Oh, how we love backsplashes. They’re the one part of a kitchen’s design that can shake things up. After all, if you have a white kitchen, adding a colorful backsplash with tile may be just what the space craves. Au contraire, if you have an eclectically lavish space, a toned down, simple subway tiled backsplash will tie things together beautifully.

No matter the design scenario you fall under, one thing is for sure: the backsplash is a needed element. So, with all that, where do you start?    

We’ve rounded up 5 designs to help you find the answer to that question and provide inspiration.

Farm Fresh.

This modern farmhouse kitchen exudes personality thanks to the encaustic tile backsplash. With the gray-and-white, worn-in color tone contrasting the natural wooden, oven hood and shelving, it’s a standout design.

What we love: The way the encaustic porcelain creates character in a smaller kitchen space.

Cascais Silver Ornate 9x9 Matte Porcelain Tile Backsplash example
Design By: Casanova Design| Shop Featured Tile: Cascais Ornate White Tile

Seaside Escape.

Is it just us or isn’t this kitchen backsplash the perfect twist on tradition? The 4×4 tile in a light-reflecting, neutral color palette adds a more classic feel to the modern appliances, and is a refreshing replacement of the usual subway tile. Designed by Mattson Made, the square tile adds a handmade character and its lighter tone brings in a coastal vibe.

What we love: The contrast of the light tile against the darker wood counter and black cabinetry is an A+ in our book.

Montauk Gin 4x4 Ceramic Wall Tile Backsplash example
Design By: Mattson Made | Shop Featured Tile: Montauk Gin 4×4 Tile

Bar Bound.

Sometimes, incorporating a tiled backsplash in smaller areas of your home, like the bar area, is a perfect way to liven things up. It makes sense for this spot to have a touch of individuality, since it’ll be the center for social gatherings with friends and family. This home bar design by Breed House is undeniably chic with its use of a geometric, glass mosaic tile that perfectly complements the blue cabinetry and fancy tequila bottles that reside in the region.

What we love: The way the shine of the glass mosaic tile works with, not against, the brass décor and faucet.

Komorebi Jet Stream Glass Tile backsplash Example
Design By: Breed House | Shop Featured Tile: Komorebi Jet Stream Glass Mosaic Tile

Stylish Stripes.

Get wavy! This modernized, mid-century inspired kitchen from Interiors by AD has a subtle twist thanks to its use of a chevron backsplash.

What we love:  The variety of surprising design elements from the lighting pendants to the unique choice of tile.

Alerion Carrara & Thassos Marble Polished Mosaic Tile Backsplash Example
Design By: Interiors by AD | Shop Featured Tile: Alerion Thassos Chevron Tile

Here for the Herringbone.

This kitchen by Brooklyn Design and Build is proof that all white works when you add a unique element into the design as they did with the herringbone lay pattern in their backsplash.

What we love: The simplistic white design gets color touches from plants and accessories, making it a truly versatile design.

Lancaster Bianco 3x12 Ceramic Wall Tile Backsplash Example
Design By: Brooklyn Design and Build |Shop Featured Tile: Lancaster Bianco 3×12