Here’s inspiration for the best kitchen backsplash ideas for 2024, and a few trends that are on their way out. If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, the backsplash is the perfect place to start. It’s a small change that can make a big impact. But what’s in and what’s out this year? I love sharing fresh and classic design ideas that transform your space while also standing the test of time. Get ready to be inspired.
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Top Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for 2024: What’s In and What’s Out
In: Natural Stone Backsplash
Think gorgeous, rustic and historic. Stone backsplash is a kitchen backsplash idea that adds natural elegance and depth that never goes out of style.
I love this kitchen from @annakingandco on instagram. It feels so organic, modern, but also really rustic and timeless.
Out: Tiny Metallic Mosaic Tile
While intricate mosaic patterns have had their moment, they’re starting to feel a bit too busy for 2024. Simple, clean designs are taking over, as homeowners look for ways to create a calm and serene kitchen environment. If you still love mosaics, consider opting for larger tiles with more subtle patterns to keep things fresh and modern.
Luckily for you, if you have tile like this, check out this post from Come Stay Awhile about how they transformed their kitchen tile for $30.
In: Marble Slab Backsplash
Marble slab is a kitchen backsplash idea that is making a major comeback in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. Marble is luxurious and adds a touch of sophistication and timeless elegance to any kitchen. Marble’s natural veining creates a unique, high-end look that pairs beautifully with both modern and classic kitchen designs.
Take this stunning kitchen from @annakingandco on Instagram, for example. The marble slab backsplash not only adds a sleek and polished finish but also seamlessly blends with the white cabinetry and brass accents, creating a harmonious and upscale feel. The large, uninterrupted expanse of marble makes a bold statement and serves as a focal point, drawing the eye and elevating the entire space. It’s a perfect example of how a natural stone backsplash can transform your kitchen into a stylish haven that feels both elegant and welcoming. If you’re looking for a backsplash idea that’s both luxurious and enduring, a marble slab backsplash is definitely in for 2024.
Out: White Subway Tile with Dark Grout
While white subway tiles with dark grout have been a go-to choice for many homeowners over the past few years, this trend is starting to feel a bit tired in 2024. The stark contrast of white tiles and dark grout, once praised for its clean and bold look, is now seen as too harsh and overdone.
The combination can make kitchens feel compartmentalized and less cohesive. Additionally, dark grout tends to show dirt and discoloration more easily, making it harder to maintain that crisp, clean appearance over time. As we move towards more serene and seamless kitchen designs, this trend is being left behind in favor of subtler and more elegant options.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen, consider softer, more unified alternatives like light-colored grout with similarly hued tiles. This creates a more fluid and expansive feel, making your kitchen appear brighter and more inviting. Say goodbye to the stark contrast of white subway tiles with dark grout, and embrace the fresh and sophisticated trends of 2024.
In: Zellige Tile
We started seeing zellige tiles are step into the spotlight as a top kitchen backsplash idea in 2020, bringing their unique, handcrafted beauty to kitchens everywhere. And they are here to stay in 2024.
These Moroccan tiles are beloved for their natural, organic, shell-like feel, which adds texture and warmth to any space. Each Zellige tile is slightly different, creating a stunning, artisanal look that’s both elegant and inviting.
Check out this gorgeous kitchen from @studiomcgee on Instagram. The Zellige tile backsplash here is simply breathtaking, providing a beautiful, iridescent quality that catches the light and adds a subtle shimmer.
This organic, handcrafted aesthetic pairs perfectly with the natural stone elements we spy in the photo. The stone range hood and countertops create a harmonious blend of materials that feel both timeless and modern.
The combination of Zellige tiles and natural stone is a match made in design heaven. The tactile, earthy quality of these materials brings a sense of grounded elegance to the kitchen, making it a cozy yet sophisticated space. If you’re looking to infuse your kitchen with a touch of organic charm and artisanal beauty, Zellige tiles are definitely in for 2024.
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Out: Contrasting Grout Color
Contrasting grout colors have had their moment, but in 2024, this trend is on its way out. The stark contrast between dark grout and light tiles, or vice versa, can often create a fragmented and busy appearance that detracts from the overall cohesion of the kitchen.
Take a look at the stunning kitchen I shared in the previous paragraph from @studiomcgee . Here we see a more harmonious approach to grout and tile color is used. Instead of a harsh contrast, the grout closely matches the color of the Zellige tiles, creating a seamless and unified look. This approach allows the natural beauty and texture of the tiles to shine without interruption.
Moreover, matching grout colors are easier to maintain and keep looking fresh over time. Contrasting grout can highlight dirt and stains, making it more challenging to keep clean. By choosing grout that blends with your tiles, you achieve a more elegant and timeless look that’s also practical.
As we move towards designs that emphasize serenity and seamlessness, it’s time to say goodbye to contrasting grout colors. Opt for matching or subtly varied grout hues to create a cohesive and sophisticated kitchen space in 2024.
In: Range Slab Backsplash
One of the hottest trends for 2024 is the range slab backsplash. This design choice is all about creating a seamless, elegant look that highlights the beauty of natural materials and enhances the functionality of your kitchen.
Take this stunning kitchen from @studiomcgee on Instagram. The range slab backsplash is made from the same material as the countertops, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. The uninterrupted slab behind the range offers a sleek and modern aesthetic while also being incredibly practical. It’s easy to clean, heat-resistant, and provides a smooth surface that’s perfect for cooking.
The range slab backsplash pairs beautifully with other design elements in the kitchen, such as the brass fixtures and creamy cabinetry. This approach brings a touch of luxury and simplicity, making the kitchen feel both spacious and welcoming. The natural stone adds an organic feel that harmonizes with the overall decor, enhancing the kitchen’s timeless charm.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen with a touch of understated elegance, the range slab backsplash is a trend to consider. It’s a perfect blend of form and function, making your kitchen a stylish and efficient space in 2024
Out: Travertine Tile
Travertine tile, once a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes, is seeing a decline in 2024. Its earthy tones and porous texture, while charming in rustic settings, can often look dated and harder to maintain in modern kitchens. The uneven surface tends to trap dirt and grime, making it less practical for a busy kitchen environment.
A fantastic way to refresh travertine tile and make it feel more cohesive and harmonious is by applying a white lime wash. This technique, as demonstrated by Alexandria Paris, involves using a mixture of white paint and water to gently coat the tiles. The result is a soft, muted finish that brightens up the space and blends seamlessly with contemporary kitchen designs. The white lime wash not only updates the look of travertine but also adds a layer of protection, making the tiles easier to clean and maintain. This simple DIY project can transform your kitchen backsplash from outdated to elegant without the need for a complete overhaul.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on how to whitewash your travertine tiles, check out Alexandria Paris’ blog post.
2024 brings a wealth of exciting new trends and refreshing updates to kitchen backsplashes. From the luxurious elegance of marble slab tiles and the organic charm of Zellige tiles to the seamless sophistication of range slab backsplashes, there are plenty of ways to transform your kitchen into a stylish and functional space. As we bid farewell to outdated trends like white subway tiles with dark grout, contrasting grout colors, and travertine tiles, embracing these new ideas will help you create a kitchen that’s both timeless and on-trend.
For more design inspiration, check out all of my Kitchen Inspiration Posts.
I’m looking for the subway tile in the cover picture. Do you know where I could find that?
Hi Lidiya!
I’m not 100% sure, but I think it looks a lot like Bedrosians Cloe tile (LINK HERE: https://amzn.to/3SQlZe5 ).
I have the Bedrosians Cloe tile in my home and love it – it has a lot of color variation like the photo.
Hope that helps – good luck with your tile hunting!
Lowe’s and Home Depot have them. I wanted that same look for my newly remodeled kitchen….so I shopped around town…..however I just read this article about what is “in” and what is “out” when it comes to kitchen backsplash, and unfortunately subway tile was one of the “out” ones. 😔
Hi Tulay! I think subway tile is timeless, just the dark grout with the subway tile is not. I say go for it with a matching grout color!