Invigorate Your Farmhouse Kitchen With the Perfect Backsplash
The farmhouse kitchen backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your cooking space. With the right materials and a dash of creativity, your backsplash will become the charming focal point that brings your design vision to life.
Choose Backsplash Materials That Fit Your Farmhouse Vision
When embarking on your farmhouse kitchen backsplash project, the first decision is selecting materials. The options are plentiful, so focus on what will complement your existing features and fulfill your rustic-chic goals.
Most Popular: White Subway Tile
There's a reason white subway tile is the quintessential farmhouse backsplash—it's classic and timeless. The simple rectangular tiles create a clean, fresh look. Laying them in a brick pattern adds nice visual interest. White subway tiles pair beautifully with both traditional and modern elements.
Rustic Wood Planks
Wood backsplashes infuse natural warmth and texture. Whimsical patterns, contrasting stains, and distressed finishes evoke cozy farmhouse charm. For a lighter and brighter aesthetic, whitewashed and light-stained planks keep the space feeling open and airy.
Faux Brick or Shiplap
Full brick backsplashes can get heavy, so faux brick veneer tiles are a lightweight option for getting the dimensional look without the bulk. Similarly, shiplap—wooden boards with grooved edges—adds lovely texture and visual interest. Use faux brick or shiplap sparingly as an accent wall or go full out on the entire backsplash surface.
Marble Tile
Marble backsplashes impart elegance with gorgeous veining and patterns. Honed finishes offer subtle contrast while polished finishes up the opulence. Intricate marble mosaics can provide the allure on a budget. Keep in mind marble stains easily, so sealing is a must.
Quartz/Engineered Stone
Quartz replicates the beauty of natural stone at a more affordable price point. Many quartz varieties beautifully capture the farmhouse aesthetic with gentle patterns and flecks in warm, neutral hues. The durability and non-porous qualities make quartz an ideal backsplash choice.
Creative Touches: Patterns, Colors and Mixed Materials
Once you've selected your base backsplash materials, it's time for the fun part—blending in creative touches to make it your own. Keep the following unique backsplash ideas in mind:
Hexagons and Geometric Shapes
Infuse some whimsy and modern flair into your farmhouse backsplash with funky geometric shapes. Hexagons in black, white and gray make a dramatic statement. Go bold with a full honeycomb pattern or sprinkle in hexes among traditional tiles.
Introduce Natural Wood and Metal
Work in reclaimed wood shelves or copper trim to continue your nature-inspired motif. Open shelving crafted from raw wood contrasts beautifully with refined marble below. Copper or bronze metal accents and fixtures enhance the handmade appeal.
Accent Colors
White subway tiles generally provide that quintessential farmhouse base, but don't be afraid to spice it up with pops of color! Deep greens, navy blues, and rusty brick reds inject character when used sparingly on 15-20% of the tiles.
Design Tips To Make It Work
Follow these essential design strategies to craft a holistic farmhouse-chic backsplash:
Extend Materials to Tie Space Together
Continue your backsplash onto open shelves, kitchen islands, window trim and any other applicable surrounding surfaces. The cohesive look makes the whole room feel intentional.
Blend Vintage and Modern
The key to nailing farmhouse style is blending old and new seamlessly. Start with a classic white subway tile backsplash, then weave in modern brass hardware and pendant lighting for that perfect marriage of eras.
Lighting Highlights Texture
Proper lighting accentuates your carefully chosen tactile backsplash materials. Use sconces to cast dramatic shadows and highlights on wood grain and grout lines.
Clean-Lined Accessories Keep Busy Patterns in Check
Craving an intricate Moroccan tile backsplash? Balance the busyness by opting for streamlined cabinets and open shelving. The same concept applies to bold geometric shapes—keep surrounding design elements simple.
With endless options for materials, colors, textures and creative details, designing your farmhouse kitchen backsplash is an exciting adventure! Take your time considering how each choice complements your existing space and decorative vision. Once installed, your charming, character-filled backsplash will infuse that longed-for farmhouse magic into the heart of your home.