6 Modern Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair with Any Quartz Countertop

Your kitchen backsplash serves to protect your walls from damage that can occur from spills, splashes, and spatters—essentially all the things that happen when you cook in your kitchen. But, a stylish, modern backsplash can serve as a focal point, a décor element that deserves as much attention during the design process as your cabinets and countertops.

Today’s backsplash options can seem endless as design trends change and product innovations offer up an improved performance. Let’s peruse some of the most popular kitchen backsplash ideas sure to make a splash.

Square Tile Backsplash: Simple Yet Elevated

The classic grid of a square tile backsplash offers a retro-inspired vibe that’s functional but also allows other design elements to shine. For added interest, consider contrasting or complementary tile colors. For the DIY crowd, installation of a basic grid-patterned tile backsplash is relatively straightforward. You can also turn a grid of square tiles forty-five degrees to create a diamond pattern. But simple perfection can be achieved with a more muted color palette that gives your countertops, cabinetry, and hardware the spotlight.

Subway Tile Backsplash: A Clean & Modern Look

Another classic kitchen backsplash arrangement is the running bond pattern, sometimes also referred to as “brickwork” or simply “brick” and is common in what’s often called subway tile. A 50/50 offset lands the end of each tile halfway across its neighbors to create a very regular pattern. However, many people prefer a less even offset, especially when working with longer rectangular tiles. A slightly more irregular pattern looks more natural to some. For example, a 70/30 offset has a more organic feel. No matter how you style it, a subway tile backsplash can add a sleek and modern touch to any kitchen.

Herringbone Tile Backsplash: Chic & Stylish

Get a little adventurous with a rectangular tile backsplash by creating a herringbone or chevron pattern. Professional installers or more advanced DIYers can even create quilt-like patterns with various tile sizes and shapes for even more visual interest. Take it a step further and use colored tiles to create a stylish design that is sure to make your kitchen backsplash stand out.

Patterned Tile Backsplash: Durable, Bold & Fun

A patterned tile backsplash can give the effect of a bold, graphic wallpaper in a more durable material. And that’s probably what you need to remember most: that it’s like wallpaper and installation requires plenty of planning to make sure patterns line up just so. If you like this option, it might be time to decide if this installation process is worth the challenge to your sanity. Or, as with other more adventurous tile patterns, keep a contractor’s number handy.

Groutless Quartz Backsplash: Maintenance Free & Daring

The same beautiful Cambria surfaces available for your countertops can also be installed as a full-height kitchen backsplash. This continuity of material is an upscale and modern backsplash trend that also delivers higher function without grout lines that attract grime and need to be regularly sealed. Instead, Cambria is a maintenance-free, stain- and scratch-resistant material that makes a stunning focal point in your kitchen. Plus, Cambria’s expansive design palette means you’ll get exactly what you want—whether that’s a perfect match with your counter or a daring contrast.

Full-Height Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Though we often think of kitchen backsplashes as a counter-to-cabinet phenomenon, technically a backsplash can end wherever you want. If you’re working your way up a wall, conventional wisdom suggests you bring your materials at least high enough to catch most cooking splatters. But nothing is stopping you from creating a dramatic counter-to-ceiling wall treatment with one of Cambria’s stunning quartz designs. You could even include a Cambria-wrapped range hood for greater impact and additional easy-to-clean surfaces.

Intrigued? See more reasons why Cambria belongs on your backsplash.