• John Wilson
• November 09,2022

A functional space like a kitchen doesn’t need to be left unembellished. The perfect place to add a bit of pizzazz without overwhelming the room? The backsplash. There are options for every aesthetic—go bold with colorful painted glass or stick with always-classic white subway tile for an understated look. Cover only the wall behind your cooktop, or let the design stretch all the way to the ceiling for large-scale impact. From traditional to ornate, these kitchen backsplash ideas from the AD archives stand out in the homes of Nate Berkus, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and more. Read on to see them all.

Patterned Tile Ideas

Tile from Solar Antique Tiles distinguishes the backsplash and adds a charming motif in this Palm Beach mansion restored by designer David Easton. An Ann-Morris ceiling fixture hangs above the kitchen island and the barstools are from TK Collections.

Majolica Tile Ideas

The kitchen’s La Cornue range and hood match the tone of the majolica tiles that design firm Studio Peregalli used on this Italian villa’s walls and backsplash . An early-20th-century bronze chandelier is suspended over the Carrara marble–top table and antique dining chairs, while a 17th-century still life hangs above the dog’s linen-upholstered perch.

Marble Backsplash Ideas

Architect Deborah Berke and designer Thomas O’Brien ingeniously reimagined this Hamptons house's kitchen and included a striking marble backsplash. A Laura Resen photograph is propped next to the wall clock, both from Aero.

Colorful Tile Ideas

The rooftop kitchen in art dealer Dorothea McKenna Elkon and designer Salem Grassi’s Moroccan home is decorated with antique tiles. Solid blue tiles frame the pattered pieces and add contrast.

Black and White Tile Ideas

In this New Orleans house , the kitchen is outfitted with a black and white tile backsplash and matching floors. The space is equipped with a Thermador range and hood and furnished with a table by Lars Bolander.

Antique Tile Ideas

In Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady’s Los Angeles home , antique Tunisian tile from Exquisite Surfaces makes a lively backsplash in the kitchen, which is appointed with Formations pendant lights, marble countertops from Compas Architectural Stone, custom-made alder cabinetry, an oak island, and a Wolf range. The tile was used as a focal point behind the range rather than spanning the entire wall.

Subway Tile Ideas

The subway-tile backsplash, Electrolux dishwasher, and marble-top island are new additions to the kitchen Nate Berkus renovated for himself in Manhattan. Dark grout adds contrast to the bright white tiles.

Antique Tile Ideas

The kitchen backsplash of a Virginia house decorated by Bunny Williams is sheathed in antique Italian tiles from Michael Trapp; the range is by La Cornue. The tiles, along with the exposed beams, give the space a rustic feel.

Painted-Glass Backsplash Ideas

In the kitchen of a Manhattan apartment by Jennifer Post, a painted-glass backsplash complements the Poggenpohl cabinetry and Corian counters; the cooktop and hood are by Miele, the sink fittings are by Dornbracht, and the framed print is by Mary Heilmann. The colorful backsplash brightens the space and is easy to clean.

Stainless-Steel Backsplash

In a New York residence by ODA, the kitchen’s red-lacquer cabinetry and stainless-steel counters and backsplash are by Snaidero; the cooktop is by La Cornue, the sink fittings are by KWC, and the stools are by de Sede. The sleek surfaces compliment the streamlined architecture.

Metallic Tile Ideas

In designer Ray Booth’s Nashville, Tennessee , kitchen, Roman Thomas pendant lights are installed above the Booth-designed island; Ann Sacks tile was used for the backsplash, the sink fittings are by Kohler, and the stools are by BDDW. The metallic tile adds sparkle and contrasts with the black elements.

Subway Tile Ideas

Designer Thom Filicia decorated this home by architecture firm Shope Reno Wharton in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. In the kitchen, the backsplash tile is by Urban Archaeology, the hood is by Wolf, and the barstools are by Marsia Holzer Studio. The wing chair, from Lillian August, and the Thom Filicia Home Collection sofa are upholstered in Perennials fabrics, and the rug is by Stark. The black subway tile is a twist on the classic look.

Mosaic Tile Ideas

In fashion designer Gilles Mendel’s New York City kitchen , a Sicis mosaic-tile backsplash and bespoke lacquer panels add to the room’s graphic color palette. The metallic mosaic tile coordinates with the other metallic elements such as the hood and wall treatment.

Blue-and-White Tile Ideas

At a home in St. Moritz , Studio Peregalli paired 17th-century Portuguese tiles with a table and chairs from Switzerland’s Engadine Valley. The blue-and-white tiles match the room's range.

Stone Backsplash Ideas

Designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro used basalt for both the countertops and the backsplash in his open-plan kitchen in Malibu. The dark stone backsplash adds drama and organic beauty to the space.

Subway Tile Ideas

At a Northern California home conceived by Steven Volpe, the kitchen backsplash is composed of Waterworks tile. The neutral tile is the perfect complement to the marble countertop and waterfall island.

Granite Backsplash Ideas

A Marmol Radziner–designed kitchen in Beverly Hills is outfitted with a granite backsplash and countertops. The hue of the granite adds to the warmth created by the walnut cabinetry.

Mosaic Backsplash Ideas

Singer John Legend and supermodel Chrissy Teigen’s New York City kitchen was created by Don Stewart and features a custom-made backsplash by Mosaic Sphere Studio. The floral motif softens the room's industrial elements, such as the island and stools.

Reclaimed Tile Ideas

At musician Ned Lambton’s Tuscan villa , the kitchen is illuminated by an antique tin chandelier and includes a backsplash of reclaimed Sicilian tiles. The checkerboard pattern fits with the traditional space, but also adds an element of whimsy.

Copper Backsplash Ideas

A copper backsplash enlivens the kitchen of a North Carolina home devised by Gluck+ architects. The surface complements the stone floor and wood cabinetry.

Stainless-Steel Backsplash Ideas

Nina Garcia’s Manhattan kitchen features a stainless-steel backsplash alongside cabinetry and sink fittings by Boffi. The sleek backsplash breaks up the expanse of white cabinetry.

Tile Backsplash Ideas

Inside Burley on the Hill, a grand English manor, decorator Mark Gillette transformed the four-story apartment of Christine and John McSwaney. Here, the backsplash offers a tiled image of the estate.

Antique Tile Ideas

At Pierre Bergé’s Russian-inspired dacha in Normandy, antique French tiles pave the kitchen’s backsplash. The colors of the tile complement the wood walls and the patterned table.