The kitchen backsplash has evolved from a purely functional element to the focal point of modern kitchen design. Today’s trending backsplash styles combine striking aesthetics with practical durability, allowing you to make a dramatic statement in your kitchen remodel. We’ve curated this collection of contemporary backsplash designs from our recent Portland kitchen remodels to inspire your next project.
View Our Kitchen Portfolio for More Inspiration
The most popular kitchen backsplash ideas combine beauty with practicality:
- Slab Backsplashes: Continuous material from countertop for a seamless look
- Vertical Subway Tile: A modern twist on a classic
- Patterned Ceramic Tile: Bold designs that create a focal point
- Textured Stone: Natural materials that add depth and character
- Extended Height Installations: Tile from counter to ceiling
Subway tile
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Classic subway tiles are still a popular choice in many kitchens, but it’s also evolved to fit into numerous design styles. No longer limited to the white 3×6 ceramic tiles of yore, now there are many more options from which to choose.
With modern and industrial farmhouse trends, we are seeing a lot of glazed brick, in numerous of colors. If you have a lighter kitchen color palette, choosing this style of tile in a darker shade can provide a sophisticated contrast. Wider tiles are also becoming increasingly popular. With their larger, bolder surface, they can help give kitchens a more contemporary look.
Hand-crafted tile (and tile that looks hand-crafted) can also make for a gorgeous backsplash. Adding a darker grout can produce a rustic feel.
Looking for a non-traditional tile in both size and color? This is 3×12 glazed ceramic tile comes in a saturated blue and installed in a vertical offset pattern. Not only is this style a modern kitchen backsplash option, it also makes a bold statement. And if something more playful is what you had in mind, try a hand-crafted tile with a fun pattern which you can arrange any way you like.
Pattern and texture
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If you’re looking to go beyond subway tile, you’ve got a lot of options. A diamond or square shape set at an angle is simple and elegant, and mixing it up with a backsplash material that has some raised pattern can provide a nice one-two style punch.
Strong, bold patterns can be had in all types of materials and shapes. Not only does it create a stunning focal point, it also can lend an air of confidence to your kitchen space, as in the case with this stunning gray on gray pattern.
Mixing different backsplash styles and materials is also becoming popular. To truly add some flair to your kitchen, consider a tile accent wall behind the range hood contrasted with subway tile in the rest of the space.
And if you find that subway tile is your thing after all, but you want to take it to the next level, try using them adorned with sketchy patterns and designs. They can make a great kitchen conversation stater!
Solid backsplash
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For a truly seamless and elegant look, a solid slab of marble or quartz may be the perfect solution. The large, grout-free surface area makes for a sophisticated, timeless look.
If your budget doesn’t allow for a full, separate slab backsplash, you may be able to borrow from your kitchen countertop material. Using even a portion as an accent feature behind the hood can really tie the kitchen space together.
How to Select Backsplash
Selecting the right backsplash for your kitchen can be daunting. Not only are there seemingly endless choices, the backsplash ultimately needs to work well with the overall design of your kitchen—and meet your needs. Here a just a few key considerations:
The Grout debate
Some homeowners request backsplashes with little or no grout lines because they worry about keeping them clean. Mosaics and smaller tile on the other hand require more grout. If the grout lines are visible, do you want them to integrate with tile color, or do you want it to contrast? The number of grout colors can seem almost as endless as the tile choices!
Backsplash height
Most backsplashes are installed from the countertop to the base of the wall cabinets. Where there are no wall cabinets, we are seeing more and more homeowners opt to have the tile continue up to the ceiling for more continuity and drama. But if your ceilings are very tall, that can be overkill. Ending the tile in line with the top of the wall cabinets is a great way to finish the backsplash.
Should your backsplash match your countertop?
With the addition of more and more countertop choices, the range of backsplash designs has expanded as well. Some backsplashes match the tone of the countertop and/or cabinets while others contrast with bold colors and patterns. You’ll need to determine which style matches your aesthetic and that of your overall kitchen?
Transform Your Kitchen with a Stunning Backsplash Design
Your kitchen backsplash is your opportunity to create a stunning focal point that combines style with functionality. The right choice transforms an ordinary kitchen into a designer showcase, adding texture, color, and personality that reflects your unique taste while protecting your walls from cooking splashes and daily wear.
At Lamont Bros., we help Portland homeowners reimagine their kitchens with innovative backsplash designs that push creative boundaries while maintaining timeless appeal. Our design experts work with you to select materials and patterns that complement your overall kitchen design while making a distinctive statement that visitors will notice.
Need inspiration? Browse our kitchen portfolio to see how we’ve helped local homeowners create spaces they love, then schedule a complimentary design consultation to discuss your vision and start planning your kitchen’s stunning new look. Let us show you how a thoughtfully designed backsplash can become the highlight of your kitchen renovation.
