The Once-Popular Kitchen Tile Trend That's Making Your Space Look Outdated

There was a time when walking into a newly remodeled kitchen and seeing an interesting tile pattern set above the stove — one that was different to the rest of the kitchen and framed out by another tile — inspired "oohs" and "ahhs" from designers and prospective buyers. But the framed tile backsplash is fast fading into design memory in favor of a more cohesive look. Forward-looking designers are favoring character driven spaces, and are heavily focused on executing those designs in an environmentally conscious way. Instead of kitschy, framed tile, backsplash styling is trending toward stone slabs and tiles made from natural, sustainable, or recycled materials. Kitchen design trends that bring the outdoors in are dominating our Pinterest boards, and those disjointed backsplashes are starting to look dated in contrast.

In lieu of decoratively tiled backsplashes, countersplashes have become the matchy-matchy, all-for-one countertop trend. A simple continuation of the countertop material up the wall — not just behind the sink or stove, but throughout the kitchen, wherever the countertop meets the wall — creates an elegant aesthetic. It also entirely eliminates grout cleaning. What's more, natural materials are inherently individual, contributing to a strong personal statement — another key feature of current and future design trends.

When distinct, framed tiling in backsplash designs came on the scene, the idea was, in part, to break up large expanses of tile and add visual interest. It made especially good sense in the era of sterile, neutral-colored spaces that would appeal to almost anyone. However as all-white kitchens are passed over in favor of warm, colorful, character-driven styles, the backsplash tile trend has gone stagnant. Designers and homeowners are now seeing the expanse of wall between upper and lower cabinets and shelves as a prime place for adding character, whether through vintage fixtures, wallpaper (yes, seriously), or beautifully patterned tile. Even as the faux-art framed tile design falls from favor, tile itself is not going anywhere.

As homey, cottage-inspired kitchens appeal to even more designers and homeowners, their signature tiles made from natural materials have also risen in popularity. Distinctive, textured and 3D kitchen tiles are trending more and more mainstream, and beautifully patterned tiles are still considered a classic — and welcome — presence in trending kitchen spaces. The key to keeping the style current is to let your patterned tile fill its space, rather than adding it to a small section of your backsplash and surrounding it with a plain, colored tile. In other words, go all in. Just don't make the mistake of putting in a kitchen backsplash that features a pattern you don't love.