Decorating & Design
25 Of Our Most Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Updated on April 18, 2017
Although its origins are utilitarian, the kitchen backsplash can be a thing of beauty. With endless materials and looks to choose from, it’s one of the best ways to make a statement in the kitchen. From exotic patterned tile to vinyl grasscloth, our gallery of of 25 inspiring kitchen backsplash ideas is filled with fresh inspiration!
For a fresh take on cottage style, the team at Sarah Richardson Design ran tile along the lower part of the wall (a practical choice, since it’s the most mess-prone) and outfitted the rest with panelling to create continuity between the combined kitchen and living room.
To up the wow factor in a kitchen with plenty of open shelving, install an attention-grabbing backsplash. Here, monochrome tiles in a herringbone pattern provide a dramatic backdrop for display.
To introduce an element of fun in their kitchen, homeowners Carlo and Laura Colacci chose a geometric-patterned backsplash.
Designer Samantha Farjo updated this modern kitchen with show-stopping tile that feels exotic when coupled with handsome Moroccan-inspired pendants.
In this contemporary kitchen, square metallic tiles pop against white cabinetry and keep the space from feeling too stark.
In this handsome kitchen, stainless steel panels add modern contrast against warm walnut cabinets.
Textured sandstone backsplash and weather-beaten barnboard cabinets give this Georgian Bay cottage a rustic feel that’s true to the surrounding landscape.
To balance this kitchen and dining area’s warm woods and create a space sleek enough to entertain in, designer Alex Chapman installed a romantic, taupe marble backsplash.
Classic white subway tiles are a practical choice in colorful kitchens. Here, they add subtle shine without competing against the deep blue lower cabinets.
For an unexpected material in the kitchen, opt for a vinyl backsplash. In his own home, designer Cameron MacNeil chose a faux grasscloth for its warmth and texture (plus, it’s easy to wipe down!).
In hockey star Trevor Linden’s Whistler kitchen, a stretch of oak cabinets couple well with the expansive limestone backsplash for a natural, uncluttered look.
An exposed brick wall doubles as a backsplash in this bold galley kitchen. When coupled with slick black cabinets and large-scale open shelving, the space has a mod, industrial appeal.
A chalkboard paint backsplash is an ideal choice for busy families. When in use, it’s the perfect place to jot down new recipe ideas or add to the weekly grocery list. It can just as easily be wiped clean for a more sophisticated, striking backdrop.
For frequent cooks coveting a restaurant-worthy kitchen, consider cladding the entire wall of your prep area (including the hood!) in tile for quick cleanup. “Chefs often need to hose down the entire room after a night’s service, so tile will be used floor to ceiling,” explains designer Sarah Keenleyside.
Tour this kitchen on H&H TV.
Hockey player Jason Arnott’s own kitchen exudes opulence thanks to a luxe Himalayan marble backsplash that envelops the cooking area. Wood flooring and cabinetry warm up the space.
For a glam twist on the classic white kitchen, opt for a mirrored backsplash. A reflective backsplash is big on style, and is an easy way to add light and dimension in smaller kitchens.
Hex-shaped porcelain tiles add texture and depth in a kitchen otherwise filled with smooth, polished surfaces. “I was determined not to do the typical white subway tile,” explains designer Sarah Hartill of her creative choice.
A high-gloss black backsplash and matte black cabinets make a dramatic statement in designer Meredyth Hilton’s own kitchen. White dishes and stainless steel appliances pop against the tone-on-tone wall.
In this masculine Montreal condo, a 12″-long backsplash is backlit for extra light. Lacquered upper cabinets seamlessly blend in, adding a modern element to the industrial space.
A curbed, pale grey Caesarstone backsplash lends this cottage kitchen a fuss-free, polished appeal. Shiplap on the upper wall adds a hit of country.
A painted glass backsplash provides a clean backdrop for designer Christine Ralphs’s own high-contrast kitchen. The simple panel adds a streamlined note and keeps the moodier palette from feeling too overwhelming.
An eye-catching ikat-patterned backsplash adds a dash of the exotic to this otherwise classic kitchen.
For a bold move in the kitchen, eschew backsplash tiles and opt for dramatic wallpaper, like this fairytale-inspired mural by Zoffany.
For a relaxed, minimalist look, these homeowners chose to carry the same panelling found throughout their cottage into their kitchen’s prep area. A large granite island adds a note of polish.
In stylist Sasha Seymour’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling subway tiles call attention to the room’s unique fireplace feature and create the feel of an elegant European bistro.