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White kitchen colorful backsplash


18 White Kitchen Backsplash Ideas That Pop

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Kaitlyn McInnis

Kaitlyn McInnis

Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle expert and writer specializing in global interior design trends and styles which she is able to experience first-hand through her extensive travels. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Homes & Gardens, and Real Homes. Kaitlyn also worked for AskMen.com, where she managed an international team of writers and experts.

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Updated on 06/10/22

Collov Home Design

White kitchens are well-loved for a reason: they’re bright and airy, making even the smallest galley-style kitchen feel more open. The monochromatic approach is a great way to foster a sense of cohesion—but adding a stand-out backsplash might offer a bit more visual interest.

Whether you’re hoping to stick with a calming, understated backsplash or you want to do something a little more bold to offer color and interest to your kitchen, we’ve rounded up some of the best expert-approved white kitchen backsplash ideas, from classic subway tiles to more adventurous DIY pursuits.

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Beautiful Backsplash Ideas For Kitchens With White Cabinets

Kitchen and Dining

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White kitchen cabinets are classic, but they can be a little bit boring if thought is not put into the surrounding design. Choosing a stylish backsplash that works well with your white cabinetry will not only make your kitchen design gorgeous, but will highlight the classic beauty of your cabinets, too!

Determine Your Color Scheme and Style

Before choosing the perfect backsplash for your kitchen, there’s a few factors that should first be considered.

Are you looking for something modern and trendy? Or classic and refined? Are your white cabinets a stark bright white with cool undertones? Or are they a warmer, creamier white?

Marble subway tile backsplash via Maison de Pax

Taking these elements into account will help you narrow down the correct colors and backsplash materials. For instance marble will forever be classic and refined and its cool gray tones work really well with both cool and slightly warmer white cabinets.

The trendy Cloe tile that’s everywhere right now has a classic feel but still looks modern and trendy. It’s warmer tones work well with a slighter warmer white cabinet.

Cloe Tile by Bedrosians via Nathalie Interiors

On the other hand, you can inject color into a very plain white kitchen with a vibrant patterned or colored tile.

If you’re not quite sure which backsplash design to go with, maybe one of these kitchen backsplash ideas that go with white cabinets will inspire you!

Marble Backsplash Ideas

Embrace cooler tones in your kitchen by using marble for the backsplash. It provides a natural, sleek beauty no matter the design and helps your kitchen feel pristine and luxurious.

For my kitchen remodel, I chose to balance the cooler tones of the marble backsplash and white quartz with warmer tones from brass and wood. It provides the perfect compliment to to the white cabinets and stops the kitchen from feeling cold and sterile.

Take the backsplash right up to the ceiling, whether marble or any other tile, is also a great design feature that packs a serious punch and makes any kitchen look high end.

While marble is always a classic choice, but you’re not limited to the standard brick pattern.

A slab of marble is striking, and makes for easier cleanup since there’s no grout lines! I prefer to use the same material as the countertop, or keep the countertop a solid color similar to the lightest color in the marble and then do a statement marble up the backsplash.

Marble Slab Backsplash by Sarah Sherman SamuelTwo Tone Marble Chevron Tile Backsplash by Southern LivingMarble Mosaic Flower Patterned Backsplash by Backsplash.com

Alternatives to Traditional White Subway Tile

For a basic white subway tile look, it doesn’t have to stay basic. Subway tile is an incredibly affordable option for a kitchen backsplash but it can look really beautiful when laid in a fun pattern or keeping the white feel with different tile shapes.

Subway Tile Alternative – Square White Backsplash from Kitchen SeerLong White Subway Tiles in Random Pattern by Neil Kelly

If choosing white, grout color choice is important. Bring tile sample with you when picking out grout colors to get the perfect match for your kitchen.

White grout ensures a uniform, clean appearance. Darker grout will accentuate the shape of your tile. For marble, many prefer a grout that blends the tiles and doesn’t “frame” the tile. In the end, it’s personal preference as well as the type of look you want to go for.

Marble subway tile with white groutSubway Tile Alternative – White Vertical Herringbone by The RTA StoreVertical White Picket Tile by CC and MikePatterned White Seashell Tile Backsplash by A Taste of Koko

If you want to stick with plain subway tile for budget reasons, consider adding some decorative tile over your stove to break up the sea of white.

This patterned tile is a subtle blue/gray that looks stunning with white cabinets and white subway tile. Again, similar to my kitchen, note how how the warmer tones from the brass offset the cool tones of the stainless steel, white tile and white cabinets.

Colorful Backsplash Ideas

Concerned all white cabinets will be boring? Add a pop of color! Create a focal point with a bright backsplash of blue, green accent tiles of bright orange. The beauty of white cabinets is that they can go with any color.

Navy Patterned Tile Backsplash by Southern LivingCool Sea Blue Glass Tile Backsplash by Southern LivingBold and Bright Blue Backsplash by Bergen GraniteGreen Herringbone Backsplash by Digs DigsOrange Pop of Color Tile Backsplash by Grant K GibsonBright Yellow Backsplash from Digs Digs

Mirrored Backsplash Ideas

Want to add intrigue while making your kitchen space feel larger? Mirrors do both! You can find mirrored tile, or simply have reflective glass custom designed for your mirrored backsplash.

Mirrored Tile Backsplash by Charbonneau InteriorsMirrored and Lighted Backsplash by Emily Fornet Interiors

Brick and Stone Backsplash Ideas

Bringing outside inside is one of my favorite elements in decorating. Raw stone, stacked stone, layered brick are all rustic backsplash options that may fit your style perfectly.

Whitewashed Brick Backsplash from DecorPadWhitewashed Stone Backsplash from DecorPadStacked Stone Backsplash from Norstone USA

Backsplashes can be created with a variety of materials. Think outside the box and maybe you’ll find a material no one else has thought of! Here are some backsplashes made of more unique materials.

Beadboard Backsplash from Southern LivingRecycled Glass Backsplash from DecorPadWood Plank Backsplash by This Old HouseMetal Backsplash from The Builder DepotHand Painted Backsplash from Martha Stewart

Final Thoughts

While choosing the perfect backsplash to work alongside your white kitchen cabinets can be as simple as picking up some cheap white subway tile, taking the time to really think through your vision will ensure your kitchen design really wows.

Whatever you decide, I highly recommend getting samples of everything and seeing how the colors work together. Most tile shops will sell a single piece of tile so don’t be afraid to buy multiples of different colors and textures – you may surprise yourself with what you like the most!

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Jenna Shaughnessy

Jenna is a self taught decorator and lover of all things interior design who has helped thousands create a home they love.

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85 photos, color combinations and design recommendations

The kitchen interior in red and white is a modern bright idea for a stylish design of your favorite kitchen. Such an interior will certainly invigorate in the morning at breakfast, and when receiving guests it will look festive and elegant.

The main thing is to clearly know the compositional design techniques, determine the proportion of the color of the headset and wall decoration.

Contents

Who would like a creative design idea in red and white

Choosing a kitchen with red is a bold decision for people who do not recognize boredom and routine.

Our mood is also subject to the influence of the surrounding atmosphere, especially color has a strong impact on mental activity and human life, prompting the desire to learn new and interesting things.

"Yeamake/Shutterstock.com"

Psychologists recommend the combination of red and white in design for those who have an indecisive, shy nature. This will help to become bolder and more self-confident, charge with positive and energy for the whole day. nine0003

Important! If you suffer from hypotension, it is better to refrain from red indoors, as it increases blood pressure and can adversely affect the condition of the body.

Advantages of the kitchen in red and white combination

Deciding to organize the interior in this double combination, you will get the following advantages:

Such merits can be achieved only when the color balance is found, the proportions are correctly distributed and the fundamental tone is highlighted. How to do this, we will consider further. nine0003

Choosing the right combination of red and white when drawing up the interior

For a large room, the prevailing red color will visually bring objects closer, which will give the room comfort and harmony. But too much bright can increase pressure, cause aggression in communication.

In this case, it is important to find a balance in shades, for example, make white the main color. A light kitchen of a small size will seem larger and more spacious, and bright red accents will add zest to the atmosphere. nine0003

Consider four basic combinations of red and white design, each of which gives a certain effect of perception:

1. Red kitchen bottom and white top is a winning composition, as it will not look boring. Contrasting tones look good on a glossy headset. The two-color option will allow you to harmoniously maintain the overall style of the kitchen, add presentability and showiness to the room. It is important to find a smooth transition of color from one to another, so that it complements each other, and does not look intrusive. nine0003

2. Red top and white bottom. This option makes the atmosphere weightless, visually expands the walls. It is better to choose a table top and chairs in dark colors to give harmony to the overall impression. Sharp contrasts can be avoided by choosing more neutral tones, such as using a muted red tone.

4. Experiment with color by adding black. All three colors complement each other perfectly, but designers do not recommend using more than three colors. The presence of black should be evenly distributed around the entire perimeter. We select light wallpapers so as not to overload the composition, plain gray, with an even texture, is best suited. nine0003

5. Notes of gray will advantageously dilute the contrasting shades of , as gray is universal. This color will allow you to choose an interesting color scheme for the project.

How to choose an apron for a two-tone kitchen?

The apron is a fundamental element among the interior, it is necessary to appropriately fit it into the general atmosphere, as harmoniously as possible.

A few recommendations:

Choosing curtains

Window textiles play an important role. Curtains can either emphasize the sophistication of the kitchen, or not match the colors. We choose curtains, taking into account the saturation of the overall tone in the room. With a deep, bright red color, it is better to hang plain light textiles on the windows, balancing the overall plan of the composition.

Also, to match the tone of the curtains, you can pick up a tablecloth on the table, hang towels or choose soft seats for chairs of the same color. An interesting option may be covers for chairs, which can then be changed to others, while refreshing the interior. nine0003

Red and white kitchen photo

Red and white kitchen: 14 options for combining freshness and boldness

In a modern kitchen, not only practicality and comfort are important, but also the ability to please the eye and, sometimes, surprise guests. A red and white kitchen will do just fine with this task. This combination is quite rare, so it has not yet had time to become boring and fed up.

The use of red in the interior is suitable only for courageous people who are ready to challenge standard solutions. nine0003

Let's see different examples and photos of interiors, how you can decorate a red and white kitchen.

Content

1. White walls - red set

A very bold decision, both in the opinion of consumers and designers. The fact is that the white color is extremely impractical, especially for the kitchen - it will serve as an excellent contrasting tone for all the pollution that often appears in the working (and not only) area. nine0003

This is why the decision to have white walls can be expensive and cause headaches in the future.

But do not give up your desires because of practicality or frugality. It is only necessary to avoid the problem of difficult cleaning of the walls. For example, choose a non-staining material from which dirt is easily washed off.

For backsplash it can be non-porous tiles or skinali. The rest of the surface is washable wallpaper or paint.

Another problem to think about when choosing a white tile is the seams. It is this small space between the tiles that gives out all the information:

To make the joints look as presentable as possible, there are two ways to go:

  • choose a quality epoxy grout - it does not absorb water and dirt, so it will last longer and more beautiful.

    • Note that these two paths can be combined and a dark epoxy grout can be chosen. So it will look new in 10 years. nine0003

    But there is another option - skinned. The glass sheet does not have seams at all, so you do not have to take care of them.

    There are practically no requirements for the red headset at this stage. The main thing is to make sure that the tone does not look cheap on a white background. This happens a lot with red.

    2. Red walls - white set

    Decorating the walls with bright colors is not a problem now. In every hardware store you can find:

    And they are all available in a variety of colors. Even shades of red can be dialed from a dozen. And with the right tone, you don’t have to worry too much about cleanliness at all.

    But the white color in the kitchen can again become a problem, especially when it comes to an inexpensive set of chipboard or MDF.

    The fact is that greasy deposits can form on the surface of the facades, which will be especially noticeable on a white background. nine0003

    A good and powerful extractor can help prevent this. It will also smooth out strong changes in temperature and humidity, which will save the material from destruction.

    In addition, all defects and dents are especially noticeable on the white color, so you will have to be very careful with such a headset.

    3. Red apron - white worktop

    The apron can be called part of the set that protects the wall in the cooking and washing area.

    An apron is required to prevent drops and splashes from the work area from falling onto the wall. That is why choose this red headset element from easy-to-clean materials. As mentioned above, tiles and glass are excellent options. nine0003

    Quite often in red and white kitchens, it is the backsplash that is made in red. This decision is quite logical both in terms of style and practicality.

    But the top remains white, because it is a large element. For this reason, the decision to leave the countertop white will greatly expand the space, which will be very useful for a small kitchen.

    But you should also give up the monochrome and white versions of the tabletop. This, again, is impractical, because all the crumbs and dust particles will be visible, as if under a magnifying glass. It is better to look at options with an unobtrusive pattern: wood, stone or just abstraction. nine0003

    4. White top - red bottom

    This red and white kitchen design is one of the most popular because it is considered universal - suitable even for a small kitchen in Khrushchev. The main thing is to choose not a bright, but a calm tone of red, for example, raspberry.

    White upper cabinets will give the kitchen volume, freshness and lightness. Glossy facades are preferable, as they reflect more light, but you can also opt for matte specimens.

    Article in the topic: Which kitchen to choose, glossy or matte?

    But the floor cabinets are best left glossy. But you have to be prepared that fingerprints will remain on them, so if you have curious young children, it’s better to refuse this one or stock up on microfiber napkins that remove such traces of curiosity well. But the plus is that deep tones will give the kitchen solidity and nobility.

    Standard white top, gray top and red bottom. It is worth paying attention to the neat combination of black plinth and black and white tiles. nine0003

    It is important to make a smooth transition from red to white, so the set is complemented with a two-color apron, and scarlet decor or just kitchen utensils, such as a knife holder, are placed on a white tabletop.

    A good option for a two-color apron is a skinali with a picture of red poppies on a white background.

    5. Red top - white bottom

    The use of white tone in floor cabinets will also visually expand the space, especially if the backsplash and tabletop are made in the same tone. nine0003

    But the color red has the ability to bring things closer in the interior, reducing the space, so this design is only suitable for spacious rooms.

    Red is best chosen in dark shades, such as ripe cherries, and the surface of the facade is matte: this way the set will look especially organic. The dining group (table and chairs) is selected either in neutral colors or in the color of the upper cabinets.

    6. White kitchen - red apron

    If you want the work area to be the center of attention, you need a red apron. Both monochromatic options and small mosaics or tiles will look equally organic.

    You can experiment with tiles in two colors and lay them out in a checkerboard pattern, but this is considered a very bold decision.

    The advantage of this design is that it can be repeated even in a small kitchen if the rest of the set is done in white. But the dining group can pick up scarlet. Or at least pick up red seat cushions. nine0003

    7. White Kitchen - Red Worktop

    Red worktop is rarely found in hardware stores. Most often, these options are made to order. The following materials are popular:

    The list of styles in which such a design would look appropriate is not so wide:

    8. Red and White Set - Black Worktop

    You don't have to use only two colors in your kitchen design. Designers recommend using three tones, but no more.

    It is better to add neutral tones to such a bold combination as red and white. For example, a black countertop. Here again, it is important to choose not a monochrome coating, but with some kind of pattern - such a countertop is much more practical.

    To support the color in the interior, you can pick up black household appliances, such as a microwave oven, kettle and even a hob. It is better not to buy a black or red refrigerator, as all touches will definitely be noticeable on it. nine0003

    9. Black and red set - white accents

    Another version of such a bold trio. If black is added to the set, then the rest of the furniture, apron, kitchenette, countertop, curtains, tulle and even walls should be made white rather than red.

    It's not only about monochrome black, but even adding it just as a pattern, for example, "rain". In such variants, the facade is decorated with stripes imitating flying raindrops. The drawing can be both vertical and horizontal. nine0003

    Suitable for modern design trends like Art Nouveau.

    An excellent example of such a combination is presented in an article about our reader's kitchen: “My mother's cozy kitchen is cherry modern and proper nutrition for 8 sq. meters»

    10. Red and white set - gray countertop

    This is a very stylish and elegant combination of colors. Gray is universal, therefore it goes well with both bright red and pure white, emphasizing their features and hiding excessive brightness. nine0003

    The ideal combination is as follows:

    Household appliances are also made in gray, except for the refrigerator. This option is suitable for use in a medium-sized kitchen.

    11. Red and white tiles

    The most popular option for tiles in two different colors is the checkerboard. It looks young, perky and even a little defiant. nine0003

    To smooth out this effect, it's best to let only one color, white, dominate. You can choose the option when the white tiles are large, and the red tiles are smaller and play the role of decor.

    You can support red tones with the help of an accent wall - just by painting it or applying some kind of designer print or photo wallpaper.

    Interesting to read: Decorating the wall in the kitchen near the table - ways and photos of good ideas

    If you do not want to take too many risks, then a similar experiment is carried out on the wall behind the furniture - only small bright areas will be visible. The best option for a small kitchen. nine0003

    12. Red and white ceiling

    Another option for the daredevils. In this case, we are talking about two-tier plasterboard ceilings in very large rooms, such as kitchens-living rooms.

    In this case, the ceiling can perfectly fulfill the function of zoning. For example, the lower red tier will only be above the dining or work area.

    It is better to choose muted tones so that the ceiling does not “press” on the owners. And yet the main tone should be left exactly white. nine0003

    13. White kitchen - red bar counter

    If the working and dining areas are combined, for example, in the kitchen-living room, but one of the ways to delimit the space is to put a bar counter.

    To achieve an even stronger effect, you can put a red bar counter with a snow-white headset. But the rule is that scarlet should also be present in the rest of the interior.

    14. Red curtains - neutral set

    One of the possible color accents in the kitchen is red curtains. It is better to refuse this idea if the headset is made in scarlet color. And not necessarily the whole, but only the top or bottom. nine0003

    In the case of bright red kitchen cabinets, curtains and other textiles in the kitchen are chosen in neutral tones - white, gray, beige.

    If the whole kitchen is made in this neutral tone, then you can add fire with the help of curtains, for example, from soft stripe. It will look absolutely normal if they are complemented by an apron or a tabletop, or even a dining group with a large easy chair.

    More interesting red and white kitchen ideas can be found in the following video. nine0003

    RED KITCHEN 50 red kitchen ideas. Red Kitchen ideas.


    Watch this video on YouTube

    It would be useful to read the opinions of people who have already made a red and white kitchen and tried it out in practice.

    Reviews

    Alexandra: We put a red set with a silver-gray top, so all appliances were also kept in metallic color. And the wallpaper is also silver, but with a black pattern. It has been standing for two months, it pleases the eye, it does not put pressure on the psyche and it has not become boring, as many “warned”. nine0003

    Valentine: I have a very non-standard kitchen, so I thought about it for a long time. The room is small - 7 squares. Set chose the corner, the sink at the windowsill. The facades are glossy ripe cherries, the countertop is matte black, and I decided to make the backsplash a black and white mosaic. I am very pleased with my decision, the kitchen has been pleasing for several years. But some guests say that it turned out a bit dark. Here, the taste and color of the felt-tip pens are different, I'm happy with everything. But keep in mind that EVERYTHING is visible on the red gloss! The child walked with a plastic toy - there were white stripes that could not be removed by L. But we still planned to repair the apartment in 5 years, so we were not very upset. But I really liked the color scheme, perhaps I will repeat it, only I will make the top white - it’s still more airy. nine0003

    Svetlana: I made a red kitchen and was happy with everything.

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