BACKSPLASH TILE TRENDS: Zellige, Subway, Herringbone, & Countersplashes

WHAT ARE THE BACKSPLASH TILE TRENDS FOR 2024

It can be hard to keep up with trends. One day you’re admiring your Tuscan-style kitchen or shiny golden oak floors and the next, you’re burning it all to the ground.

But guess what, Buttercup? There are easy ways to integrate trends in your home. Trends that might cost to replace/redo down the road, but don’t have you twitching in the corner as you scribble on your last cheque in your checkbook (does anyone even write cheques anymore?). Anyway.

I’m talking about BACKSPLASHES

In the scale of kitchen remodels the backsplash is one of the more manageable projects (if you don’t go too balls-out). Removing and installing a new backsplash is less expensive than…

• installing new quartz or granite countertops
• getting your cabinets professionally painted
• replacing your cabinetry
• redoing your tile floor.

Why is it so much less expensive?

It all comes down to square footage. The average backsplash is 30-40 sq ft. Seeing as you pay for tile and labor by sq. ft, it’s a much easier cost to manage…depending on the tile you choose. Shop carefully and you could find a Zellige-look tile for $8-10 per sq ft (or the real thing for approx. $20). Or go for the timeless look of subway tile and spend around $2 sq ft for your tile – the choice is yours!

And it’s MUCH easier to make that choice once you understand the options and how they relate to your home and RESALE.

Why does resale matter – it’s YOUR home?

Well, if you’re staying in your home forever and ever amen and you love a particular look – it doesn’t MATTER if it’s trendy (unless you care about trends). In this case, you can fill your little thigh-high boots (which are also not trendy anymore…sadly).

However, if you plan on selling in five+ years, there’s a good chance that the tile you choose is no longer trendy. When a SUPER trendy product isn’t anymore, it dates a home to a specific set of years (everyone recognizes a home built in the early 2000s and they’ll recognize those from the early 2020s too).

Hellooooooo 2002! 

And sometimes it’s not the ONE thing that dates a home in future years, it’s an accumulation of design choices (i.e., Zellige tile AND off-white cabinets with marble-look counters).

ANYWAY, am I talking too much? Probably. I do in work as I do in life.

So, let’s get down to it – the top tile trends for 2024 and whether they’re even a good idea in the first place!

 

WHICH TILES TRENDY, TIMELESS, OR NOT A GOOD IDEA?

With all of the options out there, it can be hard to choose. Again, consider how long you plan on living in your home and do your research.

Does a particular style of tile even SUIT your home and the surrounding finishes?

Does it have the same vibe as your home?

Will you tire of it in a few years or will a new owner think it’s janky?

Is this currently a backsplash TREND or is it a timeless choice – is it possibly BOTH?

And I’m not trying to be mean or put down homes that have them – that’s now what this is about. Some homes look gorgeous in this style and the previous styles.

This blog post is about whether you should install these particular backsplash tiles TODAY. 

Wait, am I talking too much again? That would be a hard yes.

 

IS ZELLIGE TILE TIMELESS OR JUST TRENDY?

While I LOVE Zellige tile and it’s definitely in style, it has its pros and cons…

• Will this trend last for a while yet? Heck yes. 
• Does Zellige tile suit as many homes as a more traditional subway tile? NO. The hand-moulded look of Zellige tile limits its use.
• Are Zellige tiles TOO trendy? Yes. While they have their place in some homes, this ‘popularity’ has it being used in homes that it doesn’t suit. 

Does this next kitchen suit Zellige tile? That would be a HARD YES…

The above home has a home, kind of organic look to it (I’d move in today…even though I’m not a Zellige fan). Hop onto Pinterest and type in ‘Zellige tiles’. Most of these homes look great with this trendy tile, and here are a few reasons…

• They aren’t modern-looking homes, they’re more ‘homey’ (this is a good thing). Words like ‘kitschy, eclectic, layered, whimsy, personality, textured’ – can all apply to Zellige tile.
• These kitchens often have non-white cabinets and gold hardware.
• Light fixtures, hardware, and other details tend to be a bit more bespoke and unique vs ‘big box style’.
• There’s almost always wood nearby, either on the floor, range hood, or decorative accents – this can create a softer, more natural look.
• You’ll see quite a few farmhouse sinks – again, picking up on that homey, lived-in look.

Amongst other things.

If you like clean lines and uniformity, you might not like Zellige tile. 

This next kitchen could’ve been a bit too modern for Zellige tile, but thanks to the gold hardware, brushed bronze GE Cafe appliance hardware, and organic/wood decor, the Zellige tile feels more at home…

In the full photo (below), it’s easier to see the extra details that pull the Zellige tile into the bigger picture, including a butcher block island, wood floors, and a homey runner…

While they could’ve done a brick layout, combined with the grain of the wood floor, it would’ve been too busy. The stacked pattern is more appropriate and nods to the more modern look of the cabinets.

This next kitchen has a STUNNING Zellige tile in a 4×4, running bond/brick layout. These cabinets are a softer, warmer white, and along with the wood range hood detail, really pull off this look…

I’d love to see a wood cutting board and a plant on the counter, just for some texture/coziness! 

However, two things would affect how good the above kitchens look…

1. If either chose a Zellige with a more rustic, uneven edge, they would’ve lost the look entirely – it would be too rustic for the surrounding finishes.
2. The same would happen if they’d chosen a dark grout, which would highlight the natural, purposeful imperfections in the tile.

The slightly tidier, cleaner edges of their tiles nod to the more modern touches in these kitchens. These tiles are a great happy medium between the cleaner look of subway tiles and the rustic look of a super Zellige approach.

Let’s bust back to that first kitchen and take a closer look…

The darker grout accents the tile, whereas a lighter grout would blend the slightly uneven pattern. 

Look at how the warmth of the Zellige tile complements the brick fireplace in the family room (and seriously, LOOK at that freakin’ puppy – I wonder if they got it because it blends with the floor.)

Also notice (above) the rustic pendant light, gold hardware, and lovely, grainy wood floor. This all adds up to the charm of this space, of which Zellige tile ADDS.

The Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

Again, gold cabinet hardware that’s a bit more ‘thoughtful’ vs generic, as well as unique pendant lights. Add in the rustic wood shelves and farmhouse sink, and this Zellige tile is RIGHT at home.

If we compare the previous three kitchens – they’re all stunning in their own way. But if there’s ONE of them that’s going to look more timeless, it’s this last one.

Why? 

Because it carries the Zellige look, feel, and intention throughout the decor, hardware, and surrounding finishes. This doesn’t make the previous two kitchens bad, not at all, but there will likely come a time when their surroundings outlive them.

 

IF YOU LOVE ZELLIGE TILES, SHOULD YOU INSTALL THEM IN 2024?

YES! If they suit your home (and really do) and you’re okay with them shifting in popularity at some point. Zellige is one of the darlings of the backsplash world and should hold for a few years yet.

I even have a client who hand-painted her old beige tile to look like Zellige…

Again, look at how the surrounding finishes, hardware, and home decor make the Zellige-style tile look right at home.

While some people love the organic look of the uneven tiles, PERSONALLY, it would drive me batshit crazy(er). I mean, I see how it’s PRETTY, it’s just not my personal jam (or jelly – I’m a peanut butter girl, through and through). I like cleaner lines. And while I’m by no way modern or contemporary, I’m not into uneven tiles. This is why Zellige tiles often suit a slightly more organic, homey, softer look.

Long story short, is Zellige tile PRETTY? You bet it is; it’s just not for every home or every homeowner…by a long stretch.

How to Create a Timeless Home: 4 PART SERIES

 

IS A CHEVRON OR HERRINGBONE PATTERN TIMELESS?

When it comes to hardwood floors, a herringbone or chevron pattern can be STUNNING and effortlessly timeless.

BUT (it’s a BBL-sized one), a herringbone or chevron pattern on a backsplash isn’t timeless. It doesn’t matter if it’s porcelain, marble, or pure gold, this pattern hit its peak approx. 2012-2017 and is well on its way out.

This doesn’t mean people aren’t still doing these patterns on their backsplash – they are, it’s more a question of SHOULD they?

 

SHOULD YOU INSTALL A HERRINGBONE OR CHEVRON BACKSPLASH IN 2024?

Ermmm, you can…if you really like it, but I wouldn’t if you care about the long haul. On the other hand, a kitchen backsplash is one of the less expensive updates, and it’s okay to do something just because you love it (it’s your home!). If you or your Realtor feel it affects the resale value, it won’t break the bank to change to something more timeless/trendy at a later date. With the kitchen being one of the 5 key rooms in home staging, an update like this can make a big difference.

This kitchen is lovely, but a subway tile backsplash would be a lot better.

FUN FACT! Did your favorite Color Consultant and Design Blogger (ahem) install a chevron pattern backsplash at her lake home (below)? YOU BET I DID!

Why?

Because I love it, and it’s my home. I’m not as concerned with this particular trend at our lake home, so I filled my little chevron boots…

Again, (I can talk until the cows come home – truly, I can), if you love something and YOU think it suits your home – you do you, boo!

This next kitchen is in our last home. I didn’t design the hard finishes (cabinets/counters/backsplash/floor), I did the colors and decor. While I love the overall look, the chevron marble backsplash isn’t a timeless look…

If we still lived in this home, guaranteed that I would’ve replaced the backsplash with a less busy, more timeless subway tile.

SUBWAY TILES: 5 Ideas to Add Personality to Your Backsplash

The older your home is, the more authentically you can pull off a patterned tile. However, it’s usually on the floor  – not the backsplash. 

 

IS THE ‘COUNTERSPLASH’ TRENDY OR TIMELESS?

Using your counter as your backsplash is a trend I’m seeing a lot of. And that’s what it is – a trend. It will have its time in the sun, I just hope it’s wearing sunscreen because, in a few years, it will show its age.

What IS a countersplash?

It’s a terrible nickname meant to describe using your countertop on your backsplash. I mean, it makes sense, it’s just dorky. However, it’s NOT dorky with how it looks.

But haven’t we seen this trend before? You bet your cute lil booty we have – it popped up in the 1990s with many of the popular (often darker) granite counters. And then it went away.

The countersplash approach is great if you’re not good at mixing and matching. And while some WILL be relatively timeless, others need to be careful…

These main cabinets are waiting on a fresh new coat of paint (or three, realistically)

The above look has a lot of visual detail – it’s hard to see where the focal point of this kitchen is. It’s not that it’s not PRETTY, there’s just a lot going on and it won’t be timeless. It’s ‘good for now‘ based on today’s trends. And sometimes that’s okay if you love the look!

The more wild and wonderful your countertop is, the less likely it is to pass the test of time.

Once the cabinets are painted (I can’t wait to see the photos!) the effect won’t be as graphic as it is now – the red-stained cabinets add a whole ‘nother level of contrast and busyness.

The Best Off-White & Light Cabinet Paint Colors

When it comes to using a countertop as a backsplash, I often suggest a modest approach, as a quartz or granite counter with a busy pattern can be overwhelming.

While this next countertop/backsplash is reasonably veiny, it’s calm enough for many tastes…

This kitchen is waiting on a few finishing details, but it has great bones! 

While the above quartz will have its day, it’ll have more longevity than the previous example.

The simplicity of this next one is great…

Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo – counters NEVER looks good on their site, btw

See the whole project HERE

And then we have this bad boy…

Sherwin Williams Pure White

When my clients sent me their photos, my mouth dropped. Now, a space doesn’t need to be YOUR style to be beautiful, and this kitchen is one classic beauty. While the countertop and backsplash material are a darker quartzite, the pattern in the quartz is relatively low contrast. Perfect. The only WEE small detail I’d change is to have a valance/skirt under the upper cabinets to cover the undercabinet lighting.

The 12 Most Popular White & Off-White Quartz Countertops

 

SHOULD YOU USE YOUR COUNTERTOP AS YOUR BACKSPLASH IN 2024

OH HECK YES! This trend is bang on and we’re right at the sweet spot; we’ve got momentum but the scales haven’t tipped to the other side yet.  It all comes down to which countertop product you choose…

The 12 Best Farmhouse Sinks for 2024

 

THE BEST COUNTERTOPS TO USE AS A BACKSPLASH

If you’re wondering if your countertop is suitable as a backsplash application, here are a few popular choices…

• white quartz countertop with minimal to moderate veining
• darker quartz countertops with minimal or low contrast veining
• most granites won’t make the cut this round
• low-contrast quartzite patterns
• a marble slab backsplash that doesn’t have high contrast or overly details veins
• another option is to use your countertop behind the stove only, creating a strong focal point – a super classic look with marble, in particular

If you want to go more wild, you do you, but the wilder it is, the shorter its lifespan may be (with a few exceptions).

 

IS TRAVERTINE TILE TRENDY AGAIN?

While warm stone is coming back, particularly on backsplashes and stove surrounds/range hoods (I hope you like scrubbing spaghetti sauce off your textured stone…), actual ‘travertine tile’ hasn’t made a comeback…yet.

Backsplash Ideas to Update Your 2000s Home

SHOULD YOU INSTALL A TRADITIONAL TRAVERTINE TILE BACKSPLASH IN 2024?

Short answer: no. And there is no long answer.

NEXT!

 

ARE HEXAGON OR TRELLIS-SHAPED BACKSPLASHES TILES STILL TRENDY?

Trellis shape for 2015, yes. For 2024, no. While I’d love to tell you they still have a place in the average home, they left about 5-6 years ago. Almost any shape, other than a traditional subway tile rectangle, will date itself at some point.

Hexagon is still having a moment, and we’re seeing a few slightly larger tiles come on the scene. But is it a timeless backsplash choice? Nope (but it is cool).

When the hexagon is out, changing the grout to white will soften its effect and prolong its life! 

A FEW POINTS TO PONDER

• Is your tile an interesting pattern? It might be quasi-trendy, but it doesn’t relate to today’s BIG backsplash trends and isn’t timeless.
• 4×4? Don’t do it.
• Diagonal installation? Hellllls no.
• Pops of color? Count me out. While some darker accent colors are trendy now, I wouldn’t get too carried away.
• Gold grout, statement tiles, penny tiles – none are overly trendy right now (gold grout and penny tiles are out). They’re also not a good idea if you want to create a timeless look, or at least one that will last a decade or so.

This next room has a backsplash; it’s just in a bathroom. All the same, it shows a hexagon tile in marble. Being marble (with a budget-friendly laminate countertop), it will go further than other materials/colors…

The Best Paint Colors for Vanities & Kitchen Islands

However, along with the gray cabinets, it screams 2015.

 

IS PENNY TILE STILL TRENDY?

Nope. In fact, in my powder room, I have two no-longer-trendy tiles – a hexagon and a penny. AND THEY’RE BOTH GRAY (also…not trendy). But guess what? I didn’t design this bathroom for resale; I designed it for ME (and I still love it, although I am getting a bit bored).

 

SHOULD YOU INSTALL PENNY TILE IN YOUR KITCHEN (OR ANYWHERE) IN 2024?

Nope. Penny tile is gone the way of rectal thermometers (apparently not a thing anymore), indoor smoking, and dial-up phones. She gone.

The great thing is that while they aren’t IN style at all, they’re still acceptable for the next few years. However, beyond that, if I want to sell my home for top dollar, I might consider replacing them (this being said, powder rooms rarely make or break a deal).

4 Ideas to Add Personality to a Small Bathroom

 

ARE PATTERNED TILES TRENDY FOR BACKSPLASHES

Sadly (or not), no. Patterned tiles, popular as recently as three to four years ago, are not in style—they came and went FAST. Personally, they should’ve never been a thing for backsplashes. As for floors, you have to be darn careful that the tile you choose suits the style of your home. Most homes can’t pull off patterned tiles.

This laundry room is amazeballs as the surrounding finishes fully support the patterned tile…

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and High Reflective White with roarin’ red washer and dryer! 

Another important point is that the above tile has a slightly marble look and classic pattern compared to some of the ‘big box’ patterned tiles (more Moroccan sometimes).

This next space obviously isn’t a backsplash or a kitchen, but it’s a great example of a patterned tile floor that suits its surroundings (Modern Farmhouse)…

Anything even remotely close to this on a backsplash is too much UNLESS it’s a small, cottage-like kitchen that has character. Even then, I probably wouldn’t do it.

This next kitchen is a stunner…

Sherwin Williams Pure White & Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

 

Why does the above work so well?

The kitchen is perfectly styled and coordinated with the patterned accent tile behind the stove.

Should you put a different tile backsplash behind your stove? 

HECK NO. While I fully support the above kitchen – it’s fabulous for the people living there- it limits this kitchen’s ability to move forward. Now, if you love blue and will always love blue and never change it, you can fill yer little blue boots. However, if moved into the above home today, it would be the first thing to go, as it’s not my style. Again, it’s pretty – I LOVE IT, but if we’re talking ‘timeless for the sake of resale,’ it goes just a wink too far into the ‘personality’ range.

Long story short, if you’re doing it, you’re doing it for you, not for trends and not for resale – and that’s okay!

 

IS MOSAIC TILE TRENDY?

A thousand times, no. Most times, mosaic tiles are partnered with counters that are too busy – or let me rephrase that. Mosaic tile backsplash are usually too busy looking for the average countertop and average kitchen.

In particular, avoid…

• mosaic glass tiles
• slate or travertine blends

I have MUCH love for this next kitchen for a variety of reasons. While the backsplash is well-coordinated, it’s too busy for the granite countertop.

How to Update Wood Cabinets Without a Drop of Paint

This is a situation where it overall ‘looks good’; it just isn’t modern. I wouldn’t change it for now, but when I’m ready for a change, I’d head away from this look and into a subway tile.

We did this next bathroom renovation around 2010 – HOW CAN I TELL? The darn racing stripe mosaic tile (travertine and glass)…

It’s better to do NOTHING than the wrong thing. 

If the tile you love looks even REMOTELY like the above mosaic tile and you care about resale – put it back on the shelf and calmly walk away.

But Kylie, aren’t there SOME exceptions?

ABSOLUTELY!

If you have a home that carries a particular style (maybe even long past), some of these patterns will last forever because they suit the home and homeowner.

Looking at this next bathroom, this marble, hexagon floor tile suits the specifics of this space SO well…

While I don’t love the hexagon marble on the shower floor as much, the white subway tile and mid-century/eccentric styling of the vanity and decor give this bathroom an eccentric, well-designed vibe.

But what about the gold and chrome hardware? I thought that was a no-no.

AGAIN, there are always exceptions. In a more modern, slightly more streamlined bathroom, this wouldn’t work. However, again, because this bathroom is a bit more eclectic, it does the layered metals super well.

This next combo of tiles is another timeless look as they’re all from similar decades and likely suit the home they’re in (maaaybe early 20s?)…

Obviously, this shower is waiting for its glass doors – otherwise, that’s one WET room! 

I looove this next space. While not many homes can pull it off, due to the character and age of it, this tile floor will go a loooong time…

Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Tricorn Black

This next bathroom (shown earlier) carries itself well, as the floor is supported by the surrounding finishes…

HOWEVER…if we’re talking timeless design, with Modern Farmhouse style not being as in style, there will be some details to change in this space, which is totally okay! As Shrek once said…

‘Change is good, Donkey.’

To sum it all up…

WHAT TILES ARE TRENDY FOR 2024?

I’m letting you know what’s trendy for 2024 REGARDLESS of whether it’s a good idea or not (by now, you know how I feel about a lot of these).

• Stone backsplashes (like what you’d put around your fireplace) are coming in hot and heavy – have fun wiping them!
• A statement backsplash – darker, colorful Zellige tiles (green, in particular)
• 4×4 – but only in Zellige
• Countersplashes are huge
• Subway tile is ALWAYS on point
• Marble is pretty darn timeless, especially in subway tile format

 

READ MORE

The 12 Most Popular White & Off-White Quartz Countertops

SUBWAY TILES: 5 Ideas to Add Personality to Your Backsplash

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Cabinet Colors (Part 2)

Backsplash Ideas to Update a 2000s Kitchen

The 10 Most Timeless Interior Finishes

4 Tips & Ideas to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget

3 Kitchen Countertop Update Ideas to Save Money

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

Need help picking the perfect paint color for your kitchen? 

Check out my affordable E-Design services!