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How to Upgrade Your Kitchen with 10 Designer-Approved Backsplash Ideas That Are Perfect for Any Budget.

Rita A Sladack

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen with a backsplash that's both stunning and functional? Look no further! We've compiled a list of 10 designer-approved backsplash ideas that will transform your kitchen into a stylish and practical space. Whether you're aiming for a modern, rustic, or eclectic look, these ideas will inspire your next kitchen renovation project.

1. Colorful Zellige Tile

Handcrafted Zellige tiles are taking the design world by storm. These traditional look, glossy tiles add a unique touch to any kitchen.

Oak cabinets with white zellige tile and white countertop in a kitchen.
Zellige tiles in pristine white, showcasing traditional geometric patterns.

Why it works:

  • Adds personality and color

  • Each tile is slightly different, creating a one-of-a-kind look

  • Durable and easy to clean

2. Glossy Herringbone Tile

The classic herringbone pattern gets a modern update with glossy tiles, or combination of glossy and matte.

A contemporary kitchen with matte black cabinets and a matching black backsplash, showcasing minimalist design elements and stainless steel appliances.
A modern black kitchen featuring sleek black cabinets and a stylish black backsplash, creating a cohesive and elegant design.

Designer tip: Pair with contrasting grout to make the pattern pop.

3. Vintage Color Block

Channel retro vibes with a color-block backsplash using vintage-inspired tiles.

A traditional kitchen featuring a striking blue and white patterned marble tile mosaic backsplash, complemented by classic cabinetry and white cabinets
A traditional-style kitchen adorned with a beautiful blue/gray and white patterned marble tile mosaic, adding elegance and charm.

How to incorporate: Choose colors that complement your kitchen's overall palette for a cohesive look.

4. Sustainable Reclaimed Tiles

Eco-conscious homeowners will love the idea of using reclaimed ceramic tiles. Most of the tiles in Ann Sacks' Profile series are comprised of recycled content, ranging from 30 percent pre consumer waste to 65 percent postconsumer recycled bottle glass.

A modern kitchen with dark charcoal gray cabinets, brass hardware, and a custom-made brass sink. The backsplash showcases glossy glass tiles, creating a striking contrast against the dark cabinetry.
Sophisticated kitchen featuring dark gray cabinets, a custom brass sink, and a sleek glass tile backsplash.

Benefits:

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Unique patina and character

  • Conversation starter

5. Continues Look

To maintain a seamless appearance, use the same slab for the countertop. It can be natural stone such as Quartzite, Limestone, Granite, Marble, or engineered - Quartz, Porcelain slab. Just remember, this choice could impact your budget.

A bright, traditional kitchen featuring white cabinetry, elegant stone countertops, and a matching stone backsplash above the cooktop, creating a cohesive and inviting cooking space.
This charming traditional kitchen showcases a harmonious blend of white cabinetry and stunning stone surfaces, providing both beauty and functionality for culinary enthusiasts.

Design idea: Use marble as an accent and surround it with more affordable tiles to create a focal point.

6. Rustic Stonework

Bring the outdoors in with a natural stone backsplash.

A traditional kitchen featuring a rustic large rough stone backsplash that adds warmth and texture to the space, complemented by wooden cabinetry and modern appliances.
This traditional kitchen highlights a stunning rustic large rough stone backsplash, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends natural elements with classic design.

Pro tip: Choose a locally sourced stone to connect your kitchen to its surroundings.

7. Artistic Hand-Painted Tiles

Give your backsplash a creative twist with custom hand-painted tiles. You can take it up a notch by hiring an artist to design tiles that showcase your unique style or narrate a story—perfect for that extra touch of personalization!

A collection of eight antique French tiles arranged in a square formation, featuring intricate blue and white designs with floral and geometric patterns on a weathered background.
Timeless elegance: A set of eight vintage French tiles showcasing exquisite blue and white motifs, perfect for adding a touch of Old World charm to any space

If those custom tiles are stretching your budget too thin but you still want that stylish vibe, consider going for mass-produced tiles that feature painted patterns instead.

A decorative ceramic tile featuring an intricate Moroccan-inspired pattern in taupe and white, with a matte finish and subtle texture.
Amira Taupe: A sophisticated ceramic tile blending Moroccan elegance with contemporary style, perfect for adding a touch of exotic charm to any space

8. Playful Mosaic Statement

Create a stunning focal point with a bold mosaic tile backsplash.

Designer secret: Use a mix of materials like glass, stone, and metal for added texture and interest.


A hexagon mosaic backsplash tile made of green glass and metal, featuring a glossy finish and intricate design, ideal for modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Transform your space with the Green Glass Metal Hexagon Backsplash Tile, combining elegance and durability to create a stunning focal point in kitchens or bathrooms.

9. Shiplap Backsplash

For a coastal or farmhouse-inspired kitchen, consider a shiplap backsplash.



traditional all white country kitchen featuring white shiplap for a backsplash, extending from the countertop to the ceiling behind a stainless steel range.
This traditional country kitchen exudes timeless charm with its all-white design, featuring elegant shiplap as a backsplash that extends from the countertop to the ceiling, beautifully complementing the sleek stainless steel range.

Why designers love it:

  • Adds texture and warmth

  • Easy to install and maintain

  • Versatile design that works with various styles

10. Glass Tile Display

Sleek and modern, glass tiles reflect light beautifully, making your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.


A polished glass wall tile in clear silver, rectangular in shape, with a glossy, reflective surface that adds a modern and elegant touch to interior spaces.
Apollo Tile Glister Clear Silver: A sleek 3-inch x 6-inch polished glass wall tile that brings a contemporary shimmer to any room, perfect for creating eye-catching backsplashes or accent walls. This tile beautifully complements a modern black cabinet dry bar, enhancing the overall elegance of the space.

Practical benefit: Glass tiles are non-porous, making them resistant to stains and easy to clean.

Choosing the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen

When selecting a backsplash, consider these factors:

  • Your kitchen's overall style

  • The amount of natural light in the space

  • Your budget

  • Maintenance requirements

Remember, a backsplash is not just a pretty face – it needs to stand up to splashes, spills, and regular cleaning. Choose materials that are both beautiful and durable to ensure your kitchen looks great for years to come.

A 2x8 inch ceramic subway tile in a soft sand dune color, featuring a matte finish with subtle texture reminiscent of beach sand.
Montauk Sand Dune: A versatile 2x8 ceramic subway tile that brings the serene essence of coastal landscapes to your walls. Its gentle sand-colored hue and subtle texture create a calming atmosphere, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or any space seeking a touch of beachside tranquility.

Conclusion

With these 10 designer-approved backsplash ideas, you're well on your way to creating a kitchen that's both stylish and functional. Whether you prefer bold patterns, natural materials, or sleek modern designs, there's a backsplash option that will perfectly complement your space. Happy renovating! And checkout our Free Kitchen Renovation Guide before remodeling of the most important spaces in your home....

 

Are you ready to elevate your living space but unsure where to start? Our FREE Kitchen Remodel Guide is here to help!

Don’t miss out! Click the button below to download your FREE guide and take the first step toward creating the kitchen of your dreams.





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