Backsplash Trends To Give Your Kitchen An Instant Facelift
Kitchen remodels are always popular, but one design element that can make a dramatic impact without a full overhaul is installing a fresh new backsplash. Backsplashes protect the wall behind counters and add an extra decorative flair. With so many materials and styles to choose from, backsplashes are a great way to instantly upgrade your kitchen's look on a budget.
Read on to discover inspirational backsplash designs that will give your kitchen a facelift in no time!
Current Backsplash Trends
Backsplashes today go far beyond basic white tile. There are lots of on-trend options to create a customized look. Here are some of the most popular backsplash styles right now:
Mixing Tiles and Materials
One prevalent backsplash trend is blending different types of tile and materials like glass and stone. Combining stone slab inserts with ceramic subway tile or arranging glass and metal tiles in an abstract pattern creates interest and depth.
When mixing materials, pick 2-3 coordinating colors/textures and experiment with creative designs. Balance busier patterns with plain tiles to prevent an overly chaotic look. Keep grout colors consistent to tie everything together.
Oversized Tiles
Large format backsplash tiles measuring 12x24 inches or even bigger make a bold, modern statement. Whereas smaller 4x4 tiles have traditionally been more common, these oversized tiles establish a dramatic focal point.
The minimal grout lines streamline installation, but the tile itself can be tricky to maneuver. Oversized tile has a sophisticated appeal, but the scale may overwhelm in a small kitchen. Use sparingly behind cooktops or prep areas to highlight specific sections.
Bold Colors and Patterns
Vibrant, eye-catching backsplashes liven up kitchens with color and pattern. Bright blues and greens are trending color choices that bring energy to a space. Strategic pops of color paired with mostly neutral cabinetry make the backsplash pop.
Graphic tiles featuring menswear plaids, geometric shapes, or moroccan patterns infuse whimsical flair. Mix patterns with care - stick to one focal print and repeat colors in adjacent tiles. Black and white color schemes keep patterns crisp and defined.
Natural Stone
Backsplashes incorporating natural stone like marble, travertine, and slate never go out of style. The organic veins and textures add dimension and a timeworn patina. While often associated with old-world elegance, natural stone can actually work with modern and transitional kitchens too.
For a more polished look, select honed or tumbled stone tiles with soft edges. Or embrace the inherent rusticity of slate or pebbled finishes. Neutral stone backsplashes serve as an adaptable, low-maintenance option that complements most color schemes.
Backsplash Ideas by Style
In addition to the latest backsplash trends, the overall style of your kitchen should inform backsplash choices. Here are some ideas tailored to specific aesthetic approaches:
Contemporary Backsplashes
For a sleek modern kitchen, opt for contemporary materials like metal or glass tiles. Stainless steel, copper, and pewter backsplashes infuse industrial flair. Clear glass or frosted styles maintain an airy vibe. Glossy ceramic and porcelain in solid hues or basic grid patterns also keep the look minimalist.
Avoid ornate designs and stick with simple cool-toned color palettes for contemporary backsplashes. Dark grays, fresh whites, silvers, and black make ideal color choices. Streamlined horizontal or vertical layouts result in a clean-lined aesthetic.
Rustic Backsplash
Rustic kitchen designs are all about raw, natural elements like wood and stone. Aged brick, reclaimed wood planks, or faux stone panels make great backsplash options. For more texture, install tin ceiling tiles or penny round mosaics reminiscent of an old general store.
Warm terra cotta, amber and sage glass tiles, or muted linens and blues in checkerboard patterns also exude rustic sensibility. Leave visible grout lines and don't worry about perfect precision to enhance the handmade personality.
Farmhouse Backsplash
No farmhouse kitchen is complete without the classic subway tile backsplash. The 3x6 inch rectangular tiles epitomize vintage charm. Whether crisp white or soft pastels, subway tiles offer clean lines and enduring appeal.
To prevent starkness, integrate pops of deeper accent colors like navy or emerald green. Bolder patterns like gingham and floral integrate seamlessly with traditional farmhouse style as well. Wavy brickwork or distressed finishes give the backsplash a timeworn feel.
Choosing the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen
With endless options for materials, colors, sizes, and designs, choosing the perfect backsplash can seem overwhelming. Here are key factors to consider:
Factors to Consider
One of the most important considerations is how well the backsplash coordinates with your existing kitchen style. A Spanish tile backsplash would look out of place in a modern kitchen with glossy cabinets. Make sure your backsplash enhances the overall aesthetic.
Analyze how the backsplash will pair with countertop and cabinet finishes as well. Contrasting or coordinating with those elements impacts the cohesiveness of the space. Ease of maintenance and durability are essential too, especially behind cooktops and sinks.
And of course, budget plays a role in backsplash selection. Custom mosaic or stone backsplashes cost significantly more than basic ceramic tile. Know how much you can spend and choose affordable materials that still achieve the look you love.
Tips for a Cohesive Look
When designing your backsplash, select a height in proportion to the size of your kitchen. Scale too small and the backsplash gets lost; too large can overwhelm. Standard height is 4 inches above countertops but you can adjust based on your goals.
Incorporate cabinet and countertop colors into the backsplash scheme. Contrasting completely usually appears disjointed. Include even subtle tie-ins like black grout with black granite counters to connect elements.
Don’t forget to accessorize too. Coordinating sconces, pot racks, receptacle plates and décor provide nice finishing touches that pull the whole backsplash together.
Transforming Your Kitchen with a Backsplash
Installing a backsplash is one of the simplest ways to refresh your kitchen's look with big visual impact. Follow these tips for a successful project from start to finish.
Where to Start
Decide on your must-haves – do you prefer minimal grout lines, pops of color, or handmade materials? Also determine practical factors like moisture resistance. Evaluate how the space functions and your goals for upgrading.
Next, explore backsplash products and design possibilities. Focus on the overall style you want to achieve, then narrow options to specific tiles and patterns. Always order extra tiles to accommodate any shaping or repairs needed.
Installation Tips
Hire a qualified contractor for best results, unless you have tiling experience. They can assess the site, recommend products, and properly prep the installation area for durability.
Remove existing backsplash materials completely, then clean and sand the wall surface. Apply any waterproofing membranes needed based on backsplash material. Carefully arrange tiles and use spacers to achieve even grout lines before sealing.
After installation, avoid abrasive cleaners and excessive moisture that could stain or damage the backsplash. Re-seal natural stone annually for protection. Address any cracked or damaged tiles immediately to prevent further issues.
The right backsplash ties your whole kitchen together into a cohesive space. While backsplashes serve a practical protective purpose, they also offer a unique chance to inject color, texture, and personality. Following the latest trends and customizing to your taste ensures a stylish, functional result.
With inventive combinations of tile shapes and materials, bold colors, and tailored designs, it’s easy to refresh your kitchen with a backsplash. Whether farmhouse or modern, rustic or contemporary, there’s an inspiring backsplash idea that will upgrade your cooking space with an instant facelift.