Level Up Your Kitchen With The Hottest White Backsplash Trends
Is your kitchen looking a little dull and dated? Do those plain white cabinets need a face lift? Upgrading your backsplash is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your kitchen without a full remodel. White backsplashes are having a major moment right now, with innovative new styles that can take your cooking space from bland to beautiful.
From sleek subway tiles to elegant marble, these on-trend white backsplash ideas will add an instant dose of style to your kitchen. A new backsplash can make white cabinets pop, complement your counters, and become a true focal point. Let's look at the most popular options and how to use them to create your dream kitchen!
White Subway Tile
The subway tile backsplash is a tried and true classic. Its simple rectangular shape and versatile white color have been popular for over a century, since it was first used in New York City subway stations. Recently, the white subway tile has seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks to its clean and timeless look.
Standard 3x6 inch subway tiles create a streamlined grid pattern perfect for contemporary kitchens. Stack the tiles vertically or in a more playful herringbone design. For a modern twist, go for longer or larger format subway tiles. 12x24 inch tiles have a more dramatic feel. Offset brick layouts add visual interest.
Be sure to choose the right grout color to complement both your tiles and cabinets. Bright white grout suits contemporary spaces, while off-white or grey grout lends a more vintage vibe. The finish of your grout lines also affects the overall look - matte, satin, or glossy grout can all work well with white subway tiles.
White subway tiles suit a variety of decor styles, from industrial to cottage core. Their rectangular shape even allows for easy DIY installation. Keep your white kitchen bright and cheerful with this budget-friendly backsplash option.
Bold Geometric Tile
For a more distinct look, geometric backsplash tiles in bold patterns are trending strong. Lines, shapes, and angles create impact when execute in eye-catching materials like ceramic, porcelain, or glass.
Classic chevron motifs get an updated look when scaled to a large size. Try pairing oversized zigzags with sleek modern cabinets for stylish contrast. Angled square tiles set in intricate herringbone layouts also catch the eye. Hexagonal tiles can achieve a honeycomb effect that adds depth.
Go for geometric tiles in glossy black, navy, or emerald hues against bright white cabinets. This creates a striking color-blocked style. For a subtler approach, use white geometric tiles with grey grout lines. This adds just a hint of pattern to maintain the light and airy feeling.
If your kitchen walls are starting to feel flat and one-dimensional, bold geometric tiles can instantly create movement. The varied lines and grid arrangements make for an artistic, avant-garde backsplash choice.
Textured & 3D Tiles
Dimension and texture are also on display with the newest 3D tile designs. Depth and shadows interact in exciting ways, providing visual and tactile interest.
Classic subway bricks can get a modern makeover when stacked horizontally with uneven grout lines that create a staggered effect. Fish scale tiles have an artful flair, with their curved rows mimicking scales. Intricate patterns like woven Moroccan tiles or traditional Middle Eastern mashrabiya tiles make an exotic style statement.
Natural stone finishes like travertine, marble, and crackle glaze tiles also incorporate appealing markings and grooves. Play up the organic variations by pairing these textured tiles with super sleek cabinets and countertops. The contrast highlights both surfaces.
Incorporating texture adds warmth and character to a white kitchen backsplash. Take your design from flat to fabulous with tiles that show off their dimensional details.
Mixing Tile Materials
Don't feel that you have to stick with just one tile type or material. Mixing and matching white subway, mosaic, marble, and glass tiles can yield stunning results.
Choose one statement tile to use as an accent against a classic white subway tile backdrop. For example, center a few rows of Carrara marble tiles against plain white subways. Or, sprinkle in small clusters of iridescent glass mosaics to make the subway pattern pop.
Varying the texture is another way to add interest by combining tile types. Pair glossy glass with matte porcelain or combine crackled tiles with smooth marbles. Using different sizes and orientations of the same tile also adds diversity.
Be strategic with your tile mixing. Limit it to just a few complementary materials that share common tones and finishes. When thoughtfully combined, you can achieve a custom designer look.
Creative Shapes & Patterns
Geometric backsplashes aren't just limited to square or rectangular-shaped tiles. Get creative with triangle, diamond, penny round, and octagonal shaped tiles for a playful patchwork layout.
Offset brick patterns put a modern twist on the staggered subway look. Tiles don't have to follow straight horizontal lines - piece them together at an angle or alternate directions. Intentionally misaligned tiles create artistic imperfections.
Some mosaic tiles come in abstract shapes like flowers, seashells, vines, or birds. Cluster these into a contained medallion backsplash focal point, surrounded by simple white tiles. Add a bold pop of color for even more drama.
Non-conforming shapes and artistic arrangements lend your white backsplash an artisanal, handcrafted sensibility. Break out of straight uniform grids for an imaginative look.
Marble & Natural Stone
Marble backsplashes showcase natural sophistication. The inherent veining in marble creates depth and movement for an elegant statement. Whites span from the purest bright Calacatta to the subtle grey of Statuario marble.
Carrara is one of the most popular white marbles due to its affordability and classic appeal. It displays subtle blue and grey veining that adds organic interest without overpowering. White marbles tend to run on the pricier side, but make a luxurious investment.
Other natural stones like quartzite, travertine, and limestone offer white and ivory shades with striations that catch the light beautifully. Sea glass quartzite dazzles with its milky blues and greens blended in white. White travertine has an earthier, rustic feel.
Marble requires more sealing to prevent stains but its unparalleled elegance makes it well worth the care. For a regal statement, bring in marble backsplashes.
Statement Backsplash Ideas
One major trend is expanding your backsplash from a single strip to a full back wall statement. Take your backsplash to new heights by running it all the way from counter to ceiling. This creates an eye-catching focal point.
Pair a statement-making backsplash with simple, streamlined cabinets and open shelving. Keep countertops and cabinetry minimal to let your backsplash take center stage. Dramatic large-scale tiles like 12x24 inch subway bricks make the biggest visual impact.
For contemporary spaces with high ceilings, a statement backsplash ensures it doesn't get lost. Bold patterns and textures commanding attention from floor to ceiling.
Turn your backsplash into the crown jewel of your kitchen with an installation that covers the entire back wall. This creates a striking anchor for the rest of the space.
Factors To Consider
With so many trending white backsplash options, how do you choose what's right for your kitchen? Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Budget - Material costs vary. Marble is premium-priced while subway tiles are budget-friendly. Factor in installation labor too.
- Maintenance - Stones like marble require frequent sealing. Glass and metal are virtually maintenance-free.
- Kitchen style - Contemporary spaces suit modern styles like geometric or glass tiles. Traditional kitchens pair well with subway tiles.
- Hiring a pro - Large statement installations may benefit from a backsplash specialist. DIY is doable for simpler designs.
Additionally, consider the existing elements of your space. Look at cabinetry finishes, counters, flooring, and paint colors. Aim for your new backsplash to complement or enhance these features.
Think about your overall style and aesthetic goals. Do you want an elegant, luxurious look or something more modern and bold? Keep practicalities like cleaning in mind as well. Weigh all these factors as you select your trendy new white backsplash.
The hottest backsplash trends provide endless inspiration for refreshing your white kitchen. From natural marble and stone to sleek geometric statements, there are countless options for achieving your dream design.
Keep your kitchen looking on-trend by incorporating dimensional and textural details. Mix up materials for depth and contrast. Go for bold, creative shapes to make an artistic statement. Most importantly, choose a look that complements your existing decor for a cohesive style.
You can level up your kitchen's look with the right back splash. Implement one of these fresh white backsplash ideas to give your cooking space the modern edge or elegant polish it deserves.