When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, designers are taking the high road — literally. Solid slabs top the list of 2022’s most popular trends, according to a survey conducted by the home improvement website Fixr.
“They’re clean, classic, and timeless,” says Samantha Bailey, creative director for New Leaf Custom Homes. “Slabs have high visual impact because they’re not repetitive.”
Interior designer MacKenzie Cain of Habitar Design is also a fan. “Extending the countertop up the backsplash, whether that is natural marble or engineered quartz, is such a clean and luxurious look,” he told Fixr.
For her personal residence, Bailey chose mascaubus white marble for both the backsplash and kitchen island.
“Because each slab is so unique, you get to pick exactly what feels right for you,” she says.
Going to a slab warehouse is part of the experience. Among Bailey’s local go-tos: The Stone Collection and Levantina Stone Center.
Popular options include quartzite, marble, granite, and porcelain.
“We have the largest selection of premium stone in the United States,” says Sean Cramer, general manager of The Stone Collection. Every block is individually hand-selected and inspected for quality, color, veining, and continuity.
A single material creates an especially bold look, according to Houzz. And because the eye gravitates to vertical surfaces first, a wall slab often becomes a room’s focal point.
Mixing colors and patterns adds interest and dimension. Apply the rule of opposites: If you have a backsplash with lots of variation or movement, pair with a muted countertop, or vice versa, suggests the Daltile website.
The following backsplash designs are also trending.
Ceiling Height Backsplashes
“A full wall of tile backsplash makes a fabulous statement and makes the room feel open and spacious. Your eye captures the full height of the ceiling; a terrific treatment for smaller kitchens,” says Tim and Jackie Santos, owners of Scottsdale Interior Design Group & Prescott Interior Design Group.
Backsplashes that extend to the ceiling also let you highlight specific features (think architectural elements and hood ranges). And because you’re working within a limited space, you can experiment with more dramatic looks like dark or hand-painted tile.
Natural Stone Backsplashes
As more homeowners incorporate nature into their décor, natural stone makes a stylish statement. Quartzite — known for its durability — is a favorite, says The Stone Collection’s Garrett Morgan.
For a majority of survey recipients, marble is their “stone of choice.” From backsplashes with statement hoods to matching counters and islands, it’s a stunning aesthetic that never goes out of style.
Ceramic Tiles that Create a Pattern
Balance is key. “If the backsplash is the star, try letting the supporting players (countertops and cabinets) be background actors,” recommends Karen Otto of Home Star Staging.
Glazed Tile
“With glazed tile, you get color variations and a little bit of soft texture. It takes light in different directions,” says Bailey. “People are tired of uniformity.”
