Stone look backsplash: the raw natural stone trend for your interior
Raw, honest and full of character. The stone look backsplash is one of the strongest interior trends around at the moment. Where smooth surfaces and clean lines set the tone for years, we now see a shift towards natural materials with texture and depth. Think of the warm earth tones of travertine, the layered structure of slate and the organic look of limestone. You do not need real stone slabs to achieve that raw natural stone look. A backsplash or wallpaper with a stone look gives you exactly the same feel, but made to measure, seamless and a good deal more practical. In this article you will find out all about this trend and how to bring it into your own interior.
Why natural stone is so popular in interiors
The fascination with natural stone is nothing new. For centuries, stones such as marble, travertine and slate have been used in architecture and interior design. What is new is the way we look at them now. Where natural stone used to be associated mostly with cool, formal rooms, we now embrace its raw, unpolished side.
The popularity of the stone look trend ties in with a number of broader developments in interior design:
- Wabi-sabi aesthetics: the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence has an enormous influence on contemporary design. Raw stone, with its natural cracks, colour variation and irregular texture, fits that perfectly
- Biophilic design: more and more designers are bringing natural elements indoors. Stone, alongside wood and plants, strengthens the connection with nature
- Tactile richness: after years of smooth, minimalist surfaces we long for materials we want to touch. A stone look wall adds that sensory layer
- Earthy colour palettes: the shift from cool greys towards warm sand, terracotta and stone colours makes natural stone a logical choice
- Design that lasts: natural stone looks timeless. It is not a trend that will feel dated in two years, but a choice that stays right in your interior for years
The result is an interior style that feels luxurious and earthy at the same time. A stone look backsplash brings that balance into your room perfectly.
The finest stone types for a stone look backsplash
Not every stone is the same. Choosing a particular type of stone largely determines the atmosphere you create. Below we go through the most popular options and what characterises them.
Travertine
Travertine is arguably the most sought after stone in interiors right now. This calcareous stone has a distinctive surface with small pits and a warm, creamy colour ranging from light beige to golden brown. The Mediterranean look of travertine makes it particularly popular in kitchens and bathrooms. The material breathes holidays, sunshine and dolce vita.
A stone look backsplash with a travertine print works beautifully alongside:
- White or cream kitchen units for a light, airy whole
- Warm wood such as oak or walnut for a natural, organic feel
- Brushed gold or brass taps and handles for a touch of luxury
Slate
Slate sits at the other end of the spectrum. Where travertine looks warm and soft, slate is dark, dramatic and full of texture. The layered structure of slate creates beautiful shadow lines that look different again in changing light. The palette runs from deep anthracite and dark grey to blue green and even rusty brown.
A slate look suits industrial or modern interiors excellently. Combine it with steel, concrete and dark wood for a tough, robust whole. Or use it as contrast in an otherwise light interior for maximum impact.
Limestone
Limestone is the subtlest of the three. With its soft, powdery appearance and gentle colour variation, limestone is ideal if you want a calm, serene atmosphere. The colour is usually light: from off white to light grey or pale sand. Limestone has less pronounced texture than travertine or slate, but that very subtlety makes it versatile.
Limestone works particularly well in Scandinavian or minimalist interiors where calm and simplicity come first. It is also an excellent choice as a backdrop for art, or as a subtle accent wall in a bedroom.
Other stones worth considering
Besides the three big names there are more stones you could consider for a stone look backsplash:
- Sandstone: a warm, layered look with horizontal lines. Perfect for a country or bohemian feel
- Basalt: dark and volcanic. Gives a modern, almost brutal appearance
- Quartz: with its crystalline structure and light sheen, a glamorous option
- Rubble stone: the rawest option. Irregular blocks that recall old city walls or castles
In our concrete, tiles and stone backsplashes collection you will find a wide range of these stones, all available as a seamless made to measure backsplash.
A stone look backsplash in the kitchen
The kitchen is where a stone look backsplash comes into its own most. The area between worktop and wall units is a relatively small surface that can have an enormous impact on the look of your whole kitchen. A stone look backsplash turns an average kitchen into a room with character and depth.
There are several practical reasons why a stone look backsplash beats real natural stone:
- A seamless surface: real stone slabs have joints that hold dirt and grease. A backsplash is one continuous surface without seams
- Easy to clean: a quick wipe with a cloth and your backsplash is clean again. Try that with porous travertine
- Exactly to size: no sawing, no risk of breakage. Your backsplash is produced to the millimetre for your kitchen
- Lightweight: where a stone slab weighs tens of kilos, a backsplash is a fraction of that. Fitting is much simpler as a result
- Affordable: real natural stone slabs are expensive, certainly once you have them cut to size and professionally fitted. A backsplash offers the same look at a fraction of the cost
Would you like to see how a stone look backsplash would look in your kitchen first? Make use of our free simulation service. Send in a photograph of your kitchen and we will show you how the chosen design looks in your room. That way you know exactly what to expect, before you order.
Which stone look suits your kitchen style?
Choosing a particular stone is closely tied to the style of your kitchen. A few pointers:
- Modern kitchen with flat fronts: choose travertine or limestone to add warmth to the clean lines. The contrast between smooth and raw is what makes it interesting
- Country kitchen: sandstone or rubble stone reinforces the country feel. Combine with wooden worktops and copper details
- Industrial kitchen: slate or basalt sits seamlessly alongside steel frames, concrete floors and exposed pipework
- Scandinavian kitchen: light limestone or pale travertine keeps the room light and serene while still adding texture
Have a look at our full backsplash collection to see which stone look designs are available. Every design comes in several finishes and can be ordered to your exact size.
Stone look wallpaper as an alternative
A backsplash is the ideal solution for the kitchen, but what if you want a stone look in your living room, bedroom or hallway? Then wallpaper with a stone print is an excellent alternative. Modern made to measure wallpaper is so realistic that you can barely tell it from real stone. The texture, colour variation and sense of depth are captured photographically and printed at high resolution on durable wallpaper material.
Popular uses for stone look wallpaper:
- Accent wall in the living room: a wall in a travertine or slate look behind the sofa or television. It gives the room an instantly luxurious, hotel like feel
- Behind the bed: a soft limestone print behind your headboard creates a serene, cocooning atmosphere
- Hallway or entrance: make a strong first impression with a tough rubble stone or raw slate wall
- Workspace or study: a stone look wall as a backdrop to your desk gives focus and a professional look, on video calls too
The advantage of made to measure wallpaper is that the design runs seamlessly across the whole wall, whatever the dimensions. No pattern jumps, no visible seams. See what is possible in our wallpaper collection.
Combination tips: stone look with other materials
A stone look backsplash only really comes alive alongside the right materials. The secret of a successful interior is the balance between different textures, colours and materials. Here are the finest combinations.
Stone look and wood
The combination of stone and wood is as old as humanity itself. It is a safe bet that always works, but with the right approach it becomes exceptional. Choose warm, untreated wood such as oak, acacia or walnut alongside a stone look wall. The warmth of the wood softens the coolness of the stone and the other way round. Think of a wooden dining table in front of a slate accent wall, or oak kitchen units below a travertine backsplash.
A golden rule: the rawer the stone, the rawer the wood may be. A smooth limestone print suits finely planed wood. With a coarse rubble stone look you can happily go for rough, untreated wood with knots and cracks.
Stone look and metal
Metal accents give a stone look interior a touch of refinement. The choice of metal strongly sets the tone:
- Brushed brass or gold: reinforces the warm tones in travertine and limestone. Luxurious but not overdone
- Matt black steel: perfect with slate and basalt. Creates a tough, industrial whole
- Brushed nickel or stainless steel: the neutral option that works with every stone. Ideal in a modern kitchen
- Copper: adds warmth and patina. Beautiful with sandstone and light travertine
When choosing your metal accents, watch the details too: door handles, light fittings, taps and wall shelves. Consistency in metal colour is what separates an average interior from a considered one.
Stone look and greenery
Plants and natural stone are the best of friends. Greenery against a stone background recalls rock faces overgrown with ferns, Tuscan courtyards with ivy, Scandinavian cliffs with moss. It is a combination that brings atmosphere and life immediately.
The best plants next to a stone look wall:
- Trailing plants: pothos, philodendron or senecio in hanging pots in front of a stone wall create a beautiful vertical green effect
- Large solitary plants: a strelitzia, olive tree or fiddle leaf fig in front of a travertine wall makes a Mediterranean statement
- Herbs in the kitchen: fresh herbs in terracotta pots on the worktop in front of a stone look backsplash combine function with atmosphere
- Dried flowers: pampas grass or dried eucalyptus suits the earthy, transient look of natural stone beautifully
Stone look and textiles
Textiles are the connecting factor in a stone look interior. Without the right fabrics, a room with a lot of stone can feel cool and unwelcoming. Choose natural materials in warm shades:
- Linen: curtains, cushions or table linen in unbleached linen reinforce the natural look
- Wool and bouclé: thick woollen throws and bouclé cushions on the sofa bring warmth and comfort
- Jute and sisal: a jute rug in front of a stone look wall emphasises the earthy character
- Velvet: for a more luxurious look, combine a stone look with velvet accents in deep colours such as olive green, rust or dark blue
Ordering a stone look backsplash at Designerwand
At Designerwand you order a stone look backsplash to your exact size. The process is simple and clear:
- Choose your design: browse our concrete, tiles and stone backsplashes or texture backsplashes collection and pick the stone look that suits your interior
- Enter your measurements: give the exact width and height of your backsplash. The price is calculated straight away from your dimensions
- Choose your material and finish: select the material that suits your situation. Each option has its own properties in look and durability
- Order a sample: would you like to see the material and the print for real first? Order a sample to judge the quality
- Request a free simulation: send in a photograph of your room and receive a realistic visualisation of the chosen design in your interior. Completely free
Your backsplash is then produced to measure and delivered to your door. Fitting it yourself is perfectly doable. Need more information on that? Have a look at our kitchen backsplash ideas page for inspiration and practical tips.
Frequently asked questions about stone look backsplashes
Is a stone look backsplash heat resistant?
Yes, our backsplashes are suitable for use behind the hob. The materials withstand the heat given off by normal cooking. So you can fit your stone look backsplash without concern exactly where you need it most: directly behind your hob.
How realistic does a stone look backsplash look?
Very realistic. Our designs are produced with high grade photographic printing technology that captures every nuance of the original stone. The colour variation, the detail in the texture and the sense of depth are true to life. Want to see it with your own eyes? Order a sample or request a free simulation to see the result in your own room.
Can I fit a stone look backsplash myself?
Absolutely. Our backsplashes are designed for straightforward fitting. With basic tools and the instructions supplied you can put the backsplash up yourself. Most customers have their backsplash fitted within an hour. You need no special skills or professional help.
Which stone look suits a small kitchen?
In a small kitchen, light stones work best. Choose limestone, light travertine or pale sandstone. These reflect more light and make the room feel larger. Dark stones such as slate or basalt can make a small kitchen feel smaller, unless you use them deliberately as contrast against light units and a well lit worktop.
Does a marble look count as a stone look?
Yes, though it sits in a different corner of the same family. Where travertine, slate and limestone are rough and earthy, marble is smooth, cool and drawn through with veins. If that is the look you are after, have a look at the marble backsplashes. For a kitchen the advantage is the same as with the other stone types: a printed marble look backsplash has no grout lines and never needs sealing, whereas real marble is porous and stains quickly, precisely in a kitchen.
In closing: bring the strength of stone into your interior
The stone look backsplash is more than a trend. It is a way of bringing the timeless beauty of natural stone into your interior, without the drawbacks of the real material. Whether you choose the warm elegance of travertine, the tough strength of slate or the serene softness of limestone, a stone look wall adds character, texture and depth to any room.
At Designerwand you will find a wide collection of stone look designs in our concrete, tiles and stone and texture backsplashes collections. Every design can be ordered to measure as a backsplash for your kitchen or as wallpaper for your living room. Request a free simulation and discover how a stone look transforms your interior.
Natural stone, slate and travertine: which stone do you choose?
Stone look is an umbrella term, and underneath it sit stones that look very different from one another. The choice does more for the feel of your kitchen than most people expect.
Natural stone
The broad category, and usually what people mean when they search for a natural stone backsplash. The image is lively: irregular veining, colour differences, visible structure. It is precisely that irregularity that makes a printed natural stone wall look real, because a pattern that is too even gives itself away immediately.
Slate
Dark, layered and matt. Slate has a split surface with sharp transitions between grey, anthracite and sometimes a blue or green cast. It works strongly in a light kitchen, where it acts as a counterweight. In an already dark kitchen it quickly becomes heavy.
Travertine
The softest of the three. Travertine is warm beige to light brown, with characteristic horizontal banding and small pits in the surface. It suits wooden fronts and earth tones, and it is the stone that makes a kitchen calmer rather than more dramatic.
Print versus real stone
A printed stone look backsplash has no grout lines, can be cleaned in one pass and does not need sealing. Real natural stone in a kitchen needs maintenance, certainly behind the hob, and is porous enough to hold on to stains.
Further reading
- Textures collection. Stone look, concrete look and other material prints for the kitchen backsplash.
- Concrete, tiles and stone. The category holding most of the stone look designs.
- Kitchen backsplash: the complete guide. Materials, sizes and fitting, for when you are still getting your bearings.
