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wall-finishes-and-backsplashes

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Interior Architecture · Building Construction · Design Studio · Professional Practice

Wall Finishes and Backsplashes in Kitchens

The walls in a kitchen are not just vertical surfaces; they are an integral part of the kitchen’s functional and aesthetic system. They need to be durable, easy to clean, and contribute to the overall design language of the space. The backsplash, in particular, is a critical component that serves as both a protective shield and a decorative focal point.

1. General Wall Finishes

For kitchen walls outside of the immediate cooking and sink areas, the primary requirement for the finish is that it should be washable and resistant to humidity.

  • Washable Paint:
    • Specification: Use a high-quality acrylic paint with a satin or semi-gloss sheen. These finishes are more durable and easier to wipe down than matte finishes.
    • Features: Look for paints with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial additives, which are specifically formulated for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Tiling: In some designs, tiles are used to cover entire walls from floor to ceiling. This creates an extremely durable and hygienic surface, common in commercial kitchens and increasingly popular in residential designs for an industrial or minimalist look.

2. The Backsplash: Function and Materiality

The backsplash is the area of the wall behind the cooktop and the sink. Its primary function is to protect the wall from water, grease, and food splatters. It is also a major design element.

2.1. Backsplash Materials

  • Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles:

    • Description: The most traditional and versatile backsplash material. Available in an endless variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and textures (e.g., subway tiles, mosaic tiles, patterned tiles).
    • Advantages: Durable, heat-resistant, water-resistant, and relatively cost-effective.
    • Detailing: Grout lines can be a cleaning challenge. Using larger format tiles (to minimize grout lines) and specifying epoxy grout (which is non-porous and stain-proof) is highly recommended.

  • Quartz or Granite:

    • Description: Extending the same material from the countertop up onto the wall to create the backsplash.
    • Advantages: Creates a seamless, monolithic, and high-end look. With no grout lines, it is extremely easy to clean.
    • Detailing: This is a more expensive option. The thickness of the backsplash slab is typically 20mm, the same as the counter. The joint between the counter and the backsplash should be sealed with a fine bead of color-matched silicone.

  • Tempered Glass:

    • Description: A sheet of toughened safety glass is fixed to the wall. It can be back-painted in any color to match the kitchen’s decor.
    • Advantages: Provides a very modern, sleek, and seamless surface. It is completely non-porous and therefore extremely hygienic and easy to clean.
    • Detailing: All cutouts for outlets and switches must be made before the glass is tempered. It must be installed carefully by professionals to avoid stress and cracking.

  • Stainless Steel:

    • Description: A sheet of stainless steel is fixed to the wall, typically behind the cooktop.
    • Advantages: Offers a professional, industrial aesthetic. It is non-porous, hygienic, and completely heat-resistant.
    • Disadvantages: Can be prone to scratching and requires specific cleaners to avoid streaks.

2.2. Design and Dimension Considerations

  • Height:

    • Standard Height: A standard backsplash extends from the countertop up to the bottom of the overhead cabinets (typically 500-600mm).
    • Full-Height Backsplash: For a more dramatic statement, the backsplash material can be extended all the way to the ceiling. This is particularly effective behind a chimney hood.
    • Minimal Upstand: In some minimalist designs, only a small “upstand” or “coved skirting” of the countertop material, about 100-150mm high, is used. The wall above is then simply painted. While this is a clean look, it offers less protection.

  • The “Bookmatching” Technique: When using natural stone like marble or granite with strong veining, two adjoining slabs can be cut and polished to be mirror images of each other. This “bookmatching” creates a stunning, symmetrical pattern and turns the backsplash into a work of art.

The choice of wall finish and backsplash material has a significant impact on the daily maintenance and long-term durability of the kitchen. Prioritizing non-porous, easy-to-clean, and heat-resistant materials in the high-impact zones is a key principle of functional kitchen design.

Interior Architecture · Building Construction · Design Studio · Professional Practice

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