Top Kitchen Backsplash Trends for 2024

Before you go to your kitchen and bath contractor, this guide explores stylish backsplash materials ranging from reclaimed wood to graphic tile – even unexpected creative options like pennies and crackled glass. Find inspiration to make your backsplash the heart and soul of your kitchen!

Timeless Subway Tile Backsplashes

Subway backsplash tiles have been popular for over a century, and for good reason. The rectangular white tiles with thin grout lines evoke vintage subway stations. Interior designer Susan Rhodes says, “White subway tile backsplashes are a versatile classic. They’ll never go out of style.”

Subway tiles work great in both modern and traditional kitchens, lending a clean and streamlined look. They make small kitchens appear more spacious too. Susan suggests adding visual interest by “installing subway tiles in a fun herringbone pattern.”

Beyond white, subway tiles now come in bold colors and prints too. Interior designer Jenny Wansley recommends colorful subway tile backsplashes as an easy way to add personality without overpowering a small kitchen. “Subway tiles in sage green or navy blue add a subtle pop of a neutral color throughout.”

Eye-Catching Mosaic Tile Backsplashes

Another tile backsplash option is mosaic tiles. Hundreds of tiny tiles in different colors, shapes, and patterns are arranged to form an intricate mosaic design. This type of backsplash makes a serious style statement.

Interior designer Andrew Stewart says, “Mosaic backsplashes instantly become the focal point of any kitchen. They add artistry and sophistication.” Geoffrey Johnson, a contractor, notes that mosaics aren’t much harder to install than regular tiles either. Just make sure to pick a mosaic pattern you’ll enjoy looking at for years to come!

Glass, ceramic, or porcelain mosaic tiles deliver a major visual impact. Many homeowners opt for mosaic backsplashes that incorporate natural stone materials like travertine and marble for texture. Copper mosaic tiles are also trending, says designer Tessa Smith, “as an earthy alternative to stainless steel appliances.”

Wood Backsplashes for Natural Warmth

Incorporating wood in your kitchen remodel brings warmth and texture to kitchen backsplashes. Designer Jenny Wansley says, “Wood backsplashes connect your kitchen aesthetically to other rooms with natural elements.” The most common types of wood backsplashes are reclaimed barn boards, beadboard panels, and butcher block planks.

Reclaimed wood boards make backsplashes look rustically chic. Contractor Geoffrey Johnson recommends installing reclaimed barn wood vertically like shiplap planks rather than horizontally to give the backsplash more height and depth.

Beadboard backsplashes constructed from thin, grooved wooden panels impart a breezy cottage look. To prevent water damage, the beadboard must be sealed before installation and paired with ceramic floor tile near the range.

Finally, butcher block planks offer the durability of solid end-grain wood. Oiled butcher block backsplashes age attractively over time. Charlotte Hopkins, the interior designer, suggests using extra-thick butcher blocks near cooktops as an easy-to-clean work surface.

Honed Stone Backsplashes

Natural stones like granite, marble, and travertine make timeless, elegant backsplashes that seamlessly match countertops. While most stone backsplashes have glossy polished finishes, a current trend is toward honed stone.

Honed stone backsplashes have a matte, satiny finish that mutes the veining and patterning. Sarah Anderson, an interior designer, explains the appeal: “Honed stone backsplashes have a soft, organic look. They provide surface interest and add character without overpowering the space.”

Keep in mind that honed stone requires more frequent sealing than polished stone. It’s also prone to etching from acidic liquids. However, honed stone delivers a refined, luxurious aesthetic, unlike ceramic or glass tiles. For a lighter alternative to glossy tiles, try honed white marble or travertine.

Exposed Brick Backsplashes

Exposed brick backsplashes inject an industrial edge into kitchens. “The rustic, raw look of exposed brick contrasts beautifully with gleaming stainless steel appliances and fixtures,” says interior designer Andrew Stewart. Accentuating the joints between bricks with dark grout adds to the bold warehouse aesthetic.

Previously painted brick should be sandblasted to restore the aged character that makes exposed brick backsplashes appealing, advises contractor Geoffrey Johnson. Original brick walls in older homes work great for this backsplash style. But new brick can also be cut and installed onto cement backer board.

Exposed brick backsplashes work best in casual, contemporary kitchens. Take care to seal unglazed brick from moisture and grease splatter with brick sealant. This helps bricks retain their worn, distressed look for years.

Creative Materials and Finishes

In addition to tiles and natural stone, all sorts of creative materials are being used for one-of-a-kind backsplashes today. For example, interior designer Susan Rhodes recently installed a tin backsplash embossed with a decorative medallion pattern in a client’s ornate French country kitchen.

Contractor Geoffrey Johnson notes that durable quartzite, poured concrete, enameled metal, and glass penny rounds are also emerging backsplash trends. Mixing metal, wood, and tile in one seamless backsplash, is another new look. The combinations are practically endless!

Interior designers advise thinking outside the box for backsplash finishes too. A bright glossy finish reflects light to make the space feel open and airy. Matte and satin finishes offer softness and subtlety. Distressed finishes like crackled glazing add antiqued character.

Trendy Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

With countless backsplash materials and finishes available, the key is choosing one that suits your kitchen’s overall aesthetic style. Here are beautiful backsplash ideas for popular kitchen design aesthetics:

Rustic Kitchen Backsplashes

Rustic kitchens featuring natural materials like wood, stone, and brick are perfect for a relaxed, farmhouse style.

• Distressed wood planks made from reclaimed barn boards introduce a warm, homemade feel. Varying wood grain and surface imperfections add to the charm.
• Exposed brick backsplashes are on-trend for achieving an industrial vibe. Look for properly sealed brick with weathered character. Dark grout calls attention to each brick.
• Natural stone tiles in travertine, limestone, and fieldstone work beautifully too. Stones with visible pits, cracks, and fossils enhance the earthy look. Mix sizes for interest.

Modern Kitchen Backsplashes

Clean lines, geometric patterns, bold patterns, and gleaming surfaces define the modern kitchen aesthetic.

• Sleek glass, metal, or ceramic subway tiles in a single bold color make an impactful minimalist statement. Emphasize modernity with extra-thin grout lines.
• Mosaic backsplashes in graphic black/white or abstract patterns liven up the contemporary vibe without clutter. Penny tile mosaics offer retro flair.
• For an industrial edge, try a tin backsplash stamped with a geometric design. Many metal backsplashes can be easily wiped clean.

Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplashes

Charming farmhouse-style spots feel homey and lived-in with timeworn wood backsplash and materials:

• Unfinished beadboard panels trimmed in wood molding impart breezy cottage character. Painted white for freshness or distressed for vintage appeal.
• Butcher block planks, especially extra-thick end grain versions, make durable and handsome backsplashes that improve with age. Oil regularly.
• Subway tiles in less common shapes like hexagons and color options like blue or green present a playful twist on traditional white tiles.

Transitional Kitchen Backsplashes

These backsplash ideas expertly blend elements of both traditional tile, and contemporary design:

• Mix subway tiles, stone tiles, mosaic sheets, and reclaimed wood in complementary hues and textures for an eclectic charm.
• Choose marble or travertine tiles with understated grey veining. Honed finishing softens the stone and pairs well with stainless appliances.
• Tiny mosaic tiles format edgy patterns like chevrons. Using luxurious materials like marble or mother of pearl elevates the look.

Contemporary Kitchen Backsplashes

Contemporary kitchens favor sleek, eye-catching backsplashes with an artistic edge:

• Combine reflective stainless steel and non-reflective tiles in dynamic patterns to create visual interest and depth.
• Graphic cement tiles handpainted in bold colors, available in countless hip patterns, make a seriously artistic statement.
• Bright pennies and cracked glass tiles add hits of unexpected whimsy. Use judiciously; a little goes a long way.

Your backsplash should complement your cabinets, countertops, appliances, and overall color scheme. Work with an experienced kitchen designer if you need help bringing all the elements together stylishly.

Cost Considerations

The cost of your backsplash depends on the materials, pattern complexity, pro installation, and the amount of surface area covered. Here are typical price ranges for popular backsplash options:

• Ceramic subway tile – $5-$10 per sq. ft.
• Mosaic tile – $10-$50 per sq. ft.
• Stone tile – $40-$100 per sq. ft.
• Wood planks – $30-$150 per sq. ft.
• Exposed brick – $10-$25 per sq. ft.
• Metallic tiles – $25-$60 per sq. ft.
• Professional installation – $6-$15 per sq. ft.

Budget extra if your backsplash requires special cutting or fitting around outlets, windows, and appliances. Simple subway tile and painted beadboard backsplash are the most budget-friendly options. Mosaic, stone, and metal backsplashes cost more but make a dramatic impact. Knowing more about the latest kitchen remodeling costs will help you determine if spending more on backsplashes is ideal.

Backsplash Design Tips

Follow these tips for a stylish, functional backsplash design:

• Extend the backsplash up the wall, ideally to the underside of the upper cabinets. This provides full splatter protection behind the countertops.
• Include decorative trim or accent tiles that match your cabinet hardware finishes for a cohesive look.
• If your backsplash doesn’t cover the entire wall between countertops and cabinets, center it around the cooking surface.
• For open shelving instead of upper cabinets, incorporate the backsplash material into the shelves themselves.
• Illuminate the backsplash with undercabinet lighting or pendant lights to show off the colors, textures, and details of your design choice.
• Balance highly patterned backsplashes with simple countertops and cabinets to prevent clashing.

In Summary

A stunning backsplash breathes life into your kitchen, reflecting your taste through creative materials and captivating finishes. So much more than a practical splash-guard, your backsplash tells a story.

Whether you prefer natural stone with elegant veining or handmade tiles with artisanal imperfection, today’s options let you showcase your unique style. Use your backsplash to display vibrant pops of color, rich wood grain, or sleek industrial edges that speak to you.

Bring it all together with a backsplash that accentuates your existing cabinetry, floors, and fixtures for a cohesive look. Your kitchen forms the cornerstone of your home – give it a backsplash that makes it not just functional, but unforgettable. With this inspiration, you’re sure to find a backsplash design that transforms your cookspace from standard to statement-making!