While certain kitchen elements – cabinets and countertops – are often selected for their timelessness, kitchen backsplash designs are an excellent opportunity to showcase your style. At Bluestem, we love personalizing this decorative feature during kitchen remodels because they can dramatically impact the final aesthetic. Plus, changing them out is relatively easy if you switch up your styling down the line.
Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas
Some of the most common materials for kitchen backsplashes include tile, stone, glass, and solid surface materials. Let’s take a look at different materials we’re seeing this year:
Glass
Yes, you read that right. Glass can be a gorgeous option. Using back-painting or colorizing, glass can elevate your kitchen to a new level. Glass also adds a shiny surface that’ll imbue your kitchen with reflectivity and light. In this prairie-influenced kitchen, the backsplash becomes an individualized work of art.
Tile & Stone
Tile and stone are classic materials for kitchen backsplash designs, and there’s a good reason. Both tile and stone are durable and resilient – a benefit for spaces that can see lots of mess. Plus, with many options out there, you can create gorgeous designs for your kitchen.
Solid
If tile isn’t for you, consider solid surface material. While it can create a monolithic feel, it can also become a stunning conversation piece. Featuring quartz or granite in a complimentary color to your kitchen’s look can work wonders for your overall aesthetic. Bonus: With fewer seams to worry about, it’s easy to keep clean!
Let’s Talk About Style
Once you’ve chosen a material, it’s time to play with your kitchen backsplash design! There are several ways to incorporate style and personality into your kitchen.
Here are just a few of our favorites to consider when you’re envisioning your new space:
Keep It Simple
If you’re looking for simple kitchen backsplash ideas, “subway tiles” made from ceramic or stone are classic for a reason.
Vary the Size And Pattern In A Monochrome
Incorporating an intricate design or pattern in your tiles can add a pleasant twist without becoming overwhelming. We love this contemporary kitchen and butler pantry remodel.
Colorful Accents & Listellos
Accent tiles break up neutral kitchen backsplashes with a personalized touch. A listello, or feature strip, can incorporate pieces you love, but want or need to use sparingly. You may have found a collection of beautiful tiles on vacation or fallen in love with an exclusive line at the local shop. Using these specialty tiles as accents will highlight their uniqueness.
This historic St. Paul home design utilizes different kitchen backsplash design ideas and pattern combinations to make a stunning work of kitchen art.
Feature Area
A feature draws the eye exactly where you want it to go. Take a peek at this unique design, where a feature area makes a significant visual impact.
In the mood for something more understated? This one is gorgeous and clean while showcasing a unique look.
Bold
Why not go for it and commit to something bold?
Down the line, if it’s not working for you anymore, it’s simple to change. Because the backsplash is a small area, it’s easy to modify if you ever decide it’s not working. We love this bold tricolored pattern.
Take a peek at this Uptown Minneapolis home design that takes advantage of different colors and combines them to make a stunning work of kitchen art. Playful and eclectically-placed colors bring a lot of life to a neutral pallet. It feels organic and gives a bright pop to this otherwise traditional, neutral kitchen.
Take It Up!
Depending on your kitchen, you may be able to extend your backsplash up to the ceiling. Sometimes kitchen walls can feel horizontally chopped, but this method can unify the wall and pull the whole kitchen together. While it may look luxurious, it’s not a huge investment.
We Don’t Recommend…
Kitchen backsplashes are a great place to be creative and try something new. One element we don’t recommend is more porous materials, such as slate or marble. Unless securely sealed, it can be hard to keep them clean. However, high-quality sealers can improve this and help keep your backsplash tidy. After all, no one likes scrubbing stains in the kitchen more than they have to!
Remodel Your Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home, and backsplashes allow you to show off some personality. Whether you want to go classic, modern, eclectic, or somewhere in between, The Bluestem Remodeling Team can help you find the right kitchen backsplash designs to transform your space. Feeling ready for your next kitchen remodel (or any home transformation)? Contact us to see how we can elevate your home and re-create spaces you’ll love.
