Slate backsplashes have been popular in kitchens for decades, but some homeowners are starting to wonder if this classic look is becoming outdated. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of slate backsplashes in 2023.
The History and Popularity of Slate Backsplashes
Slate is a metamorphic rock that has been used as a building material for centuries. Its durability and natural beauty made it a popular choice for flooring, roofing, and of course, backsplashes.
Slate backsplashes first became fashionable in the 1980s and 1990s. The neutral tones and unique veining patterns of slate complemented many kitchen designs from those eras. Slate offered a upscale, yet rustic look that felt warm and inviting.
By the 2000s, slate backsplashes were a hallmark of many kitchen renovations. The material was affordable, easy to clean, and available in a range of natural shades from black to tan. Textured finishes like cleft and honed slate were also popularized during this time.
What’s Causing the Shift Away from Slate?
In recent years, slate backsplashes have started to feel dated for some homeowners. This shift away from slate can be attributed to a few factors:
Trends toward bright, modern kitchens – Slate’s neutral, earthy hues don’t align with the bold use of color and sleek styling in many contemporary kitchens. White, gray, and vivid painted backsplashes are now popular alternatives.
Interest in statement backsplashes – Many homeowners today want their backsplashes to be a dramatic focal point. Slate’s subdued look simply doesn’t attract attention. Instead, people are selecting eye-catching materials like handmade tiles, glass mosaics, or metallic accents.
Concerns about maintenance – Over time, slate can start to show mineral deposits, fading, and staining. Grout also tends to discolor. Keeping slate looking uniform and clean takes regular sealing and effort. Low-maintenance options like quartz are gaining favor.
Desire for seamless textures – The color variations and veining patterns that give slate its charm can seem busy alongside today’s minimalist cabinetry and smooth countertops. Seamless materials like quartzite or large-format porcelain tiles align better with current aesthetics.
Sustainability concerns – Natural stone extraction and manufacturing has heavy environmental impacts. As interest in sustainability grows, some homeowners prefer renewable backsplash materials like recycled glass tile or reclaimed wood.
Is Slate Truly Outdated for Kitchens?
While slate backsplash popularity has waned among mainstream homeowners, it still has its staunch fans. Here are reasons this material remains a stylish, viable choice in 2023 and beyond:
- Timeless appeal – Slate’s unfussy, earthy beauty has endured while many trendy kitchen looks have come and gone. Its versatility pairs nicely with any style from modern farmhouse to contemporary.
- Visual depth – Slate’s rippled surface and sporadic metallic flecks give backsplashes dimension that uniform materials can lack. The veining provides natural visual interest.
- Durability – Properly sealed, slate can withstand decades of heavy use and retain its integrity. Few materials offer slate’s strength and longevity.
- Tie to nature – For homeowners wanting to connect with natural elements, few materials feel as grounded as slate. Its raw, unrefined aesthetic has an authentic vibe.
- Unlimited styling potential – From traditional brick patterns to unique mosaics, slate tiles can be installed in countless creative layouts. This versatility enables personalization.
- Regional appropriateness – In historic homes or geographies where slate roofing and stonework dominates, maintaining slate as a kitchen accent preserves architectural consistency.
Style Tips for Modern Slate Backsplashes
Homeowners who still favor the look of slate can update it with careful styling. Here are ideas for giving this natural material a current, livable feel:
- Mix slate tile sizes for an artful, handcrafted look. Include large dramatic tiles.
- Choose slate in a lighter hue like silver-gray for a more modern, neutral palette.
- Pair slate with brass or black metal finishes to offset the earthiness.
- Alternate slate tiles with other complementary materials like marble or white subway tile.
- Limit slate to a single wall or backsplash niche to treat it as an accent.
- Opt for cleft slate and minimize grout lines for a cohesive, seamless effect.
- Use LED lighting to illuminate and accentuate the dynamic textures of slate tile.
- Incorporate slate’s natural tones into window treatments, countertops, or cabinetry finishes for continuity.
The Bottom Line
While some see slate backsplashes as dated, this enduring material still brings quite a bit to today’s kitchens. Slate offers an unparalleled blend of versatility, durability, and organic beauty – which never truly goes out of style. By selecting slate tiles in a lighter color palette and modern shape patterns, homeowners can easily give this natural stone a fresh, updated look befitting 2023 design trends.
Ultimately, choosing timeless quality over temporary trends is the wisest approach for kitchen materials. Slate backsplashes remain a compelling option worth considering. With careful styling Choices, slate can feel evocative yet modern. For homeowners who appreciate slate’s legacy, its natural elegance continues to feel right at home in kitchens today.
FAQ About Slate Backsplashes
Is slate outdated?
Slate backsplashes are no longer as widely popular as they were in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. The neutral earth tones and natural veining of slate can seem dated alongside the bold colors and sleek finishes of contemporary kitchens. However, the timeless beauty and durability of slate prevents it from ever truly going out of style.
What is a modern alternative to a slate backsplash?
Popular modern alternatives to slate backsplashes include glass mosaic tile, marble tile, porcelain tile, stainless steel, painted drywall or brick, and reclaimed wood. These options allow for bold colors, seamless textures, dramatic focal points, and easier maintenance.
What kind of backsplash is timeless?
Subway tile, marble, and travertine backsplashes are generally considered timeless options, as they have maintained popularity across decades of design trends. Their classic elegance works in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Can you update a slate backsplash?
Yes, a slate backsplash can be updated by:
- Choosing lighter gray or blue-gray slate colors
- Mixing in marble, glass or metal mosaic tiles
- Changing the grout color to a lighter tone
- Using new tones in the kitchen decor that complement slate
- Installing LED lighting to accent the slate’s texture
- Replacing countertops to lighter modern materials that pair well with slate
Does slate go with white cabinets?
Yes, slate backsplashes can look very elegant paired with white cabinets. Beige, gray, silver and blue-toned slates coordinate especially beautifully with crisp white cabinetry. Contrasting grout lines in white or light gray also make the veining in slate tile pop.
Should you seal slate backsplash?
Yes, sealing a natural slate backsplash is highly recommended. Regular sealing fills the porous surface of slate tile to prevent staining from kitchen splatters. It also enhances the color consistency of the slate. Re-apply sealer every 1-2 years for optimal results.