A white and gold backsplash can create a stylish and luxurious appeal in any kitchen. With the right design and materials, this color combination evokes elegance and sophistication. In this article, we’ll explore how to use white and gold backsplashes to make a statement, what materials work best, and stylish design ideas. Read on to learn how to add a touch of luxury with this timeless color scheme.
Why Choose a White and Gold Backsplash?
A backsplash serves both form and function in a kitchen. Beyond protecting the walls from splatters and spills, it offers the chance to infuse personality, style, and visual interest. There are several reasons why a white and gold backsplash is an excellent choice:
- Timeless and classic – The combination of white and gold has endured over decades and styles as a symbol of refined, luxurious taste. White provides a clean, bright backdrop, while gold infuses warmth and subtle glamour. This look will stay stylish for years to come.
- Versatile – Crisp white and gleaming gold are neutral tones that coordinate well with most kitchen color palettes and materials. This versatility means a white and gold backsplash can fit seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs.
- Light and brightness – White reflects light, helping to make kitchens feel open and airy. It also provides contrast against gold accents, allowing them to really pop. This visibility makes even small gold details stand out.
- Visual interest – While white and gold are neutral, the pairing creates more depth and dimension than a single tone backsplash. The mix of matte and shine, organic and geometric shapes, and varied textures adds appealing visual interest.
- Luxurious feel – Gold naturally carries associations with wealth and prestige. In a backsplash, it comes across as sophisticated, upscale, and luxurious. Even metallic accents or hardware in this color can make a kitchen feel richer.
With the right materials and design, a white and gold backsplash can elevate a kitchen’s style significantly. The light, bright, and glamorous feel gives an impression of tailored elegance.
Stylish White and Gold Backsplash Materials
The materials chosen make a big impact on the overall look, feel, and practicality of a white and gold backsplash. Consider these stylish options:
Tile
Tile offers timeless appeal and almost endless possibilities for shapes, sizes, textures, and patterns. Choices include:
- Subway tile – This classic rectangular tile comes in bright white gloss, matte, or textured finishes. Pair with gold accents, trim, or designs for a traditional luxe look.
- Marble or stone – Elegant marble, travertine, or other stone tiles in white and gold veining have a luxurious feel. hite stone with gray, gold, or caramel veining has a glamorous vibe.
- Patterned – Intricate patterns like herringbone, chevron, geometric, floral, and Middle Eastern styles make a statement. Look for white and gold color combos.
- Mosaic – Tiny mosaic tiles allow for artistic designs, pictures, and creative mixes of materials. Gold shimmers nicely against solid white, marble, or glass pieces.
Glass
Sleek and shiny backsplash glass tiles catch the light beautifully. Options include:
- Metallic gold – Glass tiles coated on the backside with real gold or metallic paint add serious glamour. Use sparingly among white tiles.
- Gold crackled/veined – Crackled or veined glass with gold running through white has an elegant, marbled effect.
Metal
Metal backsplashes offer contemporary appeal, especially:
- Stainless steel – Brushed stainless with a warm gold-tone feels modern and upscale.
- Copper – Naturally gold, copper provides a soft, polished elegance. It can be left to age naturally or sealed to maintain its shine.
- Brass – Brass backsplashes or accents lend a hint of vintage charm and sophistication. Unlacquered brass will develop a patina over time.
- Gold-tone aluminum – Aluminum tiles mimic the look of real metals like brass and copper at a lower cost. Gold-toned aluminum feels glam and polished.
Additional Materials
Don’t overlook other unique white and gold backsplash options like:
- Glass bricks or blocks – Dimensional and translucent, white glass bricks get a glitzy boost from real gold-leaf between them.
- Wood – White painted or bleached wood provides natural warmth. Incorporate gold details with trim or inlay.
- Wallpaper – Removable gold and white wallpaper offers affordable style. Select elegant patterns like damask, floral, or geometric.
- Faux tiles – Faux tiles look handcrafted with dimensional details. Find textured white tiles with gold grout or a chiseled look.
The material possibilities are nearly endless. Focus on your overall style vision and mix textures and shapes for visual interest. Consult with kitchen design professionals for the best fit for your space.
Classy White and Gold Backsplash Design Ideas
A white and gold backsplash design can range from simple to dramatic. Consider these elegant options to inspire your dream scheme:
Minimalist Style
For an uncomplicated, luxurious look, focus on clean lines, large-scale simplicity, and subtle metallic accents:
- White subway tiles and thin lines of gold grout
- Extra-large format white marble tiles with faint gray and gold veining
- Solid white quartz slab backsplash with thin gold metal trim edging
- Primarily plain white tile with small gold tile accents
Geometric Impact
Make a modern statement with bold geometric designs in white and gold:
- Herringbone patterned marble tiles in white and gold
- Diamonds or chevron patterns with white and champagne glass tiles
- Faceted 3D hexagon tiles in glossy white with gold grout
- Tiled pattern using a mix of metallic gold hexagons, circles, and rectangles
Organic Opulence
Soft, flowing organic shapes evoke natural luxury:
- White marble or travertine slabs with swirling gold veining
- White and gold marbled ceramic or glass tile
- White tiles in flowing arabesque shapes plus metallic gold accents
- White subway tile with abstract gold-leaf floral designs
Vintage Glam
For a touch of retro sophistication, incorporate vintage design elements like:
- White subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern with brass trim
- White and gold encaustic-style porcelain tile
- White tile with gold art deco-style accents and hardware
- Mirrored white tiles plus gold beveled details
Don’t be afraid to mix styles, shapes, and materials. Blend some vintage character with modern marble geometrics or travertine slab with brass trim. Design professionals can help integrate white and gold backsplash designs seamlessly with the entire kitchen aesthetic.
Incorporating Gold Details Creatively
Gold accents elevate a white backsplash’s style dramatically. But restraint is wise when using this bold color. Here are creative ways to tastefully incorporate gold:
Metallic Accents
Subtle touches of real metal provide polish. Ideas include:
- Thin gold lines between tiles
- Gold trim edging the backsplash or accenting seams
- Small gold tiles or mosaic tile accents
- Hammered gold tile inserts
- Gold-framed mirror tiles or antiqued mirrors
Faux Finishes
Faux painting techniques add gold in convincing, artisanal ways:
- Irregular gold splotches like metallic plaster
- Gold crackle paint over white tiles
- Broad gold paint strokes for an artistic look
- Sponged-on gold paint for a mottled effect
- Gold leafing along edges or designs
Hardware
Design details integrate gold elegantly:
- Gold faucets, cabinet knobs, or pulls
- Gold-framed shelves or ledges atop the backsplash
- Antiqued gold light fixtures
- Gold-toned kitchen tools or accessories on display
Accessories
Draw the eye upwards with gold incorporated through:
- Floating gold shelves
- Frames, art, or mirrors
- Gold pots, bottles, or vases styled on backsplash ledges
Using gold conservatively as an accent allows it to make a bold statement. Clever uses of tile, paint techniques, metals, and accessories enable gold to elevate a white backsplash without going overboard.
FAQs About White and Gold Backsplashes
What color cabinets work best with a white and gold backsplash?
White and gold backsplashes pair beautifully with both light and dark cabinet colors. Crisp white cabinets provide an easy, seamless match. But don’t overlook the beauty of gold against sophisticated dark espresso, charcoal gray, or even black cabinetry. For a luxe vibe, white countertops will pop against the dark cabinetry.
What about a white and gold backsplash with wood cabinets?
Natural wood cabinetry can also coordinate nicely. Look for woods with warm undertones like maple, oak, and cherry rather than very orangey tropical woods. Matte gold accents tend to work better than shiny metal against the subtle glow of wood.
How do I pick grout that complements a white and gold backsplash?
White, off-white, or light gray grout blend in discreetly behind white tiles. Use a darker gray or even black grout with glossy white subway tiles for a more striking contrast. Gold or brass-hued grout makes a bold statement with either white or gold tile.
What type of counter looks best with this color scheme?
White and gold backsplashes pair well with popular white countertop materials like quartz, marble, and laminate. Granite, butcher block, or concrete in warm neutrals like beige, cream, or taupe also coordinate nicely. Gold-veined quartz or solid gold surfaces can complement the backsplash but may compete too much – a little restraint goes a long way.
How can I integrate my white and gold backsplash with the rest of my kitchen?
Carry secondary colors like black, gray, warm wood tones, or pops of color through in the cabinetry, hardware, appliances, or accent decor. Echo shapes or textures in the backsplash with choices like metal barstools, gold-rimmed dishware or geometric window film. Use gold judiciously in lighting, vases, art or accessories. It’s all about creating a cohesive, luxe feel.
What tile sizes work best in a white and gold scheme?
Feel free to mix textures and sizes. White subway tiles or mosaics combined with large-format white stone slabs create dimension. Accent with smaller gold tiles or details. Very tiny mosaic tiles keep the look from becoming too busy. Avoid a totally scattered, disjointed array of tile sizes, however. Plan the layout to flow seamlessly.
Create Refined Elegance with a White and Gold Backsplash
The timeless white and gold pairing creates a light, bright, yet glamorous backsplash with enduring luxurious appeal. From subtle marble veining, to shiny metal accents, to bold geometric designs, this versatile color scheme makes an elegant statement. Quality materials like stone, tile, glass, and metal combined thoughtfully result in a custom look with style and personality.
Incorporate this touch of refinement into your kitchen remake or new construction. White and gold backsplashes coordinate beautifully with most cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and other kitchen elements. With clever detailing and restraint when using gold accents, this backsplash choice elevates kitchens from mundane to magnificent. Let this fresh yet classic color combo add a lustrous touch of luxury to your heart-of-the-home space.