No matter how much you like classic granite countertops, they won’t help you keep your kitchen updated.
The new trend is a stainless steel counter like the one used by famous restaurants across the country.
Although this counter looks elegant and sophisticated, it is almost indestructible.
Steel used to be the material for cutlery and utensils, but that is no longer the case today. Because of its numerous benefits, it’s a popular choice for countertops, tiles, and backsplashes these days.
There are many advantages to homeowners who have chosen stainless steel meters, but the most important one is practicality.
Image source: Dan Forer, photographer
Together with the stainless steel worktop, they often install stainless steel kitchen splashbacks so that their room has the modern, urban, chic atmosphere with hundredths of styles and colors to choose from.
As with other materials, stainless steel backsplash ideas have certain disadvantages. Read this article to discover the pros and cons of this concept and decide if 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 its contemporary look, but there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to these trendy pieces.
First of all, they are the most hygienic solution for your kitchen: They are non-porous and do not allow bacteria to easily multiply in your kitchen.
Absolutely durable and damage-resistant
Image source: Cary Bernstein architect
Stainless steel is not only visually appealing, but also resistant to stains, heat and water damage.
The material is 100% pore-free and no substance can penetrate the material, which makes it absolutely resistant to mold, bacteria and other house germs.
Regular wiping is enough to maintain the shine and prepare clean and healthy meals for your family.
Another key benefit is that steel is a flexible material and you can literally install it in any area of your kitchen where other materials just won’t fit.
Sophisticated appearance
Image source: Webber + Studio, architects
Stainless steel countertops look sophisticated enough to fit into any kitchen and look clean and perfect no matter where you installed them.
Putting this metal down is so easy that you can experiment and come up with unique countertop ideas. The same applies to cleaning, especially in cases where there is no edge between the counter and the sink.
Another reason why steel countertops are so popular is their glossy finish, which reflects light and makes even the smallest kitchen appear larger and more spacious.
Stainless steel worktops are heat-resistant. However, we advise you to be careful when placing hot pans on top. Remember to use coasters to avoid irreparable burns.
A modern solution
Image source: KUBE architecture
Steal makes your kitchen distinctive and memorable, especially when it is part of a contemporary design scenario.
Even so, its shiny and modern look goes seamlessly with any color scheme, which is why you can also consider it in traditional and vintage-inspired kitchens.
The main difference between steel countertops is the surface with different patterns and textures: think about your overall concept and choose the surface that best suits it.
On-budget option
Image source: ZL Design
Stainless steel countertops are, in fact, thin metal laminate pallets laid out on a plastic basis, which is why they are available at a relatively low price.
A more spacious kitchen
Image source: Michael Abrams Limited
The most ingenious thing about using steel worktops is their radiation effect: The smooth and smooth surface reflects light like no other material and makes the room look much brighter and larger than it actually is.
Consult a skilled designer for the best results as they can give you a pretty good idea of how to balance lighting with metal surfaces.
Stainless steel in the service of modernization
Understand what your space needs
Image source:
Jeni Lee
Contemporary and chic metal solutions are not exclusive to the city. You can benefit from them regardless of where you live and easily combine them with glazed porcelain or rustic barn wood.
The secret is learning how to balance between styles and understanding what your space can offer and how to get the most out of your current features.
You need to analyze the reflectivity of metal tiles before installing them so that you can place them opposite the window or use them as stylish surfaces for your coffee corners, tables, and floating islands.
The versatility of stainless steel tile is just impressive and allows you to design your kitchen the way you imagined it, be it modern or traditional.
Depending on the style you choose, you can also opt for some of the numerous types of buffing, especially if your kitchen is already filled with steel appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
Basically, stainless steel backsplashes can be the central elements of your kitchen with low charisma or the complementary elements of a modern and minimalist cooking oasis.
Let nature inspire you
Image source: Hunt Laudi Studio
Many homeowners prefer bronze-colored tiles and steel splashbacks because they help them personalize their kitchens, 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 those that come from nature.
There is no better place to get inspiration when choosing shapes and colors, especially when designing a homely space like the kitchen.
Walk next to a stream and try to depict the reflective effect of water on limestone.
It more or less shows you how metal tiles or backsplashes made of stainless steel behave compared to natural stone slabs, and helps you to choose the right colors, surfaces, shapes and lines of distinction.
The same principle can be applied when planning your pool area, walls or bathroom surfaces: even if you have never seen stone as a central material for your home, it can 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. Metal tiles are very convenient for the kitchen as they are easy to clean and extremely resistant to all kinds of damage.
Combine modern design elements with classic ones
Image source: Chris Snook
The truth is, if you look at just one function, you won’t get the best results in design. You need to combine several functions and see how they complement each other.
Add design styles and philosophies to the concept and look for unique mixes like Roman travertine tiles and modern metal mosaics.
At the end of this process, you will own a unique, ready-to-use kitchen that will keep you looking for years to come.
Before you start planning, make sure you’ve defined your goals and distinguish practical ideas from impractical ones.
When you have a clear idea of what you are doing, you can turn your inspiration into the driving force of your design efforts without losing focus on the main goals, which is a practical and usable environment.
If you’ve already decided on metal backsplashes, clean them regularly and keep their flawless shine for many years.
Ideally, remove stains with warm water and soap, as chemical cleaning agents and coarse cleaning agents can damage the polish of the tiles.
End thoughts
Image source: Dirk Denison Architects
Stainless steel is not a newly introduced solution for kitchen design, but a popular material that has been around for many years.
It has recently restored much of its reputation thanks to contemporary minimalist concepts that are winning the hearts of homeowners.
Stainless steel is not just a noble look – behind the sink or stove, steel plays the role of permanent protection that is both corrosion and dirt repellent.
You can easily wipe it with warm water and soap and take advantage of the amazing light reflective properties that will make your kitchen look bigger.
The larger the steel surface, the easier it is to clean and you don’t have to worry about cracks and grout like with other materials.
There are also plenty of options to choose from, including those that look amazingly good in combination with stone, marble or glass.
Stainless steel is one of the most affordable options for kitchen renovations that still look expensive and sophisticated.