As the term in English suggests, lining the wall space behind the faucet and tub aims precisely at preventing damage caused by splashes of water and grease on the surface, facilitating the removal of dirt and thus maintaining the hygiene of the washing area for utensils and food preparation.
There is no longer any doubt that the importance of the pediment, understood as a valuable decorative element in the house, goes beyond functionality. It is enough to note the diversity of creative solutions applied in this small but decisive stage of the domestic gastronomic scene.
Resistant, easy to clean and available in a multitude of colors, sizes, textures and patterns, porcelain tiles and tiles have great attributes for use (and abuse) in the backsplash.
And more: the aesthetic effect can be maximized if this noble area of the kitchen is planned together with the joinery, metals, countertops and lighting provided for in the architectural project.
Therefore, all that remains is to choose the desired look, the personality you want to imprint on the environment – with the pediment as the focal point. There are alternatives for all tastes.
There is no need to stick to high-tech products. For a vintage touch, hydraulic tiles or plates that reproduce this nostalgic material made with pressed cement mass are a sure investment, both in printed and multicolored patterns as well as in plain ones – pay attention to the constant maintenance of this type of material as it is a wet area!
As in general only the lower portion of the wall (the one immediately above the worktop) needs to be coated, betting without fear on color is a successful formula. It is worth adopting a monochrome effect, including the hanging cabinets and the cabinet, establishing a tone on tone between these parts or favoring contrast, defining a range of vibrant tones, capable of drawing attention and capturing eyes.
In addition to the traditional tiling tones, the market has alternatives in line with trends, from light green to pink and terracotta. Choosing a coating designed in line with current cards and palettes provides an extra advantage: the possibility of finding MDF manufactured with the surface in the same shade, ready to be used in the furniture.
Tiles with geometric patterns inspired by modern tradition – or with striking prints – impart a contemporary air to the environment, a perfect bold touch when the goal is to cover only a small portion of the wall, instead of the entire surface.
A little texture is not an impediment to use in this location, but it is better to favor finishes with a polished, enamelled, vitreous surface – easier to clean. Rustic or porous options, in addition to cement, also appear among the possibilities, but usually require waterproofing.
High in decoration throughout the home, the industrial look comes to the kitchen, usually in the company of shelves made with metalwork, suspended pottery and ceramic finishes in shades of black, white and gray — a combination that looks great even on the pediment.
The minimalist style also has its place in today’s kitchens, marked by straight lines and few details. Black and white are strong in this type of decor, which establishes striking contrasts and plays with large coated surfaces, without risking a tiring look.
When the proposal is to cover not just the pediment, but the entire wall – in which case shelves or hollow hanging cupboards go well, to leave the bottom showing –, one usually opts for softness. Preferring light shades, which do not overwhelm the look, allows for a little daring: playing with the arrangement of the pieces, generating discreet graphics.
Porcelain tiles in large format also delight – and fit perfectly – in the backsplash, where they define large monolithic surfaces or with few seams. Among the favorites for these proposals are those that reproduce noble rocks, such as marble and travertine, replacing the originals with an advantage in terms of functionality and sustainability.
Consecrated, subway-type tiles – practically a classic in gables – also impart an industrial air to the environments. In addition to the traditional white rectangle, in a satin or glossy version, there are also variations in measurements and different colors.
In order to enhance such a special sector of the house, a good idea is to make use of pieces that refer to craftsmanship, to handcrafting – whether this is a reality obtained in the production of the material or just a reference, the spirit with which it was conceived. . In this sense, models decorated to simulate different painting techniques or signed by artists stand out. In the case of the pediment, or backsplash, creativity makes all the difference — the architecture and surface design are up to virtually any desire.
