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Regardless of how much you like classic granite countertops, those won’t help you keep your kitchen up to date.
The new trend is a stainless steel counter, such as the ones used by famous restaurants all around the country.
Despite of looking elegant and sophisticated, this counter is almost indestructible.
Back in the days, steel used to be the material for cutlery and utensils, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, its numerous advantages made it a popular choice for countertops, tiles, and backsplashes as well.
There are many benefits for home owners who’ve chosen stainless steel counters, but practicality is the most important one.
Image source: Dan Forer, Photographer
Together with the stainless countertop, they often install stainless steel kitchen backsplash, so that their space would obtain the modern urban chic vibe, with hundredths of styles and colors to choose from.
The same as with other materials, stainless steel backsplash ideas have certain drawbacks. Read this article to discover the pros and cons of this concept, and decide whether it is the right design solution for your kitchen.
Stainless steel backsplashes – advantages and disadvantages
Image source: Bernard Andre Photography
The first impressive moment related to stainless steel backsplash is their contemporary look, but there is much more to consider when it comes to these trendy pieces.
To start with, they are the most hygienic solution for your kitchen: they are non-porous, and won’t make bacteria comfortable to reproduce in your kitchen.
Absolutely durable and damage resistant
Image source: Cary Bernstein Architect
Stainless steel is not only visually pleasing, but also resistant to stains, heat and water damage.
The material is 100% non-porous and no substance can penetrate inside it, which makes it absolutely resistant to mold, bacteria, and other house germs.
Regular wiping will be enough to preserve its shine, and to allow you to prepare clean and healthy meals for your family.
Another distinctive advantage is that steel is a flexible material, and you can install it in literally every area of your kitchen where other materials simply won’t fit.
Sophisticated appearance
Image source: Webber + Studio, Architects
Stainless steel countertops look sophisticated enough to suit every kitchen, and will look clean and perfect regardless of where you’ve installed them.
Lying this metal down is so easy that it allows you to perform experiments, and come up with unique countertop ideas. The same counts for cleaning, particularly in cases where there is no edge between the counter and the sink.
Another reason why steel countertops are so popular is their shiny surface that reflects light, and can thereof make even the smallest kitchen look larger and more spacious.
Stainless steel countertops are heat resistant, but we still recommend you to be careful when putting hot pans on them. Remember to use trivets in order to avoid irreparable burns.
A modern solution
Image source: KUBE architecture
Steal will make your kitchen distinctive and memorable, especially when it is a part of a contemporary design scenario.
Still, its shiny and modern looks blend seamlessly with any color scheme, which is why you can consider it even in traditional and vintage-inspired kitchens.
The main difference between steel countertops is the finish that comes in different patterns and textures: think about your overall design concept, and choose the finish that works the best with it.
On-budget option
Image source: ZL Design
Stainless steel countertops are in fact thin metal laminate palettes laid on a plastic base, which is why they can be purchased on a relatively low price.
A more spacious kitchen
Image source: Michael Abrams Limited
The most brilliant part about using steel countertops is their radiance effect: The sleek and smooth surface reflects light like no other material, and makes the room look way brighter and larger than it actually is.
Consult an experienced designer for optimum results, because he can give you a pretty good idea on how to balance lighting with metal surfaces.
Stainless steel in service of modernization
Understand what your space needs
Image source:
Jeni Lee
Contemporary and chic metal solutions are not urban-exclusive. You can benefit from them regardless of the place where you live, and combine them easily with glazed porcelain or rustic barn wood.
The secret is to learn how to balance between styles, and to understand what your space can offer and how to make the most of you current features.
You have to analyze the reflecting power of metallic tiles before you’ve installed them, so that you will place them opposite the window, or use them as stylish finishes for your coffee nooks, tables, and floating islands.
The versatility of stainless steel tiles is simply impressive, and allows you to design your kitchen just the way you’ve imagined it, be it a modern or a traditional one.
Depending on the style you’ve chosen, you can also opt for some of the numerous polish types, especially if your kitchen is already packed with steel appliances including refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
Basically, stainless steel backsplashes can be the focal pieces of your low-radiance kitchen, or the complementary elements of a modern and minimal cooking haven.
Get inspired by nature
Image source: Hunt Laudi Studio
Many homeowners prefer bronze-finished tiles and steel backsplashes because they help them personalize their kitchen, but that’s not the end of the story.
Creative people can look beyond these ideas and find even more effective ways to design their kitchens, including such that come from the nature.
There is no better place to get inspired when choosing shapes and colors, especially when designing a homey area such as the kitchen.
Walk next to a creek, and try to depict the reflective effect of water on limestone.
It will more or less show you how metallic tiles or stainless steel backsplashes would perform opposite natural stone slabs, and help you choose the right colors, finishes, shapes, and distinguishing lines.
The same principle can be used when planning your pool surroundings, walls, or bathroom surfaces: even if you’ve never thought of stone as a focal material for your home, it may turn out to be the perfect accent for your trendy metallic design.
Apply tiles wherever possible
Image source: ART Design Build
Tiles are made of all sorts of materials, and stainless steel is no exception. Metallic tiles are quite handy for the kitchen, because they are easy to clean, and highly resistant to all types of damage.
Combine modern design elements with classic ones
Image source: Chris Snook
The truth is you won’t achieve the optimal results in design by simply paying attention to one feature. What it takes is to combine multiple features, and see how they complement one another.
More than material types, expand the concept on design styles and philosophies, and look for unique mixtures such as Roman travertine tiles and modern metallic mosaics.
At the end of this process, you’ll be the owner of a unique, out-of-the-box kitchen which will attract interest for many years ahead.
Before you’ve started planning, make sure you’ve defined your objectives, and distinguish practical ideas from impractical ones.
Having a clear idea of what you’re doing will help you turn your inspiration into the driving force of your design efforts, without losing focus from the primary objectives, namely a practical and usable environment.
If you’ve already opted for metal backsplashes, make sure you clean them on regular basis, and preserve their spotless shine for many years to come.
Ideally, remove stains with warm water and soap, as chemical detergents and rough cleaners can damage the tiles’ polish.
Ending thoughts
Image source: Dirk Denison Architects
Stainless steel is not a newly introduced kitchen design solution, but a popular material which has been around for many years.
Recently, it restored much of its good fame thanks to the contemporary minimalist concepts that are conquering homeowners’ hearts.
Classy looks are not all there is to stainless steel – placed behind the sink or the stove, steel plays the role of a durable protector which is both corrosion- and stain-resistant.
You can wipe it easily using warm water and soap, and benefit from its amazing light reflection properties that will make your kitchen look bigger.
The larger the steel surface is, the easier it will be to clean it, and you don’t have to be concerned about cracks and grout as with other materials.
Plus, you get a large array of options to choose from, including such that look amazingly when combined with stone, marble, or glass.
Stainless steel is among the most affordable kitchen makeover options, which nevertheless look expensive and sophisticated.