Skip to main content

9 beautiful kitchen backsplash ideas that will completely transform your space

The kitchen backsplash can span an entire wall, cover the area between the countertops and cabinets, or cover the space behind your range. No matter what decor you have in your kitchen, the backsplash is an essential part of both its appearance and its functionality. The backsplash protects the wall behind it from water splashes from the sink and grease and food splatters from the stove. Whether your motivation to switch up your backsplash style is aesthetic or practical, here are nine kitchen backsplash ideas that will transform your kitchen in no time.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Metal or wood

Traditional kitchen backsplashes are made of some sort of tile, but if you’re looking for something unique, alternative backsplash materials are the way to go. Consider metal sheet backsplashes made of stainless steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum. Even wood backsplashes such as shiplap or beadboard can work. Of course, you’ll need the proper finish on the material to protect it from the abuse it will withstand.

Artazum / Shutterstock

Ceiling-height backsplash

Most home kitchen backsplashes occupy the space between the countertop and the bottom of the cabinetry. Even on parts of the wall where there are no cabinets, it has been common practice to place the tile straight across on the same line as if there were cabinetry. For 2022, one of the hottest trends in kitchen backsplashes is ceiling-height backsplashes. Ceiling-height backsplashes can update a classic tile to a more modern look by highlighting a single kitchen area and thus creating a focal point.

Artazum / Shutterstock

Large subway tiles

Subway tiles have been in style for kitchen backsplashes for years, but these days homeowners are looking for a bit of a different look while still reaping the benefits of the design and function that subway tiles bring. Traditional subway tiles are 3 x 6 inches, but we’re now seeing tiles that measure 4 x 8 or even 4 x 12 inches. These large tiles look great in a ceiling-height application, too.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Stone

Stone kitchen backsplashes add texture and style to a kitchen’s decor, and there are tons of different options out there to choose from. For a rustic vibe, look for tiles with a weathered finish. Depending on your style, you can also choose from a matte or more honed finish for your stone tiles. No matter what overall look you are trying to achieve, you’ll be able to find a stone tile for your kitchen backsplash that complements the decor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Colors

In most classic applications, backsplashes are neutral colors like gray, white, or beige, but lately, we’ve been seeing more bright colors in kitchen backsplashes. From a wall of blue subway tiles to a stone wall with the occasional bright yellow tile, you can achieve whatever vibe you want while creating a focal point. If you’re going for classy, try black or dark gray, while blue gives a homey feeling. Don’t be afraid to try a color you wouldn’t ordinarily use; you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Patterned kitchen backsplash.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Patterns

Since many countertops and cabinets are incredibly neutral, it makes sense that backsplashes are moving toward something that draws your attention. And what better way to create a focal point or conversation piece than with a patterned backsplash? We’ve seen all types of patterns lately, like herringbone, chevron, and laser-cut tiles, to name a few. One of the most popular new trends is incorporating both patterns and bold colors to liven up a space.

marble kitchen backsplash wallpaper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Slabs instead of tiles

For decades, tile has been the choice material for backsplashes, but lately full slab backsplashes have been showing up in kitchens. There is little to no grout, unlike tile, since there are few breaks in a whole slab application. Marble is a popular slab choice and will give your kitchen an elegant look, but you can find slabs of other materials to experiment with as well.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gold accents

In what seems to be a direct rejection of bland gray grout lines, the popularity of gold accents is growing. Many homeowners are turning to different patterns that incorporate gold accents for their backsplashes to add warmth and elegance to the room. Also, if you have gold or brass fixtures in your kitchen, this is a way to tie it all together.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Windows

If you’re going for an ultra-modern feel and are also remodeling your entire kitchen, consider a glass backsplash. Not everyone will be able to pull off the window kitchen backsplash, but if you can, it will really connect you to the outdoors. You can achieve a similar vibe with a mirrored backsplash if you can’t swing the window backsplash. A mirrored surface will make the room appear large while still giving you a modern look.

Regardless of why you’re looking into kitchen backsplashes, odds are you have some ideas in mind. Whether you’re just looking to refresh one wall or planning an entire remodel, a new backsplash could be just the thing to freshen up your kitchen. With all the options available these days, you’re sure to find one that will transform your kitchen.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Kelly Kaliszewski
Kelly's work has appeared in blogs and on websites. When she's not writing, she is playing with her two dogs, cooking, or…
What colors go with gray? How to make a neutral hue pop in your home
Make gray walls work for your home decor with complementary colors
Modern living room with gray walls and yellow furniture

Neutral colors like gray and taupe are always popular options for your home's interior design. Both are versatile shades that can go with a plethora of other hues, which means you can easily change up the look of your decor with gray walls and a rotating rainbow of accessories like colorful throw pillows. With all the different shades of gray paint available, from matte to glossy, warm to cool, and brownish to blueish, it's certainly possible to find the one that's perfect for you and your home.

Of course, you can always have too much of a good thing. While gray can be a sophisticated and elegant shade, too much gray can wash out a room or make it feel dull and dingy or cold and unwelcoming. Think of gray as the neutral backdrop on a canvas that lets your color palette shine, and you can't go wrong. So, it’s important to incorporate other colors into the decor, whether it be with pieces of furniture, art, or throw blankets -- but what colors go with gray? If you're looking for the best options to brighten up your current decor, keep reading to find out how to accent this elegant tone.

Read more
7 striking yellow kitchens on Instagram that prove this hue is design gold
Yellow is an ideal color for the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to help you style this bright tone
yellow kitchen cabients

If you're in the mood for a kitchen redesign or remodel, you may be considering introducing a new color into the mix. While we love a crisp, white kitchen, yellow (in all of its lovely shades) is making itself known to designers and homeowners alike. A yellow kitchen is bright, sunny, and cheerful, the perfect combination for a room where everyone gathers to play, eat, and work. If you're in love with the hue but wondering what you do with a yellow kitchen, we've got some ideas. If you need some inspiration, look no further than these Instagram designs to get you in the mood to transform your kitchen space.

Is yellow good for a kitchen?
We adore the color yellow for kitchens. There are so many shades to suit your personal taste, and the hue can completely transform the look of the space. There are so many ways to incorporate yellow — from wall color to cabinets to wallpaper and everything in between. Here are a few of our favorites.
Mustard yellow cabinets
The before-and-after pictures tell it all in this kitchen remodel. The yellow color opens up the space to give it a warm, welcoming feel. The simple decor, white walls, and understated backsplash allow the color to shine on its own.

Read more
How to keep oak kitchen cabinets from looking out of place in a modern kitchen
Transform your outdated oak kitchen cabinets for a luxe, modern design
Modern kitchen with red oak cabinets and white countertops

Oak kitchen cabinets are a staple in many traditional homes. Their earthy tones and elegant appearance have placed them at the top of the ladder, making them one of the most beloved cabinet materials in recent decades. While this wood has stood the test of time in interior design, keeping an oak-heavy kitchen from looking out of place in a redesigned home can be challenging. Oak cabinetry often caters to traditional decor, making it hard to implement these gorgeous tones and textures into a more modern or contemporary space.

If you’re a modern enthusiast who wants to maintain the traditional oak cabinet look without creating a tacky design, then we have the tips for you. Here’s how to dress up your kitchen to balance modernity with traditional oak cabinets.

Read more