Home

[Oznell]

I agree with those who say that surfaces that are either difficult or expensive to change, should be as classic and timeless as possible.   That's why I would not want a highly memorable, super-bright, or super-patterned, backsplash.   If you got tired of it, it's a major pain to alter.

So, for me, a backsplash with plain tile and no patterns would be my choice.  Within that confine, there still are options.  Oh, and apart from tile, I Iove painted beadboard as a backsplash, below.  It's so neat the way it continues up through the glass-fronted cupboards here:

While subway tile is a hundred-plus years old classic, it's been so popular in recent years that I'd prefer a little variation on that.   Maybe like square tiles with a little sheen, stacked one on top of each other?   I love this kitchen below, what we can see of it!

 

In fact, I do prefer a "stacked" look in any tile, rather than the overlapping style.  This kitchen below is rather modern, and the stacked, vertical tile looks good with that, I think.  Wouldn't want that much open shelving, but this too is a handsome kitchen.  

 

The "slab" backsplashes became very popular.  Stone veining can be beautiful, for sure, as long as it isn't too wild and crazy.  I did see one that was patterned boldly, like a zebra.    I'm guessing these marble slabs require specialized skills to install properly.

I can't even imagine having the means to have an old, mortared stone backsplash or wall like this one below, but what a dream!   Even if it crumbled a tad, it would be worth it-- so warm and appealing.  (But a nightmare to clean?)    Let's not be practical...

Not everyone agrees with a preference for more low-key hard surfaces, of course.  What sort of backsplash do you gravitate toward?

[Carolina925]

I like everything about #1, love beadboard in any room. I was in the process of building a waterfront home with two story tall vaulted ceilings in my living room, all done in beadboard siding painted white. All the carpenter crews balked at my decision to paint but I loved it and I was the one who was going to live there. Sadly, I didn't get to ever move in but when I think of favorite rooms, that one is always at the top of the list. I like the square tiles in #2; not very fond of any of the others.

[wilma]

I like the last 2 backsplash photos best. They look like they could adapt to any design and decor. The white and grey backsplash looks smooth and would be easier to clean and wipe down than the textured backsplash. 

I don't like the vertical grey brick look at all. Too dark for me. The one with white tiles is too light and plain. All those crevices would get very dirty over a cooktop and be quite a challenge to keep clean. The beadboard look is versatile, but I would be concerned about it getting dirty and how to clean it too. 

Sorry to focus so much on cleaning, but I don't want clean up to be unnecessarily difficult. I guess if some people rarely use their kitchens to cook, that's not an issue. JMO

[jlkz]

@Oznell 

At several of our homes, I have used trays that were colorful as easily removable backsplashes on painted walls.  They could also be easily used on other surfaces.  The attachment:  3 M tapes originally intended for the hooks....just remember to leave a small pull edge on the bottoms for when you want to change them out.

[JudyL]

I like pics #1 and #2 best.  Love the beadboard the best.

[Imaoldhippie]

I really like the beadboard.  If I had a large kitchen where a tile backsplash was needed I would do something plain but either add a center tile design ie over the stove, or put a single tile splashed here and there.  Hope I am describing my ideas so that they can be understood dont know exactly how to describe it.

[happilyretiredgirl]

I recently did a makeover in my kitchen.  We painted my dark cabinets white and we did the beadboard for the backsplash and put our money toward granite counter top and new appliances. It made a big difference in our kitchen so far I am really liking it and time will tell if it holds up, if not, I will probably go with a white subway tile. Also we did some distressing to the beadboard which I really like the old aged look instead of being so white since my counter top is mostly white with some grains of light brown/tan. It made a 44 year old small kitchen look much bettter.

[DSD2]

I love the backsplash in the second picture!

I redid my kitchen decades ago and chose Corian.  It was a white background with a speckled pattern. It still looks great today, I am very fortunate! 

[LizzieInSRQ]

I had one day planned to do a small kitchen remodel but a life change has squashed that dream. 

I have since i bought my home in 2012 have dreamed of using Fasade brand vinyl panels for backsplsh once i would get new white european cabinets. Comes in so many styles and colors and finishes. 

Fasadeideas.com. ( no c in Fasade)

[deeva]

We're in the process of replacing our granite countertops and islands with Quartz. Still deciding if I want the quartz on the backsplash or tiles.