A cottage-style kitchen deserves a backsplash that enhances its cozy charm. A natural stone or brick backsplash paired with unique accents brings out the beauty of a cottage kitchen’s rustic elements while adding visual interest. When thoughtfully designed, a backsplash with natural materials and subtle details creates a warm, inviting look perfect for a cottage kitchen.
Choosing Natural Stone or Brick for a Cottage Kitchen Backsplash
Natural stone and brick are ideal materials for backsplashes in a cottage kitchen. Their earthy textures and varied colors blend beautifully with common cottage elements like wood cabinetry and countertops. Here are some top options to consider:
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a sedimentary stone with beige, brown, rust, or gold tones. Its pitted surface texture lends pleasing visual depth. Travertine tiles in a brick pattern or mosaic style backsplash provide a seamless look. Their natural color variation prevents a monotonous appearance.
Marble Tile
Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario marble tiles evoke elegance. But even marble can have a cottage vibe in soft white, subtle gray, or creamy beige hues with veining in tones like taupe or silver. Honed marble has a matte finish that furthers the cottage look.
Classic Brick
Salvaged brick backsplashes insert vintage charm into a cottage kitchen. Variations in brick size, color, and texture add authenticity. Painting bricks in white or light pastel hues creates a cottage feel. Natural, unfinished brick also suits the look.
Stacked Stone
Backsplashes using various stacked stone materials like travertine, marble, or slate create natural beauty. The irregular shapes and multi-dimensional look provide visual interest. Neutral stacked stone colors complement most cabinetry.
Limestone Tile
Understated limestone tiles come in pale earth tones like ivory, tan, or oatmeal, ideal for cottage aesthetics. Soft veining gives depth without being too busy. Honed limestone backsplashes further capture the cottage spirit.
Incorporating Rustic and Vintage Details
Along with a natural stone or brick backsplash, incorporating modest rustic or vintage-inspired details adds to the cottage kitchen character. These unique touches enhance the backsplash without overshadowing it.
Rustic Wood Accents
Thin planks of reclaimed barn wood trim or shiplap offer rustic contrast to natural stone backsplashes. Accent with wood around windows or as a border along the backsplash edge. Distressed, washed, or whitewashed wood has extra cottage appeal.
Weathered Signage
Vintage-look tin ceiling tiles, metal shop signs, or even old license plates can become charming backsplash accents. Their worn, weathered appearance blends right into cottage decor when mounted in select areas against natural stone.
Pot Rack Display
Wrought iron pot racks mounted on the backsplash provide both function and style. Hang copper pots and pans for a pop of shine. Include rattan baskets to hold cooking utensils. This creates a focal point along the backsplash.
Open Shelving
Floating shelves mounted on or near the backsplash enable displaying cherished tableware or unique decorative objects. For cottages, use reclaimed wood shelves and choose items with vintage character. Leave space to highlight the backsplash itself.
Farmhouse Sink
An apron-front fireclay or enamel farmhouse sink becomes a backsplash focal point. Its slightly rounded white shape often features charming accents like feet or front panels. Add character by choosing an ornate metal faucet in black, brass, or bronze.
Woven Baskets
Incorporating one or two handwoven wicker baskets provides warmth against cool stone backsplashes. Hang them empty as an aesthetic touch or fill them with fruits and vegetables. Ages and imperfections in vintage baskets add more charm.
Cottage Kitchen Backsplash Shape and Layout Ideas
Proper backsplash shape and layout help it seamlessly fit the overall cottage kitchen aesthetic. Keeping the backsplash installation simple allows the materials and accents to shine.
Full Height Backsplash
A full height backsplash running from countertop to ceiling makes a dramatic statement. Sections of stacked stone, travertine tile, or brick become the cottage kitchen’s showpiece. Leave negative space between backsplash sections to prevent heaviness.
Partial Height Backsplash
With solid wood or marble countertops, a backsplash needing only to protect the wall area around a stove is sufficient. Keep it simple – 10 to 15 inches high in a single material like marble subway tile or limestone.
Mosaic Tile Accent Strip
A 4-inch mosaic tile strip serves as a delicate backsplash accent between countertops and cabinets. Use multiple natural stone materials like travertine, slate, or marble for interest. Trim it with reclaimed wood for contrast.
Curved Shape
Soften backsplash lines by cutting limestone or travertine tiles into concave or convex curves. Curving the backsplash around windows and corners helps it integrate into the cottage kitchen seamlessly.
Brick Archway
Frame a cooktop area with a mini brick archway cut into the backsplash. It becomes a charming architectural focal point. Flank it with open shelving or floating cabinets to complement the shape.
Mix Brick and Stone
Pairing brick and natural stone can create a backsplash with pleasing visual movement. Use brick on the lower half and a contrasting stacked stone or tile material on the upper for dynamic style.
Creating a Cohesive Look with Cabinetry and Countertops
Tying together all elements for a harmonious finished look is important. A cottage kitchen backsplash should blend with cabinetry, countertops, and hardware choices seamlessly.
Match Cabinet Stain Colors
Choose backsplash brick, tile, or stone colors that coordinate with cabinet stain shades. If cabinets are whitewashed antique white for example, select soft white marble or limestone backsplashes.
Repeat Countertop Tones
Echo the veining patterns and overall color palette of natural stone countertops through the backsplash. Gray soapstone countertops could inspire a silver travertine subway tile backsplash for visual continuity.
Accent with Black Hardware
For a pop of contrast against light backsplash materials like white brick or tan limestone, install black hardware on cabinets and drawers. Black knobs, cup pulls, latches, and handles stand out.
Shelving and Trim Should Match
The reclaimed wood shelving and trim used to accent backsplashes should coordinate with cabinetry. If shiplap paneling trims the backsplash, for instance, use the same finish and wood on open cabinet shelving.
Vary Backsplash and Island
Make the cottage kitchen island a focal point by varying the backsplash and island materials. For example, stack stone on the backsplash but marble tile on the island for defined yet coordinated separation.
Cottage Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Embrace or Avoid
When designing a cottage kitchen backsplash, choose inspiring ideas that enhance the look and avoid anything that detracts from the charm.
Embrace
- Mix of stones and brick for texture
- Weathered materials like reclaimed wood
- Subtle colors like creamy whites and warm beiges
- Handmade ceramics and tiles for interest
- Modest size – around 15 to 20 inches tall
- Asymmetrical or uneven patterns
- Backsplash extending around window frames
Avoid
- Polished stones or tiles with a shiny finish
- Sleek modern materials like metal or glass
- Large tile sizes like 4×4 inch square tiles
- Intense colors like cobalt blue or emerald green
-checkout bold graphic patterns that overwhelm - Extending backsplash to underside of wall cabinets
- Causing the backsplash to span more than one focal area
Cottage Kitchen Backsplash Natural Look with Stylish Details
The right backsplash design can make a cozy cottage kitchen feel complete. Natural materials like stone and brick become a charming backdrop for culinary creativity. Accenting with rustic elements such as reclaimed wood and vintage signs provides character. A thoughtful layout in harmony with the cabinetry and countertops results in a seamless, impactful cottage backsplash look. With strategic textural and visual contrasts through material mixes, purposeful accents, and an authentic color palette, cottage kitchen backsplashes achieve a peaceful warmth and timeless beauty. They feel simultaneously fresh and familiar while creating a space where family and friends gather to connect and unwind.
FAQs About Cottage Kitchen Backsplash Design
What are the most common materials used for cottage kitchen backsplashes?
Travertine tile, marble tile, brick, limestone, and stacked stone or slate are most popular. Their earthy textures and understated colors suit the cozy cottage style well.
Should I use different materials in one backsplash?
It’s common to pair brick and natural stone or mix stone types, shapes, and colors for cottage variety. Just ensure the overall look isn’t too busy.
What finish is best for cottage kitchen backsplash tiles?
Honed travertine, brick, marble, or limestone tiles with a matte finish better capture the cottage look. Polished and shiny finishes come across too modern.
How high should a cottage backsplash be?
Partial backsplashes 10 to 15 inches high are common behind a stovetop. Full backsplashes running from countertop to ceiling make a bold statement.
Should I accent my backsplash with shelves or signage?
Floating shelves and vintage-look tin signs or plaques strategically placed on natural material backsplashes can provide character without overdoing it.
How do I create continuity between the backsplash and surrounding elements?
Choose backsplash materials and colors that coordinate well with your cabinetry, countertops, and hardware. Repeat tones and textures for a cohesive look.
What layout shape works well for a cottage kitchen backsplash?
Simple, concave, or convex curved shapes help soften backsplash lines. Mosaic tile accents and brickwork archways also blend into cottage kitchens pleasingly.
Creating the perfect cottage kitchen backsplash requires thoughtful design choices. Selecting natural, rustic, or reclaimed materials and enhancing them with charming accents will result in a backsplash with enduring and distinct beauty. Embrace authenticity and imperfection and your cottage kitchen backsplash will infuse this important space with welcoming warmth.