Is Travertine Backsplash Still in Style or Outdated?
With its naturally rustic texture and earthy hues, travertine has long been a popular backsplash choice. But some question if its distinctive look now feels outdated compared to sleeker modern options. Let's explore the travertine backsplash debate.
Travertine brings undeniable beauty and Old World charm to a kitchen. But with its holes and troughs, travertine reads as more traditional. We'll look at factors like your kitchen's overall aesthetic, popular design trends, and alternatives to help determine if travertine feels dated or timeless for your space.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a natural limestone formed from mineral hot springs. Italy and Turkey produce high-quality travertine for building and decor. This stone features naturally rustic holes and indentations that give it surface texture and visual depth. Travertine backsplashes come in soft, neutral hues like ivory, gold, gray, rust and brown.
Finished can range from polished and shiny to a rougher, honed look. While not as hard as granite or marble, travertine's aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular backsplash choice.
The Appeal of Travertine Backsplashes
What helps make travertine backsplash an enduring choice? For one, the natural stone beauty brings warmth and character to a kitchen.
The light coloring and subtle earth tones pair well with many cabinet finishes and granite or marble countertops. The pitted surface and veining make each travertine tile unique, giving the backsplash texture and visual depth.
Travertine strongly evokes Tuscan, Mediterranean and Old World design styles. The handcrafted look works beautifully in rustic, farmhouse or craftsman kitchens. For those wanting an authentic, organic style, travertine delivers.
Is Travertine Backsplash Outdated?
The travertine backsplash debate revolves around one central question: Does travertine now look outdated compared to sleek contemporary options?
Many see travertine as a more traditional, Old World material, which can appear dated next to modern elements like stainless steel appliances or quartz countertops.
Yet for others, the natural beauty of travertine gives it a timeless, classic look. The organic texture offers a welcome contrast to assembly-line manufactured materials.
Factors To Consider
When deciding if travertine fits your kitchen, consider these factors:
- Your personal design style - do you lean modern, classic, rustic?
- Will travertine complement or clash with your cabinetry, counters, appliances?
- Open concept spaces may call for a sleeker, seamless option
- Can you maintain travertine's needed upkeep and sealing?
Also think about the overall vibe you want for the space. Travertine evokes Old World charm. If aiming for a contemporary look, it may feel out of sync.
Alternatives to Travertine Backsplash
For a more updated, polished aesthetic, consider these popular backsplash options:
Sleek Stones
Sleek natural stones like marble, granite and quartz offer minimal veining and smooth finishes. Dark granite pops against white cabinets, while white marble gives an elegant, timeless look.
Metallic Tiles
Small metallic tiles in copper, stainless steel, or mixed metal colors create a modern, industrial vibe. Great for contemporary kitchens.
Colorful or Patterned Tile
Vivid solid colored tiles or graphic patterns offer a modern, eyecatching alternative to travertine's neutral earth tones.
Herringbone
A herringbone pattern tile backsplash provides visual interest in a more updated way compared to traditional travertine.
Making Travertine Work in Contemporary Kitchens
While travertine leans traditional, you can take steps to give it a fresh updated look:
Mix Old and New
Pair travertine with modern stainless appliances, chrome fixtures and sleek cabinetry or countertops for contrast.
Fresh Patterns
Use travertine in contemporary patterns like herringbone, chevron or stacked rectangular. This shifts the look to modern.
Neutral Grout
Avoid high contrast grout, which can accentuate travertine's irregularities. Soft gray or off-white grout helps travertine feel current.
Tips for Designing With Travertine Backsplash
If thoughtfully incorporated, travertine can work in updated kitchen spaces. Consider these design tips:
Vary Finishes
Mix polished and honed travertine finishes for contrast. Glossy finishes feel sleeker.
Blend Materials
Pair travertine with complementary tiles like marble or ceramic in a mosaic pattern.
Color and Texture
Lighter travertine colors like silver or cream feel more modern. Play with natural texture variations.
Statement Patterns
Use travertine in bold patterns like chevron, herringbone or diagonal designs.
Travertine backsplash will always have traditional roots. But the natural material can work in contemporary spaces if thoughtfully incorporated through finish, color, pattern and pairing.
If your kitchen leans modern or transitional, sleeker backsplash materials may be the better fit. But if aiming for a warm, organic look, travertine remains a compelling choice.
Whichever direction you take, choose a backsplash that matches your personal style, complements your overall kitchen design, and fits your lifestyle needs.