Are you tired of staring at the same old backsplash in your kitchen, longing for a little more pizazz? Well, you’re in luck because the world of kitchen design is ablaze with incredible backsplash ideas that can transform your cooking space from drab to dazzling.
As the team at ABC Home & Renovation in Aberdeen knows, the backsplash is the unsung hero of the kitchen. It may not be the first thing you notice, but it can make all the difference in pulling the entire room together. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning focal point or simply add a touch of personality, the options are endless.
Embrace the Eclectic
One of the hottest trends in kitchen design is the embrace of the eclectic. Gone are the days of playing it safe with plain subway tiles or basic solid colors. Today, homeowners are getting adventurous, mixing and matching materials, patterns, and textures to create truly one-of-a-kind backsplashes.
Take, for example, the kitchen in this low-key Toronto home. The custom backsplash, designed by local artist Catherine Carroll of Black Rock Tile Studio, is a work of art in its own right. Featuring Brutalist-inspired tiles, it nearly steals the show, commanding attention and setting the tone for the entire space.
“I adore zellige tile,” gushes designer Jana Roach of her four-inch Riad Snow backsplash. “It transcends trends and decor styles. It has the best texture, and the natural variation in color adds so much depth and character to my kitchen.” The beauty of this handmade Moroccan tile is that no two pieces are exactly alike, giving the backsplash a truly one-of-a-kind feel.
Elevate the Ordinary
Sometimes, the most ordinary materials can be elevated to extraordinary status with a little creativity and a keen eye for design. Take the humble penny, for example. In this Manhattan crash pad, designer Ariel Ashe and architect Reinaldo Leandro had the brilliant idea to create a counter-to-ceiling backsplash made entirely of round white pennies.
“I was pretty nervous, because I really am not that into round things,” the client admits, laughing. “But they were completely right.” The resulting look is sure to make anyone second-guess the worth of a simple penny.
Another unexpected material that’s making waves in kitchen design is shiplap. Traditionally associated with rustic farmhouse styles, this wooden paneling is now being used in more contemporary settings, like this Nantucket-inspired basement renovation. Designer Kevin Isbell used the white oak material to create a sleek, coastal-inspired backsplash that perfectly complements the room’s overall aesthetic.
Go for Graphic Drama
If you’re the type who loves to make a statement, then a bold, graphic backsplash might be just the thing for you. Designer Jana Roach’s stunning zellige tile backsplash is a prime example of how a single material can become the star of the show. But if you’re looking to take things to the next level, consider incorporating patterns, shapes, and contrasting colors.
In this Denver basement renovation, designer Jenny Murphy fell in love with the natural undulation and imperfections of these rectangular tiles, which give the backsplash a handmade appearance. “This tile was exactly what we were looking for,” she says. “And it complements the soapstone countertops gracefully without detracting from them.”
For those who really want to make a splash, there’s the geometric backsplash moment in this L.A. home. Designers Jess and Jonathan Taylor of Taylor + Taylor took the possibilities of custom tiles to a whole other level, creating a playful yet sophisticated pattern that blends old and new.
Embrace the Unexpected
Sometimes, the most unexpected choices can result in the most stunning outcomes. Case in point: the kitchen in this Hamptons home, where the designers used a contrasting tile grout to create a juxtaposition between the classic subway tiles and the bold black border. The result is a clean, graphic look that adds instant visual interest.
If you really want to push the boundaries, consider taking your backsplash off the wall and onto the island, as seen in this D.C. kitchen. Chic, dark tiles punctuate the island with a contemporary appeal that balances the space’s cool navy hues. It’s a bold departure from the trending white kitchen look that has dominated the market, and we’re here for it.
Embrace the Artisanal
In a world of mass-produced perfection, there’s something to be said for the beauty of the imperfect. That’s why we’re loving the trend towards artisanal, handmade tiles in kitchen backsplashes.
Take, for example, the charming 1920s farmhouse in Los Alamos, California, that features a backsplash moment that is truly the star of the show. “I’m obsessed with the imperfect, raw look of this tile by Clé Tile,” says homeowner Alana Stipech. “Not having grout lines between each piece makes the backdrop look like a piece of art.” Every single tile is unique in texture and color, giving the space a warm, authentic feel.
Over in Scotland, the kitchen of this idyllic retreat on a remote island proves that even a classic like white subway tile can be elevated to new heights. With a custom hood and a peacock blue–painted vintage table (not to mention the pop of red flooring), this color palette brings in all the romance of its illustrious history—with a dash of pizzazz.
Mix and Match
One of the best things about kitchen backsplashes is that they offer the perfect canvas for mixing and matching materials, patterns, and textures. And today’s designers are taking full advantage of that flexibility.
In this fearlessly eclectic Los Angeles home, for example, interior designer John McClain paired the original square tiles with a mirrored version, creating a stunning focal point that also makes the space feel larger. “The tile alone makes the space feel larger,” McClain adds. “Plus, you can check your hair while you’re cooking up dinner.”
Over in this Napa Valley ranch, the kitchen features a stunning blend of cerused-oak cabinetry, slate-hued Brazilian soapstone countertops, and a backsplash of earthy brown tiles. The result is a harmonious mix of rustic and refined that perfectly captures the essence of the surrounding landscape.
Elevate the Everyday
Sometimes, the most ordinary materials can be elevated to extraordinary status with a little creativity and a keen eye for design. Take the humble penny, for example. In this Manhattan crash pad, designer Ariel Ashe and architect Reinaldo Leandro had the brilliant idea to create a counter-to-ceiling backsplash made entirely of round white pennies.
“I was pretty nervous, because I really am not that into round things,” the client admits, laughing. “But they were completely right.” The resulting look is sure to make anyone second-guess the worth of a simple penny.
Another unexpected material that’s making waves in kitchen design is shiplap. Traditionally associated with rustic farmhouse styles, this wooden paneling is now being used in more contemporary settings, like this Nantucket-inspired basement renovation. Designer Kevin Isbell used the white oak material to create a sleek, coastal-inspired backsplash that perfectly complements the room’s overall aesthetic.
Think Outside the (Tile) Box
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, the possibilities are truly endless. While tile may be the traditional choice, savvy designers are thinking outside the box and incorporating all sorts of unexpected materials.
Take, for example, the kitchen in this grand Atlanta estate, where luxurious statuario marble clads the walls in earthen opulence. Or the clever cocktail bar in Ceara Donnelley’s Charleston residence, where a genius combination of glossy peacock-blue cabinetry and unlacquered brass countertops and backsplash makes for a stunning focal point.
And let’s not forget the kitchen in this New York City apartment, where designer Nick Olsen opted for a Carrara marble backsplash to minimize materials in the small space. The result is a clean, elegant look that allows the owner’s stunning blue and white porcelain collection to take center stage.
The Backsplash as Art
In the world of kitchen design, the backsplash is no longer just a functional necessity – it’s a canvas for artistic expression. And savvy homeowners are taking full advantage of this trend.
Take, for instance, the kitchen in this Birmingham, Alabama, home, where a shiny stainless steel backsplash protects the matte plaster walls and creates a stunning focal point. Or the wet bar in this Michigan lake retreat, where designer Summer Thornton installed a four-inch backsplash and countertops in Calacatta Viola marble, with its dramatic purple veining providing bold contrast to the woodsy faux bois wallpaper.
But perhaps the most striking example of the backsplash as art is in this New Orleans home, where designer KV Harper opted for a reclaimed-wood countertop that breaks up the green backsplash and dark blue cabinets – a bold and unexpected pairing that’s sure to turn heads.
The Backsplash as Focal Point
In the world of kitchen design, the backsplash is no longer just a functional necessity – it’s a canvas for artistic expression. And savvy homeowners are taking full advantage of this trend.
Take, for instance, the kitchen in this Birmingham, Alabama, home, where a shiny stainless steel backsplash protects the matte plaster walls and creates a stunning focal point. Or the wet bar in this Michigan lake retreat, where designer Summer Thornton installed a four-inch backsplash and countertops in Calacatta Viola marble, with its dramatic purple veining providing bold contrast to the woodsy faux bois wallpaper.
But perhaps the most striking example of the backsplash as art is in this New Orleans home, where designer KV Harper opted for a reclaimed-wood countertop that breaks up the green backsplash and dark blue cabinets – a bold and unexpected pairing that’s sure to turn heads.
Conclusion
As you can see, the world of kitchen backsplashes is a veritable feast for the senses. From the eclectic and unexpected to the artisanal and elevated, the options are truly endless. And with the team at ABC Home & Renovation in your corner, you can transform your kitchen into a design masterpiece that’s tailored to your unique style and personality.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get creative and let your kitchen backsplash shine. Who knows, you might just end up with the most talked-about kitchen on the block.
