Ditch These Dated Backsplash Trends For Timeless Alternatives

There are many design elements that help pull the look and feel of your kitchen together. While many people put a lot of thought into the color and design of their cabinets and countertops, it's also important not to overlook the pivotal role a backsplash plays. Whether you're looking for DIY kitchen backsplash ideas to upgrade the feel of your existing space or are in the process of planning a full kitchen renovation, it is essential to go with a timeless look. The last thing you want is to choose a style of tile that's on the verge of becoming dated, and that you'll end up regretting in just a couple of years — or maybe even sooner.

To help us learn more about which kitchen backsplash trends are outdated and what timeless alternatives to consider instead, House Digest spoke exclusively to a range of interior designers and real estate professionals. They shared which specific backsplash options they feel have fallen out of style. And they also provided valuable tips to help you choose the best look, color, and pattern for your new kitchen backsplash.

White subway tile backsplashes certainly had their (more than a few) moments of fame. Both professionals and home DIYers alike integrated them into their kitchen designs. However, during an exclusive interview with House Digest, Shiva Samiei, designer and CEO of Shiva Samiei & Co., explained that it is time to turn the page on white subway tiles, which she says have lost their contemporary charm and are now falling out of style. While subway tiles project a uniform and clean feel, Samiei says, "Homeowners are now seeking backsplash designs that tell a more nuanced story of personal style and creative expression."

As her clients reject the stark white tiles, she explains, "They're embracing more artistic, textured, and sophisticated approaches that transform the backsplash from a mere functional element to a true design statement." Samiei highlights a few backsplash options that she has been recommending to her clients that can help add both warmth and character to their space. 

Some of these alternatives include Moroccan zellige tiles, natural stone mosaics, and organically shaped, handcrafted ceramic tiles. Options such as these are both eye-catching and able to bring a more unique vibe to your space — very different from that clinical feel delivered by pure white and rectangular subway tiles. As an example, the subtle tones of each river rock on these Mosaic Tiles from Simple Tile can bring an earthy feel to a kitchen while keeping a bright vibe.

As you're looking for inspiration for your kitchen backsplash, you might notice that one popular design right now utilizes oversized tiles. In some kitchens, such backsplash designs can have a dramatic impact, lending a very modern and minimalist feel to the space. However, before you jump on this trend, Kanika Bakshi Khurana, the principal interior designer and founder of Kanika Design, notes that it is important to consider the size of your kitchen. For those with a smaller kitchen, Khurana cautions that the large tiles may end up being too overwhelming.

"If you want something more balanced, I suggest using mid-sized tiles with more intricate detail or even handmade ceramics," Khurana shared during an exclusive interview with House Digest. She explains, "The slight irregularities in handmade tiles bring warmth and personality, which makes your space feel more welcoming and authentic." Handmade tiles will also help you snag something highly unique. Every tile is slightly different, and they'll leave your backsplash looking anything but builder-grade. 

When you update your kitchen backsplash, you don't want to choose something only because it's in style now. Instead, it is important to think about whether the material you choose will adapt to changing design trends in the future. Khurana puts metallic-look tiles into the category of a once-current design feature that can feel out of place with shifting trends. While backsplashes can be impactful focal points in a kitchen design, overly bright gold and silver tiles simply pull too much attention away from the other elements in the space, which are also important.

"If you're looking for something that won't compete with the rest of your design, consider subtle matte finishes instead," says Khurana. She notes that choosing Carrara marble tiles, cement tiles, and other more textured materials can work to "create an understated, sophisticated vibe that will stay relevant for years." Like metallic tiles, they can act as a focal point, directing one's eye to the imperfect texture or veining effect. However, unlike metallic tiles, they won't steal the show or overcomplicate the look of your space. If you still want a bit of metallic sheen in your kitchen, look for easier-to-swap elements like light fixtures with high-shine finishes or cabinet hardware, such as these Champagne Gold and Brushed Satin Nickel Cabinet Pulls from Amerdeco.

Some people opt for a glass tile backsplash. However, this is another trend that you might want to ditch. While glass tiles can help you work some brighter colors into a kitchen design, Khurana notes that after some time passes, they're more likely to make your space look dated instead of keeping it aligned with current trends. Glass also scratches easily. This can leave you with a very dull and dingy-looking backsplash in no time — certainly not the look you intended when choosing such a smooth and sleek material.

Khurana says, "If you want something more timeless and luxurious, go for natural stone backsplashes, like marble or quartzite." Quartzite and marble backsplashes are defined by their natural veining, which Khurana says, "adds depth and elegance, and it's grounded in nature, so it never feels too trendy." Because these are natural stones, they offer unique patterns and textures. When choosing the perfect backsplash for your kitchen, you can consider your personal preferences in terms of the color, width, and prominence of the veining. A pattern with contrasting colors or prominent lines will turn your backsplash into more of a focal point in the room, while one with subtle veining may make it easier to highlight other elements of your design.

For a time, black and white backsplashes were very popular. Some may still be considering installing one in their kitchen today. However, according to Mitchell David, a realtor and the founder of Beach Life Premier Team, this is a decision you might want to rethink. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, David shares, "Although dramatic, the stark contrast of black and white in a kitchen can feel overpowering. When combined with colorful elements or natural finishes, this high-contrast look may also limit the space's cohesiveness."

Instead, like many of our other experts, David recommends choosing marble, limestone, travertine, or another natural stone material for a kitchen backsplash. These materials, he explains, deliver "warm, organic patterns and warm hues [which] add depth to the space without feeling too stark or trend-driven." If the reason you were considering a black and white backsplash was because of how the two colors contrast one another, you don't have to completely abandon your vision. When choosing a natural stone material, opt for one with veining that is noticeably lighter or darker than the rest of the material to achieve a similar effect. Even as trends shift in the future, you'll find you've created a timeless kitchen that you can decorate to feel like a designer space.

Using all-black tiles is another design choice that was trending a while ago, but it probably isn't the best backsplash color for your kitchen today. "In my expert opinion, solid black backsplashes make a kitchen feel dark and uninviting," Nicole Saunders, a certified interior designer and the founder of The Design Build Vault, shares with House Digest in an exclusive interview. She explains that such a dark and solid color can give your space a very harsh feel.

If you want a darker backsplash, you can still achieve that goal without creating such a depressed feel in your kitchen. Instead of choosing a solid color, Saunders recommends looking for tiles with some veining or other slight variations in terms of color or tone. "My best tip is to opt for a dark gray or navy blue backsplash to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space. These colors still provide a bold contrast to lighter cabinets or countertops but in a more subtle and modern way," she says. 

For a low-cost option, consider something like the Deep Blue Peel-and-Stick Tile from StickGoo, where the dark color is broken up by the lighter "grout" lines. To make the darker backsplash color and design that you choose stand out more, you can also consider the color of the cabinets and countertops in the space. Coordinating these materials with the lighter veining or grout in your backsplash can make the elements blend together more seamlessly.

A chevron or herringbone layout for a backsplash has the potential to help you achieve a timeless look in your kitchen. It's a highly classic tile pattern that's been around for thousands of years, dating back to Roman times. However, there are some essential caveats to consider to avoid making your space feel old and outdated. Joy Aumann, a licensed realtor and the founder of LuxurySoCalRealty, tells House Digest during an exclusive interview, "Chevron and herringbone patterns, for example, were everywhere a few years ago, but they can now feel too trendy and tricky to install."

So how do you avail yourself of the classic nature of herringbone, without it looking like you were jumping on the back of a tired trend? By installing the pattern with tiles that won't timestamp the installation. When choosing the tile for a herringbone or chevron backsplash, opt for more classic hues that will always be in style, instead of choosing something that is currently trendy. Some timeless colors include gray, greige, and beige. These Italian White Carrara Marble Herringbone Tiles from Soulscrafts are one option that can help you achieve a lasting look.

A few years ago, many professionals and home DIYers were integrating mosaic borders into their kitchen backsplash designs. The colors of these borders often contrasted with the color of the rest of the tile, helping them to serve as an accent to the overall design. However, while once trendy, Senior Designer and Founder of Unique Tiles, Kamil Kozorys, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview that these borders "now feel fragmented and busy." Adding a mosaic border to your kitchen backsplash can instantly make your whole space feel outdated.

"I suggest using a single, large format tile with a simple, neutral color palette such as white or gray for a timeless look," says Kozorys. He recommends choosing elongated rectangular tiles in a natural hue. This, he says, will "create a clean and cohesive look without the visual distraction of mosaic borders."  For example, these Peel-and-Stick Tiles from COLAMO could deliver such an effect to your space. The subtle contrast of the darker grout against the textured look still creates plenty of interest, but in a much more timeless fashion.

Beyond considering the size, style, and color of the tile you choose for your backsplash, you mustn't overlook the importance of the grout color. The color you choose will be prominently displayed between each tile on the wall, either tying everything together or creating an eyesore. "Bright-colored grout that was once used to make a bold statement is now something many regret," according to Aumann. While a bright color between tiles can make them stand out and add some visual intrigue to your space, Aumann explains that many find themselves disappointed with their choice. "It's hard to maintain and tends to stain or discolor, quickly losing its initial appeal," she explains. 

When choosing a grout color for your tile, it is important to carefully contemplate your options. A contrasting color, such as white grout against a colored tile, can make the geometric pattern more prominent. Conversely, choosing a grout color that closely matches the color of your tile may provide a more subtle effect, drawing attention to the tile itself instead of the pattern in which it is laid. Before making a final decision, work with a designer or look at some inspiration photos to finalize the look you'd prefer. If you're simply looking to get rid of the outdated grout color on an existing backsplash, consider a product such as the Mapei Grout Refresh Colorant and Sealer. It can be used to change the color of grout that is already in place.