A backsplash is one of the most visible parts of any kitchen. It takes up a large portion of wall space and serves both functional and decorative purposes. The right backsplash can transform the entire look and feel of your kitchen. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or add some flair to your existing backsplash, it’s important to know the latest trends and most eye-catching options.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the standout backsplash ideas and hottest trends to inspire your next kitchen project. From materials like tile, glass, and metal to bold colors and patterns, there are countless ways to make your backsplash a true focal point. Read on for the most standout backsplash styles that are sure to give your kitchen a stylish, contemporary edge.
Why Choose a Standout Backsplash?
Before diving into specific backsplash ideas, let’s look at why you may want to choose a backsplash that stands out. Here are some of the benefits of using a bold, eye-catching backsplash in your kitchen:
Add visual interest and texture: A standout backsplash adds layers of color, pattern, and/or texture to your kitchen décor. This creates visual diversity and depth that plain wall paint cannot achieve on its own.
Personalize your space: An accent backsplash allows you to infuse more of your own personal style into the kitchen. It shows off your tastes and design sensibilities.
Draw the focus: A statement-making backsplash naturally attracts attention and becomes a focal point in the kitchen. This helps anchor and balance the space.
Complements other features: A bold backsplash pairs beautifully with other striking kitchen features like statement lighting, high-contrast cabinetry, or ornate range hoods.
Reflects current trends: A trendy, contemporary backsplash keeps your kitchen looking up-to-date and fashionable. It shows you’re in touch with the latest design styles.
Showcases your collections: Backsplashes are great for displaying cherished collections in an artistic way, like vintage plates or colored glass bottles.
Adds affordability: Updating just the backsplash is budget-friendly way to refresh the entire look of your kitchen.
Increases resale value: A stylish, updated backsplash recoups cost at resale and makes your kitchen more enticing to potential buyers.
Now that you know the many benefits of choosing a standout backsplash for your kitchen, let’s look at some of the hottest trends and styles taking center stage right now.
Mixed Materials
One of the biggest trends in backsplashes today is mixing multiple materials to create depth and visual variety. Blending materials adds layers of texture, pattern, and color for maximum visual impact. Here are some go-to material combinations for stunning mixed-media backsplashes:
Tile + Glass + Stone
Combining the clean lines of tile, the sleek shine of glass, and the earthy texture of stone makes for an organic yet modern backsplash. Try offsetting subway tile with metal or frosted glass tile accents. Add in rounds of polished stone for a multi-dimensional look.
Slate subway tile backsplash with glass and stone accents. Image Source
Wood + Tile + Metal
The natural grain of wood adds gorgeous organic texture and warmth. Paired with cool, sleek metal and the graphic lines of tile, it creates a nature-meets-industrial vibe. Use reclaimed barn wood planks as a rustic base and add in metallic mosaic tiles and tin ceiling tiles.
Wood backsplash with tin ceiling tiles and mosaic tile accents. Image Source
Tile + Mirror + Stone
For serious shine and glamour, try pairing tiles like iridescent glass, metallic porcelain, and mirrored mosaics with large stone slabs. The stone adds earthiness while the mirrors reflect light around the space. sections. With this combo, your kitchen is sure to dazzle!
Mirrored tile backsplash with marble countertop. Image Source
The mix-and-match look allows you to get creative and combine your favorite materials for a one-of-a-kind backsplash that suits your personal taste.
Statement Tile
Another hot trend is the use of statement tiles to create a bold, geometric focal point. We’re seeing less subtle, blended backsplashes and more dramatic use of pattern, color, and shape with tile. Here are some eye-catching ways to use statement tile:
Geometric Patterns
Geometric tiles in graphic black and white or bright primaries arranged in mod, retro-inspired patterns create visual drama. Try tessellated shapes, zig-zags, concentric circles, or overlapping triangles. Pair with solid tiles or glass for a color and texture contrast.
Black and white geometric tile backsplash. Image Source
Art Deco Motifs
Jazz up your backsplash with the glitz and glamour of tiles imprinted with Art Deco motifs. Look for patterns reminiscent of the bold architecture and design of the 1920s/30s – think floral shapes, circles, sunbursts. Metallics and pastels pair perfectly to add a dreamy, ethereal vibe.
Pink Art Deco tile backsplash. Image Source
Moroccan Fish Scale
Make a bold style statement with the dramatic diamond and octagonal patterns of fish scale tiles. Intricate mosaic shapes interlock for serious visual impact. Use shades of brilliant blue for a punch of color. Their eye-catching gleam adds luxury and sophistication.
Moroccan fish scale tile backsplash. Image Source
Statement tiles let you transform your backsplash into a work of art. They provide plenty of WOW factor!
Brick & Stone
Nature-inspired materials like brick, stone, and wood are still going strong. These organic backsplashes provide rustic charm and plenty of texture. You’ll see lots of:
Weathered Brick
Reclaimed brick backsplashes are a perennial farmhouse favorite. Mix colors and textures for multi-dimensional appeal. Whitewashed brick has a casual coastal vibe. For industrial edge, try exposed brick paired with steel beams or fixtures.
Weathered white brick backsplash. Image Source
Stacked Stone
Rough-cut stones stacked in an imperfect mosaic pattern provide wonderful texture and movement. Try locally-sourced stones for more authenticity. Mix sizes and shapes to increase visual variety. Keep grout lines thick for a more organic look.
Stacked stone tile backsplash. Image Source
Weathered Wood
Reclaimed wood planks in soft greys, bleached white, or natural wood grain finishes add a relaxed rustic vibe. Mix widths and lengths for a multi-dimensional look. Try whitewashing or lightly sanding for more texture.
Reclaimed grey wood backsplash. Image Source
Natural materials never go out of style and always manage to look fresh and current. Their colors lend themselves beautifully to today’s popular earthy, organic color palettes.
Terrazzo
Once a mainstay of 1960s/70s design, terrazzo is back in a big way. This material mixes bits of marble, quartz, or glass with concrete or resin for a speckled stone appearance. Today’s terrazzo comes in bold colors and artistic patterns.
Vibrant Hues
Punchy tropical shades like emerald green, bright coral, and turquoise blue put a fun, modern spin on terrazzo. Paired with brass fixtures, they create a Palm Springs vibe.
Green and blue terrazzo tile backsplash. Image Source
Marbled Effects
Flowing marbled looks reminiscent of natural stone make terrazzo extremely versatile. Maintain an elegant neutral palette or opt for grey with pops of color sprinkled throughout.
Grey and white marbled terrazzo backsplash. Image Source
Geometric Patterns
For serious style, look for terrazzo backsplashes imprinted with mod geometric shapes in vivid colors. Pair with sleek cabinetry and furnishings for retro-inspired style.
Geometric patterned terrazzo tile. Image Source
Terrazzo adds an artistic sensibility and fresh modern edge to kitchen backsplashes. Its colorful versatility makes it a trend that’s here to stay.
Unexpected Materials
Why settle for expected materials like tile or stone? Some of today’s most creative backsplashes incorporate unexpected materials like metal, concrete, neon, and more. Daring materials can make an artistic statement. Some hot options include:
Penny Tiles
Nothing provides antique character like a backsplash made from reclaimed penny tiles. These mosaic-like round tiles originated in the early 1900s and feature a variety of patterns.
Copper penny tile backsplash. Image Source
Steel & Tin Tiles
Industrial-inspired metal tiles add an urban edge. Try a collage of vintage tin ceiling tiles or opt for sleek sheets of stainless steel. The reflective surface adds eye-catching shine.
Steel and tin tile backsplash. Image Source
Neon Signs
Add cheeky retro charm with a backsplash made from refurbished neon signs. Look for ones with cheeky food-related messages, beloved brand logos, or restaurant/bar names. This whimsical choice sparks instant nostalgia.
Neon sign backsplash. Image Source
Unexpected backsplash materials breathe new life into kitchens and reflect the homeowner’s unique personality.
Colorful Cabinets
While backsplashes historically steal the spotlight, boldly colored cabinets are also having a major moment. The contrast of bright, eye-catching cabinetry sets off a statement backsplash beautifully. Some top trends include:
Sage Greens
Earthy green hues like sage instantly warm up a space and feel fresh yet natural. Pair green cabinets with brick, terrazzo, or wood backsplashes to enhance the organic vibe.
Sage green kitchen cabinets with brick backsplash. Image Source
Daring Blues
Navy, teal, and cobalt blue cabinets make a seriously bold style statement. For beachy character, try weathered blue cabinets with breezy brick or driftwood backsplashes.
Navy blue cabinets with marble backsplash. Image Source
Vivid Yellows
Sunny lemon and mustard yellow cabinets radiate cheer and pair perfectly with many backsplash materials. Try lively lattice-print tiles or opt for retro-fab terrazzo with speckles of yellow.
Lemon yellow cabinets with patterned tile backsplash. Image Source
The contrast of colorful cabinets and an artistic backsplash create visual punch and plenty of personality!
Creative Layouts
In addition to material and color, backsplash layout offers endless possibilities for creativity. Clever designs and atypical arrangements crank up the visual interest even further. Some eye-catching layouts include:
Statement Shapes
Frame your cookspace with geometric interest using triangular, circular, or diamond-shaped backsplashes. Try surrounding a round window with curved tiles in complementary colors.
Blue circular tile backsplash framing a window. Image Source
Mosaic Collage
Cover an entire wall with a colorful collage of glass, ceramic, stone, or mirrored tiles. Mix sizes, colors, and materials for lots of eclectic appeal. Finish the look with dark grout.
Multicolored mosaic tile backsplash collage. Image Source
Diamond Pattern
Take your backsplash up the entire wall with a chic diamond design. Use the same tile or different coordinating tiles to fill in