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Modern kitchen backsplash tiles


26 Modern Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 01/28/22

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When it comes to choosing a kitchen backsplash, there are plenty of options on the market, making it difficult to narrow down top contenders. However, if you're specifically shopping for something that will help your kitchen look nice and modern, we've got you covered. We've rounded up 26 of our favorite kitchen backsplash options that will help inspire you as you design your space.

Are you a renter? There are plenty of removable kitchen backsplash options, too—there's no need to miss out on the fun!

The Best Peel and Stick Tiles for Easy Renovations

Best Kitchen Backsplash Ideas 2022

Designing a kitchen requires many decisions to be made, but one of the most fun is selecting the backsplash. In fact, this kitchen element—which covers a portion of or all of kitchen walls—is ripe for adding personality to the design to coordinate with cabinetry, lighting, appliances, and hardware.

Whether you envision a white kitchen, blue kitchen, or kitchen with other colors, you have many kitchen backsplash ideas to choose from. The most classic is traditional tile—like a subway design in larger or slender shapes—that covers the space between the countertops and upper cabinets. With more kitchens featuring open shelves or even no upper storage, many designers, including Waterworks cofounder and author Barbara Sallick, are getting more innovative with "tile envelopes" where the backsplash tile covers the entire wall surface, while others are even using wallpaper as a backsplash material.

Whether you have a small kitchen or a large one, a modern kitchen, or a cottage-style one, we've got over 30 kitchen backsplash ideas to inspire the material and design for your project. Whatever you select, it's sure to make your kitchen dazzle with style. Here, our favorite designer-inspired kitchen backsplash ideas for 2022.

1

Belgium Blue Stone Tiles

Annie Schlechter

Belgium Blue Stone tiles by Country Floors make a statement under a rustic wooden beam in this Michigan lake house designed by Amy Meier. The kitchen cabinets are bandsawn knotty white oak—“the knottier the better,” as Meier said— and the kitchen island is painted Salamander by Benjamin Moore, bookended by displays of splatterware and copperware sourced from all across Michigan. The stools are by Bicyclette.

2

Checkerboard Tile

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

At this Bronxville, New York, home designed by Carrier and Company, the kitchen’s chic checkerboard backsplash, fashioned out of glazed terra-cotta tile (Ann Sacks), energizes the space. Perimeter countertops, Caesarstone. Sink fixtures, Waterworks

3

Arched Windows

MALI AZIMA

For an airy twist on the backsplash, designer Melanie Turner and architect Yong Pak placed the range in this Atlanta home in front of windows with a graceful arch that echo the tiled arcs in the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Encaustic cement tiles (Mosaic House) infuse the kitchen with the spirit of a French bistro.

4

Hand-painted Wallpaper

THOMAS LOOF

Talk about bringing the outside in: At this Naples, Florida, home, designer Summer Thornton clad the kitchen backsplash with a hand-painted tropical wallpaper (de Gournay). To protect the wallpaper backsplash, Thornton covered it with a thin glass pane. The range is Lacanche; the leather stool uphol­stery is Moore & Giles.

5

Lively Pattern

Joshua McHugh

For a small dose of pattern, designer Philip Gorrivan clad the backsplash of this Connecticut colonial with colorful Moroccan tile (Exquisite Surfaces), a graphic contrast to the kitchen's rustic maple butcher block and honed granite counters.

6

Subway to the Ceiling

Thomas Loof

In the kitchen of this Connecticut home designed by Ashley Whittaker, a subway tile backsplash extends to the ceiling on the wall behind the range. A duo of disarming patterns (checkerboard flooring and a geo-floral seating fabric by Raoul) enlivens warm shades of white in counters, cabinetry, and subway tile. Counter stools, Palecek. Range, Viking. Pendant lighting, Charles Edwards

7

Black and White Chevron Tile

DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

At his home in San Antonio, designer Todd Romano proves small kitchens are ideal for punchy pattern. Custom Talavera tiles are arranged in a graphic chevron pattern with glossy ebony cabinetry (Black, Fine Paints of Europe).

8

Mosaic Wainscoting

Zach & Buj

In the kitchen of this Sea Island home designed by Sara Gilbane, shimmering mosaic tile (Mosaic House) envelops the room. Addison Mizner-inspired beams and hand-forged iron bell-jar lighting by Formations lend rustic contrast. Counter tops, Caesarstone

9

Glazed Moroccan Tile

Douglas Friedman

At this Dallas home designed by Meredith McBrearty, glazed Moroccan tile (Clé tile) infuse the modern kitchen with hand-crafted texture. Blown-glass pendants by MoMA alum Alison Berger turn over-island lighting into modern art while quilted leather stools (Studio Piet Boon) and leathered quartzite counters add warmth. Range, Wolf.

10

Rustic Painted Tile

Thomas Loof

At this Windsor, Florida, cottage, designer Alessandra Branca packed a powerful style punch with the blue-and-white Casa Branca tile backsplash, which stands in colorful contrast to a sleek, lacquered SieMatic island. The Palecek stools are covered in a Kravet fabric with Samuel & Sons trim. Fittings, Kohler. Pendants, Circa Lighting

11

Extra-Large Subway Tile

William Abranowicz

For her kitchen bar in Connecticut, Waterworks cofounder and author of The Perfect Kitchen Barbara Sallick clad the walls with 4-by-8-inch subway tiles, which she took all the way up to the ceiling. "I love the grid they create, I love the materials, and I love the scale of the larger-size tile," Sallick says.

12

Painted Mirror

Stephen Karlisch

At the 2020 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, designer Chad Dorsey wowed his stunning kitchen design that centered on a dramatic backsplash made of a Chinoiserie-painted antique mirror by artist James Mobley on Industry Glass. The painted glass is inset into a Cambria stone-clad cased opening.

13

Glossy Squares

Max Kim-Bee

This Nashville, Tennessee, kitchen designed by Richard Hallberg features a backsplash "wall" made of square Belgian tile with a hig-gloss glaze that extends up to the ceiling. The glossy finish on the tile lends dynamic contrast to the rustic ceiling beams. Louis XIII reproduction stools (Dennis & Leen) are upholstered in a textural, raffia-style woven fabric (Opuzen). Cabinetry paint color, Egret by Sherwin-Williams

14

Quilt Motifs

Eric Piasecki

At this Utah mountain retreat designed by Tony Baratta, geometric pattern reigns in the kitchen, from the oversize checkerboard floor to the backsplash and wall tile, from Solar Antique Tiles, painted with quilt motifs. The pendants are from Dessin Fournir, and the range is Viking.

15

Handmade Abstract Waves

Courtesy of Cravotta Interiors

Austin, Texas-based designer Mark Cravotta has predicted the resurgence of craftsmanship in kitchen design in 2021, and we couldn't be more excited about that. "In the kitchen, there are so many more options now that are better than polished granite," Cravotta says. Backsplashes are ideal places to showcase craftsmanship and artisanry, as these handmade tiles illustrate.

16

Gray Marble

Zeke Ruelas

17

Classic Blue and White

Amy Neunsinger

At this California home designed by Mark D. Sikes, blue-and-white tile with an antiqued finish, along with creamy white cabinetry (White Tie, Farrow & Ball) and oil-rubbed bronze hardware (Rejuvenation), give the kitchen a warm, aged appearance. Sink and fixtures, Rohl

18

Dramatic Soapstone

Emily J Followill

This galley kitchen on Brays Island, South Carolina, designed by Beth Webb, features a soapstone backsplash and countertops, which stand in dark contrast to the rift-cut white oak cabinetry. Range, Bertazzoni. Sink fixtures in unlacquered brass, Waterworks

19

Charcoal Herringbone Tile

Francesco Lagnese

At this Montana home designed by Palmer Weiss, the kitchen features a backsplash comprising rectangular tile laid out in a herringbone pattern, which adds depth to the moody, monochromatic space. Cabinetry and ebony finish, Provincial Store Fixtures. Silicon bronze brushed pulls, Rocky Mountain Hardware. Dual fuel range, Wolf

20

Slender Subway Tile

Jeff Herr

In this Georgia kitchen, designer James Farmer created a backsplash with slender, glazed subway tile to infuse pattern and texture into an otherwise neutral space. The kitchen is also featured in Farmer's most recent book, Arriving Home.

21

Geometric Wallpaper

BRIAN WOODCOCK

In the bar of her Mountain Brook, Alabama, home, designer Caroline Gidiere complemented cabinetry made of antique glass and Chippendale fretwork with a historic wallpaper: Philadelphia Harlequin, which dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, from Adelphi Paper Hangings. The stained mahogany is framed in fiery orange trim (Lava by Porter’s Paints) and gold leaf ceiling paper (Phillip Jeffries). Pendant lighting, Visual Comfort & Co.

22

Antique Portuguese Tile

Francesco Lagnese

This Connecticut kitchen designed by David Netto boasts a global air thanks to Scandinavian bent birch plywood stools (Alvar Aalto), a collection of copper cookware, and 19th-century Portuguese tilework (Solar Antique Tiles). Dual-fuel range, Wolf

23

Wood Paneling

Annie Schlechter

In designer Philip Mitchell's Nova Scotia home, the servery features vertical V-groove paneling as the backsplash. Heirloom Limoges fish sets hang on the painted paneled walls. Wall color, Gray by Benjamin Moore

24

Timeless White Marble

David Tsay

For Ellen Pompeo's Hollywood home, designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard clad the counterops and backsplach with marble. Along with the terra-cotta tile floors and Pompeo's European range, the white marble backsplash complete's the kitchen's old-world style.

25

Sophisticated Mirror

Christoph Theurer

Soft, smoky tones lend a high-fashion, sophisticated touch to the alluring yet tiny galley kitchen of this 18th-century flat in Paris. The upper cabinets feature mirrored eglomise facings, which echo the mirror backsplash and “almost look like venetian blinds,” notes decorator Jean-Louis Deniot. The lower cabinetry paint color is Midnight Oil by Benjamin Moore. Range, La Cornue

26

Zig-Zag Wallpaper

Julia Lynn

At this Austin, Texas, home designed by Angie Hranowski, colorful moths, which the owner refers to as her “barflies,” line up to form the bar’s groovy, zig-zag-striped wallpaper (Timorous Beasties). Cabinetry paint, Nocturnal Sea by Pratt & Lambert

27

Painted Square Tiles

Helen Norman

In this Low Country home designed by Andrew Howard, the kitchen boasts an old-fashioned sensibility, thanks to the painted tile backsplash, brushed-brass-and-copper station lights (Ann-Morris), and a walnut island with baluster leg details. Stools, Serena & Lily. Counters, Caesarstone

28

Stars and Diamonds

ROGER DAVIES

This Los Angeles kitchen features a tile backsplash with a diamond and star pattern (Solar Antique Tiles) in an inky blue and crisp white palette that complements the wood grain cabinetry and green island top and chairs.

29

Smoky Mirror Subway Tile

J. Savage Gibson

At this Palm Beach home designed by Phoebe Howard, the bar features blue walls and cabinetry, painted Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore, accented by a backsplash made up of smoky mirror subway tile. The woven barstools are from Walters Wicker with cushions upholstered in a Ralph Lauren Home stripe.

30

Emerald Subway Tile

Luke White

This stunning kitchen designed by Hubert Zandberg Interiors features a backsplash in emerald green subway tile, which also covers the cookspace's open shelving. The range and depth of color in the tile glaze makes it the focal point of the room.

31

Glazed Moroccan Tile

M.K. SADLER

Blue-and-white glazed Moroccan tiles (Moorish Architectural Design) lend a far-flung vibe to the rooftop outdoor kitchen at this Alys Beach, Florida, retreat designed by architectural firm Khoury & Vogt and Atlanta-based interior designer Shirlene Brooks. Fixtures, Kohler

Steele Marcoux Editor in Chief, VERANDA Steele Marcoux is the Editor in Chief at VERANDA, covering design trends, architecture, and travel for the brand.

TOP 15 fashion trends in kitchen design 2020/2021

Do you think that the appearance of the kitchen in your house is outdated?

Whether you decide to do a complete refurbishment or just need some inspiration for a small cosmetic change, there are plenty of ways to update the look of your culinary space.

It can be some color schemes, accents or furniture replacement, etc. Below are the 15 most popular trends in the area kitchen interior design in 2020/21 .

BLACK DETAILS

The design of the kitchen in monochrome black and white looks very modern. While last year one of the main trends was an all-black color scheme, in 2020 a departure from such maximalism is relevant and the use of black reinforcement and other details, especially with a matte finish. Matte black is becoming the new neutral color, and this move will help you create an interesting kitchen interior.

ACCENT WITH COLOR CABINET

No matter how fresh and gorgeous a white kitchen looks, more and more people would like to add something bright to the interior. You ask how? You can opt for colorful cabinets. The use of color (from ultra-bright to modern retro pastels) is a trendy way to liven up the look of a kitchen space.

ADDING SHELF

How can you play with a kitchen apron in an interesting way, emphasizing its beauty? To do this, you can arrange an elegant shelf along it, which will add not only visual contrast, but also a certain functionality. You can also experiment with various decor elements that can be installed on it: these can be framed photographs, interesting wooden cutting boards, as well as plants.

INVISIBLE HOOD

While a range hood can look impressive, it can sometimes detract from the rest of a modern, stylish kitchen. That is why the popularity of hidden fume hoods is growing. You can choose a hood whose color would match the color of the furniture, or which would even look like one of the pieces of furniture, completely imitating the look of kitchen cabinets. Hidden hoods will help create a cohesive look, and the kitchen will breathe thanks to proper ventilation.

USE TWO TONE

One of the easiest ways to create an interesting visual effect in the kitchen is to use a two-tone furniture solution. The number of possible combinations is endless: choose a neutral shade for the upper cabinets and a contrasting color for the lower ones. Experiment with a monochromatic color palette. You can also create your own unique combination for a brighter and more personalized look.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW FORMS?

As much as we love the classic look of rectangular subway tiles, it might be time to try some new shapes to create a splash back in your kitchen. The unique shape of the tile will make the kitchen more modern and stylish, as well as give it an attractive character. You can opt for hexagonal tiles or tiles of other more unusual shapes, lay out a herringbone pattern or other patterns ... Nowadays, there are many affordable and interesting solutions.

NO TO TOP CABINETS

This solution will delight fans of minimalist style. The trend, which can be described as “less is more”, becomes one of the most significant in the kitchen and goes to a new level, prescribing the elimination of upper cabinets. Although their absence will require more creative solutions to be able to store the necessary utensils and kitchen appliances, such a design will create an unprecedentedly spectacular interior. What's the added benefit of it? You will be able to demonstrate in all its beauty an interesting and unique look of the apron.

REJECTING HANDLES ON CABINETS

You can make your interior design even more minimalist by ditching the handles on your kitchen cabinets. The trend is the design of clean lines and smooth surfaces. It is worth taking a closer look at furniture with handles cut out on the doors or with doors that open when you lightly press them.

FULL HEIGHT STORAGE ROOM

If the minimalist trend doesn't inspire you (or if you just need a lot of storage space in your kitchen), you can consider the opposite solution and arrange floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Such a solution would look better in a spacious room, in the center of which you can place a large level table. Cabinets should not visually dominate.

A LITTLE Glitter

Stainless steel appliances are becoming less common in kitchens these days, but there are other ways to add a little sparkle to your interior. For example, decorate an apron using elements with a mirror, glossy or metallic finish.

XL TILE APRON

One of the biggest kitchen backsplash trends is the use of large format tiles. Many interior designers are moving away from the use of subway or other small or standard sized tiles when creating backdrops, in favor of large panels such as marble or quartz. What do we end up with? Smoother and cleaner appearance.

SEEING THINGS IN A NEW LIGHT

Be that as it may, the budget does not always allow for a complete renovation of the kitchen. Replacing furniture is the easiest and fastest way to update the look of a room, but there is another way to significantly change the look of the kitchen - it is competent work with lighting. You can replace the fixtures or, for example, install lighting under wall cabinets. Playing with light is a powerful design move.

MIXING COCKTAIL

Who said that everything has to be the same and in the same style? Experiment by combining different pieces of furniture and household appliances. Play with different shapes, colors and materials. The main thing is to do it with taste. Liven up your interior with an unconventional approach.

VERTICAL SOLUTION

Sometimes a small change in perspective can make a big difference. What are we talking about? About the subway tile: The backsplash cladding uses the same tile and the same laying methods, but when placed vertically in columns creates a completely fresh look.

NEW OLD MATERIALS

Whether it's cabinets, countertops, backsplash or flooring, there are many possibilities for using sustainable materials in the kitchen. You can give a second life to some old objects and materials by treating them in style. It can be, for example, reclaimed wood. Such a solution can advantageously transform the interior of your kitchen.

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20 kitchen and bathroom design ideas

As you know, an apron primarily performs a practical function, protecting walls from splashes of water and soap, but at the same time it can make a kitchen or bathroom more stylish.

A huge variety of tiles will allow everyone to find the tile that is best suited to embody the intended image, and thanks to the relatively small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apron, many will be able to lay the tiles themselves.


— A white tile backsplash reflects light well, creating a clean feeling and a bright atmosphere.

2021 TILE APRON DESIGN TRENDS

The small area of ​​the backsplash allows you to create a unique surface without much effort and effort, which, nevertheless, has a significant impact on the overall impression of the kitchen or bathroom. Approach this task creatively: even choosing a classic tile, but laying it in a non-standard way (for example, herringbone pattern), you can get an interesting result.

The main secret of a good apron is to combine it with other design elements and fit harmoniously into the interior. Recently, spectacular surfaces (for example, from mosaics) have been relevant, which immediately attract attention and become the main focus.

Try to come up with something interesting and create an apron that would decorate the kitchen or bathroom. Take a non-standard approach - create the effect of wallpaper by increasing the height of the surface to be lined to the ceiling. Experiment with color, patterns, and even different textures.

Today, the range of tiles is so rich that you can embody almost any look. This versatile finishing material provides endless possibilities for interior design.


- Handmade imitation tiles look very artistic.


— Small hexagonal mosaics in neutral tones create a spectacular surface with an interesting geometric pattern.


- Subway tile can be the perfect backdrop for an accent glass panel artfully framed with shaped tiles.


- Wallpaper effect achieved with gray and white chevron mosaic tiles. Such a chic surface immediately attracts attention.


— Delicate blues add color to a predominantly plain white bathroom interior.

APRON FROM TILE BOAR "METRO"

Subway tiles have a classic look and are always on trend. It was first used to decorate New York Subway stations at the beginning of the last century, and since then, due to its versatility and simple design, it has remained one of the most sought-after on the market.

Typically, subway tiles have a strict width to length ratio of 1:2 and a standard size of 3x6 inches (or approximately 7.5x15 cm). However, there are other varieties of "metro" tiles with dimensions of 2x4 inches (or 5x10 cm) or 4x8 inches (10x20 cm). To create a modern atmosphere, its elongated samples will be more appropriate, with sizes such as 2x8, 3x12, 4x12 and 4x16 inches (or 5x20, 7. 5x30.5 and 10x40.5 cm).

Large format tiles have become more common in smaller spaces, where they create a feeling of space. Today, subway tiles come in a wide range of styles and colors. It is made from different materials with different finishes.

An apron made of stone or glass "metro" tiles will look original. Look for tiles with a craquelure effect or tiles with a matte finish. For a more dramatic look, arrange the tile vertically or lay it in a checkerboard or herringbone pattern.


- Consider using a tile with a sophisticated pattern that adds depth and dimension to a crisp white bathroom.


— This unusual apron made of shiny penny mosaic tiles makes a lasting impression.


— Tiles in shades of gray with a herringbone pattern. A great example of how you can make an apron more interesting with an unusual styling method.

MOSAIC APRON TILE

Give the room a unique character by creating an apron from mosaic tiles. Creatively connected on a single surface, small tiles in complementary colors will enliven any dull kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.

Create your own pattern from ceramic, glass or stone mosaic tiles to show off the benefits of your chosen tile. Small round tiles in the "singing" or hexagonal style have classic shapes that will help to add elegance to both vintage and modern rooms.


- The choice of mosaic tiles today is very wide - you can easily pick up elements of the desired shapes, colors and sizes.


— This white and gray chevron framed apron looks great against a navy blue tiled wall.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF APRON DESIGN

Properly selected tiles will allow you to create such an apron that is perfect for any style of decoration, and neat thin lines will add elegance to the interior.

The main rule of modern design is to keep the appearance simple. However, that doesn't mean you can't draw attention to a particular surface, such as with a tiled pattern that brings some visual energy to a kitchen or bathroom and brightens up their space.

Thanks to the variety of designs available today, you can choose a backsplash tile that not only harmoniously fits into the finished interior, but also complements it favorably, beats the surrounding design elements or helps create an accent surface.


— This herringbone tiled mural adds variety to the look of a wall, creating a sense of depth and dimension.


— Tiles with the appearance of heat-treated wood give the space the character and charm of a country house.


— And this arabesque framed panel is an example of how white tiles can accent even a white surface.

DETERMINING THE MATERIAL FOR THE APRON

You can choose tiles made from the material that best suits your design. The most popular, of course, are ceramic and porcelain tiles, because they not only have excellent moisture-resistant properties, but also come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, patterns and finishes, which expands the choice.

Glass tiles have a glossy look and reflective surface, so they will help to create a brighter image, while metal or copper tiles (especially with a matte finish) will give the room a special character and personality. If you want to design your kitchen in a Tuscan style, take a closer look at natural stone tiles (for example, travertine).

Stenciled concrete tiles give a historic look to a room, but can also be used in a modern kitchen to create a dramatic contrast. Be careful with the choice of tile material, as it can significantly affect the appearance of the room.


- Glass tiles can be an ideal finishing material when creating a backsplash.


- This gorgeous ceramic tile covered the entire wall above the kitchen stove.


- Use copper "penny" tiles to create an splashback - this accent splashback will literally make your kitchen shine.

CHOOSE THE COLOR FOR THE KITCHEN APRON

The choice of color for the apron is also of considerable importance. The easiest way is to choose a tile color that goes well with the shade of the cabinets. For a luxurious look, use dark-colored tiles, such as black or charcoal gray.

If your room is decorated in a neutral palette, a white or beige apron would be appropriate. You can experiment with less familiar colors like red or yellow. Blue is considered the most popular color because it evokes a feeling of coziness and helps to create a relaxed atmosphere.

If you want to use white tiles, you can make the backsplash less boring by adding one or two rows of colored tiles (or randomly placing individual colored tiles). For an eye-catching surface, try using a contrasting color grout.

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