12 Tile Installation Patterns To Try For A Bold Kitchen Backsplash That's Unique To You

Looking for unique ideas for your kitchen remodel? Each feature or fixture you change conveys your design aesthetic and your approach to home living. Given the centrality of a kitchen, the aesthetic you create here will filter into every aspect of your home, from your cooking style to the look of other rooms. Whether you're seeking a cozy, cultural, or coastal kitchen, pay attention to the kitchen backsplash. This focal feature provides the perfect opportunity to explore interesting tile installation layouts that embrace your unique style — from bold geometric to petite penny round to artistic fish scale.

Planning a kitchen design involves far more than simply selecting cabinet, flooring, and wall finishes or installing appliances. To bring a creative backsplash idea for your kitchen to life, you'll want to consider how the tiles are arranged. For something neat and elegant, use repeating patterns paired with bold colors and shapes, like elongated hexagons, fish scale, subway, or penny round. If a big artistic statement is more your style, try arranging the tiles in geometric, Escher, or eclectic patterns. If you're really adventurous, a mosaic mural might be on the cards. On the other hand, if you're looking to make a luxurious statement, a huge slab of gold-veined natural stone tile or a refined herringbone pattern may be the best choice.

Elongated hexagon tile, also called picket tile, creates contrast and visual interest that makes an impact without being too loud. "They add texture and they're very, very three-dimensional," says interior designer Tiffany Brooks to HGTV. Plus, these tiles can be used to create a range of versatile designs. For a bold luxury spa-like statement, go for white tiles in a sleek groutless design. On the other side of a spectrum, line bold- or dark-hued tiles with a bright white grout for a design that pops.

An Escher pattern relies on tessellation, where each component of a design sits flush against its neighbors to create an interlocking pattern. The flexibility of the layout allows homeowners to create unique patterns that stand out from standard backsplash designs. How you arrange the tiles depends on the shape of the tile and is completely customizable — from simple triangle or quadrilateral tiles sitting side by side to quirky animal-shaped tiles and so much more. Create even more interest by playing with color and pattern across the tiles or using a contrasting grout.

The fish scale tile pattern is a fun yet simple way to add some interest into your kitchen design. Layering scalloped tiles like scales gives movement and depth to an otherwise boring flat wall. In essence, they're unique tiles that turn your kitchen backsplash into a statement piece with little effort. Pair the pattern with tiles in bold colors or interesting surface textures to craft a design that's unique to you. Use matte-finished earth tones for a nature-inspired look, blues and whites for classic beach vibes, or a glossy jewel-hued glaze for something more boho.

While some may say that geometric patterns are a peak Millennial-era design hangover and now out of date, others argue that they're still popular, just transformed — for example, the Gen Z wobbly checkerboard replaced the 2010s chevron. Either way, a geometric tiled backsplash can still make an on-trend statement if done tastefully. Avoid mixing too many geometric styles on a wall. Boldness is the goal, not confusion or chaos. Stick to shades of one color or use textured tiles — we like cement tiles — to create unique patterns that are less likely to date.

Gold veining is a unique pattern common to stone tiles and artificial look-alike products. It's widely considered an upscale finish. Veins are found naturally in marble, granite, and quartz, rocks which are commonly cut into countertop slabs and large- and small-format floor and wall tiles. If you want to bring a sense of bold luxury into your kitchen, fill your backsplash with gold-veined tiles. The pattern here isn't necessarily in how you lay the tiles — the veining itself is the pattern. You'll typically find it in a large single slab that covers an entire backsplash wall.

Hand-painted tiles are a favorite among designers — and boho homeowners — because they're artistic and human-crafted. A backsplash already acts as a focal point in your kitchen, and these unique tiles only add to that. Nature motifs work perfectly on this type of tile, exuding a sense of comfort, balance, and creativity that still aligns with modern interior trends. Use tiles with floral or foliage designs to create repeating patterns, forest scenes, or a collage. For even more of an impact, consider complementing or contrasting the colors of the painted motifs with other kitchen features and fixtures.

The herringbone pattern works well for homeowners looking for a kitchen that's both chic and comfortable — somewhere they can feel relaxed and at-home, but that is still dressed up enough to make entertaining guests an experience. The herringbone pattern features two rectangular tiles that are placed perpendicular to one another at the corners, creating an asymmetrical arrow shape. Make this repeating pattern your own by alternating glossy and textured tiles, mixing white and bold-colored tiles, using trendy grout hues like lemon yellow, or embracing herringbone as a unique zellige tile trend layout to transform your space.

Another way to create interest in your kitchen is with a hexagonal tile backsplash. Hexagons are one décor trend that is firmly cementing itself as a pattern classic, like subway tiles or basic squares. The now-familiar shape is comforting while the geometric lines feel modern. Hexagon tile layouts lend themselves to both sleek and cozy kitchen designs. While hexagons themselves don't necessarily scream luxury, they bring a sense of fun elegance to any backsplash design. This pattern is flexible, too. Use textured hexagon, oversized, or boldly-colored tiles, or choose a contrasting grout hue to create an impact.

An easy way to make a bold statement and express individual style in any room is through contrast. In kitchens, you can do this by mixing stylish tile patterns perfect for any room of your home on a single backsplash. The key to making this work well is in the pattern selection. You need to find two (or more) contrasting patterns — and tile textures, finishes, and materials — that work together. Practically, you still need to be able to mount them to the wall seamlessly, so consistency of shape matters. Limit your backsplash color palette to ensure successful blending.

If you really want a backsplash that catches the eye, DIY a mosaic mural (or pay an artist to create one). Mosaic gives you the chance to bring your own sense of style to your kitchen and allows you to showcase your flair for the artistic. To achieve this pattern, you create a scene on the wall using small tiles — or, often, broken tile — of different colors and assorted shapes. The craft is so versatile that you could create quite literally any image that takes your fancy. Common themes include ocean waves, gardens, outdoor activities, or abstract designs.

A non-repeating pattern is a design that has a seemingly random layout of tile colors or textures — there is no repetition or even asymmetry. When well-crafted, this approach can bring a sense of movement and artistry to a kitchen backsplash. Ironically, it requires careful planning to achieve a pattern that appears random. Some designs feature a fluid pattern with a limited color palette that moves across the kitchen. Ombre comes to mind here. Other designs are more focused on creating abstract patterns where the tiles overlap or do not cover the entire wall.

Penny round or penny tiles are small circular tiles that are so-called because they resemble pennies. They're often copper in tone, and are favored for the texture they add to a backsplash, making it stand out as a feature. However, you can get these tiles in lots of hues to match your existing design palette. To take full advantage of the bold style they bring to a backsplash, try blending tiles of different colors and finishes. You'll add depth and movement to your kitchen design. Plus, how you combine them is unique to you.