Adding style and drama to your kitchen is easy with a brightly hued backsplash. Discover new ways to use favorite colors, and see how tile patterns and materials can help your backsplash stand out even more.
Create an optical illusion.
If you have a small kitchen, consider incorporating shimmering tiles to open up the space. Just like a mirror, the brilliant sheen of these subway tiles reflects light and makes the room feel more spacious. Frosted-glass upper cabinets also keep the space from feeling too confined, and provide a display area to show off pretty dishware.
Hint at nature.
A light green backsplash adds refreshing, modern flair to this neutral kitchen, and the classic subway tile shape blends nicely with the traditional-style cabinetry. Reminiscent of outdoor spaces, the gentle green tiles bring a touch of nature to the kitchen work space.
Add some zing.
In a white kitchen, brightly colored backsplashes pack a significant punch. Adding other vibrant accents will help bold tiles complement the kitchen’s overall design. Here, charming floral window shades do the trick.
Use tiles to inspire.
Backsplash tiles can provide inspiration for the rest of the cooking space. Here, playful ceramic tiles inspired the kitchen’s vibrant colors and cheerful aesthetic. The base cabinets were painted a mustard hue to match the yellow in the tiles, while the warm off-white of the upper cabinetry keeps the bright hues from overpowering the room.
Go green gracefully.
In a sea of gray and natural wood, a watery green backsplash creates a colorful focal point in this open kitchen. The glass tiles have a handmade look, and black grout—topped with a lighter grout—creates vintage-style variations between the tiles.
Add a dash of character.
A touch of color can go a long way in a neutral kitchen. This backsplash features a pattern of cream and blush ceramic tiles framed in a bold blue. The contrasting colors draw attention to the professional-grade range without distracting from the beautiful custom cabinetry and spectacular granite countertops.
Be bright with blue.
While this backsplash is distinct because of its electric-blue hue, its pattern also deserves mention. The tiles are stacked horizontally (rather than in a common offset pattern), offering a modern twist.
Include vintage beauty.
Featured on both the countertops and the backsplash, the traditional shape of these sunny-yellow subway tiles creates undeniable vintage character. For a unified look, it’s good to find ways to tie a backsplash to other elements in the kitchen. Here, a narrow band of dark brown tiles above the countertops echoes the trim on the surrounding cabinets.
Embrace texture.
Rough tiles give this backsplash textural appeal, while the vibrant blue hue adds a dash of drama to this predominantly white kitchen. When choosing a backsplash material, remember to consider the rest of the elements and finishes in your kitchen. Here, the brick-like texture of the tiles complements the industrial-inspired range and hood.
Infuse subtle color.
If you prefer to take a soft hand with color, look for tiles that are mostly neutral with just a hint of color. Here, occasional hints of golden yellow and slate gray provide dimension to this mostly beige backsplash.
Create cottage style with a twist.
This quintessential country-blue beadboard backsplash keeps up with the charming characteristics of the kitchen’s cottage-style cabinets and warm butcher-block countertops. Installing the beadboard horizontally gives this traditional material a fresh look.
Steal the scene.
Ceramic tiles in a bold red hue create a striking behind-the-range backdrop in this modern kitchen. The thin horizontal tiles add texture and warmth to the accompanying sleek cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. If you like the look of thin horizontal tiles but want a more classic look, consider using tiles in softer tones, such as a white or soft neutral.
Play with pattern.
Shades of blue, stone gray and olive green adorn this soothing—yet eye-catching—backsplash. The small tiles enable the hues to meld together for a watercolor effect, and the herringbone pattern creates a wavelike look across the backsplash.
Use horizontal lines.
Ceramic tiles in nature-inspired hues create a striking backdrop for this kitchen’s open shelving. The long, narrow tiles look handmade and mimic the detailed craftsmanship found in the rest of this 1928 Craftsman-style home. Stretching the tiles all the way to the ceiling provides a seamless look and increases the drama.
Try a new twist on a classic style.
A bright tile wall takes center stage in the range area of this kitchen. The tile’s vibrant citron hue introduces modern flair, while the subway-tile shape exudes a more classic vibe.
Bedazzle with a beadboard backsplash.
A beadboard backsplash gives this newly remodeled kitchen a warm, cottage feel. Painted a soothing robin’s-egg blue to match the island, the panels also add distinctive texture to the wall.
Go bold with green.
This bold behind-the-range backsplash coordinates with the bright green kitchen island and the accessories throughout the room. The natural color variations in the tiles pair nicely with the rustic feel of the nearby island.
Choose soothing mosaic tiles.
This shimmering backsplash features tiny mosaic tiles for a simple, contemporary look. The soft blue hue is reminiscent of the sky and complements the window-backed glass cabinets.
Contemplate contemporary chic.
An artful kitchen backsplash ensures this contemporary kitchen looks anything but cold. Recalling the colors of the surrounding cabinetry, the tiles are set in a random mosaic of blues and browns—providing extra texture when set against smooth cabinetry and sleek appliances.
Create seamless color.
For a sophisticated look, consider selecting the same material for both the backsplash and countertops. In this kitchen, red quartz-surfacing lends a stylish and durable finish to the walls and counters. The deep red hue provides bold contrast to the pale gray cabinets and stainless-steel appliances.
Pop with purple.
Although purple isn’t a common choice for kitchens, it certainly works well in this room. Mosaic tiles in shades of gray and purple stand out against the cherry-stained cabinetry. Adding bold color with wall treatments, backsplashes and lighting is a smart strategy for updating your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Elevate with excellent patterns.
A colorful backsplash with a diamond motif gives this traditional kitchen a relaxed, fun vibe, while the strong pattern works well with the cabinetry’s simple lines. The tile’s green-and-white hues are repeated in the room’s accessories and trim to give the space a unified look.
Add drama with an accent wall.
Rich green subway tiles lend visual weight to this kitchen’s primary cooking area. The tiles’ traditional style and glossy finish conveys the kitchen’s unique blend of old-world comfort and contemporary style. To avoid overpowering the space with such a dark hue, the green tile is confined to just one wall. A marble backsplash accents the adjacent wall and blends with the kitchen’s marble countertops.
Refresh with recycled materials.
This backsplash is both stylish and eco-friendly. The tiles were created from glass that would have otherwise gone to a landfill. The random arrangement of blue, yellow and green tiles adds visual energy to the room, and provides a dramatic pop of color amidst the kitchen’s predominantly neutral hues.
Let cabinet color be the guide.
If you love your kitchen cabinets, use the color of their paint or stain as a starting point for choosing a backsplash color. The orange undertones of these high-gloss, modern cabinets are drawn out by the backsplash’s variegated, orange-base mosaic tiles. For a thoroughly modern look, rectangles of silvery-gray tiles punctuate the backsplash.