A Clever Retractable Backsplash Gives Kitchens The Best Of Open-Concept And Privacy

The concept of an open floor plan is the peak of modernity, sociability, and movement. That is, until your guests start to arrive and you still haven't taken care of that mountain of dishes that has been piling up on the kitchen sink from your three-course meal prep. At that specific moment, you almost wish you had a closed kitchen. While it is true that, for this and myriad other reasons, the once-loathed closed-concept design trend is making a comeback to replace open kitchens, there are clever options that sit between these two extremes and combine the benefits of both. Retractable backsplashes, for instance, offer a great balance between the fluidity of open concepts and the privacy of separate rooms. 

Contractors and designers have begun introducing this solution in recent times in order to bring back a needed separation between the clutter of an active kitchen and the calm atmosphere desired for lounging and socializing. It's a natural evolution of the sliding backsplash tech that's been explored for a while as a way to hide appliances, bar areas, and unsightly cleaning products. Here, however, instead of functioning as a secret door to a recessed storage nook, the retractable backsplash functions more like a movable wall, offering complete control over the layout of your space and the interaction between different areas. Promotion clips show it placed between the kitchen and the pantry or the living room.

Because of the highly tailored and innovative nature of this design, retractable backsplashes are currently limited to custom-built kitchens and are not yet available in stock options from big-box retailers like IKEA or Home Depot. Splash No Splash's Dan Weidmann is credited with the invention of the system, which, per the company's website, is fully motorized and automated, and can handle up to 200 pounds for a maximum opening width of 8 feet. The company works with Sing Core lightweight panels that can be coated with different materials, and recommends installation in thick 2x6 walls. Heavier finishes like natural stone or stainless steel, although feasible, can't be installed in wider slots without exceeding the motor's weight limit. Mr. Weidmann's creation can be controlled via smart devices like Amazon's cloud-based voice service Alexa, as well as a switch or a remote control. It's a distinctly modern solution that would help make your house a smart home.

With that said, in the absence of customer reviews beyond the positive one featured on Splash No Splash's website, and with little evidence of widespread adoption, it's hard to tell whether the retractable backsplash is effectively a must-have to update your kitchen. Undoubtedly a clever concept, it requires precise installation and high-quality materials that can support the system's long-term performance, especially if homeowners plan to use it frequently.