7 Stylish New Kitchens With Spectacular Backsplashes
Designers, including one found on Houzz, share details on tile colors, shapes and patterns that elevate these kitchens
A backsplash typically takes up a prominent amount of visual surface space in a kitchen, making it a crucial design decision that can affect all other elements in the room. But when treated like the star of the show, it can have tremendous results. Here, designers share how they leaned on various backsplash tile looks and styles to greatly enhance these seven kitchens.
2. Handsome Herringbone
Designer: Rochelle Lee Interiors
Location: Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters); 12 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ home is situated on a bank above the Wisconsin River, which made it important to take advantage of the beautiful landscape,” says designer Rochelle Lee, whose clients found her on Houzz. “The large window above the sink was a great way to allow as much natural light in as possible while giving the homeowners a spectacular view. The natural setting of the home guided the choices of the earthen elements that were selected for the kitchen.”
Backsplash. Italian ceramic mosaic tile in a taupe color installed in a straight herringbone pattern.
Other special features. Custom cabinets. Concrete-look quartz island countertop. Marble-look quartz perimeter countertop. Large rattan pendant lights. “We also took advantage of the height of the room by taking the cabinetry up to the 10-foot ceiling,” Lee says.
Designer tip. “The client liked the herringbone pattern backsplash tile but was interested in changing it up a bit,” Lee says. “We decided to give it a slant to keep the linear feel of the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “A challenge that we needed to address was the stove hood and the island pendants,” Lee says. “I wanted to make a statement with the island pendants but needed to respect the beauty and presence of the stove hood that is directly in its sightline. So we selected oversized, slender rattan fixtures that allow light to filter through. This allowed both the pendants and the hood to be highlighted in the space.”
Pendants: Holden, Troy Lighting; range hood: Hoodsly; cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Rochelle Lee Interiors
Location: Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters); 12 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ home is situated on a bank above the Wisconsin River, which made it important to take advantage of the beautiful landscape,” says designer Rochelle Lee, whose clients found her on Houzz. “The large window above the sink was a great way to allow as much natural light in as possible while giving the homeowners a spectacular view. The natural setting of the home guided the choices of the earthen elements that were selected for the kitchen.”
Backsplash. Italian ceramic mosaic tile in a taupe color installed in a straight herringbone pattern.
Other special features. Custom cabinets. Concrete-look quartz island countertop. Marble-look quartz perimeter countertop. Large rattan pendant lights. “We also took advantage of the height of the room by taking the cabinetry up to the 10-foot ceiling,” Lee says.
Designer tip. “The client liked the herringbone pattern backsplash tile but was interested in changing it up a bit,” Lee says. “We decided to give it a slant to keep the linear feel of the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “A challenge that we needed to address was the stove hood and the island pendants,” Lee says. “I wanted to make a statement with the island pendants but needed to respect the beauty and presence of the stove hood that is directly in its sightline. So we selected oversized, slender rattan fixtures that allow light to filter through. This allowed both the pendants and the hood to be highlighted in the space.”
Pendants: Holden, Troy Lighting; range hood: Hoodsly; cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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3. Awesome Aqua
Designers: Rob Lawn, Erin Luangrath and Karen Burris of Ice Interior Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “In a lovely central Austin neighborhood, this young family had a charming but dysfunctional 1964 home,” says designer Karen Burris, who uses Houzz Pro business software. “The cramped, enclosed rooms on the first floor didn’t suit their needs. Their goals were simple: Open up the space, give it a modern touch and add a midcentury flair. The original floor plan included boxed-in areas like the kitchen, breakfast room and an unused formal living space. We redesigned these areas to create open, usable spaces. This also allowed us to expand and brighten the kitchen, connecting it to a sunny breakfast room.”
Backsplash. Aqua zellige-style glossy tiles in a vertical stacked pattern. “Extending them from the counter all the way up to the ceiling creates a bold statement,” Burris says. “Their handcrafted look and notable variations are part of their charm and appeal. The natural walnut wood used in the cabinetry provides a striking contrast, particularly with the floating shelves.”
Other special features. Quartz island countertop with waterfall edges. Glossy white island cabinets. Flat-panel walnut perimeter cabinets. Iron cage pendant lights.
Designer tip. “Tiling to the ceiling, even over the top of the cabinets, is what makes this kitchen sing,” Burris says.
Backsplash tile: Fez in aqua with a gloss finish, Wow; countertops: Ocean Jasper F (island) and Cemento (perimeter), Silestone by Cosentino; island pendants: Circa, Sunpan; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
Where to Start and Stop Your Backsplash
Designers: Rob Lawn, Erin Luangrath and Karen Burris of Ice Interior Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “In a lovely central Austin neighborhood, this young family had a charming but dysfunctional 1964 home,” says designer Karen Burris, who uses Houzz Pro business software. “The cramped, enclosed rooms on the first floor didn’t suit their needs. Their goals were simple: Open up the space, give it a modern touch and add a midcentury flair. The original floor plan included boxed-in areas like the kitchen, breakfast room and an unused formal living space. We redesigned these areas to create open, usable spaces. This also allowed us to expand and brighten the kitchen, connecting it to a sunny breakfast room.”
Backsplash. Aqua zellige-style glossy tiles in a vertical stacked pattern. “Extending them from the counter all the way up to the ceiling creates a bold statement,” Burris says. “Their handcrafted look and notable variations are part of their charm and appeal. The natural walnut wood used in the cabinetry provides a striking contrast, particularly with the floating shelves.”
Other special features. Quartz island countertop with waterfall edges. Glossy white island cabinets. Flat-panel walnut perimeter cabinets. Iron cage pendant lights.
Designer tip. “Tiling to the ceiling, even over the top of the cabinets, is what makes this kitchen sing,” Burris says.
Backsplash tile: Fez in aqua with a gloss finish, Wow; countertops: Ocean Jasper F (island) and Cemento (perimeter), Silestone by Cosentino; island pendants: Circa, Sunpan; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
Where to Start and Stop Your Backsplash
4. Gorgeous Green
Designer: Naomi Dresser of Fig St. Design
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The original kitchen was dark and closed off,” designer Naomi Dresser says. “It was about half the size of the new kitchen, with a wall between it and the main living space. Our clients were looking for an open concept to engage with family and friends and connect with the main living space and ultimately be able to see the backyard beyond. We removed the dividing wall and took over an existing powder room space to offer more square footage and create space for an island.”
Backsplash. “We sourced zellige tile for its handmade, rustic nature,” Dresser says. “This tile is known to be perfectly imperfect and the irregularities are what make it unique and gorgeous. We paired the soft green tones with walnut cabinets, brass hardware and custom terrazzo countertops.”
Dresser repeated the tile on the back of the island.
Other special features. “The rounded end of the island was a playful touch,” Dresser says. “The kitchen joins up with a breakfast nook, so to help with the transition between the spaces we rounded one end of the island. The butterscotch-colored light fixture above the kitchen sink pulls tones from the terrazzo. Altogether this space feels fun and lighthearted with a nod to the midcentury era it was built in.”
Designer tip. “Paneling in the appliances with gorgeous walnut doors helped keep the space feeling clean-lined,” Dresser says. “I always opt for a panel-ready fridge at minimum if the budget allows for it. It’s such an easy way to elevate a space and showcase a beautiful wood or paint color.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The rounded shape of the island was a challenge,” Dresser says. “It was just too large of an island to go with a single slab. We would have had to purchase two and have a seam down the center of the island. Our clients really didn’t like the sound of that. So we worked with our local concrete artist to craft us a custom terrazzo slab with the exact stone colors we wanted.”
Dresser used Houzz Pro software to manage this kitchen project with the homeowners. “Our clients enjoyed the easy payment process we offer through Houzz Pro,” she says.
Tile: Zellige in Tea Ceremony, 4 by 4 inches, Clé; island countertop: custom, Concrete Craftsman
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Designer: Naomi Dresser of Fig St. Design
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The original kitchen was dark and closed off,” designer Naomi Dresser says. “It was about half the size of the new kitchen, with a wall between it and the main living space. Our clients were looking for an open concept to engage with family and friends and connect with the main living space and ultimately be able to see the backyard beyond. We removed the dividing wall and took over an existing powder room space to offer more square footage and create space for an island.”
Backsplash. “We sourced zellige tile for its handmade, rustic nature,” Dresser says. “This tile is known to be perfectly imperfect and the irregularities are what make it unique and gorgeous. We paired the soft green tones with walnut cabinets, brass hardware and custom terrazzo countertops.”
Dresser repeated the tile on the back of the island.
Other special features. “The rounded end of the island was a playful touch,” Dresser says. “The kitchen joins up with a breakfast nook, so to help with the transition between the spaces we rounded one end of the island. The butterscotch-colored light fixture above the kitchen sink pulls tones from the terrazzo. Altogether this space feels fun and lighthearted with a nod to the midcentury era it was built in.”
Designer tip. “Paneling in the appliances with gorgeous walnut doors helped keep the space feeling clean-lined,” Dresser says. “I always opt for a panel-ready fridge at minimum if the budget allows for it. It’s such an easy way to elevate a space and showcase a beautiful wood or paint color.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The rounded shape of the island was a challenge,” Dresser says. “It was just too large of an island to go with a single slab. We would have had to purchase two and have a seam down the center of the island. Our clients really didn’t like the sound of that. So we worked with our local concrete artist to craft us a custom terrazzo slab with the exact stone colors we wanted.”
Dresser used Houzz Pro software to manage this kitchen project with the homeowners. “Our clients enjoyed the easy payment process we offer through Houzz Pro,” she says.
Tile: Zellige in Tea Ceremony, 4 by 4 inches, Clé; island countertop: custom, Concrete Craftsman
Shop for bar stools and counter stools
5. Bashful Blue-Gray
Designers: Sydney Stewart and Jennifer Kizzee of Jennifer Kizzee Design
Location: Galveston, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “Our client purchased this vacation home with the intention of enjoying some great sunny weather and allowing others to do so,” designer Jennifer Kizzee says. “Their more important items on their wish list were to create an elegant coastal oasis with more toned-down ocean color hues.”
Backsplash. “Our client selected all the main surface materials and the kitchen backsplash tile was one of them, which created a true blank slate for our design team,” Kizzee says. The mosaic is a small-scaled herringbone porcelain “that’s pretty versatile, timeless and easy to clean,” she says. “The blue-gray colors in it blend beautifully with the entire house aesthetics.”
Other special features. “Our favorite features are the sterling blue kitchen pendants and all the modern coastal furniture with light woods, rattan and cane webbing,” Kizzee says.
Designer tip. “I think my favorite design tip to use when getting to design from a blank slate is to start with one design element of choice that sparks inspiration for that particular room,” Kizzee says. “Whether that be a pretty chandelier, a statement rug with fun pops of blue or even a bright blue sofa, I always start with that one piece that inspires the rest of my design and focus the rest of my decisions based off of that element. This always allows you to balance everything and keep it controlled. If I already have a pop of blue coming from my sofa, then maybe a more neutral rug will be more appropriate.”
Kizzee uses Houzz Pro software to manage her design projects. “We live and breathe through Houzz Pro,” she says. “We created multiple room boards for each area of the house to keep all our designs, material selections and Mood Boards organized for our team and client. Our client commented how cool it was to access their selections 24/7.”
Pendant lights: Wimble GBL, Worlds Away
Before and After: 6 Kitchens With Geometric Backsplashes
Designers: Sydney Stewart and Jennifer Kizzee of Jennifer Kizzee Design
Location: Galveston, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “Our client purchased this vacation home with the intention of enjoying some great sunny weather and allowing others to do so,” designer Jennifer Kizzee says. “Their more important items on their wish list were to create an elegant coastal oasis with more toned-down ocean color hues.”
Backsplash. “Our client selected all the main surface materials and the kitchen backsplash tile was one of them, which created a true blank slate for our design team,” Kizzee says. The mosaic is a small-scaled herringbone porcelain “that’s pretty versatile, timeless and easy to clean,” she says. “The blue-gray colors in it blend beautifully with the entire house aesthetics.”
Other special features. “Our favorite features are the sterling blue kitchen pendants and all the modern coastal furniture with light woods, rattan and cane webbing,” Kizzee says.
Designer tip. “I think my favorite design tip to use when getting to design from a blank slate is to start with one design element of choice that sparks inspiration for that particular room,” Kizzee says. “Whether that be a pretty chandelier, a statement rug with fun pops of blue or even a bright blue sofa, I always start with that one piece that inspires the rest of my design and focus the rest of my decisions based off of that element. This always allows you to balance everything and keep it controlled. If I already have a pop of blue coming from my sofa, then maybe a more neutral rug will be more appropriate.”
Kizzee uses Houzz Pro software to manage her design projects. “We live and breathe through Houzz Pro,” she says. “We created multiple room boards for each area of the house to keep all our designs, material selections and Mood Boards organized for our team and client. Our client commented how cool it was to access their selections 24/7.”
Pendant lights: Wimble GBL, Worlds Away
Before and After: 6 Kitchens With Geometric Backsplashes
6. Magnificent Mosaic
Designer: Elizabeth Scisco of True Design
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters); 12 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted to bring in more light and update the style,” says designer Elizabeth Scisco, who used Houzz ideabooks with her clients to understand their design preferences. “The kitchen was extremely closed off from the dining area and the living space and did not have nearly enough storage.”
Backsplash. “This backsplash is entirely marbleized glass in a silk finish,” Scisco says. “We really wanted to find something that incorporated the blue of the backsplash while providing a neutral backdrop for our light fixtures. This tile has very small veins of blue and terra cotta running through a mostly white and neutral background, which made it the perfect finishing touch for this space.”
Other special features. “The true star of the show, and the driver of most of the finishes, is the beautiful dusk blue of the cabinetry from UltraCraft Cabinetry,” Scisco says. “Also featured is a custom built-in mudroom bench that was fabricated on site. We had originally planned to use a furniture piece, but the blue was so beautiful we needed more.”
Designer tip. “One of my most trusted pieces of advice to homeowners is to choose a star of the show,” Scisco says. “If everything in the kitchen was blue, it wouldn’t be so stunning. It’s really important to choose some neutral and subtler tones so that the color stands out and so your eye has a place to rest.”
Tile: Hatha Silk, Vihara collection, 1 by 4 inches, Sonoma Tilemakers; lighting: Carson pendant in matte black, Rejuvenation; countertops: Noble Grey quartz, Daltile; wall paint: Silverplate, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Elizabeth Scisco of True Design
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters); 12 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted to bring in more light and update the style,” says designer Elizabeth Scisco, who used Houzz ideabooks with her clients to understand their design preferences. “The kitchen was extremely closed off from the dining area and the living space and did not have nearly enough storage.”
Backsplash. “This backsplash is entirely marbleized glass in a silk finish,” Scisco says. “We really wanted to find something that incorporated the blue of the backsplash while providing a neutral backdrop for our light fixtures. This tile has very small veins of blue and terra cotta running through a mostly white and neutral background, which made it the perfect finishing touch for this space.”
Other special features. “The true star of the show, and the driver of most of the finishes, is the beautiful dusk blue of the cabinetry from UltraCraft Cabinetry,” Scisco says. “Also featured is a custom built-in mudroom bench that was fabricated on site. We had originally planned to use a furniture piece, but the blue was so beautiful we needed more.”
Designer tip. “One of my most trusted pieces of advice to homeowners is to choose a star of the show,” Scisco says. “If everything in the kitchen was blue, it wouldn’t be so stunning. It’s really important to choose some neutral and subtler tones so that the color stands out and so your eye has a place to rest.”
Tile: Hatha Silk, Vihara collection, 1 by 4 inches, Sonoma Tilemakers; lighting: Carson pendant in matte black, Rejuvenation; countertops: Noble Grey quartz, Daltile; wall paint: Silverplate, Sherwin-Williams
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Bold Black
Designer: Kelli Lopez, formerly of MAK Design + Build
Location: Davis, California
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our client came to us wanting to take her kitchen in a much more modern direction while also keeping her existing flooring,” designer Kelli Lopez says. “Knowing that they wanted to keep their flooring to allocate the budget to other design features, the clients wanted a design that blended their contemporary furnishings with the more traditional tile flooring.
“The clients also cook every day, so they needed the kitchen to be highly functional as they spend so much time creating meals in that space. One of the homeowners was also on the shorter side, so it was important to have most of the items used daily stored in the lower cabinets. To create easy access to the upper cabinets, we created a hidden step stool storage slot in the island to allow for the client to easily grab the step stool and grab things from the taller cabinets.”
Backsplash. Black glazed handmade Italian porcelain rectangular tiles, 2 by 10 inches. “This porcelain tile was selected especially for its stunning glossy finish, which allows the backsplash to reflect light while adding a dramatic contrast to the white cabinetry,” Lopez says. “The backsplash was grouted with a custom charcoal color that was selected to color-match the tile so that the grout disappears into the vertically stacked tile design.”
Other special features. Slab-front cabinets in Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. Black walnut island base and other details. Marble-look quartz countertops and short backsplash.
Designer tip. “The open shelf over the window gives the eye something to focus on in an area that does not have tall upper cabinets going up to the ceiling,” Lopez says. “The black walnut shelf also ties in the black walnut accent cabinetry used in other areas of the kitchen.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The clients chose to keep their existing flooring to allow for their budget to go to other design elements,” Lopez says. “This meant that in the kitchen remodel we had to keep the footprint of the cabinets the same but thoughtfully redesign the cabinetry plan itself to allow for more function in the same footprint. We were able to slightly extend the length of the new island to allow for more storage and bar stool seating.”
Tile: Remedy in Alchemy, Daltile; project photos: JLP Photography; wall paint: Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Kelli Lopez, formerly of MAK Design + Build
Location: Davis, California
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our client came to us wanting to take her kitchen in a much more modern direction while also keeping her existing flooring,” designer Kelli Lopez says. “Knowing that they wanted to keep their flooring to allocate the budget to other design features, the clients wanted a design that blended their contemporary furnishings with the more traditional tile flooring.
“The clients also cook every day, so they needed the kitchen to be highly functional as they spend so much time creating meals in that space. One of the homeowners was also on the shorter side, so it was important to have most of the items used daily stored in the lower cabinets. To create easy access to the upper cabinets, we created a hidden step stool storage slot in the island to allow for the client to easily grab the step stool and grab things from the taller cabinets.”
Backsplash. Black glazed handmade Italian porcelain rectangular tiles, 2 by 10 inches. “This porcelain tile was selected especially for its stunning glossy finish, which allows the backsplash to reflect light while adding a dramatic contrast to the white cabinetry,” Lopez says. “The backsplash was grouted with a custom charcoal color that was selected to color-match the tile so that the grout disappears into the vertically stacked tile design.”
Other special features. Slab-front cabinets in Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. Black walnut island base and other details. Marble-look quartz countertops and short backsplash.
Designer tip. “The open shelf over the window gives the eye something to focus on in an area that does not have tall upper cabinets going up to the ceiling,” Lopez says. “The black walnut shelf also ties in the black walnut accent cabinetry used in other areas of the kitchen.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The clients chose to keep their existing flooring to allow for their budget to go to other design elements,” Lopez says. “This meant that in the kitchen remodel we had to keep the footprint of the cabinets the same but thoughtfully redesign the cabinetry plan itself to allow for more function in the same footprint. We were able to slightly extend the length of the new island to allow for more storage and bar stool seating.”
Tile: Remedy in Alchemy, Daltile; project photos: JLP Photography; wall paint: Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: Jill Goetz of Goetz Interiors
Location: Winnetka, Illinois
Size: 299 square feet (28 square meters); 13 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Meeting the family for the first time, I knew right away that they loved a white kitchen but wanted to add warmth and color to the space,” designer Jill Goetz says. “We accomplished this by changing the lighting from chrome to brass, adding oil-rubbed bronze hardware to the cabinets and drapery rods and bringing in color and texture to the walls, windows and furniture.”
Backsplash. “The backsplash is a blue mosaic tile that is a brighter blue than the overall blue we used in the fabrics,” Goetz says. “As long as you implement the same tones you can use variations of one color.”
Other special features. “There is a saying, ‘Nothing matches, but everything goes,’ ” Goetz says. “That’s how I would describe this space. We added texture in the counter stools, grass shades and blue vinyl grasscloth on the walls. Keeping the furniture in warm tones and adding cool tones everywhere else made this kitchen pop. The colorful rug is vintage. Mixing new and old brings interest as well.”
The banquette is custom with a channel design and performance fabric in a camel color.
Designer tip. “Stay true to your style,” Goetz says. “I’m a true believer of your personal clothing aesthetic relating to your home aesthetic.”
Goetz uses Houzz Pro software to manage her design business. “Being a Houzz Pro member is amazing,” Goetz says. “Houzz designed my website, which enabled my client to see my professional work and aesthetic. Using the dollhouse program allowed my client to visualize their project. This tool was the most helpful for them. Mood Boards were also used and a significant part of the design process.”
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