a thomas o'brian kitchen I'm currently in 'new backsplash' mode. My current backsplash is only 1 1/2 years old (same as the apartment) but it's stainless steel and it makes for a lot of BLAHness with the stainless appliances PLUS it's hard to keep clean and there were some scratches in it from when it was installed. 
I've noticed recently that a lot of designers are using mirror for a backsplash. This seems like a good idea to me; it amplifies the light and space, it's easy to clean (windex) and it adds a touch of glamour to the space. 
an example from HGTV
Miles' famous vintage mirrored bathroom
I've noticed recently that a lot of designers are using mirror for a backsplash. This seems like a good idea to me; it amplifies the light and space, it's easy to clean (windex) and it adds a touch of glamour to the space. an example from HGTV My favorite interior designer, Miles Redd, even has a mirrored countertop (and bathroom, but thats another story). 
the mirrored backsplash and counter above and below in Miles' apartment
the mirrored backsplash and counter above and below in Miles' apartmentMiles' famous vintage mirrored bathroomSo what do we think of mirrored backsplashes? I've included a picture of my kitchen (yes, I know it's small, but it's a small apartment in the city!). Yes, No??
my rather lackluster kitchen -mirror, yes?
I know the clutter on top of the cabinets is annoying, but I have nowhere else to put it and tried my best to make it aesthetically pleasing!
I love mirrored backsplashes. In fact, I used to have them at an old condo of mine and I loved them. They'll add some nice lustre and shine to your kitchen.
ReplyDeletePeople here at work have been trying to talk me out of it,POC, so I'm glad to finally have someone FOR them! lol
ReplyDeleteThe example you have provided are fantastic! I will bite my tongue on the Bathroom from Versailles. Your appliances and such seem to disappear in the midst of all that stainless. I say forget what the buggers say and go for what YOU want :) How tall are your ceilings? Maybe take it a step further and continue the mirror above the upper cabinets and make that display space more intentional....just a thought.
ReplyDeleteWhat will the back splash reflect on the opposite wall?
Well the opposite wall is 15' away -i live in a studio albeit a large studio - in between the walls i have my table and along the wall I have a 3.5' tall shelving system with all my books and stuff and my 'gallery wall' because I own WAY too much artwork. So I think it might help make the space bigger and reflect the light.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan to me. Be sure to post the after:)
ReplyDeleteMirror behind the stove is very good "feng shui"-
ReplyDeleteit sends the warmth back to you into your environ and soul. Now that is a good thing!
When I renovate my kitchen, I am hiring you - always love your kitchen posts, especially those all white -
streamlined ones.
Awww, thanks PVE! I wish an all white kitchen would work in my apt!! We'll have to see how the mirror turns out :-) I'll post pictures!
ReplyDeleteStainless steel is beautiful, until it is scratched. Cleaning chemicals won't remove them, but there is a new product on the market that is being used by almost all of the major appliance and grill manufacturers called Scratch-B-Gone. It actually repairs scratched, stained or scorched Stainless steel and blends the repair into the surrounding area. Many dealers now also carry it or it can be seen at www.scratch-b-gone.com.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great product, Ron! Thanks for mentioning it!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea! but how hard will it be to install? and I didn't even notice the "clutter" but that is not saying much coming from me, the clutter queen.
ReplyDeleteA glazer should be able to do it pretty easily, loda -so i'm told. Not sure if they'll remove the existing backsplash for me or if thats my job! It's all waiting on my mid-year review bonus!! I'll keep you updated :-)
ReplyDeletei've heard that mirrors installed as backsplashes should be held off the countertop some so as to be out of the way of water. Im not sure if the water eventually damages the mirror or if its simply a comment in regards to keeping the mirror looking clean. But I could easily find out for you!
ReplyDeleteI think a mirrored backsplash would be wonderful. I'm dying to get rid of my stainless steel too, but that's on the backburner ... after the landscaping ... and the guest room ... and the front entry ....
ReplyDelete-Lana
Thats one of the perks of having such a small space -no backburner! Lol - actually been talking to some colleagues about a seamless frosted glass backsplash - a decision will be reached shortly!
ReplyDeleteI am getting ready to install a broken mirror mosaic backsplash in my kitchen. I needed the light and found the other options either too expensive or boring. I had a large picture mirror that broke, so that will become the backsplash. It is being done as if it were tile, so am using mastic and grout (the color of dirt). Looking forward to seeing your after pix.
ReplyDeleteI really love antique mirror right now. You can get it with unexpected bits of red or gold. It also hides smudges and splatter marks better than clear mirror.
ReplyDeleteAnother option I like is back-painted glass. It is sleek and highly reflective which is great in a small space.
so, any backsplash as of yet?
ReplyDeletecurious b/c i just came across your blog (thanks btw).
fwiw: i'm doing several mirrored backspashes though i have been told the 'set up' of water could damage the mirror... but imho i'm a neat freak & rarely splash water from the tap & IF i did i would promptly wipe it up. i'm having the mirror set on the limestone counter (possibly 'cheated' on apiece of neoprene & them will have it sealed a thin bead of caulk.
love to know how others (& possibly you) have solved this install dilemma... :cheers: & tia