Tag Archives: Kitchen

2025 Kitchen Backsplash Trends: A Visual Guide to the Future of Style The kitchen backsplash has evolved from a purely functional element to a central design statement

December 28, 2025   Michelle

As we look ahead to 2025, backsplash trends are embracing bold textures, sustainable materials, and artistic expression, transforming this space into a true focal point. Here are the key trends defining kitchen backsplash design for the coming year, illustrated with stunning visual examples.

1. Sculptural & 3D Textured Tiles
Move over, flat subway tiles. 2025 is all about adding depth and tactile interest with sculptural surfaces. Think tiles with geometric patterns, organic ripples, or artisanal hand-molded textures. This trend creates captivating light and shadow play, adding a dynamic, artistic layer to the kitchen.

* Visual Example: A kitchen with a backsplash of matte white, wave-patterned 3D tiles. The texture provides visual intrigue without overwhelming the space, perfectly complementing sleek, handle-less cabinetry and warm wood accents.

2. Oversized Slab Formats
Seamlessness and drama take center stage with large-format porcelain slabs. Mimicking the look of natural stone, terrazzo, or even abstract art, these slabs minimize grout lines for a clean, monolithic appearance. They create a sense of luxury and are exceptionally easy to maintain.

* Visual Example: A stunning kitchen island backdrop featuring a full-height slab of Calacatta Viola marble-look porcelain. The bold, flowing violet veins make a dramatic statement against neutral cabinetry, serving as a piece of natural art.

3. Sustainable and Recycled Materials
Eco-conscious design continues to gain momentum. Backsplashes made from recycled glass, reclaimed terracotta, or tiles with high recycled content are in high demand. These materials offer unique, often irregular beauty and tell a story of environmental responsibility.

* Visual Example: A backsplash composed of multi-hued recycled glass tiles in an emerald and cobalt fish-scale pattern. The tiles have a subtle, glossy finish that catches the light, adding a vibrant yet sustainable pop of color to a white kitchen.

4. Bold, Saturated Color
Neutrals are making room for confident color. Deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and burgundy are being used to create striking accent walls behind ranges or sinks. This trend injects personality and warmth, moving away from all-white or all-gray schemes.

* Visual Example: A classic shaker-style kitchen with a focal wall behind the range covered in high-gloss, forest green zellige tiles. The handmade variation in the tiles’ glaze and surface creates a rich, luminous, and deeply textured look.

5. Metallic Finishes & Accents
Warm metallics like brushed brass, copper, and antique bronze are being incorporated as accents or even primary materials. This can be achieved through metal-leaf tiles, linear metal mosaics, or tiles with metallic glazes. It adds a touch of glamour and reflects light beautifully.

* Visual Example: A modern kitchen with a backsplash of elongated, vertically stacked tiles in a soft brushed brass finish. The metallic surface interacts with both natural and pendant lighting, creating a warm, inviting glow.

6. Artistic Murals & Hand-Painted Tiles
The backsplash as a canvas. Custom-painted murals or series of hand-painted tiles are emerging as a way to showcase personal style. Themes range from botanical and landscape illustrations to abstract, contemporary art, making the kitchen uniquely personal.

* Visual Example: A minimalist kitchen where the entire backsplash area features a continuous, hand-painted ceramic mural of abstract, earthy forms in ochre, sage, and cream. It acts as a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

7. Mixed Materials and Layering
Why choose one? The trend of combining different materials—like pairing a stone slab with a band of textured tile, or integrating open shelving into a tiled backdrop—adds complexity and custom detail. It allows for zoning different kitchen areas visually.

* Visual Example: A kitchen with a main backsplash of light gray, large-format stone. Behind the cooktop, a vertical band of crackled, cobalt blue mosaic tiles is inset as a functional and stylish focal point, layered for visual interest.

—

Design Considerations for 2025:

* Balance is Key: With bold textures or colors, balance the rest of the kitchen with simpler cabinetry and countertops.
* Grout as a Design Element: Colored grout (contrasting or matching) is being used intentionally to highlight patterns or create a graphic effect.
* Extended Height: Backsplashes often extend to the ceiling or to the bottom of wall cabinets for a more substantial, integrated look.

The 2025 kitchen backsplash is an opportunity for creativity, sustainability, and personal expression. Whether you’re drawn to the tactile drama of 3D tiles, the serene luxury of a stone slab, or the vibrant personality of color, the trends offer inspiring ways to define your kitchen’s character for years to come.

Read More

How to Sanitize Kitchen Sponges Effectively

July 23, 2025   Shane

Kitchen sponges are essential cleaning tools, but they can also harbor harmful bacteria if not properly sanitized. Studies show that sponges can contain more germs than a toilet seat, making regular disinfection crucial for maintaining kitchen hygiene. Here are the most effective methods to sanitize your kitchen sponges and keep them safe for use.

1. Microwave Sterilization

Method: Wet the sponge thoroughly (a dry sponge can catch fire) and microwave it on high for 1–2 minutes.

Effectiveness: Kills up to 99% of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella.

2. Boiling Water Treatment

Method: Submerge the sponge in boiling water for 5 minutes. Use tongs to remove it safely.

Effectiveness: Eliminates most bacteria and mold spores effectively.

3. Dishwasher Sanitization

Method: Place the sponge in the dishwasher and run a hot cycle with a drying setting.

Effectiveness: High heat and detergent help kill germs efficiently.

4. Bleach Soak

Method: Mix ¾ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Soak the sponge for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Effectiveness: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant but may degrade sponge material over time.

5. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Method: Soak the sponge in undiluted white vinegar for 5 minutes, then scrub with baking soda.

Effectiveness: A natural alternative that reduces bacteria and eliminates odors.

When to Replace Your Sponge

Even with regular sanitization, kitchen sponges should be replaced every 2–4 weeks. If the sponge develops a foul smell or starts falling apart, discard it immediately.

Final Tips

  • Wring out sponges after each use to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store sponges in a dry, well-ventilated area.
  • Consider using separate sponges for dishes and countertops.

By following these methods, you can ensure your kitchen sponges remain clean, safe, and effective for daily use.

Read More

How to Install USB Outlets in Your Kitchen

June 24, 2025   Matt

Upgrading your kitchen with USB outlets is a convenient way to charge devices without bulky adapters. This guide will walk you through the installation process safely and efficiently.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • USB-equipped electrical outlet
  • Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
  • Voltage tester
  • Wire stripper
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Electrical tape

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Turn Off Power

Locate your home’s circuit breaker and turn off the power to the kitchen outlet you’re replacing. Use a voltage tester to confirm the power is off.

2. Remove the Old Outlet

Unscrew the faceplate and mounting screws holding the outlet in place. Carefully pull the outlet out and disconnect the wires (note their positions: black/hot, white/neutral, green or bare/ground).

3. Connect the New USB Outlet

Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals on the new USB outlet: black to brass (hot), white to silver (neutral), and ground to green. Secure with screws and wrap connections with electrical tape.

4. Secure the Outlet and Test

Gently push the outlet back into the wall box, screw it in place, and attach the faceplate. Restore power and test both the USB ports and standard outlets with a device or charger.

Safety Tips

  • Always double-check that power is off before working.
  • Follow local electrical codes or hire a licensed electrician if unsure.
  • Choose a USB outlet with built-in surge protection for added safety.

By following these steps, you can modernize your kitchen with convenient USB charging ports. Enjoy a clutter-free space while keeping devices powered!

Read More

Kitchen Safety: Keeping Stovetops and Ovens Clean

November 29, 2024   Matt

Kitchen Safety: Keeping Stovetops and Ovens Clean

The kitchen is the heart of a family’s house. It is in this room that a family prepares meals, shares meals, and gathers to talk about the day. This is the room where guests gather, where friends play games around the kitchen table, and where parents might relish a quiet time at the end of the day. It is also one of the leading locations for a household fire, an accident, or germs that breed food-borne illness. Every householder needs to be aware of the issue of kitchen safety.

Many homemakers ignore the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances, preferring to cover dirty burners or toasters to give a false sense of cleanliness, but allowing crumbs and greasy residue to accumulate on these surfaces. Others hate cleaning their ovens with a passion reserved for little else, and put this chore off as long as possible, even when they own self-cleaning ovens. Kitchen safety is the farthest topic from their minds. However, food that is spilled or burned-onto the cook top or oven surface and not cleaned up is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Oven, microwave, or stovetop spills can ignite quickly, and can spread just as quickly to curtains, towels, or walls. Greasy residue on floors can cause people to slip and fall; and old, spoiled food on counters and tables is a source of bacteria that can contaminate fresh food and utensils. If small children are crawling or walking underfoot and reaching for every visible item of interest, tasting as they go, it is even more important to keep things clean in this central room. Kitchen cleanliness is an issue of kitchen safety, and not just of keeping a neat house to impress the neighbors.

A regular chore list is the best way to get in the habit of kitchen maintenance. Writing down each small chore and when it should be completed, helps to form habits that will keep the entire family safe and well. Counters and sinks should be wiped off at least daily, if not after each meal. Spills should be cleaned up quickly in microwave oven (Try Fuller Microwave Oven Cleaner.), regular ovens, or on stove tops. Cutting boards need to be washed with each use. To control spatters and the residue of cooking fumes, the entire kitchen should be washed with a good degreaser at least once a week. Range filters and hoods are part of this maintenance, as well as garbage cans and disposals. Any appliance that is regularly left on the counter should be given a cleaning at least once a week, if not after each use. Make sure that every surface of the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly at least once a month. (Try Fuller Cooktop and Counter Cleaner.) The entire family should be educated about the importance of these chores and encouraged to clean up their part of the mess.

A good, easy-to-use stove or oven cleaner can make these essential chores more palatable. What is the best oven cleaner? Look for one that does not need to be left overnight, but that works in a few hours. Many stove or oven cleaners produce less toxic fumes than earlier versions. Also, newer formulas will not run, but will stay in place to soak and thoroughly loosen the burned on food. (Try Fuller Brush’s Industrial Oven Cleaner or Spotless Oven). With a damp rag or sponge, wipe off any loose food, and then spray on the cleaner. Let the cleaner set for thirty minutes to several hours, depending on how soiled the area is or according to the product’s instructions. Soil should be softened to the point that it wipes up easily with a damp rag or sponge. If there is stubborn, burned on food, follow your oven manufacturer’s instructions for what type of abrasive you can safely use and not mar the cooking surface. If you have left the product on too long and it is dried, try laying a damp rag over the area for a few minutes to soften the product for easier removal.

There are products on the market that will help keep food from adhering to cooking surfaces, keeping these appliances from getting so dirty they are difficult to clean. One product that can save hours of cleanup time the next time you clean your oven is Fuller Brush’s Oven Spray. This product is to be sprayed on the oven surface after it is clean. Again, check with your oven manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your oven surface.

With good habits, or fanatical adherence to a chore list, your kitchen can be the safe, pleasant, gathering place it is meant to be. Kitchen safety will become second nature to you and your family.

Read More

Kitchen Safety

November 24, 2024   Matt

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is the heart of a family’s house. It is in this room that a family prepares meals, shares meals, and gathers to talk about the day. This is the room where guests gather, where friends play games around the kitchen table, and where parents might relish a quiet time at the end of the day. It is also one of the leading locations for a household fire, an accident, or germs that breed food-borne illness. Every householder needs to be aware of the issue of kitchen safety.
Many homemakers ignore the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances, preferring to cover dirty burners or toasters to give a false sense of cleanliness, but allowing crumbs and greasy residue to accumulate on these surfaces. Others hate cleaning their ovens with a passion reserved for little else, and put this chore off as long as possible, even when they own self-cleaning ovens. Kitchen safety is the farthest topic from their minds. However, food that is spilled or burned-onto the cook top or oven surface and not cleaned up is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Oven, microwave, or stovetop spills can ignite quickly, and can spread just as quickly to curtains, towels, or walls. Greasy residue on floors can cause people to slip and fall; and old, spoiled food on counters and tables is a source of bacteria that can contaminate fresh food and utensils. If small children are crawling or walking underfoot and reaching for every visible item of interest, tasting as they go, it is even more important to keep things clean in this central room. Kitchen cleanliness is an issue of kitchen safety, and not just of keeping a neat house to impress the neighbors.
A regular chore list is the best way to get in the habit of kitchen maintenance. Writing down each small chore and when it should be completed, helps to form habits that will keep the entire family safe and well. Counters and sinks should be wiped off at least daily, if not after each meal. Spills should be cleaned up quickly in microwave oven (Try Fuller Microwave Oven Cleaner.), regular ovens, or on stove tops. Cutting boards need to be washed with each use. To control spatters and the residue of cooking fumes, the entire kitchen should be washed with a good degreaser at least once a week. Range filters and hoods are part of this maintenance, as well as garbage cans and disposals. Any appliance that is regularly left on the counter should be given a cleaning at least once a week, if not after each use. Make sure that every surface of the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly at least once a month. (Try Fuller Cooktop and Counter Cleaner.) The entire family should be educated about the importance of these chores and encouraged to clean up their part of the mess.
A good, easy-to-use stove or oven cleaner can make these essential chores more palatable. What is the best oven cleaner? Look for one that does not need to be left overnight, but that works in a few hours. Many stove or oven cleaners produce less toxic fumes than earlier versions. Also, newer formulas will not run, but will stay in place to soak and thoroughly loosen the burned on food. (Try Fuller Brush’s Industrial Oven Cleaner or Spotless Oven). With a damp rag or sponge, wipe off any loose food, and then spray on the cleaner. Let the cleaner set for thirty minutes to several hours, depending on how soiled the area is or according to the product’s instructions. Soil should be softened to the point that it wipes up easily with a damp rag or sponge. If there is stubborn, burned on food, follow your oven manufacturer’s instructions for what type of abrasive you can safely use and not mar the cooking surface. If you have left the product on too long and it is dried, try laying a damp rag over the area for a few minutes to soften the product for easier removal.
There are products on the market that will help keep food from adhering to cooking surfaces, keeping these appliances from getting so dirty they are difficult to clean. One product that can save hours of cleanup time the next time you clean your oven is Fuller Brush’s Oven Spray. This product is to be sprayed on the oven surface after it is clean. Again, check with your oven manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your oven surface.
With good habits, or fanatical adherence to a chore list, your kitchen can be the safe, pleasant, gathering place it is meant to be. Kitchen safety will become second nature to you and your family.

Read More

Some Small Kitchen Design Tips

June 07, 2024   Matt

Some Small Kitchen Design Tips

If you have a small kitchen to design then the problem of designing a great kitchen boils down to just what you can fit and where. There are many different cabinet designs and surface patterns that can help you provide your small kitchen design with a sense of space.

To create the small but efficient kitchen design, you need to work on three major areas of small kitchen design: storage, lighting, and appliances.

Small kitchens may seem to be a very difficult design challenge, but they can also be functional, beautiful and efficient. Even with a small budget and building restrictions, you can find that there are many options open to you to transform your kitchen into something more ideal for your needs.

To create a more spacious look for your small kitchen design the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends designing more unique storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient lighting, taking advantage of more space saving appliances, and adding personalized touches.

A small kitchen design requires creativity in coming up with storage solutions. Some ideas to try include:

· Putting an island in the center of the kitchen that can provide freestanding storage that is also convenient from any spot in the kitchen.
· Using a galley kitchen design in which the cabinets and appliances line up on either side of a corridor can work out very well for a small kitchen space.
· Today’s appliance manufacturers have come up with more compact space-saving appliances make small kitchen design easier, such as refrigerators that are 24 inches deep instead of 30 inches deep, as well as appliances that can be hung underneath cabinets like microwaves.
· Other small kitchen design tricks to create an eating area in the kitchen include using a drop table or a small sized round table with two small chairs that can be tucked into a corner. Or a built-in counter along the wall with chairs to provide an eating nook.
· Another interesting challenge in small kitchen design is creating an illusion of space with under cabinet lighting or under the counter. With the proper type of lighting the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.
· The use of light colored cabinets with glass doors.
· Installing deeper counters that can accommodate more appliances and increase work space.
· Flooring tiles can be placed on a diagonal, and in a galley style kitchen hardwood flooring can be run the length of the kitchen.
· For storage you can hang up pots and pans. This is a perfect way to free up cabinet space, and they add a certain charm and character to your small kitchen design. The insides of cabinet doors can be used to hang up everything from utensils, oven mitts, and other miscellaneous items. Pantry storage with units that go all the way to the ceiling with the upper cabinets to provide more space for seldom used items while making the lower cabinets more accessible with rollout shelves, lazy susans, and tilt-out bins.
· Install a large kitchen sink, since larger sinks are considered to be more practical than small sinks when it comes to cleaning pots and pans.

Remember most kitchens are small. When you look in kitchen design magazines you naturally notice that the kitchens featured are large and so you might think your small kitchen in inadequate. But good small kitchen design means being able to create space and incorporating ample storage facilities and being able to fit in all the necessary appliances.

Read More
« Older posts

  • Subscribe

Support us!

If you like this site please subscribe