The Up-And-Coming Kitchen Backsplash Trend That Adds So Much Contrast
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Adding contrast to a kitchen design scheme can make the space go from dull and predictable to striking and stunning. Homeowners often do this with color, but you can also incorporate contrast by mixing and matching materials — and there's an up-and-coming trend that makes it easy to add contrast to your kitchen backsplash. Homeowners and designers alike are now embracing mixed material kitchen backsplashes.
If you browse through kitchen backsplash ideas on Pinterest, for example, you'll find photos of mix material backsplash designs. One Pinterest post shared by user Danielle Victoria Design Studio highlights a stunning modern kitchen backsplash that incorporates both subway tile material and marble. The countertop has a gray marble finish, and that same material also lines the bottom of the backsplash and the entire wall at the very end of the countertop. This is a perfect example of how two different aesthetics can actually be incorporated in a way that is cohesive.
This kitchen backsplash trend is not exclusive to social media. Interior designers are embracing it, too. In fact, a 2025 blog post from the National Association of Realtors reported that 67% of designers prefer backsplashes composed of multiple patterns, textures, or materials. If you want to keep up with what's popular, consider incorporating this backslash trend into your own kitchen. Just keep in mind that you need to ensure that whatever products you use complement each other.
Mix different backsplash materials to create contrast
Let's dive into how to make use of this trend in your own home. When it comes to mixing different kitchen backsplash materials, you have a few different options to choose from. One smart pairing is tile and marble. This is a popular pick embraced by interior designers who want to add contrast while still embracing classic looks. For example, check out this design uploaded to Houzz. It features a backsplash with white glossy tile at the top and marble at the bottom. If you would like to incorporate this look, consider pairing the Bedrosians Ceramic Tile from Home Depot with the Casa Antica Polished Marble Tile from Floor & Decor for a similar style.
If you prefer a kitchen that embraces color, you might be interested in a mixed material backsplash that also incorporates bold complementary shades. A tile or glass mosaic-style kitchen backsplash is a great choice for this design approach. To add a touch of personalization, consider creating your own mosaic. All you have to do is break various tiles of different materials and colors into pieces, and glue them onto the wall above your stove with the appropriate tile adhesive. Don't forget to grout when done. TikTok user @killaguilehouse shared a beautiful floral-inspired mosaic backsplash that you might want to pull inspiration from. This design is super budget-friendly because you can use materials from old projects, make use of standalone clearance materials, and even reuse old tile or slabs rather than buying pricey new pieces.