Spotlight On: Kitchen Backsplash Trends Interior Designs Love Most

Luxurious Marble

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association 2019 Design Trends Report, slab backsplashes were the top choice for contemporary designs. "A marble slab is a modern and luxurious detail to incorporate in your kitchen design," says Nadia Subaran, co-founder of Aidan Design. "It can create a dramatic and bold statement and can help a small kitchen feel larger."

• 11 Gorgeous Marble Backsplashes That'll Refresh Any Kitchen

Modern Subway

Subway tiles work well in nearly any kitchen—but if you want something a little more unexpected, focus on placement. "The subway tile has long been, and continues to be, a classic," says interior designer Anne Hepfer. "For a more traditional or transitional look, stagger. For more contemporary look, stack or soldier."

Timeless Herringbone

Another way to mix up subway tile? Opt for a herringbone pattern. "In this kitchen, we went with a smaller format subway tile," says Hope Hassell, director of project development at Case Architects and Remodelers. "Laying it in a herringbone pattern allowed us to maximize the small backsplash area with a design that was interesting, yet timeless."

• Your Ultimate Guide to Household Tile

Playful Mosaic

For an eye-catching look that isn't too distracting, choose tiles in the same color palette as your kitchen, then opt for a standout pattern. "After settling on a navy and white color scheme, we really wanted to inject a sense of fun and whimsy into the space," says Allie Mann, Case Architects and Remodelers designer.

Sleek Slabs

"Slab marble backsplash that bleeds into the countertop creates a sleek look in the kitchen," says designer Jessica Gersten of Jessica Gersten Interiors. "It eliminates the "choppiness" of backsplash tile, and lends itself to a more calm, streamlined feeling."

Elegant Arabesque

Can't decide on making a statement or keeping it subtle? Choosing a shapely tile in a light color gives you the best of both worlds. "The arabesque shape is a design motif that has timeless attributes," says Subaran. "We are seeing the arabesque—along with other geometric shapes return—as more homeowners are looking for unique shapes in backsplash materials, like ceramics."

High-Contrast Marble

For a new twist on marble slab backsplashes, opt for marble with high-contrast veining. "Dramatic black and white marble brings contrast and movement on the counter and backsplash to the otherwise balanced design,"says Shannon Kadwell, kitchen/project designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build. "The swirl of black and white marble mimics a drift of smoke."

Space-Saving Mosaic

Smaller tiles help solve a common kitchen problem: They're a great way to cover awkward-sized areas. "For kitchens where we wrap tile around windows with limited space in between, finding a small mosaic is the most balanced and practical option," says Subaran.

Soothing Blues

The color blue is a great choice for kitchens for the same reason it's a great choice for the rest of your home: It provides a relaxing feel to any space. Choosing blue tiles that subtly vary in hue keeps the look fresh while also creating a dynamic effect. "The dramatic kitchen backsplash was created from thousands of smaller cobalt blue titles that give it a beautiful undulating texture, almost like the surface of water," says Karen Williams, creative director and principal of St. Charles New York.

Striking Metallics

Brass and gold remain popular for fixtures and hardware in kitchens. Complement the look by incorporating a hint of warm-hued metallics in the backsplash. "This custom white and gold backsplash adds a pop of pattern, and ties in the brass hardware used throughout the space," says Jessica Parker Wachtel, senior project manager at GTM Architects.

Stylish Black

While white tiles are often selected to make a kitchen feel bigger, the same effect can still be achieved with darker colors—especially if you choose a longer shape. "This backsplash tile is one of my new favorites," says John McClain, owner of John McClain Design. "It's reminiscent of traditional subway tiles, but has been amped up with a hand glazed metallic finish and hexagonal shape. I loved it so much that we had custom upper cabinetry built with no backing to showcase the tile."

Large-Pattern Tiles

Large tiles with bold motifs are one of the top trends in kitchens today. Not only do they add an artful element to a kitchen, but they provide pattern without the labor involved to install mosaics. "I love to use a patterned tile on a backsplash because it becomes a 'wow' factor in the kitchen," says interior designer Brenna Krouse, co-owner of K Squared Interior Design and Construction. "It's truly the focal point and a conversation starter when people walk into the room."

Feature Walls

"Where designers once created smaller decorative panels, now they're using more decorative elements on the entire backsplash, and turning backsplashes into feature walls that envelop hoods, surround cabinets, and reach up to the ceiling," says Epstein. This dramatic backsplash adds unique character to a kitchen filled with stainless steel appliances.