Great Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Whether you’re remodeling your entire kitchen or just looking to spruce it up a bit, an eye-catching backsplash can make or break your kitchen. An out-of-date backsplash (think small square tiles or just a plain wall) can ruin the look of the most gorgeous of kitchens, while a beautifully executed design can enhance and refresh a plainer and/or older kitchen.

With so many striking backsplash options available, why not install a new one? It’s a relatively inexpensive way to give your kitchen a whole new look. Check out some of the latest trends (and some classics that won’t go out of style):

Tile

It’s the most commonly used material for backsplashes and is available in hundreds of variations: size, shape, color, type. Tile is easy to clean and there is sure to be one to match your kitchen and your tastes!

Subway tile

Classic, yet clean; comes in a huge array of colors so you’re not limited to the typical “white subway tile” kitchen, though that can be lovely too:

In a surprising twist on typical subway tile, this kitchen features orange tiles laid vertically rather than horizontally:

One of the great things about subway tile is that it’s so versatile; it can be combined with other types of tile without looking overdone:

Glass tile

Glass tile backsplashes often come in sheets for easy and uniform application with the look of individually laid tiles. The possibilities are practically endless!

Stainless steel tile is becoming increasingly popular with its shiny, modern appearance:

Other materials

Kitchen designers are getting incredibly creative with backsplash materials, resulting in unusual and beautiful kitchens.

Concrete

Back-painted glass

The wall is painted in the desired color, then covered with a sheet of glass. Ingenious! It’s easy to clean and strikingly different.

Stone

While solid granite and marble backsplashes are not the “in” thing anymore, they can still look updated in a modern kitchen:

Natural stone is a popular choice, and while I love the look I just keep thinking about what a nightmare it must be to clean:

My favorite backsplash trend of them all is this one:

Windows! Simple yet brilliant. It floods the kitchen with light, gives a lovely view of the outside (disclaimer: this will not work if your kitchen faces an ugly view), and can be Windexed and wiped when dirty. Love it!

What’s your favorite? Tell us about your backsplash!