The Christina Haack-Favored Kitchen Feature That's Dominating Today's Trends

Christina Haack, from HGTV's "Christina on the Coast", proved that the best trends are long-lasting, timeless additions to our spaces. In an episode aired in 2023, Haack updated a dull kitchen, offering it new life by making one monumental change. Rather than opting for a traditional tile backsplash, she chose a natural stone, creating a gorgeous and unique feature in the kitchen. It's fair to say she may have predicted the popularity of natural stone in the kitchen in the years to come, noting on her show, "Everyone's going to want it," (via Realtor). 

Natural stone has taken the design world by storm, appealing to many homeowners' desires for more organic and natural interiors that feel inspired by nature. Folks want to bring the outdoors in by incorporating elements that feel charming, rustic, and downright earthy. The natural stone backsplash, in particular, has become a timeless and highly sought kitchen feature. In her season 4 design, Haack said, "That stone is seriously my favorite new backsplash." As a natural home decor trend that's coming back around, we'll likely continue to see natural stone styled in many spaces. If this appeals to your craving for a more biophilic home, here's what you need to know about natural stone before you invest.

Natural stone has become a classic addition to kitchen backsplashes, thanks to the wide array of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. From granite to quartz, polished to rough-cut, or large pieces to small mosaics, natural stone is a versatile addition to your home. Most notably, people are seeking rugged, rough-cut stone that introduces more tactile elements to the space. The gritty texture of stone and the visual appeal of a three-dimensional backsplash feel rustic, inspiring, and earthy. Additionally, people favor how long-lasting and chip-resistant many stone backsplashes can be. 

As shown in her Season 4 episode of "Christina on the Coast", "Friendship for Ages", Christina Haack styles a natural stone backsplash that appears agrarian and rustic, well-suited for adding elements of farmhouse or cottage aesthetics. Or, as Haack stated, natural stone like this can bring a "hacienda vibe" to the kitchen. When choosing a natural stone backsplash, many also opt for the over-grouted look for added charm.

If rough-cut stone isn't for you, Haack has also spotlighted how impactful a smooth, natural marble backsplash can be, updating an outdated kitchen with ease, and even pairing beautifully with dreaded orange-toned wood floors. Marble is a stunning interior design trend that's here to stay, so it can be a no-brainer for many who wish to incorporate natural stone into their homes. Alternatively, natural stone tiles and mosaics, slate slabs, limestone blocks, or rugged travertine bricks are also stunning choices.

Natural stone is not ideal for every kitchen. Since most natural stone is porous, it can present challenges when it comes to cleaning or caring for the surface. A natural stone backsplash could absorb things like grease splatters and cooking oils. Further, spills could stain the grout or stones themselves. To combat the absorption, it's important to seal your stone backsplash. Or, homeowners could add a splash guard behind their stovetop to protect the stone. Having countertop covers could also protect natural stone from cooking spills.

Another thing to consider is that not all stone is the same. A polished natural stone will be much easier to wipe down than a rough-cut version. Additionally, not all stones have the same hardiness or durability. Also, when adding a rough-cut stone to your kitchen as a backsplash, you'll want to be mindful of the grout or spackling you choose. Since these materials are also porous, you might choose to forgo using stark white, which could dull, fade, or yellow over time. You'll also want to ensure the grout color you choose suits your design and the hues of the natural stones so that you don't create a visual distraction that pulls attention away from the stones themselves. No matter what stone you choose, if you're willing to keep up with maintenance, using natural rock on your backsplash can bring charm and character to your kitchen.