporary manner but a few elements add that touch of the old in the space. One such element is the subway tiled backsplash that is even kept in the typical white shade to accentuate the nostalgic vibe. The black and white floor tiles also enhance the backsplash’s appearance.
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The Bohemian hexagonal tiled backsplash
Another spin off of the hexagonal tiled backsplash is the one depicted in the following image. Here, we can see that the same shaped hexagonal tiles are used but they are colourful and their patterns depict a Bohemian design. Now, such a Bohemian tiled backsplash may have looked a bit overwhelming if this was used for the complete kitchen. To keep just the right amount of Bohemian vibe in the space, only one wall is depicted in this design whereas for the other backsplash, tempered glass is used. This unique combination of tempered glass with Bohemian tiles helps create a unique kitchen that is a mix of contemporary and Bohemian interior design themes.
Classic quartz backsplash
If you believe that the Bohemian and hexagonal shaped tiles in the backsplash may be a bit too hip-hop and you would rather stick to a timeless appearance in the kitchen, then a marble or quartz backsplash is the one for you. Consider the following design portfolio where a beautiful white quartz splash with grey veneers adds to the elegance of an already elegant and chic kitchen. The wise choice of lighting further accentuates the beauty of the space.
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Raw brick-style backsplash
Another idea through which you can create a unique outlook in your kitchen is to combine two opposing design themes. Such a combination can give very unique vibes in the space as both opposing styles come together in balance and harmony. As an inspiration, consider the following portfolio where a rather contemporary kitchen is designed. But to keep a slightly cottage-style touch, the cabinets are made from light grey laminate that mimic the effect of chalk paint. Moreover, the backsplash depicts a brick-style design made from laminate to further accentuate those rural cottage-style vibes.
These are some of the design inspirations which you can follow to create amazing backsplash designs in your kitchens. Backsplashes make up for an important element in the kitchen and designing them to perfection will allow you to create the perfect kitchen for yourself.
Swiss Interior is one of the best interior design firms in Singapore with years of experience for HDB interior design and Condo interior design. Contact us today!
About Swiss Interior
Swiss Interior is a leading interior design company in Singapore since 2012. Led by founders Jason and Ronnie, the Swiss team serves customers from all walks of life, delivering bespoke and dream interior design and renovation services to all homeowners in Singapore.
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- Singapore outstanding enterprise award (2013)
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- First ID firm to win 1 Week Kitchen Challenge by HomeRenoGuru (2019)
- Featured in NOC RenoKing (2020)
- HomeRenoGuru Top 10 ID Firm (2020, 2021)
- Featured in CNA Lifestyle Making Room (2021)
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- Featured in Sheikh Haikel & Anna Belle Francis DreamHome (2022)
- Sidac Accreditation (2022)