We asked designers for the backsplash styles that instantly upgrade a kitchen—and they picked these 5

Key Points

• Kitchen backsplashes are a lasting design choice that can define or complement the overall look of the space.
• Professional input helps avoid regret since backsplashes are harder to replace than other kitchen elements.
• Materials like stone slabs, millwork, or unique tiles offer timeless options for various styles and preferences.

Kitchen backsplashes are one small design detail that has a major impact on the entire space. Depending on its finish, color, and material, it can be the room's focal point or fade nicely into the background.

A backsplash isn't as easy to swap out as your cabinet color or hardware; it's typically a decision you'll have to plan on living with for a while. So in order to cut down on your chances of dealing with renovator's remorse, it's always a good idea to get some input from a professional.

That's why we tapped a few designers to share their go-to backsplashes. All of these options have staying power and also work in a variety of kitchen styles.

Meet the Experts

• Paige Williams is a designer based in Franklin, Tennessee.
• Joni Burden is a designer and the founder of J. Banks Design in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
• Jacqueline Wens is a designer and author of Interior Motives, a newsletter on spaces and style.

Coordinating Slab Backsplash

Designer Paige Williams often skips the tile aisle and opts for the seamless look of slab backsplashes instead. Slab backsplashes that coordinate with the countertops create a beautiful backdrop that allows for other design elements to take center stage. This is especially true when you go with a stone with a subtle veining, but Williams says not to shy away from versions that make more of a statement.

"I love using the countertop material as the backsplash when you have a beautiful vein running through the stone or quartz design," Williams says. "It can add a dramatic elongated feel to the countertops. In areas that are larger, like behind the cooktop, it will really be seen."

Millwork as Backsplash

Another option for a backsplash that complements rather than competes with your other kitchen features is millwork. Designer Joni Burden often opts for a material like beadboard that coordinates with the other wood elements in the space.

"I love millwork as a backsplash in the same finish as the cabinetry," Burden says. "This allows for other textures and elements to shine and gives a rather elegant look."

Just be sure to cover your millwork backsplash in a high-quality urethane enamel or semi-gloss acrylic enamel paint so it's easy to clean.

Zellige Tile

According to designer Jacqueline Wens, a zellige tile backsplash is perfect for grounding a kitchen with a handmade element. This material creates a nice contrast in modern-style kitchens, but also plays well in historic and European-inspired kitchens.

"Every one of these tiles is unique, and that's what makes them special," she says. "The slight differences catch the light differently throughout the day, and they add a warmth that machine-made can't match."

Subway Tile Applied in a Unique Way

While it's true that subway tile became an overdone trend somewhere around the 2010s, its classic rectangular shape will always lend itself well to a kitchen backsplash. Both Wens and Williams still consider this material one of their favorite (and often affordable) options for tiling a kitchen. But the key lies in the application details.

"Classic shapes like subway tile aren't necessarily boring if you know how to use them," Wens says. "Vertical stacking or herringbone can create interest or unusual finishes, like unlacquered brass grout, which can become your own signature and make your kitchen feel unique."

Budget Tip

You don't have to commit to a full renovation or demo your current backsplash to update your kitchen. Peel-and-stick tile is an easy and affordable way to update your space.

A Metal Finish

When looking for material inspiration for your kitchen backsplash, look no further than the metal accents in your kitchen. Burden can list off dozens of reasons why she's a big fan of metal finishes for backsplashes.

"A metal finish is a great backsplash, whether it's stainless steel, copper, or brass," she says. "It can match the hardware, it's easy to clean, and it reflects light in the space."

Read the original article on The Spruce