IN THIS POST
– Mix-and-match tiles
– Glass tile mosaic
– Stainless steel
– Diagonal or vertical tiles
– Subway tiles
– Mirror
– Natural Stone
– Wallpaper
– Bright patterns
– Chalkboard
Kitchen backsplashes are a great way to add some colour and texture to an otherwise plain décor.
However, their primary purpose is much more important than making your kitchen look stylish and unique. Backsplashes are installed to protect the walls in your kitchen from water, grease and other elements that may leave the surface stained or cause discolouration. Although most homeowners prefer installing backsplashes behind their stovetops and sinks, you can pretty much install it throughout the kitchen to make your cooking space much more personalised and aesthetically pleasing.
From a clean stone wall look to a bright glass tile mosaic, there are essentially unlimited kitchen backsplash designs that one can choose from. Nevertheless, it is crucial to select a design that complements the rest of your décor, serves as the focal point of your space, reflects your personality, adds value to your home, and most importantly, makes you happy.
If you are planning to renovate or upgrade your cooking space, we’ve put together a list of kitchen backsplash trends that are not only stylish and creative but will also ensure perfect harmony between your countertops, walls and cooking area.
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Here are some of the top kitchen backsplash trends that might inspire you to freshen up your space and give it a complete makeover.
- Mix-and-match tiles
- Glass tile mosaic
- Stainless steel
- Diagonal or vertical tiles
- Subway tiles
- Mirror
- Stone
- Wallpaper
- Bright pattern
- Chalkboard
Let’s get started.
Mix-and-match tiles
Who doesn’t love colourful and vibrant mix-and-match designs?
If you want to add a splash of colour to your kitchen without repainting your cabinetry or the walls, adding a mix-and-match tile backsplash is probably one of your best options.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are considered the best options for kitchen backsplashes, as they are both durable, non-toxic, as well as resistant to heat and water. In addition to that, they are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns, sizes and designs.
In order to achieve this look, you need to buy tiles in various shades featuring different patterns. However, it’s better if they are all of a similar size to create a uniform look. Then, mix and match the coordinating tiles to create your desired design. What’s even better is that you install this kitchen backsplash all by yourself without hiring a professional. All you need for this project is your flair for creativity and you’re good to go.
To put it simply, it is one of the kitchen trends that will last for a long time.
On a side note, make sure to check the quality of marble and ceramic tiles on site before buying them to avoid future repairs.
Glass Tile Mosaic
Considered one of the most popular kitchen backsplash trends for 2020, glass tile mosaic is easy to install, budget-friendly and can look rather stunning under proper lighting.
The best feature of glass tiles is that they are highly reflective, thus allowing the light to bounce through the room and add to its brightness. Secondly, they are sturdy and have a longer life-span, which means you won’t have to replace them for several years. Lastly, they are easy to clean.
Glass tiles mosaic is also one of the most popular kitchen backsplash ideas for dark cabinets.
Depending on the chosen kitchen backsplash design, you can choose glass tiles of similar or different shapes and sizes in varying hues, and arrange them vertically, horizontally or in pretty much whichever random way you like. You can even interlock them like puzzle pieces or to form a certain pattern. Generally, interior designers recommend using small glass tiles to add some texture and depth to your cooking space, though you can use 4×4-inch tiles as well, based on your personal preference and style.
The installation process for glass tiles isn’t much different from that of ceramic or porcelain ones. You only need some thinset mortar and a trowel to create the kitchen backsplash design.
Stainless steel
A stainless steel kitchen backsplash may remind you of an industrial kitchen located inside a restaurant or a café. Interestingly, it is one of the top kitchen trends for 2020.
A kitchen backsplash made out of stainless steel may be slightly more expensive than most other ideas on the list, but it’s safe to say that this home improvement project must be treated as a one-time investment because your backsplash is going to last for a very long time.
Installing a stainless steel backsplash will add a dramatic look to your kitchen, along with making it look clean and pristine. They are also easy to maintain, clean and you don’t have to worry about issues such as dirty grouting or cracked tiles.
Both stainless steel sheets and tiles are easily available in the market today.
Diagonal or vertical tiles
When it comes to installing a kitchen backsplash, most homeowners choose to install tiles in a horizontal manner. While there’s nothing wrong with this method, you can always add a touch of uniqueness to your design by installing the tiles in a vertical or diagonal manner, regardless of their size.
So, whether you are installing a backsplash behind the stove only or all throughout your kitchen, this trend can really transform your entire space.
One of the biggest advantages of installing tiles vertically or diagonally is that they create an illusion of more space, thus making your walls look taller than they actually are. Moreover, diagonal tiles can add a bit of texture and depth to a room, adding some personality to an otherwise plain décor.
If you are opting for ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles of bigger glass tiles, this kitchen backsplash design will give your space a complete makeover without forcing you to go over your budget.
Subway tiles
Installing small subway tiles is one of the most timeless kitchen backsplash ideas of all times.
Subways tiles work well in most kitchens because they can be incorporated into any theme. From a minimalist kitchen décor to a rustic one, these plain white small tiles fit perfectly into most architectural designs. In addition to that, they are pretty affordable, low-maintenance and easy to install.
Another pro of installing subway tiles in the kitchen is that they never really go out of style. You just need to clean them every few months or so to freshen up your cooking space and make it look brand new. Usually, homeowners prefer installing 3×6-inch subway tiles in their kitchen, though companies have begun producing these tiles in various sizes and colours now. That means you can use these seemingly plain tiles to create unique and artistic looks.
In case you want to stick with white subway tiles instead of the coloured ones, you can always opt for darker grout to add some depth and dimension to your kitchen backsplash.
Mirrors
As we all know, strategically placed mirrors can make your home look larger and more spacious than it actually is.
Contrary to popular belief, mirrors are a brilliant choice for backsplashes in small and medium-sized cooking spaces. Apart from making your kitchen look bigger and opening up space, mirrors also reflect light and make the room look brighter. Mirror backsplashes are also easy to clean, easy to install and not very expensive.
It is also one of the best kitchen backsplash ideas for white cabinets.
Tempered glass is the best choice for a mirror backsplash, as regular glass would crack due to heat if installed behind a stovetop. Not only would that be messy to clean but can be extremely dangerous for everyone in your home. You can install a custom mirror not just behind your sink and stovetop, but also between your countertop and kitchen cabinets for a more cohesive look.
The only downside to this popular kitchen backsplash design is that you’d probably have to hire a professional to install it.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is also an ideal material to be used for a kitchen backsplash. From granite and slate to marble and limestone, there are a number of different types of natural stones you can use to add a touch of lavishness to your cooking space.
Stone backsplashes can make your kitchen look elegant and expensive. In addition to that, stone tiles can’t easily handle high temperatures, making them suitable for a stovetop backsplash. They are also resistant to rot, mould as well as general wear and tear. Another benefit of natural stone kitchen backsplash trends is that they are essentially maintenance-free and rather easy to clean.
However, you must be extremely careful while choosing the material because pairing two different types of natural stones for countertops and backsplash can have quite a negative impact on the overall look of your space.
As mentioned above, your backsplash design and material must complement the countertops, cabinets, floors and other elements of your kitchen to create a harmonious look.
Wallpaper
If you are looking for kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget, this is probably it.
Although wallpapers have earned a reputation for being fragile and delicate, the truth is there are certain types of wallpapers that will fit perfectly well in any kitchen. In this regard, solid vinyl or vinyl coated fabric wallpapers certainly top the list, as they are resistant to moisture, very durable, and can be easily washed to get rid of grease and other stains.
Vinyl wallpapers are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and designs. Therefore, you can easily find a wallpaper that suits your overall kitchen décor. Fibreglass wallpapers can also be a good alternative.
There are several ways to clean the wallpaper in your kitchen. However, the easiest way to clean the vinyl wallpaper is to dampen a soft sponge by dipping it into a mixture of two teaspoons of mild dishwashing liquid and a cup of warm water.
Moreover, installing wallpaper is relatively easier than installing tiles. You also don’t have to worry about filling in the grout.
In case you’re planning to take the DIY route with this kitchen backsplash trend, don’t forget to take a look at our comprehensive tutorial on how to wallpaper a room like a pro.
Bright Patterns
If you aren’t a fan of glass tiles mosaics and mix-and-match tiles, then you should consider opting for patterned kitchen backsplashes for a more cohesive and traditional look.
Regardless of whether you are using ceramic, porcelain or glass tiles, you can easily find ready-to-install kitchen backsplash panels in the market. All you need to do is install them as per the manufacturer’s instructions and your kitchen is good to go. You can also get these designed tiles custom made to make your cooking space look more personalized.
You can even use tiles in different shades to make floral, geometric and other patterns all by yourself. However, you’ll first need to lay everything out on the floor to figure out the correct tile placement before starting the installation process.
Most traditional homes in Pakistan feature white, grey or brown backsplashes, though you can easily elevate your cooking space by opting for brightly coloured tiles and eye-catching patterns.
Chalkboard
Painting a chalkboard backsplash is also a great way to spruce up your kitchen without spending a lot of money or hiring an expert. It is also one of the top kitchen backsplash trends for 2020.
A chalkboard kitchen backsplash can be both interactive and functional, depending on how you use it. For instance, you can use this space to write down the grocery items you need to buy or the menu for the day. In fact, you can even attach a rack of spices to the chalkboard backsplash and note down their names with chalk.
Just make sure you don’t end up with any chalk dust in your food.
A chalkboard is also a good option for those looking for kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget, as the black chalkboard paint is widely available at rather affordable rates. Also, you can simply clean or repaint it, if needed. It’s also one of the most creative kitchen backsplash ideas for white cabinets.
So, which of these kitchen backsplash trends and ideas did you find the most inspiring? Let us know your thoughts and comments by dropping a message on blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, you can find out about the rates and types of different flooring tiles in Pakistan in our detailed guide on the topic. In case you are remodelling your kitchen, here are some of the most popular types of faucets along with their pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
For more home improvement tips and tricks, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best home décor and property blog in Pakistan. Furthermore, it would be great if you could take a moment to subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates about the latest developments in construction and real estate industries in Pakistan.
