10 kitchen backsplash trends: what’s in, what’s out & what’s worth it

the hottest 2024 kitchen backsplash trends

a kitchen backsplash is more than just a protective layer. it's a key design element that can elevate your entire space. with so many options, deciding what's stylish, what's practical, and what's worth the investment can be overwhelming. this guide breaks down ten current kitchen backsplash trends we’re seeing, offering insights on what's in vogue, which classic styles are on their way out, and where you should focus your budget for maximum impact and enduring appeal.

1. rich, saturated hues

the antidote to neutral palettes and the typical white kitchen/white cabinets is all about making a statement with deep, rich colors. a popular kitchen trend for you to consider: jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red. these deep shades can add depth and personality to your kitchen space — with a blue backsplash, for example — creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

you can achieve rich, saturated hues with various materials. perfectly imperfect zellige tile, with its deep, luminous glaze, is ideal for bringing an artisanal texture to jewel tones. for a more uniform and maintenance-friendly option, consider high-quality glazed porcelain tile. this is the homeowner's chance to step away from the ubiquitous neutral and truly go bold, making the backsplash an undeniable focal point.

2. mixing shapes and patterns

uniform tile layouts have certainly had their day. in 2026, we're seeing a playful mix of shapes and patterns that add visual interest and texture to backsplashes. you might combine hexagons with squares, mix geometric patterns with organic shapes or pair chevron or herringbone patterns with classic subway tiles for a truly out-of-the-ordinary style.

again, you can create this playful, layered look using a wide variety of materials, including natural stone mosaic sheets, durable encaustic cement tiles, and earthy terracotta. this approach allows for a unique, custom installation that truly becomes a piece of art, showcasing a mix of textures and finishes that catch the eye and add depth to your kitchen design.

3. the timeless look of natural stone

natural stone continues to be a top interior design choice, but this year, designers are mixing stone like marble, slate and travertine with other materials like glass, metal or wood for added dimension. this trend allows you to create a custom appearance that reflects your personal style while maintaining the elegance of natural materials.

of course, you absolutely don't have to mix natural stones to achieve a timeless, elegant look. going all-in on a single, beautiful stone — whether it's the dramatic veining of a particular marble or the subtle texture of a slate — will always be in style. because every single stone tile is unique, your backsplash will still possess that coveted custom, one-of-a-kind appearance, showcasing the stone's inherent, natural artistry.

4. large-format minimalist tiles

large-format tiles with minimal grout lines are also taking center stage. these create a seamless vibe that doesn't overwhelm the eye, allowing other kitchen elements to shine. neutral colors like soft whites, light grays and muted earth tones are current popular choices, providing a timeless backdrop for your culinary adventures.

this simple approach reflects a growing desire for calm, peaceful spaces that serve as a respite from our busy lives. neutral hues also offer unparalleled versatility, allowing homeowners to easily update their kitchen's look without a complete overhaul. these understated tones pair beautifully with both dark and white cabinets, making them a wise choice for those seeking longevity in their design.

5. metallic accents & finishes

metallic elements are currently making a strong statement in kitchen trends. you could consider incorporating copper, brass or stainless steel tiles or trim pieces alongside your primary material. these accents catch the light and add a touch of glamor to your kitchen. for a subtle approach, try metal mosaic inserts or a thin metal border to frame your backsplash.

a simple way to take this approach is to incorporate gold or platinum glazed zellige tiles into a larger tile layout. a tile here and there can make a major impact, offering a sophisticated shimmer that feels expensive and intentional without overwhelming the space.

6. textured & 3d tiles

textured tiles are also taking center stage, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond the visual. from subtle ripples to pronounced 3D effects, these tiles add depth and character to your kitchen. some ideas: embossed ceramic tiles with intricate designs, natural stone with rough-hewn surfaces, or handmade tiles with intentional imperfections (like zellige and its lookalikes).

then, of course, you have sculpted and fluted tiles, like those found in our lapidary collection. together, these tiles create an undulating surface that's sure to catch the eye, whether you go for calming white limestone, neutral beige travertine, or rich red stone.

7. classic subway tiles with a twist

rethink the basic white rectangles you're used to seeing. this year, it's all about putting a creative spin on this prototypical look. from bold colors to unique layouts, you'll find endless ways to make subway tiles feel fresh and modern. that’s because one of the of the greatest strengths of subway tile is its adaptability: you can create countless looks by experimenting with different colors, finishes (gloss, matte, textured) and layouts (herringbone pattern, chevron pattern, vertical stack), or contrasting grout colors to make the tile pattern pop.

or, break away from the standard 3x6 inch tile by exploring new dimensions. elongated subway tiles can create a sleek, modern look. Try 4x12 or even 4x16 inch tiles for a modern take that makes a big impact with fewer grout lines. on the other end of the size spectrum, tiny mosaic-style subway tiles (like 1x3 inch) offer a fresh angle on this tile type and create a delicate, detailed look perfect for smaller kitchen areas.

8. artistic murals and custom designs

meanwhile, mosaic designs allow you to play with vibrant colors, shapes and textures to create a truly unique pattern.

and there’s no need to settle for off-the-shelf when you can personalize. here’s a thought: incorporate meaningful symbols, quotes or even family recipes into your backsplash design. custom-cut tiles can be arranged to form logos, monograms or abstract designs that reflect your personality.

just don't forget about practicality. choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your artistic backsplash retains its beauty over time. with the right balance of creativity and functionality, you'll have a kitchen feature that's both a conversation starter and a joy to use every day.

9. authentic handmade tile

another on-trend interpretation of the backsplash is embracing a touch of artisanal charm with handcrafted tile. representing a continual shift away from mass-produced uniformity, more designers are recognizing the unique imperfections and character that only handmade tiles can offer. we’ve been championing the traditions and cultures that produce handmade tiles since the beginning, and we wholeheartedly value their beautiful flaws.

they offer a world of possibilities for a kitchen backsplash (a unique bar backsplash, too). since each piece tells a story, the subtle variations in color, texture and glaze create an exceptionally singular installation. you could consider moroccan-inspired zellige tiles for a touch of exotic elegance, or opt for hand-painted portuguese azulejos to infuse your space with old world charm.

artisan-crafted glass tiles can add a luminous quality to your kitchen. from iridescent sea glass-inspired pieces to richly colored jewel tones, these tiles catch and reflect light in captivating ways. try mixing different shapes and sizes for a playful, dynamic backsplash.

10. ultra-luxe slab backsplashes

slab backsplashes represent the pinnacle of modern luxury, utilizing a single, continuous sheet of natural stone instead of smaller, individual tiles. this trend is soaring thanks to the dramatic, cohesive aesthetic it provides, offering an uninterrupted canvas of texture and veining with minimal grout lines. a particularly sought-after technique is bookmatching, where two slabs are laid side-by-side to mirror the stone's natural pattern, creating a striking, symmetrical display.

while incredibly impactful, slab backsplashes come with a few considerations. they typically come with a higher upfront cost and are heavier than traditional tiles. this means they require more complex (and yes, more expensive) installation. the potential for waste can be prohibitive as well.

if you love the look of a slab but also appreciate the practicality of tile, we suggest looking at natural stone field tiles and mini slabs. utilizing these instead of one large slab allows you to capture that uninterrupted, seamless look with less expense and simpler installation. you also gain greater flexibility for future updates. it’s a smart compromise between high-end design and practical renovation realities.

kitchen backsplash trends to avoid in 2026

while it’s exciting to look at the latest tile trends on pinterest, remember that a backsplash is a long-term investment. choosing a style that is too current or impractical can lead to regret within just a few years. to ensure lasting satisfaction, here are a few outdated or impractical trends to avoid.

steer clear of overly busy mosaic sheets, as these often date a kitchen quickly and can look cluttered. similarly, avoid pairing thin grout lines with porous natural stone like marble. the small grout channels offer little protection for the stone, making it more susceptible to staining and needing additional maintenance.

be cautious about overly trendy or highly unique tile shapes as well. while they offer personality, they can be difficult — or even impossible — to replace if you need a repair down the line. (another reason it’s always a good idea to account for overage.)

finally, remember that tile, unlike paint, is a semi-permanent finish. select a classic style you truly love, rather than chasing a fleeting trend. your future self will thank you for choosing a design that remains beautiful and functional for many years to come.

what is the latest trend in kitchen backsplash design?

many homeowners want to know: what is the latest style in kitchen backsplash design? generally, we’re seeing a move toward more luxurious, personalized, and tactile surfaces. this includes a major shift toward large format tile backsplashes for a seamless, high-end look, along with a growing interest in textured handmade tiles that add warmth and character.

designers are also embracing rich color palettes (see also: zellige tile) and incorporating mixed materials to create dynamic and sophisticated focal points in the kitchen. where minimalism once reigned supreme, many designers and homeowners are giving themselves permission to branch out using color, pattern, and texture.

to us, the best “trends” are the ideas that resonate with you, the homeowner — and that will continue to resonate years down the road.

choosing the right backsplash trend for your kitchen

the backsplash is a pivotal element in the kitchen, offering the chance to introduce texture, color, and personality. as we look ahead, this year is bringing an exciting mix of returning classics and bold, new statements. as you navigate tile options for your own project, here are a few key things to think about.

consider your kitchen’s overall aesthetic

in the process of selecting the right tile for your kitchen backsplash, it's crucial to consider the overall design and style of the space. your backsplash should complement, not clash with, the existing elements in your kitchen design. start by taking a good look at your kitchen island, cabinets, countertops and flooring. what colors and textures are dominant? are you working with a modern, minimalist, white kitchen or a more traditional, rustic space? is there a tile to wood transition? these factors should influence your decision.

balance function and beauty

no matter what, you’ll want to strike the right balance between aesthetics and practicality. while a stunning visual element will enhance your kitchen's overall look, remember that a backsplash also serves a vital purpose. it protects your walls from splashes, stains and heat, making cleanup a breeze. look for materials that are both eye-catching and easy to maintain, such as glazed ceramic tiles or sleek glass panels.

stay true to your personal style

in the end, your kitchen backsplash is more than just a protective barrier; it's an opportunity to express your unique style with a captivating focal point. what colors, patterns and materials resonate with you? do you gravitate towards bold, statement-making designs or prefer subtle, understated elegance? your backsplash should be a reflection of your taste and complement your lifestyle.

understanding the latest trends in kitchen design and consulting an interior designer will help you make an informed decision, but we highly encourage you to come up with your own ideas, too. that’s the beauty of artisan tile: with thoughtful, handcrafted materials, you’re already halfway there.