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Kitchen Backsplash Ideas. Trendy Backsplash Styles And Best Materials

May 06, 2022 | Updated on: June 03, 2022

modern kitchen with mosaic backsplash

One of the most distinguishing features of a kitchen is the backsplash design and the different styles and materials of splashback for kitchens. Before we dive into the trendy backsplash for kitchens, let’s first discuss the difference between a backsplash and a splashback.

A backsplash is a wall covering that rises above a worktop to protect it from spills and to serve as an area for decorative purposes. In the United States, it appears that backsplash is the preferred phrase, although, in the United Kingdom, we use the term splashback. Whatever you name them, they both serve the same purpose: shielding your kitchen walls from dirt, spills, and damage while also enhancing the appearance of your kitchen.

Kitchens with backsplash definitely look more appealing and stylish compared to those without backsplash. Whether you’re looking to update your old backsplash, or you’re starting to build your kitchen from scratch, this blog will help you decide what backsplash design is perfect for your kitchen space. Here, we’ll talk about creative backsplash ideas for kitchens and the different modern backsplash for kitchens with contemporary styles.

Let’s get right into it!

Most Common Backsplash Options For Kitchens

custom decorated kitchen backsplash

A kitchen backsplash is more than just a tiling behind the cooker. It can also be a design statement that will determine the overall style of your kitchen space.

When selecting a backsplash design for your kitchen, the first thing you should consider is the style and color. Will your backsplash complement your countertop and wall? Or will it create contrast?

It is highly suggested to gather as much information about the different types of backsplash for kitchens in order to make an informed decision. For example, a kitchen can look traditional or contemporary depending on the backsplash materials. You can create different outcomes that will affect the color scheme and compatibility of the various materials you use.

 Let’s take a look at the backsplash tile ideas for small kitchens and kitchens with big spaces.

Tiled Backsplash For Kitchen

kitchen with white brick style backsplash

There are thousands of kitchen splashback tiles ideas out there and for one good reason. A kitchen backsplash tile is an excellent barrier that serves as an extra layer of protection to your kitchen against moisture and water damage from the piping and water system behind the walls.

From plain white rectangular tiles to an intricate mosaic tile kitchen backsplash, down to the various patterns like kitchens with herringbone backsplash, tiles are definitely a kitchen’s best friend. In fact, tiles are a popular kitchen material choice because it is durable, easy to maintain, and comes in different shapes, sizes, and styles. If you’re opting for a tile material for your kitchen backsplash, here are the most popular styles you might want to incorporate in.

 

Pattern Style

 

Description

 

Best for

 

Appearance

1. Herringbone pattern

Herringbone is a V-shaped weaving pattern that is commonly found in twill textiles. This tile pattern is created by placing rectangular tiles in a pattern that resembles a Herring fish skeleton. The herringbone tile pattern makes it possible to create a complex design using only one tile of the same size and shape. You may use one tile color, create a stripe or an ombré effect, or arrange the colors alternately or at random. 

Rustic chic, Farmhouse vibe, Contemporary, and Scandinavian

herringbone tile layout

2. Mosaic pattern

Colored glassware, stones, and other items are used to create mosaics. Mosaic tiles are ageless, and designers continue to adapt them for fresh, modern settings.

Mediterranean, Moroccan, Classic, Traditional, and Contemporary

mosaic tile layout

3. Wood strip

The wood strip pattern has the same pattern as the running bond. The strips are arranged or stacked alternately to form the pattern. The only difference is that the rectangular shapes are a bit longer which creates the appearance of strips.

Farmhouse vibe, Rustic chic, Contemporary, and Scandinavian

wood strip tile layout

4. Brick or running bond

This typical brickwork design, also called a running bond, has each tile begin in the middle of the tile below it. This is a simple and basic subway tile arrangement for the walls and flooring. This style uses brick-look tiles to give your area an industrial feel.

Industrial, Contemporary, Modern, Scandinavian, Rustic chic, and Farmhouse

brick tile layout

5. Chevron

Chevron is an inverted V design with each edge meeting at a single point. A continuous zig-zag pattern is created as a result. Chevron designs are timeless. Softly tinted chevrons add a touch of class, while multicolored tiles add a splash of vibrancy.

Contemporary, Modern, Scandinavian, Rustic chic, and Farmhouse

chevron tile layout

The tile pattern image source is here.

Glass Kitchen Backsplash

glass kitchen backsplash with lighting

A glass tile backsplash kitchen is long-lasting, hygienic, and adaptable. There is a large selection of conventional hues to pick from, and you may specifically order any shade to accent your kitchen with elegance and sophistication. Glass splashback for kitchens are non-porous in nature on top of being stain resistant. This also implies that bacteria and germs will not be present! You can choose between a coloured glass splashback for kitchens or a pattern glass splashback. Either way, both are popular materials in modern and contemporary-styled kitchen interiors.

Natural Stone Kitchen Backsplash

natural stone stove backsplash

Authentic kitchen backsplash stone tiles require a little additional care – but the splendor of natural materials is extremely rewarding. Although, keep in mind that when using natural stone, you have to seal it to keep it protected. Sealing is not a very complex process so you don't have to worry much about it. Some examples of these natural stone kitchen backsplashes are the following:

  1. Marble tile backsplash kitchen

A marble backsplash tile kitchen gives your project depth and charm. It adds a touch of timeless grandeur to the kitchen. Marble is also naturally cool which makes the kitchen feel and look refreshing any time of the day. Moreover, you can find a lot of styles and patterns of marble tiles for your particular kitchen style.

  1. Granite kitchen backsplash

Granite is easy to clean since it is resistant to heat and stains so spilled liquids and spewing frying pan oil will effortlessly wipe off, contrary to tile backsplashes where debris gets lodged in the grout lines. Granite is an excellent choice for a gorgeous and convenient backsplash.

  1. Travertine kitchen backsplash

In any kitchen, an authentic travertine backsplash creates a strong focal point. This naturally occurring limestone-based stone originates around natural springs, particularly hot springs. This produces neutral colors as well as lovely natural crevices and streaks that may be utilized with just about any style.

  1. Quartz backsplash kitchen

Quartz does not require sealing, is stain resistant, and is non-porous. Quartz is basically engineered from a combination of materials like resin, sand, quartz, crushed mirror pieces, and a drop of color pigment. But the material is still considered natural because it contains 90% quartz. It is considered an ideal backsplash tile material because it is a high-quality luxurious material.

Metal Kitchen Backsplash

Metal kitchen backsplash panels are highly unusual in the kitchen scene compared to tiles and other natural stone materials. However, a metal backsplash kitchen is a unique and innovative option that will instantly give texture to the room. This type of material is perfect for achieving a rustic metal kitchen backsplash setting. It may also be considered when designing a stark contrast in minimalist or glamourous kitchen spaces. 

Use a clean, unornamented metal sheet as a backsplash if you want a completely minimalist aesthetic. Stainless steel backsplash kitchen is the simplest to clean of all the metals that may be used for a backsplash, and it does not require polishing.

Kitchen Backsplash Trendy Colors

When choosing a new color for your kitchen backsplash, you have many choices. You can opt for a glossy finish, or go for a more rustic, country look. Some of the popular patterns are hexagonal tiles or penny tiles. With our guides and a large choice, you will find a backsplash that fits the look of your kitchen for sure:

  • Patterned splashbacks for kitchen

Patterned tiles are the most popular backsplash design for kitchens. The next time you visit the house of a friend or a family, check out their kitchen backsplash and you’re most likely to find a tile material. If you’re aiming for a rustic chic or farmhouse look in your kitchen, then a patterned tile would be ideal.

  • Coloured kitchen splashbacks

Colorful kitchen splashbacks can be either patterned like mosaic, herringbone, or chevron, or they can also just be one whole slab that’s made of marble or granite. This type of backsplash style is common in contemporary homes and minimalist spaces.

  • Cream splashbacks for kitchens

If you’re into minimalism, a cream-colored backsplash is best. It creates a minimalist appeal but at the same time, provides just a subtle warmth to the space to make it feel welcoming, cozy, and not too sterile. It can come in the form of patterned tiles or a granite slab.

  • White kitchens with black backsplash

A kitchen backsplash is highlighted when it is in contrast with the kitchen’s backdrop color. For example, spaces with white walls tend to have kitchens with a black backsplash or a darker kitchen backsplash to make the countertops and the kitchen walls stand out. The rule of thumb when it comes to color is to create contrast or complement.

  • White backsplash in kitchen

A white backsplash is commonly seen in Scandinavian, modern-styled, and minimalist kitchens. People who are new to styling backsplashes often opt for white to be safe. White is versatile and can be paired with just about any design that is why many homeowners tend to go for white.

  • Kitchens with grey backsplash

Granite, wood, or neutral-color synthetic counters are frequently paired with cream, beige, brown, or gray backsplash tile. This is useful if you have tiny appliances or decorative objects in hues that differs from your tile.

FAQs

Article by:

Valentina Melnikova - Lead Designer at Cut2Size

valentina@cut2size.ca

Office 403.366.7411

Hi there! I’m a millwork designer and an owner of a kitchen cabinet manufacturing company. With a team of professionals, I work on designing and manufacturing high-end millwork. Combining professional designing and manufacturing skills is what allows us to develop and translate our plans into a reality through our uniqueness and exclusive ideas. Our employees are highly skilled and creative thinkers that also utilize their professionalism and experience to take millwork to the next level. I’m very familiar with the industry and I take on each project from the design to the final product. With that said, if you’re looking for design advice or technician help, you’re in the right place.