8 Stunning Kitchen Backsplash Trends That Will Be Taking Over In 2026

The kitchen is so much more than a place to cook, eat, and gather, as it offers countless opportunities for stunning designs to elevate the space. From floors and walls to countertops and cabinetry, there are so many possibilities to try out different materials, textures, and colors. One area that serves as a great canvas for design experimentation is the backsplash. While it is usually a standard spot for tile, there are so many beautiful choices that could cover the space overlooking the sink or stove. A number of standout backsplash designs will reign supreme in 2026, with colors ranging from enticing reds to relaxing navy blues. 

Neutral stone visuals will allow the beauty of organic materials to shine, while lively textured tiles, bold colors, and mixed materials add dimension to the backsplash to make sure it is not overlooked but instead celebrated. And a decent amount of vintage styles will reemerge, updated and modernized to fit with today's demands and preferences. One trait that each tile backsplash trend exhibits is the ability to balance design innovation and a feeling of cohesion that is necessary for the kitchen. It will be clear throughout the coming year that the backsplash design will not just be a finishing touch within the kitchen — it will become an expression of artistry all its own. 

Stone is a stunning material that has delivered as a countertop surface in kitchens, and now, large sections of stone are covering the backsplash as well. Solid stone slabs will be taking over kitchens in 2026 due to their practicality and unique beauty. 

Sleek supersized slabs are the perfect solution to continue from the backsplash up the wall to the ceiling or to match the countertop for a cohesive look throughout the kitchen. "The continuity of material feels elevated, seamless, and both modern and timeless," said designer Justine Wolman, speaking to Good Housekeeping.

Of course, your backsplash should look beautiful, but why not take it a step further with materials that feel glorious too? Textured tiles pop out from the wall with bumps and grooves to fully engage the senses. They will help establish depth in the kitchen this year, enriching the space with understated elegance. 

If you want to bring more texture into the kitchen with a bit of fun pattern, this could be the perfect chance to try plaid tiles, the colorful backsplash trend that will surprise everyone in 2026.

The backsplash is the perfect place to show off tiles that feel like little pieces of art rather than simply building materials. People are craving tile with pleasing personality in 2026, especially in the form of handmade pieces. 

Tiles that are hand-painted with intricate detail feel one of a kind without appearing hectic, offering a softness that grounds the space. In particular, Moroccan zellige tiles will be having a huge moment this year, as homeowners seek out more authenticity and character in their kitchens.

Backsplashes have long been reserved for rectangles or squares, and now tiles have now expanded their design abilities not only in color and pattern, but in shape as well. Angular patterns including pointed herringbone and chevron designs layer the look of the backsplash to feel more dimensional. 

Tile Club's Lindsay Fluckiger shared with Homes & Gardens that there is a shift towards visuals that feel similar to wallpaper this year, adding, "Wallpaper-style tiles look best when they're treated like art." Even LivingInc couldn't get enough of a backsplash that was covered in futuristic Tetris-shaped tiles.

Moody and dark contemporary tones don't go out of style, thanks to their unwavering sophistication. These colors will be increasingly seen on backsplashes throughout 2026 as a result of the "major and welcome shift away from all-white and millennial gray kitchens," according to The Spruce. 

Designer Shannon Ggem named "warm reds, plum, and spice colors" as chic hues that can be the center of attention or serve as a secondary accent without stealing attention.

Mixed materials are the up-and-coming kitchen backsplash trend that adds so much contrast, combining multiple tones, textures, and patterns. It's a great way to use ceramic surfaces, wood, metal, glass, and stone side by side. 

"Think marble mixed with patterned ceramic tiles, or an industrial granite finish paired with glossy zellige," Homes & Gardens explained. Experiment with alluring color pairings between backsplash and cabinetry or designate playful herringbone pattern to one specific material to make it stand out.

The backsplash is one of the only places in the home where any shade on the color wheel can be appropriate. As homeowners have expanded the choices that cover their cabinetry, backsplashes have long been an established place to add a pop of color for visual interest or as a focal point. 

This is in line with Women and Home predicting that color drenching with tile will continue in 2026. Similarly, head of creative for Ca' Pietra, Grazzie Wilson, told the publication that "buttery yellow, sky blue, dusky pink, and rich reds" will be prevalent. 

The sight of a crisp, clean backsplash minimizes any chaos that comes into the kitchen. Rather than a typical contrasting layout of tiles that result in an offset, aligned applications and minimal transitions between tiles creates an effortlessly uniform appearance. 

Level heights and widths feel proper and dignified to add a level of esteem to the space. This can also be achieved with thin, almost unnoticeable lines of grout that match the backsplash tiles in color for a seamless and fully cohesive backsplash appearance that will look modern and timeless in 2026.