The kitchen may be the stomach of the house, but with so many appliances and little space for everything else, it can be difficult to create a space that's both pretty and practical. Luckily, a beautiful backsplash can make all the difference. While a kitchen backsplash primarily protects your walls from grease and sauce stains, it can also add a touch of style to your culinary space.
However, backsplash trends are just like anything else that is stylish Do exist. Curious about what might be in (and out) in 2026, we asked a handful of interior designers for their thoughts on kitchen backsplashes. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, so it sounds almost impossible for multiple experts with different perspectives to agree on trends. But believe it or not, they did.
What's out
For starters, designers are ready to take a break from the usual backsplash suspects. While New York designer Justine Wolman says subway tiles are a reliable choice, she confirms that “they are no longer the automatic choice.” Toronto designer Golara Ghasemi agrees, saying the elongated tiles can easily transition into simple. “Especially stark whites and jewel tones, which look too sterile and feel cold,” she adds.
The same goes for dramatic veining. Quartz and quartzite may be on the rise, but Ghasemi avoids over-the-top versions that seem manufactured. “These are being replaced by more natural, realistic quartz patterns with solid cores that allow for the incorporation of round and blunt edges,” she says.
Pack in scenic details
While Ghasemi says bright, bold patterns appear “messy,” some designers prefer subtle details. “I've seen more and more customers want to make a strong statement for their kitchen backsplash with hand-painted tiles or specialty tiles,” says Clara Jung, principal of Banner Day Interiors and author of the upcoming book SToried Homes: Designs by Banner Day Interiors. “The look can be timeless, especially if it matches the architecture of the house.”
Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors in New York agrees, saying she “loves tiles with character,” especially textured or hand-painted options. For an option with an old-school twist, try Delft tiles. That's right: the centuries-old style is back and getting a modern makeover.
Spice it up with Zellige
Speaking of backsplashes with character? Many designers are increasingly relying on zellige tiles. For Wolman, the tile's handcrafted, organic quality brings a grounded sensibility to the kitchen. “Their subtle variation and natural shine add warmth and character without overwhelming the space,” she says. “It is one of the most common requests from customers who want something artisanal, yet soft and unobtrusive.”
New York designer Barrett Oswald says zellige tiles can “highlight a smaller backsplash,” but she recommends erring on the side of caution. “It may not provide enough protection in high-traffic areas such as behind cooktops or sinks,” she warns. “In addition, if the transition is not handled carefully, the overall design can feel abrupt or unfinished.”
Instead, try installing zellige tiles near less trafficked areas like a bar. If you want to incorporate this trend into your space in a less austere way, consider configuring it. “Zellige tiles are used in herringbone, horizontal and vertical stacking patterns,” says Ghasemi.
Excess of plates
Perhaps the biggest backsplash trend that will define 2026? Large format stone slabs. “The continuity of the material feels elevated, seamless, and both modern and timeless,” explains Wolfman.
Colleen Hyde of ODE Design says 18- to 24-inch panels with A small margin at the top will remain a favorite, but there will be new spins at the plate in 2026. “We see everything from dramatic floor-to-ceiling panels that reach the ceiling to more subtle versions that leave room for a small built-in stone shelf, which is such a lovely, thoughtful detail,” says Wolfman. Meanwhile, Maggie Goodrich of Third Street Architecture predicts that curved details, fabricated stone shelf brackets and an ogee finish will be big in the new year.
Whether you incorporate these looks into your upcoming kitchen renovation or admire them from a distance, it's very possible that these backsplash trends illustrate a larger shift in home design. While colorful and dopamine-tinged decor is all the rage, these styles suggest calm, grounded spaces that add a gentle touch to your dynamic life.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist who covers shopping and deals Good housekeeping, Women's HealthAnd ELLE decoramong other things. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix and nachos.