Top 15 Backsplash Trends in 2024
One of the best ways to customize the look and feel of your home is by upgrading your backsplash. In this article, we will explore the top 15 backsplash trends that we’ve curated from our years of experience in the luxury Nashville kitchen and bath remodeling in Nashville, TN.
From minimalist to maximalist, you will be sure to find a stylish backsplash in this list that’s right for you.
1.) Metal Inlays — One way to elevate your space and incorporate a more modern touch is by adding metals directly into your backsplash. The most popular way to achieve this look is by buying tiles that already have a metal inlay within them, which come in various colors and patterns to achieve a backsplash with both an interesting shape and shine. Working in conjunction with your designer, you can also purchase metal inlays individually in order to achieve a more custom look, using the inlay as grout or molding.
The most important step in choosing metal tiles is deciding what type of metal to use. If you want easy upkeep, stainless steel is the way to go, since it can be cleaned in the same way as stainless steel appliances. Brass and copper are very popular at the moment, and both also get a beautiful patina finish with time. If you don’t like this, be sure to go over the inlay with a sealant, and clean very carefully to prevent tarnishing. If you do go for metal inlays, try choosing an inlay that matches your hardware for a cohesive and well thought out look.
2.) Bold Colors — Looking to make a statement? One of the best ways to accomplish a room that will stand out from the rest is by centering it around a colorful backsplash. In many homes featuring bold backsplashes, the rest of the kitchen is kept more neutral in order to draw the eye right to the color. The bold color used in the backsplash is also often used in different spots around the room, often being matched with your mixers. Despite many homeowners using the bold color as the sole focal point, you can also turn in the other direction and pair it with matching colored cabinetry. The way you go is completely up to you, and entirely dependent on whether you want an all-encompassing bright and bold look, or if you want just a splash of color.
3.) Jet Cut Marble Mosaics — If you know you want a marble backsplash, but want something that will create more visual interest, consider using it in a mosaic. Despite being used throughout history, mosaics are timeless, and can be found in all different styles, from floral to geometric. Jet-cut marble mosaics come in various colors, and can also incorporate elements like metal inlays for a more modern look. Keep in mind that mosaic tiles are difficult to cut and grout. It is also essential to seal marble tiles to maintain their beauty, as well as give them a quick wipe down with gentle cleaner once a week, or whenever they get dirty.
4.) Brick — Bright brick might not be a material you thought could be used as a backsplash, but think again. This style is actually topping design charts as one of the trendiest choices in 2024, and for good reason, as it provides both a lot of interest to the space as well as warmth from its red undertones. This coloring is especially great considering earth tones are making their way back in. If you aren’t committed to using real brick tiles, either new or reclaimed, you can still achieve this look. Porcelain or ceramic tiles designed to look like brick are now available, and allow for you to have the warm rustic style with traditional tile maintenance.
5.) Zellige — You may have never heard of zellige, but you have definitely seen it before. Zellige is a type of handmade clay tile originating in Morocco, and often used in traditional mosaics. Although zellige is still used in mosaic art, it is now more commonly seen as square-shaped tiles known for their luster and handmade texture. Designers love these tiles for their glazed color that has natural variations, giving your space even more interest. These tiles are perfectly imperfect, creating depth that can fit in any style room. Best of all, they are easy to maintain, and can be treated just like traditional tiles!
6.) Color Blocking — Color-blocking is a design technique that takes two or more solid colors and pairs them in a “blocking” fashion to create depth or interest in a room. You’ve definitely seen color blocking before, especially in the art world, being the signature style of Piet Mondrian. You can color block a backsplash in many different ways, like using a single solid color that contrasts the rest of the kitchen, or by using it to create a designated space. For the latter, try incorporating color-blocking into a recessed shelf.
7.) Geometric Patterns — Geometric tile, as the name would suggest, can come in an endless number of shapes to suit whatever look you’d like best, whether you prefer a large scale pattern or smaller detailing! Depending on how the tiles are laid, they can provide either height or depth, making them a great choice in a smaller space where you still want high-impact design. One of the most popular geometric shapes right now is hexagon-shaped tiles. For a backsplash, try finding a hexagon shape with even more geometric detail painted on for a more modern pop! You can also use geometric tile with metal inlay or shiny accents for a glamorous art deco feel. Geometric tile is truly diverse in style, and is a great choice in any home!
8.) Wallpaper Look — If you love bold, maximalist murals, tile that emulates wallpaper is perfect for you. This is an up-and-coming design choice, and are perfect for larger backsplashes where you can embrace the height of the tiles. Currently, wallpaper-style tile is available in many designs that center around nature and the botanical world. They also provide plenty of whimsy appeal to otherwise neutral spaces. One of the greatest benefits of choosing tile wallpaper over traditional wallpaper as a backsplash is that it is made of porcelain, making it durable and easy to clean.
9.) Countertop Material/Full Height Backsplash — Full-height backsplashes made of countertop material are definitely a rising trend in the design world. This type of backsplash is a great choice because it is both stylish and functional, the ideal combination in high-use spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. By matching your countertop to your backsplash, you are able to showcase the natural beauty of whatever stone you choose, which otherwise isn’t as visible unless you are looking directly down at it. The functionality comes into play since there won’t be any grout if you choose a full slab, making it more sanitary and easier to clean.
10.) Textured Tile — Textured tile is a great way to add interest to an otherwise neutral space. With so many textures to choose from, you can find a tile that embraces subtlety, adding just the right amount of dimension, or go for a full tactile display that will be the centerpiece of any
room you put it in. There are also endless shapes, from more traditional squares to playful
scallop, so you can match them to any space needing an extra touch.
11.) 3D Tile — 3D tiles are similar to textured tiles in that they both provide dimension to your space, but 3D options provide additional complexity. Since these tiles typically have a shape that is both raised out and laid into the tile, it gives your backsplash significantly more depth than just textured tile. This is an especially great choice if you prefer a neutral backsplash, since the 3D element will provide your space with the visual interest it needs.
12.) Mirrored Tile — If you have a darker, moodier space, consider installing mirrored tile for your backsplash. Mirrored tile is a great option for these areas, since they naturally open up a room by reflecting light around. They also provide a beautiful, glamorous touch to any area they are installed. These tiles also come in plenty of options, from a standard mirror
look to a more aged, antique appearance to suit any kind of space. As a bonus, mirrored tiles are easy to clean since they are made of glass, meaning you can wipe them down with traditional glass cleaner.
13.) Colorful Mosaics — Do you have the heart of an artist? If so, mosaic tile may be the right choice for you. Mosaics are one of the world’s oldest art forms, and can be done in many different styles to maintain your home’s design integrity. From traditional to modern, colorful to neutral, there are endless mosaic options for you. It also comes in a variety of materials, from marble to porcelain to zellige, so you can mix and match to create the mosaic design that suits your style. Overall, mosaics are a great way to add an artistic focal point to a space, and will captivate your guests.
14.) Organic and Neutral — Many of these styles are centered around standing out, but that doesn’t mean a more pared-back look can’t be unique. Allow for your neutrals to be far from boring by playing with shading, texture, and materials. Consider neutral tiles to be like a canvas that you can add accents to in order to create visual interest. Texture is a great option for depth, or stacking more neutral tiles vertically to add height to a more cramped backsplash.
15.) Unusual Shapes — One final way to add interest into a space that may not get the love it deserves is by incorporating tiles with unusual shapes. This is a great choice for any color or
texture tile, since the shape itself packs a punch, allowing for color to amp it up or
tone it down. There are also endless shapes to choose from to match your design
aesthetic, from modern hexagons to traditional diamonds.
Schedule Consultation with Hermitage Kitchen Gallery
That concludes our list of the top 15 backsplash ideas for 2024. We hope this listicle inspires your next project. Our experienced team of designers has a commitment to design excellence and customer satisfaction. If you would like to learn more about custom backsplashes for your next project, schedule an appointment with our team today.
Hermitage Kitchen Gallery has been a leader in the Nashville design industry since 1944. With a new showroom opening very soon in Wedgewood-Houston, you can bring your vision to life. Schedule a consultation today online, or give us a call at (615) 988-5988.
